DREAM A LITTLE DREAM

by Dea
Deianira@prodigy.net

Tessa Alvarado walked along the white sands of the shoreline, casting furtive glances toward the horizon. Sunset was fast approaching and the whole world, or at least her world, seemed to be bathed in a golden pink caress. Breathing deeply of the salty sea air, she smoothed the front of her new purple gown and picked her way amongst the scattered sea shells.

Suddenly in the distance she spotted a ship with towering masts sitting at anchor a few miles out to sea.

Perhaps it came in too close and got beached?

No sooner had this thought entered her mind when she noticed the small dingy that had been rowed onto the sandy coastline. With a gasp she watched five men dressed in shabby breeches and coats climb out of the boat.

Pirates! Should she run or stay? The Queen would never run, but what could she do against five men without her sword?

As it turned out, her decision was made for her.

"Get the girl!" one of the men shouted as the other four ran towards Tessa.

She attempted to outrun them but she knew they'd catch up to her sooner or later. Sure enough, she soon felt a rough hand close around her upper arm as she was pulled to a stop and shoved into the filthy grasp of two others.

"Let me go!" she ordered.

"And let such treasure slip through our fingers?" asked the leader who had just joined them. "I don't think so. But don't worry. Perhaps some masked vigilante will come and save you."

All the men laughed at that.

"Then again," the first man added. "I wouldn't hold my breath."

As they began to drag a kicking and protesting Tessa back towards their boat, a sound stopped them in their tracks. A low, rhythmic sound that grew louder and louder until one of the pirates pointed down the shore.

"Look!"

They all turned as one to see a great black stallion racing towards them. The animal had eyes as black as the night sky and the setting sun glinted off what appeared to be golden horseshoes. Atop the fine creature's back sat a tall, lean figure dressed in tight black trousers and a loose-fitting, long-sleeved silk shirt. A black-gloved hand held a shining sword aloft as horse and rider skidded to a graceful stop in front of them.

Tessa looked at the man in awe. His hair was fairly short and shone dark in the setting sun. Intense green eyes peered at her from behind a black mask, not unlike her own. Where hers was lace, his looked to be made of a soft satin. A wry smile graced his lips as he surveyed the small group.

"Well, look at this," he said. "Pirates taking what isn't theirs. What a surprise."

"She's ours! We found her first," one of the men sneered, reaching a grubby arm around Tessa's waist.

The man in black was off his horse so fast that the other man blinked in astonishment as the offending arm was suddenly twisted behind his back in a quite painful position.

"Did the lady ask to be held by you?" the masked man questioned calmly. "Because I for one didn't hear her say anything of the kind."

"Enough!" yelled the leader of the pirate gang. "There's five of us and only one of him. Let's finish this and then take our prize!"

Tessa was shoved backward and barely managed to keep her balance as she watched the eruption before her. The man in the mask was a dark blur as he cut a swathe through the inept and incompetent pirates. One after the other, the men fell at his blade until the only sounds were the groans of the injured and semi-conscious.

Sheathing his blade with a graceful arc, the man turned toward the stunned Tessa and walked over to her.

"Are you alright, my lady?" he asked, kneeling to dust off some of the moist sand that now clung to the hem of her garment.

"Yes," she replied. "Thanks to your help."

"I'm certain that you can fend for yourself," he assured her, "but I fear this time you were slightly outnumbered."

"Indeed," she said with just a hint of a smile.

The man simply nodded and turned back to his horse.

"Wait!" Tessa called. "Surely you wouldn't leave without letting me know who it was that rescued me from such a horrible fate."

The tall figure slowly turned back to face her and she couldn't help but smile at the quirk of his beautiful mouth. Then he reached back behind his head and pulled the mask free.

Tessa gaped. "Dr. Helm?!"

~~~~~

Tessa sat straight up in her bed. Her gown was nearly soaked and her breath was coming in quick gulps.

What on earth was that? What a dream!

Reaching over to her bedside table to pour some water from the pitcher into a glass, she managed to slow her breathing and calm herself. She drank deeply of the liquid and then she replaced the glass on the table and flopped back onto the bed.

"That's the last time I drink any of Marta's potions that close to bedtime," she said to the dark, empty room.

As she lay still, thoughts of Dr. Helm in a black mask returned to tickle the edge of her consciousness and a grin slowly spread across her lips...

"On second thought...Marta!"

THE END

NOTES: Anthony's challenge of Helm in a mask just struck me <g> so I had to throw that one into the mix. And yes, the majority of the story is supposed to be melodramatic and formulaic--it's a fantasy, after all. :)

Hugs,
Dea

CHALLENGE: misplaced accent, cigar, Wheel of Fortune tarot card

~~~~~

Dr. Robert Helm rubbed a hand over his face. Feeling the night's worth of growth, he gathered up his straight razor, shaving cream, basin and towel. Slinging the towel over his shoulder he carried his supplies outside and looked skyward.

Definitely better light out here, he thought as he made his way to the side of his small abode where a cracked mirror hung, haphazardly attached to the outside wall.

Slathering some of the white cream over his face and occasionally nodding in the direction of the townsfolk who stopped to observe his daily routine, his mind went over the events of the past couple of days. The business with El Serpiente had taken its toll on them all. Some of the outlying villages were still rebuilding in the wake of his vengeful destruction and he himself was dealing with the results of his actions.

One clear fact did not escape him: He had sworn to himself to protect El Serpiente and hold to his oath to save lives and not take them. Then what had he done? He'd killed him--not because of his past crimes or any sense of justice or punishment, but because the Queen of Swords' life was in danger. What did that mean?

He knew good and well what it meant. He'd do just about anything regardless of his own principles to ensure her safety. Sighing he positioned the freshly-stropped razor against his chin and started pulling it in short strokes over his skin.

Admit it, Robert, he told himself as he dipped the blade into the basin of warm water. You're falling in love with the Queen of Swords.

It wasn't really an unexpected revelation. Lately he found himself dreaming up possible ways to let her know how he felt. Sometimes he even caught himself wondering what exactly he could do to 'sweep her off her feet' as they say.

Peering into the mirror at his reflection he mused, Perhaps I'd look more distinguished it I took up smoking. Bringing an imaginary cigar to his lips he took a few experimental puffs. He could almost see the smoke rings forming. Bringing the razor back to his face he decided against that option. Dreadful things, cigars. I'm sure she'd think it a reprehensible habit..

Maybe if he had a romantic accent instead of his bland English one. French. The ladies always seem to like the French accent. Affecting his best Parisian dialect, he propositioned his image in the mirror. "Voulez vous coucher avec moi ce soir?"

Right. That would probably earn a slap in the face, Robert.

He was beginning to think it was a lost cause. With a shake of his head he brought the towel to his face to wipe off the excess shaving cream when he heard a tinkle of feminine laughter behind him. He whirled around in time to catch a glimpse of a black blur disappearing around the side of the building. He followed after it quickly but when he reached the street all he saw was the sea of townspeople milling around the pueblo.

A bit of color caught his eye as he glanced down. There on the ground was a tarot card. He wasn't surprised when he found it to be the Queen of Swords. He bent to pick up the now-infamous calling card. Turning it over in his hand he was surprised to see another card attached to the back--the Wheel of Fortune.

With a wry grin, he looked off in the direction his visitor must have gone and mused, Perhaps my luck is changing.

THE END

Voulez vous coucher avec moi ce soir? is the French version of "Let's get it on!" <g> Or rather, "Do you want to sleep with me tonight?" :)

Dr. Helm: So Colonel, ever since this 'chocolate challenge' began you've been quite busy with the ladies of Santa Helena.

Montoya: Is that a touch of jealousy I hear in your voice, doctor?

Dr. Helm: Not after reading the following story, Colonel.

Montoya: Touche, doctor!

*****

Tessa watched the entrance to Dr. Helm's office. She knew he was in there; he'd just returned from a ride through the outlying villages. He was apparently very big on preventive medicine. She remembered when she was a little girl and her father used to tell his workers:

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of caca de vaca."

It always made her laugh.

She was not in a laughing mood today. Two weeks ago the village had been in an uproar when Charles Wentworth had come to town looking for his supposedly kidnapped wife, Camilla. It turned out that not only had Camilla left of her own volition, taking two slaves with her, but she had once been engaged to Dr. Helm. Tessa couldn't quite forget that hollow ache in her heart when she watched the two of them getting reacquainted.

She wouldn't have been surprised if he had left with Camilla. But he didn't leave and when she pressed him for a reason, he had told her. But was it what she wanted to hear? Of course it was! she scolded herself. And she had been an idiot to run from him when she heard it.

But it had scared her. It had scared her more than when he had referred to the Queen as the most remarkable woman he'd ever met. For it was now more than a passing fancy. He'd passed up the opportunity to be with his old love on the off chance that his new one might return his feelings.

Smoothing down the front of her red dress she took a few steps in the direction of his office. She really wanted to be with him, but if she went to him as the Queen, things might get out of hand...quickly.

'Would that be such a bad thing?' she asked herself, remembering the feel of his lips on hers after he'd killed El Serpiente to save her. If she went to him as Maria Teresa, he'd probably mock her, but at least the pressure would be off. And at least she'd be with him for a little while. Madre de Dios, I'm so pathetic!

Swallowing her pride she opened the door to his office.

Dr. Helm was in the far corner of the room with his back to her, reaching for something on the top of a bookshelf. His lean form was stretched very nicely.

"Dr. Helm?" she queried.

"Ah let me guess," he replied without turning around. "You're here with a broken hand?"

"No," she answered uncertainly. "Why would you say that?"

He found the book he was looking for and turned back around. "Oh, I just attributed it to the lack of a knock."

Tessa returned his smirk as if to say, 'I never knocked before. Why start now?'

"I think the reason no one knocks on your door, doctor is because they feel so comfortable with you. You're so open and accessible to the people of Santa Helena."

"I hadn't thought of it that way, Senorita," he answered as he made his way to a pile of what looked like old medical books. Seeing the questioning look in her eyes he said, "Doing a little spring cleaning."

"But it's only February doctor," she grinned.

"It's only a figure of speech Senorita," he replied.

Dr. Helm tossed the book he held onto the pile and asked, "Is there something I can help you with?"

She was about to say her stomach was troubling her--after all she'd already used the headache excuse. The most he would do was give her more sugar water....but then she noticed the book that he'd thrown down.

"Dr Helm! You're throwing out your Bible?" she asked unbelievingly as she strode across the room to pick it up. She turned the volume over in her hands and noted the battered appearance and the various stains on the white fabric covering--grass stains, mud...was that blood?

"The battlefield isn't exactly conducive to keeping anything pristine Senorita," he answered her unspoken question. Taking the book back from her he explained, "After the war started, my mother sent this with me in my knapsack when I left."

"She must've worried a great deal about you," Tessa ventured.

"Yes, I suppose she did," he replied, watching something over her shoulder only he could see. "She wrote me almost every week. I could just imagine her sitting at her old roll top desk, penning her thoughts with her white feathered quill... She figured the good book would protect me from the evils that go along with war."

"It certainly looks well-used."

"It played a part in many a last rites ceremony," he answered, tossing the book back on the pile.

"I don't understand why you'd want to get rid of it," she pressed as she followed him across the room.

"It didn't exactly do its job, did it?" he said a little too abruptly.

"You made it home alive," she countered, hands on her hips.

"But hardly unscathed."

"None of us remains unscathed doctor!" she reprimanded before she realized what she'd said. Seeing the surprised look on his face, she fell back into her Maria Teresa persona. "Besides it's a beautiful book. It would decorate any room."

But now she didn't think Dr. Helm was buying her act. He crossed his arms in front of him and regarded her until she squirmed under his intense scrutiny. Swallowing hard she crossed toward the examining table and said, "It's my stomach that's bothering me doctor."

And at that moment she wasn't lying.

"Too many sweets lately, Senorita? Chocolate perhaps?" he asked glibly as he followed her to the table. "Or maybe it's too much stress. Also a guilty conscience can really irritate the stomach."

"What would I have to be guilty about?" she laughed as he helped her to sit down.

He looked at her but didn't reply.

"Open up please," he instructed as he picked up a tongue depressor. She did as he asked and while part of him was thoroughly examining her throat for any kind of infection, the other part kept trying to remember something. He realized he was staring at her. The shape of her lips...the even white teeth...the smooth unblemished skin of her face. Forcing himself back to the present situation he said, "Your throat is fine Senorita."

Next he gathered up his stethoscope and put it on. He placed the other end on her chest and then frowned.

"What is it doctor?" she asked.

"Well, either this thing is not working," he replied, tapping the end of the stethoscope, "or you're dead, Senorita. And I don't think your dead."

"Oh," she replied relieved. "What now?"

"If you'll forgive me, I'll just have to do this the old fashioned way," he told her as he put the defective device on the desk beside him.

Tessa was startled as he scooted closer to her and then leaned in to place his head against her chest. She held her breath for a few moments.

"You have to breathe Senorita in order for me to do this correctly," he said, not raising his head.

"Oh! Of course, how silly of me," she gasped and took a deep breath.

Madre do Dios!, she thought for the second time that morning. His cheek and ear were smooth and warm against her bare chest. 'Why did I have to wear this particular blouse today?' she berated herself. As her chest rose and fell his soft hair tickled her skin. And she thought there would be no pressure in this visit!

Helm tried to listen to her heart's rhythm but the sound of the blood rushing in his own ears prevented it. He'd never reacted to a patient like this before. But there was just something about this particular patient. And what was that damn familiar sensation that kept washing over him! Some tiny niggling memory at the back of his mind. She smells so nice, he thought. I've smelled that scent before, but...no, that would be impossible....

Sighing he raised his head and for a moment his face was so close to hers she could almost--

"I'm sorry Senorita," he said as he stood up and broke the spell. "But I can find nothing wrong with you. Let me give you this--"

'Again with the sugar water,' she thought.

"Thank you doctor," she said as she took the small clear vial from his hand. "I'm sure this will do just fine."

He nodded and she couldn't ignore the suspicious look that now haunted his green eyes.

"Good day," she smiled and pulled open his office door.

"Good day Senorita," he replied as she closed the door behind her.

Running a hand over his eyes he took a deep breath and walked back to his pile of old books. He traced the scarred cover of the bible with his finger and then picked it up. Walking over to his desk he dropped down on the chair and began flipping through the faded pages. He noticed that one of them had been dog-eared.

He flipped to the marked page and read the first verse that jumped out at him:

"Stop judging by mere appearances and make a right judgement. John 7:24."

Raising an eyebrow, Dr. Helm looked at the door through which Senorita Alvarado had just gone and began to wonder.

THE END

CHALLENGE: horse, block of ice, umbrella

~~~~~

Steadying the basket she held over her arm, Tessa stopped to allow a horse and wagon to go by. When the way was clear she crossed over to the side of the road where various fruit and vegetable stalls were set up. A new supply ship had arrived yesterday and there were several things Tessa meant to get.

Upon reaching the stalls she was delighted to see that several of the proprietors had set up large colorful umbrellas over them to protect against the heat of the day. Carefully picking her way amongst the wares she found her first item: fresh lemons. Placing four of the tart fruits in her basket she could almost taste Marta's famous lemonade. She would mix the fruit's nectar with sugar and a few secret ingredients she'd yet to ply from the woman and then pour the whole concoction over a block of crushed ice.

So intent was she on the taste of Marta's citrus brew that Tessa jumped when she heard a voice beside her.

"Good day, Senorita."

Tessa looked to see Robert Helm standing next to her observing a large basket of apples.

"Dr. Helm," she acknowledged him with a smile.

She hadn't seen him since the day before when she'd faked her little stomach ailment. She was afraid she might have given herself away when she'd spoken a bit more vehemently than she'd meant. She'd have to keep her cool today, even though that wasn't the easiest thing to do around Robert Helm.

"It's a beautiful day, isn't it doctor?" she asked cheerfully, placing another lemon in her basket.

"I suppose so, despite this infernal heat," he replied as he picked up an apple, examined it and put it back down. Then glancing up at the large umbrella he added, "In England we use these things for rain. I guess that wouldn't be a possibility here."

"Yes doctor, rain showers are definitely rare in Santa Elena," she agreed as she moved a ways down the stall to the yellow and green peppers. "Sometimes I'd give anything for a bit of a deluge."

Helm watched the young senorita as she smelled one of peppers and placed it inside her basket. Hefting a few apples of his own, he thought about her visit the previous day. She'd said some things that made him wonder if she was really the shallow noblewoman she pretended to be.

Tessa glanced at him and his growing supply of apples.

"You should get a basket, doctor," she suggested.

"No, I think I've got it," he responded surely, three apples in each hand. He followed after her as she moved to the tomatoes. "You know Senorita, sometimes I get the feeling that you only play the part of a wealthy, privileged land owner."

"Is that so doctor?" Tessa queried as she gingerly squeezed a tomato. Was he going to call her bluff?

"Yes it is," he answered, "In fact when I first met you I thought you were one of the most self-centered, vapid little rich girls I'd ever seen."

At that statement Tessa's worry turned to anger. So much for keeping her cool.

"Is that a fact, doctor?" she ground out between nearly clenched teeth.

Helm nodded nonchalantly at her.

"Well that's funny, because when I first met you I thought you were an arrogant, self-centered apple grabber," she replied sweetly.

Helm let out a bark of laughter.

"And what was it that changed your mind, Senorita?" he asked.

"Who says I've changed my mind, doctor?" she answered. Then tossing a tomato in his direction, she took her leave.

Instinct made him reach for the flying fruit which in turn caused him to drop all his apples in a pile at his feet. Not to mention the fact that the tomato was overripe and was now squished in his hand.

Helm shook his head and sighed.

"Something tells me I didn't handle that situation as well as I could have."

END

~~~~~

Quite happy with herself, Tessa left the doctor to retrieve his apples and walked over to join Marta. The gypsy woman was perusing the latest shipment of material and bolts of brightly colored cloth laid out in some of the other stalls.

Immediately noticing the look on her young charge's face, Marta put down a bolt of blue silk and asked, "What have you done, Tessa?"

"Oh nothing," Tessa answered with a smile, "just helping the doctor with some shopping."

Knowing there was probably more to it than that, she shook her head and muttered, "I'm sure he was delighted to have your help."

"Oh Marta!" she said in an exasperated voice as she absent-mindedly fingered a section of black lace. "He is so infuriating!"

"Lucky for him you like infuriating men," Marta offered lightly.

"Sometimes I just wish I could tell him the whole truth," Tessa continued, either ignoring or oblivious to Marta's comment. "Then there wouldn't be all this sneaking around at night just to see him. And then he'd know that it was actually me that he was in love with and that he was too wrapped up in the Queen to realize it!"

"Tessa, what's the matter with you?" Marta asked in a hushed voice. "Is your corset on too tight? Of course you can't tell him the truth. The more people who know the Queen's identity the more dangerous it is for you. And frankly I think it is too dangerous already."

Tessa sighed but she knew Marta was right. Telling Dr. Helm the truth would only complicate things. At least for right now, she'd have to keep up this charade and at the same time try to convince him that she wasn't a spoiled brat.

Marta ran a gentle hand over Tessa's cheek.

"You are doing wonderful things for this village Tessa," she told her. "And even though I worry about you, I am so proud. And as for the doctor...things will work out as they are meant to work out."

"Well that makes me feel much better," Tessa replied, a touch of sarcasm coloring the words.

"Come on," Marta urged causing Tessa to smile and thread her arm through Marta's as they moved on to the next stall.

"Oh, Marta, look!" Tessa said as she pointed to a small square table that had been set up in the shade of one of the stalls. It was covered in what looked to be red velvet cloth on top of which rested about a dozen miniature dolls. About 2 inches high at the most, the carved wooden dolls were dressed all in black and sported a black lace mask over long, cascading brown hair.

Marta's eyes grew wide as she and Tessa came in for a closer look.

"Madre de Dios," Marta whispered as she gingerly picked one up and looked at it.

"It's me," Tessa whispered back.

"It's the Queen," Marta corrected with a slight smirk. "My people used to make dolls like this and use them as protection for the caravans. They're supposed to embody the spirit of one who has passed on. When we were children we got them as gifts."

"These people see me--the Queen--as their protector," Tessa replied solemnly.

Just then two small girls, dressed in modest but clean dresses ran up to the stall.

"Mira, mira!" one of them shouted. "Esta la reina de espadas!"

For a split second Tessa's heart lurched but she quickly realized the girl was referring to the dolls.

"It's the Queen!" the other little girl joined in as she reverently picked up one of the dolls in her grubby hands. Turning to her friend she said, "The Queen loves us, no? I want to be like her one day. Then I will protect the village."

Marta saw such a look of genuine warmth and gratitude on Tessa's face she had to swallow the lump in her throat.

"You see, Tessa," she spoke in a low voice as she took the girl by the arm and led her from the stall. "You have touched these people's lives, and they will never forget you for what you've done."

"I know that Marta," Tessa admitted. "Sometimes it just helps to see it."

"Now, back to our shopping," Marta announced with a smile. "Come, I need to buy a new pitchfork."

"Why?" Tessa questioned.

"Because ever since that little run in with Raoul, I cannot seem to clean the blood off," Marta explained grimly.

"Marta!" Tessa replied scandalously, as she glanced around them. "Now who's corset is too tight?"

END

Dedicated to Smokey; thanks for 17 1/2 purrfectly wonderful years.

CHALLENGE: Spanish flag, glass of wine, boat

~~~~~

Robert Helm pushed open the back door to his office and was met by the sight of a full moon hanging low over the distant mountains. It somehow fit the pensive mood he had been unable to shake that night. Walking out into the darkness he slowly brought the glass of wine he held to his lips and let in flow down his throat. At first he'd wanted something stronger, but then realized that a single wine glass more than matched the way he felt.

Leaning against the white stucco wall, he inhaled the sweet scents of the night. A fire was burning nearby, probably in one of the outdoor kilns. Hay from the stables. The breeze coming from the valley. And what was that particular smell? Ah, yes. Night-blooming jasmine.

I must be the only one awake in the pueblo, he mused, relaxed by the complete silence that blanketed him.

He soon learned this was not the case as a shadow to his left caught his eye. It seemed to slip into the yard unnoticed until it was right before him.

"Good evening doctor," the Queen said as she stepped into his line of sight.

"Your highness," he replied, saluting her with his wine glass.

He tried to keep calm, even though the sight of her sent fire through his veins. He hadn't seen her since that day on the shore when she'd helped Camilla and her servants escape from Wentworth. As far as the doctor was concerned, the proverbial ball was now in her court. He had told her how he felt. Well, maybe not in so many words, but she had to know how he felt about her. Shouldn't she?

"It's a nice night to be outside under the stars," she said, leaning beside him against the wall. "But not for drinking alone."

"Some things are unavoidable," he quipped, bringing the glass to his lips again.

She turned to watch him consume the red liquid and it was a lovely sight. Long, strong fingers held the glass captive as he guided it to his waiting mouth. Lips caressed the rim of the glass invitingly. The slow rise and fall of the Adam's apple moving along that graceful neck. After the final swallow, the tip of a pink tongue stole out along his lips briefly to ensure he'd gotten the very last drop.

Madre de Dios! He makes the simple act of taking a drink incredibly sensual. Does he know how incredibly sexy he looks doing that?

"Can I interest you in a glass?" he asked, snapping her out of her thoughts.

"No thank you doctor," she replied tightly as she pushed herself off the wall to put some space between them. Then she added more playfully, "I never drink and ride."

Chuckling silently, Helm nodded and bowed his head.

"I needed to talk to you," she said, causing his head to come up again, their gazes meeting.

"About what?" he asked, moving toward a small, wooden table he had set up outside.

"About what you said to me that day on the shore," she answered softly.

Helm nodded again, and set the now empty wine glass on the table top. "About which part exactly did you have questions?"

Tessa seemed to be choosing her words carefully, and then a decision was made. "You stayed here in Santa Helena because of me."

It was not a question, rather a statement she needed his confirmation on.

"You, and of course my thriving medical practice in this great metropolis," he replied, motioning to the sleepy pueblo that surrounded them. Then he took a few steps closer to her and added in a quiet voice, "but it was mainly you."

Tessa couldn't keep the smile from her face and at first she cursed the traitorous muscles of her face. Then seeing how his eyes lit up in reaction to her grin, she didn't mind so much anymore. She also didn't move away when he closed the space between them.

Before she realized what he was doing, his warm hands were cradling her face between them. She figured it was only fair. She had pretty much dictated their first kiss. Then he bent his head toward her and gently brushed her lips with his own. Again, different than the brief, fiery kiss the time before. He pulled back and she saw that his eyes were dark and heavy lidded. Was he asking her permission to continue? If he needed prompting, she'd give it to him. Placing her black-gloved hands on his chest she raised up to meet his lips with hers.

Encouraged by her enthusiasm, Helm gentled the kiss from a soft, feathery touch to a caress and then to a friction-filled mating of tongues and teeth. Tessa felt like she was flying. She'd never been kissed by any man like this before and it was all she could do to stay on her feet. However, it wasn't the threat of falling that drove her to wind her willowy arms about his neck as they continued to explore each other's mouths.

After what seemed like an eternity of bliss, Tessa felt Helm's hand along the side of her face. It was slowly pulling the back lace mask down. It would be so easy to just let it happen. Let him know the truth. So easy!

"Doctor Helm!" she managed to get enough breath into spent lungs to say as she wrenched her mouth from his.

"Please," he spoke low against her ear. "Please, let me see who hides beneath the mask. I want to see--"

"I can't!" she cried as she freed herself from his grasp and backed away from him.

"Why not?" Helm replied exasperated. Running a hand through his now-mussed hair, he collected himself and repeated more calmly. "Why not?"

"When I was a little girl," she started hesitantly as she wandered the small enclosure that was the back yard, "my father had a tiny ship inside a glass bottle. It was the most handsome ship I'd ever seen. Four tall masts supported these blindingly white sails. The Spanish flag waved proudly from the top of the crow's nest. The detail was incredible. And amazingly, it was all inside this little glass bottle. One day, my curiosity just got the best of me, I suppose. I asked my father how the ship got inside the bottle. After he told me, after I knew the truth, that ship wasn't half as interesting to me anymore. It held no fascination for me at all."

Helm stood there looking at her, not a little bit of shock on his face.

"Is it me you love?" Tessa pressed, this time meeting his gaze straight on. "Or is it the *idea* of me that you love?"

Before Helm could sputter out any sort of reply, there was a loud thumping on the front door of his office.

"Dr. Helm! Open up."

It was unmistakably Captain Grisham's voice that bellowed from the other side.

Spinning around to face her, Helm pleaded with his eyes but knew that she wouldn't--couldn't stay. Sighing he turned and headed for the door. Pulling it open he nearly spat, "Such a pleasure to see you captain!"

"Good evening to you too, doc," Grisham replied with a grin.

"What do you want?"

"One of my men says he saw the Queen of Swords ride into town not long ago," Grisham explained, pushing past the doctor and into his office. "You'll forgive me if this is the first place I thought of looking for her."

"You can't just waltz in here--"

"Oh but I can, Dr. Helm," Grisham informed him. "This is official military business. I don't need you permission to do my job."

With that the captain noticed the open back door and smiled. Helm groaned as Grisham made his way toward the back yard. Stepping into the night, he surveyed the darkness with a critical eye. Seeing no one there, he placed his hands on his hips and laughed to himself. 'How typical,' he thought. He turned to face the doctor who just arched a brow and shrugged.

Glancing back to the single wine glass on the table, Grisham inquired, "Drinking alone doc? What a tragedy."

Leaving the flippant remark hanging between them, the captain made his way past Helm and around the side of the house.

Peering once more at the moon, its beams reflecting off the empty wine glass, he replied, "You've no idea."

END

~~~~~

Robert Helm rode through Beggar's Canyon on the way back to the pueblo. He'd just attended to one of the workers on Don Guillermo's ranch. Another worker had rode into town earlier that morning to alert him to his amigo's accidental fall from a roof. Luckily the man had sustained only minor injuries--a sprained arm and several cuts and bruises--and Helm had been able assure Don Guillermo that he would be back to work in a few week's time.

He couldn't help but recall the last time he'd ridden through this particular canyon. He had gone to warn El Serpiente that the whole town wanted him dead and if he wanted to live he would leave immediately. He also remembered how well that had all turned out. The Serpent was killed by a knife straight through the heart, and it had been by his own hand. Even now, Helm still tried to rationalize that he did it in defense of another's life. If he hadn't stopped the heartless bandit the Queen of Swords would be dead now.

And for all the stress she was causing him lately that wasn't something he even wanted to think about. "Is it me you love? Or is it the idea of me?"

The Queen's question to him the other night ran through his head. Sleep had eluded him following her visit, and it wasn't only the remembrance of the kiss that kept him from slumber's arms. Why was he so taken with her? It was a question he knew he had to answer, for himself as well as for her.

As he rode on he thought back to the first encounter he'd had with the defender of justice. He'd only just come to town and Montoya had insisted he examine some of the workers at the mine. She'd mysteriously appeared like a black angel, prepared to take on a host of Montoya's soldiers. Using one of the workers as a pawn, Captain Grisham had forced her surrender and had her tied to a wooden post like Joan of Arc awaiting the fire. The fire in this case was Colonel Montoya.

He hadn't really known her at the time--did he know her now?--but he knew he couldn't let her be discovered by the colonel. He may not have agreed with the way she was doing things, but he admired her ideals and sense of justice. And so he'd cut the ropes that bound her, freeing her to make her escape. She'd certainly put on a show for Montoya when he arrived.

Chuckling at the memory, his mind returned to the original question. He couldn't deny that the woman was exciting...that she excited him. But was it just the outfit that attracted him? The tight-fitting pants and corset certainly set her apart from the women he was used to seeing in the pueblo. But surely he would be just as drawn to her if she were wearing a long skirt and blouse? Take for example Senorita Alvarado. She was always completely presentable in her traitional garb yet she flustered him nearly as much as the Queen did. So no, it wasn't the outfit.

Was it the mystery that surrounded her? The fact that her true identity was a secret? The black lace mask was very flattering indeed. Maybe it was the way she consistently managed to thwart Montoya. That was always worth a smile or two. The way she wielded a sword? Whip? Bolos?

He shook his head with a sigh. Maybe he'd think better on his feet. He pulled on the horse's reins and then slid down to the ground.

Suddenly his horse balked and his ears laid back flat.

"Easy boy," he soothed the animal as he looked around the walls of the canyon. He cocked his head to one side, listening and then he smirked. He could recognize Chico's hoofbeats by now. He whispered in the horse's ear, "Yup, any minute now..."

He looked up as the Queen rode across the canyon floor and pulled her mount to a halt beside him. She gracefully threw a leg over the horse and dismounted. "Good afternoon, doctor."

Helm inclined his head but didn't say anything.

"What brings you out this way?" she asked, stroking Chico's neck.

"Accident on Don Guillermo's ranch," he replied.

"Is everyone alright?" she turned to him concern in her voice.

"Nothing that won't heal up in a few weeks," he assured her.

Had she come back for an answer? He hoped not, because being this close to her always hindered his thought processes. He was suddenly back under the moonlight behind his office, her arms wrapped around him responding to his kiss with abandon.

"I'm glad to hear that. Don Guillermo is a good man," she said.

"Oh, how do you know him?" Helm asked curious.

She cursed to herself. The Queen didn't know Don Guillermo, but Tessa Alvarado did.

"I've...heard stories...from some of his workers," she quickly explained. Perhaps it was to his credit that she felt so comfortable with him that the faint line between Tessa and the Queen blurred even more when she was with him. But it was dangerous too.

"Yes, well, I should really be getting back to town," he said, half regretting it but knowing that he just couldn't keep this up anymore. Each time they met it was the same thing: a sharp-tongued argument followed by a fleeting moment of passion, and then she'd be gone. Why couldn't she just be a normal young woman?! A woman he could court the way a woman deserved to be courted. Not these bizarre rendezvous by the cover of night or in a deserted canyon!

"Dr. Helm, I think we need to talk," she called after him as he started to lead his horse away.

"We don't talk," he threw over his shoulder. "We argue. Then one of us kisses the other and we both end up alone."

"Dr. Helm!" she repeated. This time she got no answer.

All of a sudden Helm felt a whip wrap itself around his waist. Dropping the reins he spun around and grabbed the whip that led straight to the Queen's hand. He looked up at her in astonishment, his eyes wide and his mouth slightly open.

Tessa tried to hide her smile. 'He looks so cute when he's flustered!' she thought. 'Absolutely adorable.'

She gave the whip a little tug and he moved forward, a wry grin on his face now.

"What's next?" he asked. "Tying me to your bedpost?"

She just arched an eyebrow and gave the impression that she was indeed thinking the prospect over.

When he stood just a few inches from her, his smile vanished and he reached up to caress the side of her face. Lightly running his thumb over the lace mask he captured her gaze in his and silently asked the question.

Tessa caught her breath and then shook her head sadly.

His hand dropped to his side defeatedly. Taking the whip's handle from her hand he unwrapped it from around him and handed it back to her.

"You ask if it's you that I love," he said quietly. "How can I know when I don't even know who you are?"

Then he turned to the horse and mounted, starting his trek back to the pueblo.

END

CHALLENGE: bullet, cactus, handkerchief

It was a scorcher of a day in Santa Helena. Not that most days weren't, but this day seemed hotter than most. A wind blew through the pueblo but it was hot and dry and carried with it the dust of a thousand deserts. Dr. Robert Helm stifled a groan as he opened his office door to escort a patient out.

"Your arm will be fine, Raphael," he assured the peasant farmer. "Try not to use it for a couple of days."

Helm knew that was a suggestion that would most likely go unheeded. The man couldn't afford to neglect his land and animals for even that short a span of time.

"Gracias, doctor. I will bring you a payment later today," the short, stocky man said, a smile splitting the sun-dried skin of his face.

"Don't worry about it, Raphael," Helm replied lightly.

"I will bring payment," the farmer insisted.

"Alright, you can bring it later," the doctor relented, knowing that the man's pride was at stake. "Good day, senor."

"Doctor," the man nodded and then disappeared into the growing crowd of villagers.

Helm watched him go then scanned the square, shading his eyes with his hand. He caught sight of two young children--brothers, judging by their appearance--who were in the midst of a great sword battle, long wooden sticks standing in for blades. He shook his head and sighed as the sight dredged up thoughts that these days seemed to simmer just below his consciousness. Why couldn't he simply get that sword-wielding woman out of his mind? Was that even possible anymore? So many things she did and said felt like a bullet through his heart. He'd been so much happier before he met her...hadn't he?

Swatting a small fly away from his face he went back inside the relative coolness of his office.

As the wagon neared the pueblo its driver became more and more nervous, fidgeting with the reins she held. Tessa Alvarado, a determined look gracing her lovely face, smoothed out her skirt with one hand and focused on the path ahead of her. She had made a decision. It had kept her up most of the previous night but she had finally come to a conclusion. She was going to tell Dr. Helm the truth about the Queen of Swords.

That morning when she'd risen and dressed early, informing Marta of her plans to go into town, the other woman had expressed her desire to accompany her young charge. Tessa had convinced her that she needed to go alone. Marta had seemed suspicious--even a bit worried--about Tessa's clandestine reasons for venturing into town but she had kept her comments to herself.

She spent the last leg of her journey deep in thought. What would Dr. Helm say? Would he believe her? He would after he saw the evidence she'd brought with her. Would he be surprised? Of course he would! Angry? She hoped not. Sometimes he could be as prickly as a cactus. She'd held back on this decision for so long now, she wasn't sure at all how he'd react. But she just knew she had to tell him. Their last meeting had convinced her of that. And once he knew the truth, they'd be free to explore the feelings they had for each other. Tessa couldn't contain a smile at that last thought.

When she reached Helm's office, she pulled up on the reins and brought the horses and wagon to a stop. Clutching a white linen handkerchief tightly in her right hand she approached the closed door. She brought up a hand to knock, paused and then simply pushed it open.

"Dr. Helm?" she called out.

Helm emerged from his small bedroom to see a familiar guest in his office.

"Senorita," he greeted genially. The last time he'd seen her he'd ended up with smashed tomato all over his hands. Even though there was no fruit within her reach this time, he still decided to play it safe. No jokes, no jabs. No comments about not knocking on the door. Just a simple, straightforward doctor-patient conversation. "What can I do for this morning?"

For a moment Tessa couldn't find her voice. She just stood there watching as he casually went about cleaning and storing various medical instruments, the uses of which she couldn't fathom. This was it. She was going to reveal that she was the Queen.

Steeling herself, she said, "Dr. Helm I need to tell you something.Something very important."

"What is it?" he asked, not looking up.

"I'm the Queen of Swords," she declared in a clear voice.

"Of course you are, Senorita Alvarado," Helm replied easily as he continued to work. "And I'm El Zorro."

"I'm serious, doctor!" she said, impatience creeping into her voice. How dare he not believe her! "I am the Queen of Swords! Me...spoiled little Maria Theresa Alvarado. I dress in black, carry a sword and ride through the pueblo fighting for justice against Colonel Montoya!"

Helm started to laugh. Then he stopped abruptly. "Senorita please."

"You don't believe me?" she challenged and prepared to play her trump card. "Do you recognize this?"

Unwrapping the handkerchief she carried, she presented a black lace mask for his appraisal.

"What is that supposed to be?" he asked, forehead creasing slightly.

"It's exactly what you think it is," she said quietly. She brought the mask to her face and held it in place, watching him for his reaction.

He turned from her, took a few steps to his left, stopped and looked at her again. He looked like he might start laughing again. But he didn't laugh. An unidentifiable expression crossed his face too quickly to name. Then his eyes became dark and hard. The muscles in his jaw clenched. When he finally spoke, it was in a voice so deep it nearly rattled her bones.

"You lied to me." It was impossible not to see that he was now addressing the Queen. "Since the day we met, you've done nothing but lie to me."

"Doctor, please understand--" she started but he cut her off.

"What's to understand?" he replied, his voice now laced with defeat. "I am such an idiot!"

"You're not--"

"How could I have been so stupid!" he asked no one in particular as he began pacing. It was clear he wasn't going to allow her to speak right now. Impatiently running a hand across his face, he raised his voice once more. "Not only did I not know that you and Senorita Alvarado were one and the same, I was also too dumb to realize that you were lying to me all this time! For God's sake...you even played them off each other!"

Tessa was confused for a moment until he continued.

"That day you accused me of being vain," he elaborated. "Not an hour later, Senorita Alvarado was telling me how honorable I was, and that anyone who called me vain was callous! Oh I'm sure you had a real laugh over that one! Especially when I let it slip how I felt about the Queen."

"I did not laugh!" Tessa pled. "When you said how you felt about me...the Queen...I was so shocked. I never would have believed you could feel that way about me. It was then that I knew I felt the same! I didn't want to lie to you, but I had to. It was best for everyone--"

"For everyone or just you?" he accused. Grabbing the black lace from her hand, he spat, "I wish I'd never seen this vile thing!"

"Please don't say that," Tessa said, squeezing her eyes shut tight for a moment. "This is my destiny, can't you understand that? None of this was meant to hurt you...or anyone else that I love..."

The doctor seemed to pull himself together. The stony look on his face proved it. Handing the mask back to her, he said, "I think you'd better go, Senorita Alvarado."

Senorita Alvarado? He wasn't talking to the Queen anymore.

"Doctor, I--"

"Please just go," he repeated as he turned his back. Without facing her he added in a very businesslike manner, "If you've a medical emergency please feel free to come by, but if not I think it's best if you don't come back here."

Tessa was speechless. Of all the reactions she had never expected this. Okay, she expected he might be angry, but... He'd completely dismissed her. To him the Queen of Swords did not even exist anymore. And he'd put a canyon-sized barrier between himself and Senorita Alvarado. She felt faint. She'd faked the feeling many times but this was real. Instantly regretting her decision, she clutched the mask so tight that her fingernails pierced the skin of her hand. She couldn't even feel it....

"Senorita Alvarado? Are you alright?"

Tessa's head snapped up at the voice and saw Dr. Helm looking at her worriedly.

"I'm sorry?" she mumbled, confusion causing her to take stock of her surroundings. She stood just inside the door to Dr. Helm's office. He was at a table, cleaning some of his instruments...

"You said you had something important to tell me," he reminded her. She didn't look too well. Could it be the heat? Maybe he should have her sit for awhile.

Tessa shook her head a bit to clear it, a strange mix of regret and relief flooding through her. "No, no it's nothing."

"Are you sure? Would you like to sit down a bit? Do you need some water?" he asked as he crossed over to where she stood slightly swaying.

"No, doctor, I'm just fine," she insisted as she finally regained her equilibrium.

'Madre do Dios!' she thought. 'Might that really be his reaction if I told him the truth? Or is my imagination just working overtime? Can I risk it? No, heaven help me, I don't think I can!'

"What did you need to talk to me about?" he prompted, casually crossing his arms across him chest.

"I just wanted to apologize for the tomato incident," she replied after a slight hesistation, forcing her tone to remain light. "That was a bit uncalled for."

Helm smiled.

"Don't worry about it," he said, waving it off with a hand. "I'm not entirely sure I didn't deserve it."

Tessa managed a small smile as she nodded and then turned toward the door. "I really must be going now, doctor. So sorry to have bothered you."

"No bother," he said as he followed her.

As Tessa pulled open the door she suddenly came into contact with Raphael, who was cradling a live chicken in his arm. Already flustered, she was startled and ran straight into him.

"Lo siento, senorita!" Raphael exclaimed. "I'm sorry!"

"It's alright," she replied, as she quickly righted herself. "I wasn't looking where I was going. If you'll both excuse me?"

With that she hurried to where she had left the wagon. Climbing up she grabbed the reins and signaled the horses. She suddenly had an overwhelming desire to get home. She needed to talk to Marta.

Helm examined the payment Raphael was offering with a wry grin. He thanked the farmer for his gift and watched as he returned to his family waiting in the square for him. Peering at the bird he now held, he said to himself, "I'm sure it will taste wonderful. As soon as I can bring myself to kill it."

He was about to take it around back when he noticed something fluttering in the breeze beside his door. Crouching down to look at it, he inhaled sharply as he realized what it was. A black lace mask. Reaching down he picked up the delicate bit of material in his hand and shut his eyes. When he opened them again it was to stare in the direction Tessa Alvarado had gone.

END