New Fic: Tar'airah

[shuyaku]

The sketch is totally cool!! Me like muchly



-shuyaku

any chocolate-y goodness is appreciated (no nuts though - nuts are gross )

Oh God, Willow—you’re giving me the gift of Karen Carpenter. Just when I think I grasp the full extent of your love." - Tara

"Why do birds suddenly appear? It’s because, you are queer…" - Willow (Gods Served and Abandoned by AntigoneUnbound)

[WickedReds]

The Terror?! really now. Whoda thought.... great sketch of tara very worthy...



-reds

my banana dances only for tara ... yeah and willow hehe

[veiled isis moon]

Awwww, that was really sweet, Willow trying to make Tara feel better for attempting to kill her! Very Willow! Ohhhhh, and just look at them speak. They've know each other all of five minutes and it's already like they've known each other forever.



Very nice little welcome i got from you for reading your fic, i feel all special! And it's my pleasure to read it, no thanks needed..........oh.........i love the sketch too. Not only can you write, you can draw too.....very talented.



Michelle.x

[SilverWingedNemesis]

you are SO not the only person who watched Xena.. in fact.. I still do!!! DVD box sets and Ebay are a girls best friend!!



I just started reading this and I'm hooked already!!! Can't wait for more!!!



*hugs*



Nickole



oh and uhh btw.. is it just me, or was Ephiny just friggin HOT on Xena???

[Spikeizmine87]

Nickole,

I soo agree with u on that! Ephiny was VERY hot! haha and was i the only one who was attracted to alti?? lol and i think everyone just plain DROOLED over calisto! see? haha

-Rose

How can I tell you I love you without the fear of your rejection?



Im so in love and its hurting.

[CEsgirl13]

wow...that drawing was amazing!!! and so was the update, I hope theres a nother one soonish....good job!

~Jamie

When you choose to hold the rose you are also agreeing to bleed.

[taramagic]

wow the picture is sooo goood!!! how you do that?

[thebardgirl]

Hello! I'm all with the writing as we speak...i had slight writers-block for a few days, also known as catching-up-on-sleep-time, so i was delayed in making this new chapter...but it's here! And as usual, i reply to first, and then go postal...heh..."postal"...







tinnakaren-Yeah, i'm guessing you've realized and are going to use the whole "ask and you shall receive" power from now on...i can't resist a fine lady' request...thanks, i hope you like this one as well...Ooo romance,did you say? Hmm...why not more o' that?



Tempest Duer-Hee....isn't she just...lovely? *smiles dreamily* that Tara-girl is just dreamy...Eh, that's okay. And ahah! Mothers attack once again! but thanks, for saying "hi" anyway...hope you like the update.



Grimlock72-Yeah, I figured I wasn’t the first to use Tara in xena-form…in fact, this idea is partly inspired by the Late Shift, with it’s whole strange amazon-twist-of-a-dream…I should probably have put that in the note, ah well…I’ll do that from now on…



Yeah. I agree the whole fight-to-the-death thing is stupid. Course, why else would I put Tara in this situation other than to have her revolt against it? Yeah…I figure these women have other traditions to keep their clan alive…but I’d prefer not to go too Xena and have “the women force us to breed with them!” update….cause that’d just be bleh to me.



Yes, Tara is definitely able to take care of herself, which I think you’ll see a fraction of in this next update. Ooo. Are you insinuating that Tara would kill a certain someone if Willow was the target? Hmm…good idea…course…we’ll see where this goes together, everyday I’m always thinking up new ideas of how to get to the end (that I’ve already pre-planned). It’s really like a maze and I’m always finding new routes. Yes, it’s true Tara would be better off in the less-murderous life, but this is also her home—has been for over twenty years. That’s a hard thing to do—to just leave (and with a complete stranger?) that’s a little…difficult…who knows how she’ll take it, though…



*Snicker* yes, Willow’s um…tendency to fight back is a little stronger in this story. I find it more fun that she’s not a pushover, and also hotheaded…then I can make her look even sillier.

Hmm…the handgun? Oh…I had wondered where that went. I’m guessing the guards have taken it…hmm…well, if not, I’ll write in something to explain its disappearance.



Tara’s other opponent? She’s still alive, I’m sure of it seeing as her escape to the jungle (not her best idea ever) failed only a few days ago. They brought her back the night, or early morning after, she fled. So, Xaniethiera is probably still alive and kicking, waiting (fearfully) for her next chance at the ritual. Hmm…we’ll have to see where that Caranthia’s going…she’s got something up her sleeve, or as Tara would put it, something up her butt. What is her problem anyway?



Glad you’re having fun. It’s always a pleasure to analyze a story, especially if it’s mine!





WTtruelove-Aw…thanks. Oh, really? I’ll tell Xena, although she might be a little sad by that. And I’ll tell Tara/Ms. Benson, I’m sure she’ll be happy about that. Thanks, I’m glad you like it and I hope you enjoy the update.



Spikeizmine87-Lol. Okay, bad you. I smite you with the worst punishment I can think up right now: an update! Muwhahaha…yeah, Willow’s definitely got some feelings for her…Tara’s a little more frightened about it all, I think. It’s kind of weird to almost kill someone and then fall in love with them…plus she’s a complete stranger…so she’s a little more confused and resistant to her feelings…Oh, yeah so no more Tar’airah for Willow, now it’s all about Tara. (it makes it easier to type as well for me.) The trees attacked…? OH, no! The trees just made it impossible for Willow to leave, that is, until an amazon came and picked her up—that’s their purpose—to catch unwanted men…cause they’ve got this whole fear/hatred/incomprehension of men that’s totally bigoted, I think. But it makes for great AU! Thanks for reading, dude. It’s always a pleasure.



Arwen276-Whoo hoo! I have someone who thinks it’s funny too. *excellent* yup, sparkage is what I was going for. I wanted to kind of recreate a “Hush” moment again…but this time the non-verbalness was voluntary…Oh, right! NO ONE takes over Toi…got it. That’s fine. I’m up to that whole Toi-protecting thing. Oh, no, no paranoia here, whatsoever. It’s just, if there happened to be a revolt, would you be angry? It’s just a tiny revolt—nothing that big, I swear. A few vegetables thrown, a little glass broken, and one small mob…



Thanks, I’m so happy you guys like my sketches, it makes me feel all-warm inside…interesting, you’re a perceptive gal because I took a photo of Ms. Benson rather than a pic of her as Tara…oh, you want me to sketch you? Interesting, I’ve never had friends request me to sketch them before…well, it’s you call, I don’t care either way.



And yes, I’m updating! See? Me being all updatey as we speak. *Bows before Queen*





shuyaku-Thanks, I’m glad you like it. Right, no nuts. Gotcha. *hands shuyaku a chocolate cookie that’s nutless.*



WickedReds- Lol. Yeah I was sorta going for a “what the hell?” kind of name for that girl. Uh oh, looks like you got a drool problem there, dude …*grabs napkin* here you go. Your banana dances very well for w/t…congrats!



Veiled isis moon-I know! Willow is so considerate—I don’t know if I’d be like that to some one if they just attempted to kill me, no matter how cute. Yeah, there’s definitely sparkage, I’ll admit it, not to give anything away or anything *snicker*



You should feel with the special! You’re reading my story, and well, to put it bluntly, I’m special in the head usually. So special just rings when you read something of mine! But I’m still saying thanks for reading…it’s a pleasure to write for you. Aww..thanks, yeah I’m kind of a renaissance woman, writing, reading, sketching, singing, guitar/piano, acting, sculpting, you name it and I like doing it. So, thanks for appreciating it, *grins like a mad fiend.*



SilverWingedNemesis- ahah! ANOTHER ONE! I knew I wasn’t the only one that liked that show. *snicker* true, true, diamonds have lost their touch and ebay has taken it’s place. I’m so glad you like this story, and I hope you enjoy the update. It’s nice to meetcha, Nickole. Ephiny, Ephiny…I’m forgetting which girl that was…ah, oh well, I’ll look up the name on google later…



Cesgirl13-Oh, thanks, Madame Jamie. I like you! You’re all with the cool and complimentary thing, and here I was having a slightly bad day. I should just come here more often! And I’m updating as we speak. Thanks for reading.



taramagic- Thanks. How do I do it? Umm…well, I just sit and stare at a photo for a while with a pencil in my hand and just match up what I see on another piece of paper. That’s generally what I do…but who knows? Perhaps an evil elf comes along and makes me draw with his wacky-magic? I don’t know…I’ll keep an eye out for him…until then, I’ll keep drawing (and writing) for you guys…okay?

Last night in sweet slumber I dreamed I did see my own precious jewel sat smiling by me.

And when I awakened I found it not so; my eyes like some fountain with tears overflowed.

[thebardgirl]

Same disclaimers, same info, same schtick...oh! but i want to thank pippa/wiccachica who inspired amazons in my heart one night long, long ago before this fic came into my brain with that fab-fic the Late Shift...



yeah, that's about it...

oh! and guess what? *grins like a mad-crazy-insane-happy-fiend* i got a signed photograph from Ms. Hannigan that i didn't even expect...i sent a fan letter that i wrote when i was 15, thinking it'd get lost in the mail...turns out her people got it...wierd no?













Chapter 8









Willow had talked to “Tara” for the whole night, perhaps longer if the amazon beauty hadn’t told her she needed to leave before any others found out about her less-than-legal attempt to murder. The two discussed at length each other’s history, childhoods, adolescent ages, to early adulthood, while sitting across from each other on the floor of the hut. Tara had managed to unlock the chain from Willow’s leg for the night, it was the least she could do in exchange for the gift of forgiveness that she gave her.



“Okay, so fighting in the mud and rain for four hours straight is harder than a midterm for two and a half hours, but if you knew the horrors of Chem. 1A and Mr. Robbins’ disgusting saliva issues, you’d agree with me that it’s a close second,” Willow said conceding.



“I’ll bet,” Tara winced.



“You have to show me sometime how good a fighter you really are. For all I know you’re just egotistical and can’t harm a fly,” Willow said raising her eyebrow, “not even an evil fly that’s got an attitude.”



“You want me to prove myself to you? You’re as bad as my sisters!” Tara giggled. “Besides, I-I-don’t like firsthand combat. Being good at something doesn’t mean you enjoy it,” she said seriously.



“ Well, I can understand that, I mean I hated writing thesis papers, but my professors said—HEY!”



Willow was cut off by the swift movement of Tara’s arms around her. One moment she was sitting there, right in front of her own eyes, next thing she knows she’s laying on her stomach, with her left arm pulled behind her back and held by a pair of very strong arms, thus rendering her incapable of escape.



“HEY! LET ME GO!” Willow squealed.



“Nu-uh. Not until you say, ‘Tara’s the best amazon fighter and she kicked my butt,’” Tara giggled.



“NEVER!” Willow cried back dramatically.



“Are you tempting me to show you want real amazon-strength is?”



She’s not using it now?



Tara leant down next to Willow’s ear, and slowly whispered.



“I have muscles that you couldn’t fathom.”



“Uh…” Willow stayed still for the moment. For some reason, she didn’t believe Tara was talking about her biceps, or her triceps for that matter.



“What do I have to say, then?”



“Tara’s the best—“ before the amazon could finish though, Willow managed to pull a counter-attack and flipped the girl onto the ground, and straddled her, holding her arms above her head.



“Because, I do believe,” Willow said playfully, “we need to change the words a bit.”



“H-h-how did you do that?” Tara said stunned. She then regained her senses, “Let me GO!”



“Aw, poor amazon, nowhere to go, no one to save you,” Willow said grinning, “Women’s National Combat League of 1907, Oxford, England,” she said with an explanatory expression.



“Let me go, Willow, or you’ll regret it,” came the threatening reply.



If she wants to play, she better know what she’s getting into.



“I don’t know if that’s going to work this time,” Willow said pinning down Tara’s arms harder; the girl was struggling harder this time around.



“Now, repeat after me,” Willow said, leaning forward, ”I am a barbaric amazon that needs a good lesson in manners,” she tisked in reproach of the now furious girl below her, “And,” she sniffed mockingly, “a nice bath.”



Fine. You want to play? Let’s play.



“You’re one to talk, mud-face.”



Tara growled with a fury and flipped Willow over her head with her legs. Tara got up and scrambled after a shocked Willow recovering herself on the ground.



“I do believe, Ms. Rosenberg, I just flipped you.”



Willow sat there, plunked in position up against the hut’s wall, as Tara slowly walked forward.



She was enjoying this.



“No, no I just was caught off guard. You’ve got strong legs, and well, using them in arm-combat, that, that’s not fair.”



Willow began to dust off her pants, and slowly stand up, using her knees as a launch pad. Tara, though, taking this for her advantage, swiftly kicked Willow’s legs from out under her, causing her to fall on the ground, again. Tara was right there, though, on top of Willow’s stunned form.



This is my kind of prey.



“Not fair?" she asked quietly.



“Uh, yeah,” Willow’s voice cracked. Their lips were millimeters apart.



“Life isn’t fair,” she whispered, “just fun for those on top,” she said tauntingly.



Willow stayed still and quiet. Something was running through her brain, Tara could tell. Then, subtly, almost imperceptibly Willow lifted her head up a little to Tara’s pre-parted lips. Tara didn’t move, she just stared at the beautiful eyes that were staring back at her.



She’s so beautiful. Wait, what is she doing? What am I doing? Am I going to kiss her?



Willow kept searching Tara’s eyes for permission to do whatever it was her body was making her do, but only found troubled blue staring back. And before the redhead knew it, the blond pulled away, lifted up, was on her knees, looking confused as ever. Her lips were nowhere as near as they were before.



She missed the contact.



“I-I-I should return before my friends notice my empty bed,” Tara said looking up to the early light of dawn. “You should probably put this,” she said lifting the chain, “back on, we don’t want anyone to suspect anything.”



Willow sat up and took the chain, grumbling internally at herself.



What’s wrong with me? She just looked so…and next thing I know I’m…and then it’s all with the bad and now I’m worried I’ve totally scared her away. Cause, hello! Captive here! She’s my way out of this hut, not that I want to leave if she’s here, because Tara’s definitely a great reason to stay anywhere. And why am I thinking about her like this? It’s not like I… then again that might explain why I tried to kiss her. Oh God! I tried to kiss her?



Willow shut her eyes for a millisecond and shook her head clear of these troubling thoughts before looking up to the silent blonde.



“O-okay, are we still on for the plan?”



“Oh yes, definitely,” Tara said nodding her head emphatically, “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”



Getting Tara’s mind off the previous, and awkward subject seemed to lighten the mood; the two girls came crashing back to their original ease.



“Good,” Willow said giddily. “So, I’ll just stay here, and wait for you,” Willow looked down at the chain now latched to her leg again and internally frowned, “well, of course I’ll stay here. Me being the one with the leg-latch and all.”



Tara giggled.



She’s so adorable.



“Yes, and I’ll be back for the ceremony later tonight,” Tara said turning slightly serious, “Are you sure you want to do this? I mean, i-if you like, I can get you out during the night—“



“No! No, I want to help you escape just as much as you want to help me,” Willow said protectively, “This way, both of us can win, that is if everything goes to plan.”



“Right,” Tara said nodding.



She’s so kind.



“I guess I’ll see you later, then?” Tara said regretting the trek back home.



“Yeah, and if not, just assume I’ve been eaten by a bear,” Willow deadpanned.



“Um…w-w-we don’t really have bears here,” Tara said with a concerned look on her face.



“I know, you doofus!” Willow said pushing Tara a little, “now go before your amazon friends see you. And get a sense of humor that doesn’t involve flipping me for fun.”



“O-okay,” Tara said before slowly pulling back the curtain. She turned back once again and saw Willow’s face for the first time in daylight.



She’s so beautiful…



“It’ll be alright,” Willow said reassuringly, “we’ll get through this.”



…inside and out.



Tara walked away, leaving a tired, but ecstatic redhead. But a troubling thought crossed her mind after reliving the moments wrestling with the amazon over and over again.







What’s she like when she’s angry?















-elizabeth, thanks for reading! and umm...tell me whatcha think...you know, if you want more or less of the insanity that is this story...*grins and goes off to stare at her photo de Ms. Hannigan*

Last night in sweet slumber I dreamed I did see my own precious jewel sat smiling by me.

And when I awakened I found it not so; my eyes like some fountain with tears overflowed.

Edited by: thebardgirl at: 7/25/04 5:47 pm

[Spikeizmine87]

More updatey goodness! I love this fic and I love you goddess Elizabeth!

See me bow before you! mwahaha...



Ok comments...LOVED THE UPDATE! And I love the flirtyness!! Why didnt they kiss! They shoulda kissed! Damnit....what if something happens and they wont get the chance!! "grumble" Ok well...they need to kiss...Tara needs to face what she's feeling and just freakin do it!! Maybe tara needs a lil knocked into her! Ok well, more with the updatey goodness soon! Rose wants more!

+

-Rose

How can I tell you I love you without the fear of your rejection?



Im so in love and its hurting.

Edited by: Spikeizmine87 at: 7/25/04 5:51 pm

[WickedReds]

Hehe i like flipping games... ... such a loveliy update... and their going to escape together..Wooo Hooo



-reds

now my banana shall dance for u .... (Cause ur such a wonderful writer)

[Disastered]

I absolutely love this story. The idea is so unique and you write really well. Especially about flipping scenes. I think I've become quite fond of those. Good to know Willow can at least hold her own. Can't wait to see our girls interact some more. update soon!

Edited by: Warduke at: 7/25/04 7:57 pm

[BurningWhiteRose]

YAY!!!



Im gonna eat you UP!



They fought! They fought! They fought! They fought! They fought! They fought! They fought! They fought! They fought! They fought! They fought! They fought! They fought! They fought! They fought! They fought! They fought! They fought! They fought! They fought!



Me happy! I would hug and kiss u if I could



Sincerely,

BWR

***

If homosexuals dont reproduce, why are there so many of them?-Jim David

[amazonaa]

That was great. But they were so close and then Tara had to get all wierd.



And The Terror. Cause Tara is just so scary and meanamd munipulative. But it is also extremely funny.







great job.







brittney

[Tempest Duer]

Meh. They should have kissed, but that's shy ol' Tara for us. Very cute update Liz, but we need smoochies!



Oh well... I won't complain. I'll be a good Kitten.

It's insulting to the whole gender[sic] of rap.



~Eminem

[DreamsToDream]

Did Someone Mention Fighting In The Mud And Rain?? Maybe It Was Just My Imagination Making Me See Things..Hmmm. But Yay For The Them Talking And Almost Kissing? But Why Did She Not Want To Kiss Willow? Im Gonna Think About This Answer Long And Hard And Maybe When I Come Back My Answer Will Be Here? Yes? No? Well I'll Check In Later



Edited To Say: THIS IS MY HUNDREDTH POST!!!!

D2D





Dreams To Dream In The Dark Of The Night, When The World Goes Wrong, I Can Still Make It Right...- Dreams To Dream



I Don't Know About You Miss Kitty,But I Feel A Whole Lot Yummier. - Catwoman

Edited by: DreamsToDream at: 7/26/04 12:15 am

[Artemis]

Yay! You don't often get to see Willow and Tara sparring like that, it's a nice change of pace. Good to see also that Willow's not completely helpless either - in fact, if things get dicey, it could well be very helpful that all the other Amazons would probably underestimate Willow just like Tara did. And amazon-strong Tara... yum. It's good to hear they have a plan, too, now on to seeing how well they improvise when everything goes awry



Chris Cook

alia.customer.netspace.net.au/glass.htm

Through the Looking-glass: A Willow and Tara for every world.

[taramagic]

oh i loved the fight!!

really cool update!

[veiled isis moon]

I'm impressed, you do all sorts of things, where do you find the time??

Anyhow back to the story, which was great, with the straddling..........and flipping...........and their playfull attitude towards each other, and did i hear something about an escape plan?? I'm counting all the ways that could go wrong, in a village full of amazon women who like killing things!! And how sweet are they planning to help each other escape after one meeting. Awwwwww.



Michelle.x

[WTtruelove]

Great update! totally wasnt expecting willow to whip out some amazon flippage there.

i think i know the plan, but i'll keep it to myself for now :X



Oh no dont tell xena about my last comment, unless Tara "the terror" will protect me hehe.



*waits patiently for the next update*

[Kajun]

Whoo Hoo! They plan to escape during the ceremony! Wait.. ceremony? Is it someone’s birthday? Will there be singing and dancing? Aha.. The girls are going to make their escape by magically floating away! Why do I have a feeling it’s not going to be that easy? There are times when being on the bottom is just as much fun.. like.. when Tara’s on top. Hmm.. I suddenly feel the urge to break out a warm bottle of bubbly. Hilarious update!! Oh.. and sweet too with the getting to know each other bits.. more please..

[KiwiAlcyone]

Hey Elizabeth,



I'm still really loving this story...but you're writing it, so of course I'm going to love it!



I'm waiting with breathless anticipation for their escape and there's so many questions that I NEED answered. Is anything going to go wrong? Is amazon-bitch going to try and stop them...oooh, then they'd have to kick her arse...that would be cool Where are they going to go? I've got an idea...how about an undiscovered hidden paradise in the middle of the jungle with waterfalls and abundant supplies of fruit. And that leads to the most important question of all...where are the smoochies? I guess I can wait for the next bit and the next bit after that because I love being surprised!



The only nitpick I have to make is with some of the language, it often doesnt appear as though they are speaking in the early 20th century when they say things like 'kick your butt' but its a very small nitpick, just that I notice it because two of my fics are set in the 1930s and 50s so I know how hard it is to try and keep the dialouge authentic.



Can't wait for the next part chickie!



Alcy

Reality continues to ruin my life - Calvin and Hobbes

[Artemis]

By the way, I've had leather-clad Tara on the brain this week, and your Tar'airah drawing got me thinking, so I dug out some images of Ephiny for costume reference, and after much tracing, improvising, messing with shading - and swearing and starting again, because I'm not naturally artistic - I present my attempt at Tar'airah, in colour:

home.swiftdsl.com.au/~ott...hart03.htm

Hope you like it

[LunaMuses]

lol, if I could make a great escape, I'd be long gone by now XD ....sorry I haven't replied in so long! *shirks* Your fic's still awesome though great sketches, too!



it feels like we're building to the big "conflict with the other Amazons" scene, yay.



“I have muscles that you couldn’t fathom.” <---you killed me with that one. comments like that, lol, no *wonder* Willow tried to make a move. silly silly Tara...

In Memory of Austin Evans...you will not be forgotten...

[Grimlock72]

It's great to know they have a plan to escape together, cute that Willow wants to stick with Tara. I was about to argue that Willow is most at risk, but I'm not entirely sure what happens to Tara if she fails this challenge. I think that would be good for Tara, nope.



Hmm... for some reason I keep thinking of a specific amazon as 'Cordilia' was that the intention or just lucky coincidence ?



I know Tara' has been in this village among her other tribe members all her 20 years. Trouble is I don't know enough about those years to judge if thats sufficient reason to stay. What I do know is that currently several people of her clan aren't treating Tara' all that nicely. ('tradition' is a poor excuse)



It's good to see Tara and Willow hitting it of so soon. Does make me wonder how long that will go unnoticed...



Ah well, we'll see how it goes...



Grimmy

--
"You hurt Tara," Willow said too calmly. "The last one who tried that was a god. I made her regret it." -- Unexpected Consequences by Lisa of Nine

Edited by: Grimlock72 at: 8/1/04 12:50 pm

[thebardgirl]

Hello, beautiful kittens. Alas, Real life took a nasty toll on me...a lot happening at once: my family recently found out that my grandpa has prostate cancer (though in very early stages)...no one in my family has had cancer before, so stress is running high...plus the whole college/moving-business is dragging me down. So...not to dump proverbally on you guys, just wanted to give my reasons for not being the attentive writer that I had so >wanted< to be...ah well...alls well that ends well, I guess. Rose pointedly pointed out that i still had a story going, and so i'm writing again, and have a spanking new update for you! But first, replies...







Spikeizmine87-Your welcome for the writing, sorry i couldn't do it sooner. Cool, i get bows! That's fabulous. Although the deity-thing never fit me very well. Hmm...yeah they didn't kiss, that's true...but they might some day...who knows? *snicker* yes, i whole-heartedly agree Tara needs to be thwacked in the head. Although...i'm not sure Willow would agree with that.

Thanks, Rose, hope you enjoy.



WickedReds-I bet. Madame, are you giving me the flirting-eye look? Hmm...now i HAVE to update. Escape? Hmm...good idea. Course, not sure if that's what's going to happen...we'll see...



Disastered-Thankyou! I'm happy to have you aboard this fic, it's always nice t have new readers replying! Heh, you liked the flip scene too, huh? Hope you don't feel forgotten by the way, but i have an update for you. So please continue reading and replying...it's nice to hear from you.



BurningWhiteRose-If this is the reaction I'd get every time Willow and Tara fought in my fiction, i'd make it mandatory that they have an argument every update. You're gonna eat me up? *blushes* I'm taking that as a very friendly way of saying "i liked it." I'll be sure to keep another sparing-scene in mind, then. Thanks for reading! I hope you like the update.



amazonaa-Thanks, but yes, Tara and her wierd ways. And yes, Tara is a terror of her own. I thought the last update covered that? Hmm...i guess i should write another scene with her fighting? Thans for reading, brittney. Hope you enjoy the next enstallment.



Tempest Duer-Meh. They really should've. But i'm a tease, remember? Thanks, i'm glad you like it--else it just wouldn't be fic without you. Hmm...in need of smoochies? I'll try to take care of that problem soon...not in this update...but soon! I guarrantee it. *pats your head* Goood kitty.



DreamsToDream-Hmm I'm not sure if rain and mud were involved at the moment that the fighting occured, but Willow was muddy from before, if that counts? *snicker* I'm updating as we speak. Cool! I have your 100th post on my thread! Yay! *does victory dance* Nice to meet you D2D.



Artemis-True....if only the wiccas had turned wwf on the show...would've made things so much more interesting. Frightening, but interesting. It is refreshing to write a Willow that's not phsyically inept in fighting. She's fun as a smart-alec and feisty. Ha! Is it that see through that they're going to have troubles with their plan? I haven't even told you the plan yet! Man...i need to get better at this writing thing...ah well, thanks for reading, chris. As always, it's a pleasure.



taramagic-thanks, hope you enjoy the update!



veiled isis moon-thanks *blush* i don't...find the time that is. So i made myself a time machine and flipped back to freshman year of highschool to spend the lonely nights i had with my guitar. *snicker* you like straddling? I'll make a mental note of that, "Michelle likes straddling. Let there be more straddling!" Escape plan? Hmm...we'll see. Let us see what the women have planned. Ack, you're foreseeing doom as well for the girls? Jeez...don't i have an optimistic reader here? Anywhere? meh...thanks for reading!



WTtruelove-Thanks, yes Willow's capabilities are surprising, no? Hmm...you know the plan? Well, that's just fab. But, pray tell, could you let me in on it? I'm finding myself changing it everyday. Hmm...i'll get Tara to protect you. *hands update into your lap* hope you like it.



Kajun-Birthday? Hmm....well it's mine soon, but no. No birthday, i'm very sorry to say. Uh...and no, no floating in this fic. Well, not the magical kind anyway. Man, everyone's been saying that they foresee badness crossing their path. What'd i do? What'd i say? What'd i write that makes you kittens so paranoid? I'd never do anything to harm w/t. don't you trust me? Thanks, bubbly? Okay, as long as you don't get too tipsy and miss the update.



KiwiAlcyone-Alcy, might i just say how much i loved YOUR update? It was a lovely read...and i can't wait for more. Ah, thanks...i'm glad you like it...Hmm your questions are very questiony...to the first one i answer, "i dont' know--haven't written it yet" to the second, "at the moment they're not going anywhere; the whole chained-to-a-post makes it difficult for them to leave anytime soon" and to the last, "smoochies? Hmm...i might've missplaced them for the moment, but i swear i'll find them and return them to you as soon as possible."



Nitpick-picnic-time! Ah...you caught the fault of the fic...originally i wanted to stick with the vernacular/voices (and vocab) of these women...but then got sick of trying to sound like a cross between old-western Indian-english, and a pretentious Xena to make it sound amazonian. So i made them talk more like the american buffy-world that we all know, merely for shamefull laughs. The kick your butt thing was just because I, as a writer, got caught up with the scene. For some reason it called to me...tempting thing that it was. And now i want to read your other fics, you sound more dedicated than I to the whole dialogue thing...what're their titles? I wanna read!! And thanks for reading, as well.



Artemis No. 2-I saw it!! I really did! And i was literally bouncing up and down in my chair going, "that's so cool! that's so cool!" It's the most flattering thing in the world to inspire other to trace, improvise, mess with shading and swear! It's beautious and i'm just tickled pink you liked the story enough to do that for the enjoyment of everyone else. Very cool, very cool.



LunaMuses-Hah! Good on you mate. I'd be high-tailing it out of there, too. But alas, i'm not good with the whole running thing. Ah, you have nothing on me when it comes to taking a long time to reply, so no worries. Thanks. Hmm a build? Cool. I like builds. Wait, I'm the one building it? Aw...damn. MMm...for some reason the idea of Tara saying that...i couldn't help but put that in there. Ha...yup, Willow definitely got a message and she followed up on it appropriately. I'm just worried Tara's oblivious to own messages.



Grimmy-Yes, they do have a plan...And now i've placed both girls in mortal danger with death-by-raving-amazons as their option if the plan fails. I'm starting to wonder if i have obsessions with their pain? NO, no by all means Caranthia was a Cordelia in the back of my head when i first started writing it. Course, she's nothing like the actual character--i just named the girl a C-name and then the "bitch" trait reminded me of the buffy-version, ergo Cordelia. So no coincidence, well there was the one that you and I think alike in views of the characters in this fic....



Hmm...should i give a history of her in this tribe? Ah...that'd take time away from W/t though...meh...i don't mind giving more info...but i figured that Tar'airah loved this tribe as she would any home--it's just, this one involves killing as a regular part of growing up. Hmm...good point about her "family" and how their treating her.



It's true W/t are doing the brilliant job of falling for each other so quickly...but i'm also questioning whether or not Tara can deal with it...she's got a lot on her plate...thanks for reading, though!

Last night in sweet slumber I dreamed I did see my own precious jewel sat smiling by me.

And when I awakened I found it not so; my eyes like some fountain with tears overflowed.

[thebardgirl]

same disclaimers...and i guess you should thank Rose for this one; she kicked my butt into gear.















Chapter 9



“I’m so proud of you, Tar’airah!” An overbearing voice with an accompanying slap on back sounded out next to a the smaller figure. The owner of the voice came forward, regardless of the groans that escaped from the three women walking from the jail cell.



“Thank you, Perhamia,” came the small voice. Tar’airah was regretting the unavoidable meeting with the woman, but seeing as she was the overseer of the Sacrament, there was no escape from it. She sighed at the trade up: Seven days with this woman for seven nights with Willow. That seemed reasonable. Thoughts of the redhead managed to convince Tar’airah that it was more than reasonable, in fact, the best deal since ‘If you breathe, you live.’ Only, she still wished that for once, Perhamia wasn’t so…pushy. And over the years the woman was convinced Tar’airah was the woman perfect for her to push around.



Why? Why do you talk to me?



“It’s been so long since you’ve been normal!”



Why have you ever talked to me?!



“Thanks,” came the gritted reply. She could be nice. She could do this. If anything, she could do this for herself, for…



For Willow



Tar’airah was walking from her cell to begin the ceremony’s first ritual, just as she had a little over a week ago. But now it seemed she was to be delayed by none other than the one person she needed to start the damn thing.



Both Buf’aneah and Fa’aithlia were in tow, internally laughing at the conversation Perhamia was attempting with their friend. Apparently, it wasn’t going well.



“I mean, I didn’t mean that you aren’t normal, it’s just, it’s nice that you’re not the worthless being we were afraid you were becoming. And with your completion the trials, life-bondage is only the next step to becoming the tribe member we had all hoped you’d become.”



At this, Tar’airah’s head shot up.



She wouldn’t…would she?



“A pretty girl like you,” Perhamia said, and lifted her hand to stroke Tar’airah’s face however upon the look the younger blond gave her (similar to that of the wild boar she ate this morning), she settled for patting her on the shoulder, “you should think about your future as a tribe warrior. Thea has always wanted you to settle down with someone respectable and important in our community—“



Tar’airah, fully-knowing where this disturbing, and unwanted conversation was headed, cut the woman off.



“Thea can sometimes be a little…confused…sometimes. Besides, it’s against our beliefs to discuss my bonding with anyone during the trials—you know that. You WROTE that.”



“Yes, yes, well particulars here and there aren’t the big issue, Tar’airah,” she said waving the offending hand into the air. She looked down at her with a wide grin.



You’re so lucky to have me, you sad little animal.



“The important thing is that, well, this is your big moment! And let’s leave future plans and joys for the, well, the uh…future,” she said lamely, implying that life-bonding was Tar’airah’s idea, “You’ll have the rest of your life to make the right choices again and again,” came the booming voice.



Tar’airah looked up at Perhamia and smiled as forcefully as she could—anything less would cause the blonde’s face to crack into the grimace she was trying to hide.



You’re so lucky I don’t like to kill, you sad little animal.



“Sadly, I must depart and prepare for the cleansing. You know the rules from before. I suspect I won’t have to repeat them for you?” Perhamia seemed to lean in a little at the silent request to do exactly the opposite of what she asked. The movement, while seemingly harmless, was made, if not to get closer to the girl, then to stare a little longer at the blonde’s…wonderful attributes.



“No! I mean, no, I’m fine, really. I remember everything. So no need for you to stay,” she said quickly and then louder, “you should go…a-and hurry with the preparation—don’t want me to run away again,” Tar’airah said with a forced chuckle. It seemed to get Perhamia to back off a bit, though.



“Yes, yes of course. Well that’s why we have Buf’aneah and Fa’aithlia to keep you under control!” She said waving her hand, smiling at the two silent women, who seemed to be very interested in the ground at the moment.



What are they smiling about?



“Yes! Thank the goddess that they are here, and that you are going to prepare the Sacrament…now,” Tar’airah said the last word as if to stir the thoughts of the taller woman.



“Of course, of course. Well, peace be with you, young Tar’airah,” the older woman said leaning down to kiss the blonde’s face, but missed with a quick ducking—lips ended up pressed against air.



“Peace be with you,” Tar’airah said through gritted teeth.



The giggling from behind her had started to rumble a bit louder, as the retreating form of Perhamia faded into the green of the woods.



Tar’airah turned around sharply at her two friends who both fell to the ground laughing uncontrollably.



“YOU two, are in deep, deep hakja,” Tar’airah said huffily. She reached down to Buf’aneah to show her exactly what her name meant when the small blonde ducked the blow.



“Whoa, whoa, no need to get physical with us, there Tar.”



“Yeah, that’s for Perhamia to do and us to fear,” Fa’aithlia said laughing even harder.



Buf’aneah smirked at this and almost joined her fellow amazon in another bout of laughter, but stopped at the glare she received from Tar’airah.



“I don’t see what’s so funny.”



“You…” Buf’aneah attempted to say to the now fuming blonde in front of her.



“…and Perhamia” Fa’aithlia finished. She started laughing again, but got a swift kick to the gut by her supposed comrade in crime.



“Look, Tar’ I think what both of us are trying to say is that Perhamia wants you...to um…” she looked at Fa’aithalia for help in explaining.



“What? You said it all,” she turned to Tar’airah and said slowly and loudly as in the girl was deaf and dumb, “Perhamia. Wants. You.”



“Thank you, Fa’aithlia for that lovely translation,” Buf’aneah sighed inwardly. Mental note: do not ever let her speak in public.



“What? NO. No, she’s just being pretentious. She likes the idea that I can be her project—the lovely friend that praises her and worships the unfortunate ground she walks on,” Tar’airah shrugged nonchalantly, “She does that to everyone.”



“Well, yes, that’s true,” Buf’aneah said uneasily.



“Oh, cut the crap, Tar’ she wants you,” Fa’aithlia said, “badly. She always has. Now she just wants to act on those feelings—more so.”



“She’s like a hundred years older than me!”



“Never stopped a girl before…” Buf’aneah said quietly



“Look,” Fa’aithlia said pointedly, “you mean to tell me you seriously don’t see how much she wants to bang—“



“Pots!” Buffy said clamping her hand over Fa’aithlia’s mouth. “She wants to bang pots! To make…lots of noise…a-and celebrate her partnership with you!”



Tar’airah raised her eyebrow at her friends.



Sometimes I wonder how stupid they think I am.



“Cause you know…whenever we celebrate…you have to have lots of things to make noise with,” Buf’aneah said bumbling through her words.



“Yeah, like people, for instance?” Fa’aithlia smirked.



“Shut up, Fa’aith.



“Make me.”



“I would but I’ve run out of annoying-antidote.”



And then I compare it to how stupid they actually are.



“Guys!” She said shouting getting the two amazons’s short, but well-meaning attention spans, “Let’s make something clear,” Tar’airah huffed, “I am in no way going to partner up with Perhamia…EVER.”



“Why not? I mean, true she’s annoying, a pain in the ass, overbearing, pushy, obnoxious—Oof!”



“I think what Fa’aithlia’s trying to say is that whether or not she’s the perfect gal for you, it would help salvage what’s left of your reputation here,” Buf’aneah reasoned.



“What?!”



“I mean, it’s not like you haven’t been the best of all choices for bonding. You’ve…kind of scared off all approaching women…and she’s respected among the tribe members! And the order—“



“I can’t believe I’m hearing this…” Tar’airah said incredulously. “You want me to seriously contemplate marrying that…that…”



“Bitch?” Fa’aithlia supplied easily. However, both sets of eyes landed on her—hard. “What?! What’d I say?!”



Tar’airah went on, although inwardly she agreed with Fa’aith’s word choice, “I could never bond with anyone I didn’t love,” she said pointedly.



“Well it’s not like women haven’t approached you…” Buf’aneah reasoned, “you’ve never been very receptive to anyone here. The tribe understands if you wish to…” Buf’aneah shuddered at this, “find a man—the order has understood and accepted those women in the past. You are who you are, I-I-I mean, I wouldn’t freak if you were like that, and neither would Fa’aith,” Buf’ said turning to the brunette, who looked back with amused concern.



“Cause I would so not freak. Nope, no freaking out, whatsoever…” Buf’aneah tried to painfully explain further as Tar’airah looked on with Fa’aith. The two amazons shared a knowing look at the smaller blonde’s discomfort with the words that just wouldn’t stop,”…in fact, I’m glad you told us! Cause then that’d mean you love us enough to come out of the hut…”



“Buf’,” Tar’airah said sternly. The small blond looked up fearfully. Had she explained well enough? Was she being the supportive friend she should be? Maybe she should try hugging?



“I am not,” she said grasping the girl’s shoulders, ”straighia.”



Buf’aneah let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding, “oh good,” she sighed and then interject, “not that there’s anything wrong with that.”



“No, of course not,” Tar’airah said,” and I’m glad that if I was, you’d take it so well, Buf’,” she said, smirking at Fa’aithlia who was giggling at the moment.



“It’s what I’m here for,” Buf’aneah sighed.



“It’s just…I’m not sure what I’m looking for…but no one here has it…whatever that it is…” she said vaguely, all the while her mind continuously landing on one face. A beautiful face. With freckles. And the softest hair. Deep green eyes. A sweet mouth…



She almost kissed me.



Just a beautiful face…



And I stopped it. Why?



Difficulties swarmed her mind where the redhead was concerned, though. How would the tribe react? What would they do if they found out? Then again, she hasn’t been the most popular member lately. But her helping to escape, let alone liking, a foreigner…it would put Thea into a head spin. She’d be banished for sure. It was best to stop anything further progressing with the redhead.



Willow…her name’s Willow…



Tar’airah’s mind was tumbling with thoughts as it attempted to stop the strong feeling pulsing through her being. Her brow knitted with frustration, and remained silent for the moments she had left. It was no use. Willow was supposed to escape—she had enough troubles as it is with that alone. No need to complicate things further.



She came to the same conclusion she made the night before: not to act on any of her feelings for the girl.



At least, for the moment.



She’d let the Seven Days act as a compromise; she’d get to be with the redhead.



And what’s the harm in just being good friends? Really, good friends. Friends that touch and kiss each other…



Tar’airah shook her head of those thoughts.



Not helping.



“You okay there, Tar’? You kind of spaced out on us for a sec,” Fa’aith asked.



“Oh, yeah I’m just…I was thinking about tonight’s ritual,” she said. That’s not a total lie…



“You sure you want to do this? We could challenge Caranthia’s decree; she can get one of her minions to kill the man,” Buf’aneah said bouncing up and down.



“NO!”



Both guards looked at Tar’airah crookedly. She wasn’t a shouter—Normally.



“I-I mean,” she sighed, “I don’t think it’ll help to just get a new victim for me…I’m going to go through with this…” she said resolutely.



And I’m going to see her…maybe my feelings will dissipate…



“O-okay,” Buf’aneah said slowly, “but if you ever feel like you can’t handle it, we’ll get you out of there. Remember you have us guarding the hut while the rituals happen. We’ll get you out if it gets bad,” she looked to Fa’aith for confirmation. The brunette took the look that she got for ‘help me out here.’



“Yeah, Tar’, we’ll be right here if you ever need us to kill him for you,” she said tapping the ground with her staff. It seemed they had reached their destination and were now situated outside of the prisoner’s hut.



“Uh…no,” Tar’airah said going pale, “that’s okay, I-I-I’d prefer to um…”



“Do it yourself? Ah, I knew you had it in you,” Fa’aith said smacking the girl’s arm, grinning.



Tar’airah smiled weakly at this.



“Try not to let your fear get the better of you,” Fa’aithlia winked, “at least with this one, sisterly-love shouldn’t get in the way.”



“You have no idea,” she whispered to herself under her breath before entering the room where Willow awaited.







tbc...and this time actually continued...















-elizabeth, and since WHEN did i get to be extra flamey? huh...

Last night in sweet slumber I dreamed I did see my own precious jewel sat smiling by me.

And when I awakened I found it not so; my eyes like some fountain with tears overflowed.

[WickedReds]

that was a good update....

the part where buffy was getting wigged out a the notion that tara was stright... i was so

i wonder if tara is going to act on her feelings... hope so

anyway look forward to more..



-reds



make a little love, get down tonight yeah banana

[LunaMuses]

look at me, with the swift feedback!



sorry about your grand-pop. hang tough, hon *hug*



love the update...Tara's starting to really become aware of her feelings for Willow, it makes the story alot more compelling. That, and Buffy and Faith make a lovely comic duo



Keep up the great work!

In Memory of Austin Evans...you will not be forgotten...

[taramagic]

*g* buffy and faith are so cool..

and tara is so cute. with her feelings for willow now!!