by: Blue
Vryblueyz@aol.com

Part 4

CHAPTER ELEVEN

The snowfall quickly covered the Jeep, making it part of the winter landscape. Liz had been out for two hours, that in itself not a good sign. A concussion would be a very good bet at this point. That, combined with her other injuries and shock, was life threatening. It was only her will to survive that dragged her into consciousness. Her eyes opened but she lay very still, trying to co-ordinate visually where she was. At first, she didn’t recognize anything. Then she realized the Jeep was on its side.

"Oh...that’s why everything is assbackwards..." She tried to lift her head but the severe pain quickly overrode any attempt to move. For the first time, she was scared. Liz knew she was in a bad spot and talked to herself, hoping it would clear her head.

"Well...ain’t this the pits...a few days ago I wanted to die, but couldn’t do it...now it looks like I really am going to...just my luck." She let out a chuckle that was followed by a rasping cough. She tasted something warm in her mouth and spit it out...it was blood. She was lying on her right side, her arm and hand beneath her. She moved her hand slowly to her mouth to take stock of her lip. She was hoping it was split, therefore explaining the blood. Otherwise, she knew it was from internal injuries, a very quick way to take a dirt nap. Her fingers felt her lip and as she suspected, it was intact.

"Shit, Liz, this isn’t good." She tried to focus on her body, sensing the injuries, feeling the pain. From what she could guess, her lower right leg was broken. She could move her left one ok...so it was probably all right. Her breathing wasn’t painful, so thoracic insult was probably minimal...that is unless she had a blunt aortic aneurysm waiting to blow. The fact that she could talk ruled out a broken jaw...but her forehead sported a nasty contusion from the windshield impact.

"Jeez...you just had to spend all those years in the operating room, didn’t ya? You know way too much shit about all this. Ok...broken leg...." She tried again to lift her head to view her leg. Although it was under her as well, she could tell her foot was at a funny angle. "...Gods.... fractured and probably comminuted. Really not good. I’ve got to get that thing reduced or I’m gonna lose my foot." A smile creased her worried face. "Oh...like that’s gonna save me." Liz peered about the Jeep. All the windows were covered with snow. "Hell, no one’s going to even find me till the spring thaw. I can hear the grisly news report now...And on the local scene...Mounties discovered the badly decomposed body of a woman in a wrecked vehicle. They estimated she had been dead approximately four months. The crushed Jeep only became visible during the spring runoff. An unopened bag of Oreos was found clutched in her bony hands...."

Liz took a deep breath and tried to fight the panic rising in her throat. "Ok...now you’ve got to think positive...yeah I know...it doesn’t look good...all right, it’s damn bleak...but I refuse to die like this. I won’t just give up...." She made a monumental effort to push herself on her back. She hadn’t even thought about the possibility of a spinal injury. The pain in her leg was unbearable...but at least she could feel it...and that was worth the nausea now engulfing her. Anything she could feel below the neck meant the spinal cord wasn’t severed. The exertion of the move coupled with the pain sent Liz into unconsciousness again.

Up the embankment, on the road, three figures materialized. Sam was the first to notice the difference in their appearance. She reached down and scooped up a handful of snow, proceeded to form a compact ball and threw it toward a tree. It splattered on impact.

"Wow...did you see that!?" She was excitedly looking at Xena.

The warrior raised a practiced brow. "Yeah...you hit a tree. So......??"

Sam was gathering more snow, "Exactly!! I hit a tree...with this...." She held the new missile aloft and launched the next salvo. This time the snowball missed and landed in the bank behind the tree...rejoining the collective. "I made a snowball...with my hands. Do you know what this means?"

Gabrielle quizzically turned her head. "Uh...you like throwing snowballs?"

Sam’s elation was unaffected by the fact that Xena and Gabrielle weren’t tracking. "Jeez...it means I have form in the dimension again...I can touch and interact. And I bet you can, too." To make her point, she scooped snow and tossed it at Xena, covering the warrior’s head and tunic.

Xena shook her head and brushed the flakes from her leathers. "Hey!! Watch

it!" It was then that she understood what Sam was going on about. "Oh...I see what you mean." She couldn’t resist testing the theory for herself. Squatting down, Xena formed a perfect snowball and with great precision, nailed Gabrielle. "Yep...we’re definitely solid." Xena felt her arms and hands, noting they were warm as toast. She added, "Apparently, Artemis has seen fit to protect us from the cold. Hmm...that works for me."

Gabrielle’s reaction time was just a wee bit late. The object exploded on her abs. "Very funny...both of you...but have you forgotten why we’re here?" She looked sternly at the two children and then around her. "And just where are we anyway?"

Xena stood, surveying the area. "Gabrielle’s right. Sam, are you sure this is where Liz should be?"

"Uh...I dunno. I thought we’d be at an inn Liz and I planned to go to. I have no idea why we’re here in the middle of nowhere. I’m afraid this isn’t good." She was looking about. The mounting drifts obscured even the direction of the road.

"Well...maybe she hasn’t gotten this far yet and we’re supposed to wait." The bard was always looking for a rational explanation.

Xena had moved toward the road’s edge, her foot clearing snow as she went. On one of her sweeps, her foot kicked up against the guardrail...or what was left of it. She knelt down and cleared enough snow away to make an educated guess.

"I think we don’t have to wait. She’s already here." Xena was standing, dusting the snow from her hands, and looking over the edge of the embankment.

"Where!? What do you mean ‘she’s already here?’ " Sam was already moving toward Xena, anxiety sitting in her gut like Christmas fruitcake. Gabrielle was still looking toward the road.

"Xena, I don’t see anything...." She turned to see the two of them standing at the road’s edge. "...oh...gods..." Gabrielle joined Xena and Sam.

Motioning to the bent and twisted guardrail, Xena laid out her suspicion. "Something big went through this barrier...and recently I’d say. Whatever it was is down there..." Her eyes focused toward the bottom of the ravine.

Sam knew what Xena was implying, but wasn’t ready to fully accept it. "Xena...you can’t mean Liz drove over the side on purpose. I can’t...I won’t believe that. We don’t even know it was Liz. Why would she come all this way?"

Gabrielle rose to echo Sam’s rationale. "Sam’s right, Xena. We don’t know for a fact that Liz went off the road."

Xena had already stepped over the rail. "Well, there’s one way to find out. Besides why the Hades do you think we materialized here? Think about it. I’m going down there to find out. You girls coming?" She didn’t wait for a response and began a slow, careful descent. Sam and Gabrielle looked at one another and followed the warrior.

The darkness was now complete, but a full moon lit the area with reflected light off the pristine snow. In the heavens stars sparkled like jewels. If the situation hadn’t been so dire, their beauty would have been something to behold. The three inched their way down the steep slope, hanging on to small trees for support. Sam still didn’t know how they could possibly find anything in all this.

The inside of the Jeep was totally black. The accumulated snow on the windows had blocked even the bright moonlight. Liz surfaced again from her pain-induced unconsciousness. She was noticeably colder and to keep her brain functioning pondered the possible reasons.

"Lessee...drop in body temperature...indications...shock, yep that’s probably...uh...a good one." She pulled the parka up around her neck. "What else...c’mon, Liz...the obvious...it’s fucking cold outside...gods...I’m thirsty..." She felt the immediate area for the water bottle...it wasn’t in reach. "Great...all that snow outside and not a drop of water to be had. This is so not fair." Her options were fading fast. "Well...I’m gonna die from hypothermia or I’m gonna throw an emboli from these fractures. Hmmm...I pick hypothermia. I think it’s not too unpleasant." She closed her eyes and mentally threw the towel in, waiting to succumb.

"How much further, Xena?" Gabrielle was trying to keep up with the warrior, but she was very intent on locating whatever careened into the ravine.

"Not sure but it can’t be much longer. I can see the bottom of the ravine now." Xena was nearing the snow covered Jeep and stand of trees. Her sharp senses detected the pungent aroma of evergreen...like fresh sap from a broken branch. Outlined in the moonlight, she saw a good-sized tree lying suspended in a snowbank. Something about it wasn’t right...there had to be a fairly sturdy object underneath to support the split trunk. Xena knew she’d found Liz.

"Over here...c’mon..." She hurried toward the mound and began digging. Sam and Gabrielle were right behind her. All three started moving snow off the covered mass. The undercarriage of the Jeep started to take shape. Sam’s heart went into overtime.

"Oh...god...no...Liz...can you hear me? We’re here...hang on..." She and Gabrielle moved to the front of the vehicle and cleared the windshield. It had a spider web fracture, but was still intact. Sam rubbed her hand in a small circle on the glass, trying to see inside. She could make out Liz’s form, but couldn’t tell if she was alive or not. Xena had climbed on the side of the Jeep and was preparing to open the door.

"You see anything?" She was struggling with the bent door...it was jammed tight.

Sam looked frantically up at the warrior as she continued to wrestle with the stubborn metal. "Yes...Xena...she’s here...but she looks bad off...please hurry." Sam pressed her face to the glass, "Liz!! Honey, wake up, I’m here...It’s me, Sam...c’mon Liz you can do it..."

For a moment Liz thought she heard Sam’s voice. She guessed that death wasn’t far away...she was ready. She mummered, "I’ll be right there...wait for me..."

"Damn! I can’t get this thing open. Gabrielle...gimme your staff." The bard raised the staff so Xena could grab it. She stood above the window. "Sam...where is Liz on the inside?"

"She’s lying on her back facing you, why?"

"Cuz I’m gonna have to break the glass to get in. This door isn’t coming open. I’m afraid the falling glass will cut her."

Sam called to the warrior, "Xena, its safety glass. It will shatter into little pellets...you won’t have to worry about harming her...do it!!"

"Ok...here goes..." With a well-placed blow from the end of the staff, the entire window disintegrated in a shower of glass beads. They looked like thousands of diamonds lying about the interior of the Jeep. Liz didn’t move. Xena tossed the staff to Gabrielle and lowered herself into the cab. It was awkward, but she straddled the injured woman, and gently shook her shoulder.

"Liz...can you hear me? C’mon, open your eyes. We’re gonna get you out of here..."

Liz opened one eye. All she could see was a shadow of a figure. In a tried voice she warned, "Ok...but if this is Kathy Bates, just go ahead and shoot me." A faint smile formed on her lips.

Xena shook her head. "Uh-huh...I see some things never change with you. I don’t know who this Kathy babe is...it’s me, Xena. I’ve got Gabrielle and someone you know very well with me. Now...you gonna open those eyes or not?"

Liz opened her eyes, wide. The outline of the warrior was unmistakable. "I’m dead, aren’t I?"

"No, not yet. Stay with me..." Xena called to Sam and Gabrielle. "She’s alive, but hurt. Can’t tell how bad...it’s too dark." The warrior did a tactile check of her extremities. She felt her abdomen for distention, indicating internal hemorrhage. Thankfully, it was soft and pliable. When she came to her leg, it was obvious it was badly broken.

"Great," she sighed. Xena called back up to Sam and Gabrielle. "I’m going to need something for a splint; her leg is busted. I need to reduce this thing and I’m gonna need some help in here. We wait until morning to get her out but right now the leg needs tending." Xena continued her assessment. " We need to warm her up...and I think she needs some water."

Gabrielle looked at Sam. "Well, what are you waiting for? Go on...get in there." She handed Sam a blanket from her bag. "I’ll get some of the shattered tree for a splint. Xena will need you to hold Liz while she sets her leg."

Sam looked frightened...and rightfully so. Gabrielle placed her arm around her shoulder. "It’s ok, Xena is very good with this sort of thing. She does it all the time, trust me." The bard’s warm smile alleviated some of Sam’s anxiety. She took the blanket and started for the Jeep’s opening. Gabrielle immediately searched the area for an appropriate branch or two. She knew exactly what Xena needed. Sam lowered herself through the busted window and wedged herself next to Liz. She was almost in tears.

Xena needed Sam to stay in one piece for this. She placed a reassuring hand on her arm. "She’s going to be all right. I do this sort of thing all the time."

Sam almost chuckled, "Yeah...that’s what Gabrielle said. What do you need me to do?"

Xena’s attention was drawn to the outside. "Gabrielle...you got those splints yet?"

The bard’s head appeared above her, "Yeah, right here and some cloth strips to bind it with." She handed down the requested items.

Xena took the splints, eyed them for length and sturdiness. "Ok...this will do nicely." Next her attention went to Liz’s leg. "Hmmm...at least she’s on her back. That will make this easier." Xena moved the parka just enough to give her access to the upper portion of the leg. In a movement too quick to see, she hit the pressure points that would block the pain.

"Ok, Sam, I want you to hold on and try to keep her from thrashing about. Even with the block, this is gonna hurt like Hades." Sam took a deep breath, pulled Liz close and nodded. Xena made sure she was ready. "You got her?"

Sam didn’t look at the warrior. Her focus was on Liz’s face. "Yeah...do it."

With that, the co-ordinated effort took place. Xena took Liz’s foot in both her hands...her right palm holding the heel and her left hand over the top of the arch. She gently moved the foot until she felt the bones move against one another. In one movement, she rotated the fractures and pulled hard, situating the bone end to end. There was an audible grinding sound that almost made Sam sick. Liz’s eyes snapped open and she let out a scream. Sweat broke out on her forehead and she struggled to move her hands. Sam held on that much tightly trying to keep her still. Mercifully, Liz passed out, making the second reduction oblivious to her. Sam was sweating right along with her lover watching Xena go about her business.

In a few moments, it was over. Xena felt for a pulse in Liz’s foot and for warmth of circulation. Satisfied everything was where it should be; she expertly splinted the leg, tying it securely. It was only after she’d finished, that she checked on Sam.

"Hey...you doing all right? You don’t look so good. This a first for you?" The warrior was covering Liz with the blanket.

Sam was pale. "Uh...yeah. I believe it is. And you do this sort of thing all the time?"

Xena prepared to exit the space. More than two in the cab would be very uncomfortable. "Well, not all the time, but it does come in handy." She smiled, "You did just fine, thanks. Keep her warm, Sam. Gabrielle and I will be right outside. If her condition changes, call us. Oh...I found this on the floor...she could use it. " Xena handed Sam the bottled water and climbed into the night.

Sam watched as Xena hoisted herself out of the cab. She turned to get her first good look at her lover. There was a rather obvious lump on her forehead, but no laceration. All she wanted to do was hold her tight. She repositioned herself behind Liz’s head and back, pulling her snuggly against her. She drew the parka and blanket up around her neck. When she was done, the only thing visible was Liz’s head.

Sam stroked her head and spoke softly, "It’s all right, Sweetheart, I’m here. Nothing is going to hurt you...just rest, I’m not going anywhere...I promise." She bent down and kissed her forehead, tears rolling down her cheeks and coming to rest on Liz’s face. Gently, Sam rocked her lover, cradling her head between her breasts. Liz knew she was hallucinating, but didn’t want to open her eyes to confirm her delusion. For right now, she accepted her dying mind’s comfort. She drifted off with Sarah’s words playing in her head...

....Sweet surrender is all that I have to give....

Outside Xena and Gabrielle prepared to settle for the night. The bard had done an excellent job finding enough wood for a cozy fire. She had found a spot under the trees where the snow wasn’t too deep...cleared a circle to the ground...and had the flames burning brightly when Xena climbed out of the Jeep. She made sure the fire was out of its infancy before turning toward the warrior.

"How is she, Xena?" Gabrielle carefully placed another piece of tender on the fire.

The warrior stooped near the fire, warming her hands. "She’s not out of the woods yet. Her leg is really messed up, but I think the reduction was good. She needs professional care...and soon. There’s only so much we can do for her here. I won’t be able to fully assess her injuries until daylight."

Gabrielle stood behind her, resting her hands on Xena’s shoulders, gently massaging the taut muscles. "I know you did your best for her...you always do, y’know. She’ll pull through, I know it."

Xena reached up and placed her hand over Gabrielle’s. "I hope so..." Giving the bard a firm pat, Xena stood. "Let’s get some sleep. Tomorrow could be a very long day."

Gabrielle smiled, "Yeah...tomorrow...Solstice Eve. This is all very romantic, you know. Well...except for the accident and the fact that Sam is really...you know."

Xena was nudging closer, "Uh-huh...now go to sleep."

The two huddled together, each keeping the other warm. Xena pulled their blanket snuggly around them, gave the already drifting Gabrielle a kiss and fell into slumber with her.

The sky above was so clear; the entire universe could look down upon them. The moon’s light illuminated the landscape in almost a warm way. The guardian of the moon, Artemis, watched the entire scene, assuring their protection through the night.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was very early. Well before dawn. Liz woke and stared through the cleared windshield. The waning moon had almost made its trip across the sky, but still cast a bright light. At first, she didn’t feel Sam behind her. All she knew was that she was warm and felt secure. Her leg even felt better. She was so thirsty she’d sell her soul for a drop of water...and since she apparently wasn’t dying right away...she shifted, trying to look about the cabin for the water bottle. To her relief she saw it on the floor next to her...but it was just out of reach. Liz stretched her arm toward the bottle. To her suprise, it seemed to move all by itself. Her brain hadn’t fully caught up yet.

Sam lifted the bottle and unscrewed the top. She placed it to Liz’s mouth and felt their hands touch. Both were equally startled. Liz knew this couldn’t be happening, but had no place to run...so having a panic attack wouldn’t solve anything. She figured it was just her mind playing tricks. For moments neither said anything...they just touched...undeniably recognizing each other.

Liz took a sip of the offered water...her hand gently folding over Sam’s. As she swallowed, her other hand reached up to touch what was surely an illusion. It felt solid and real. Sam reached around to put the top back on the bottle...thinking Liz shouldn’t drink too much at once. She placed the bottle off to the side, her hands returning to clasp Liz’s. Their fingers entwined each feeling the presence of the other. Liz closed her eyes, pulling Sam’s hand to her face. She felt the gentle touch of her lover once again and a tear fell from her eyes.

Holding the woman’s hand to her face, she uttered a plea, "Oh...Sam, please let it be you...please..." Her words were stopped by a sob caught in her throat.

Sam’s face was awash in tears as she replied, "It is me, Liz...it is..."

Liz felt the form behind her...a living, breathing, warm entity...a heart she so intimately knew and loved. She moved her head back to make sure Sam was really there. The faint light from outside gave them just enough to see one another. It was a very magical moment.

"Oh...gods...it is you...but how...I don’t understand...where...." Liz couldn’t ask enough questions.

Sam smiled at her always-inquisitive lover. She placed her fingers over Liz’s still moving lips. "Shhh...I don’t know how or why. I just know I’m here and Artemis had something to do with it. Xena and Gabrielle are here as well. Xena’s the one who knew you were down here... found you and set your leg. You can ask her about it when it’s daylight. Right now, rest. I’m here...right here."

Sam bent over and gave Liz a warm kiss, marveling at the intense connection there was between them. It was as if she had never left. Liz drifted back into sleep even though she tried not to. Her body was overriding her mind at the moment. Sam’s eyes caressed her face and watched as her breathing become deep and regular. Her hand ran through Liz’s hair...it’s silken texture once again on her fingertips. "I love you, Liz...now and always."

Sam looked out the Jeep’s windshield, in awe of the pristine beauty before her. She rested her head on Liz’s shoulder and whispered into her sleeping ear.

"It’s Solstice Eve, Darlin...just like we planned." They fell into sync and slept.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The dawn was spectacular, light breaking over the horizon, casting rays in all directions. The night’s continuing snowfall had once more created a pure vista, unmarred by tracks of any kind. The campsite had been spared the majority of the accumulation due to the group of trees. Gabrielle awoke to find Xena gone. In her half asleep state, she patted the area next to her, looking for warm flesh.

"Xena......???" The bard opened her eyes just as the warrior came into view. She was carrying a snowhare. At least there would be breakfast.

Xena tossed the hare on the ground and prepared to gut the animal. "You going to sleep all day?" She drew her short dagger out and positioned breakfast in a spread eagle manner. Gabrielle sat up eyeing the impending ritual.

"Uh...Xena...do you think you could do that some place besides right next to me?"

Xena hesitated from skinning the hare. "Oh...you’ll eat this...." She held the dead animal aloft for effect. "...but you don’t want to see everything it takes to get it into that bottomless pit of yours, right?"

Gabrielle sighed, "Xena...just do that over there, all right? It’s way too early to watch that sort of thing." She rolled on her side, pulling the blanket up around her.

The warrior stood and moved away from her sensitive friend. "Yeah...yeah...all right already. What would you do without me to handle the messy details?"

The bard rolled on her back, peering at Xena. Obviously, the warrior wasn’t going to let her sleep. Gabrielle sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "I have no intention of ever finding out. Ok...I’m going to check on Sam and Liz." She threw off the blanket, stretched, stoked the fire and made her way to the Jeep. As an afterthought, she threw a comment over her shoulder, "Oh...and try to get all the fur off this time, ok?"

Xena mimicked her lover under her breath, "...And try to get all the fur off this time...gods..."

Gabrielle had that little smile on her face as she walked smugly off. "She’s such a pushover."

The warrior had the last word...this time, " I heard that..." Her blade split the hare’s belly open.

Gabrielle climbed atop the vehicle and peered through the busted window. Sam and Liz were still asleep. The bard whispered into the cold morning air, "You two belong together, just like Xena and me."

Sam stirred at the sound of Gabrielle’s voice. She had been in a light sleep all night anyway, listening for any distress from Liz. She opened her eyes and yawned. She really needed to stretch and take a pee, but didn’t want to disturb her partner.

"Mornin, Gabrielle," she spoke softly.

"Same to you, Sam. How did the night go? Does she know you’re here?" Gabrielle had this insatiable need to know everything.

"Her night was pretty restful. I think Xena setting her leg relieved a lot of pain. And, yes, she knows I’m here."

Gabrielle chose her next words carefully, "Do you think she really believes that you are here? I mean as opposed to a fantasy born out of desperation?"

Sam thought for a second, "Hmmm...I don’t know. But when she wakes it will be a moot point, now won’t it?"

"Suppose you’re right. Can I get you anything? Xena caught breakfast and I’ll get some to you when it’s ready." Gabrielle was so hungry she could gnaw the hinges off the Gates of Hades.

Sam smiled, "Well, if you could go pee for me, I’d be most appreciative...and dare I say...relieved." She stroked the top of Liz’s head. "I just don’t want to wake her yet."

Empathetically, Gabrielle replied, "Oh...I see your point, but you’re going to have to go sometime. And it might be good to get Liz up and moving. Xena and I will help her out of there." The bard turned to call to Xena, who was busy cutting the hare into pieces for frying.

"Gabrielle...let me wake her, ok? Then we’ll consider moving. Her best chance for survival might be staying inside." Sam’s logic was sound and the bard nodded.

"Ok...I’ll help Xena and will check back in a bit. Call if you need anything." She jumped to the ground and moved to assist the warrior.

Sam’s attention went to the form in her arms. She gently squeezed her and placed her face on the top of Liz’s head. The aroma was as intoxicating as ever...she missed her so. "Oh...God...I don’t want to leave you again."

"Then don’t." Liz’s voice startled Sam. "Don’t leave me, Sam. Either that, or take me with you."

Sam shifted her weight...enough to peer at Liz’s face. "How long have you been awake?"

With a chuckle, she replied, "Awake? Oh...I don’t think I’m awake. I think I’m nearly dead from exposure and injuries. This is just my mind trying to ease me over." She made an effort to sit up, somewhat surprised that it hurt like hell. "Hmmm...I would have thought the pain would have been less...but anyway..." Sam supported her back and helped sit her upright, easing herself from under her.

"Liz, honey, you really are awake, and I’m really here...we all are." She hadn’t anticipated trying to convince Liz of this reality. "Does this feel like a dream?" She leaned forward and placed a wet kiss on her neck, lingering just below the earlobe. Liz took in a deep breath, goosebumps cascading over her body.

"Uh...well...it feels real...but...it can’t be...you’re...you know...er..." She couldn’t say the word. Sam helped her.

"Dead!? Yeah...dead as a bug on the windshield...dead as a dog...dead as a doornail...dead as a sailboat in a calm sea...dead as Ming Ti’en. Shall I go on?"

Liz had really missed hearing Sam’s view of the world. "No...I get the point...but I have one question."

Sam speculated, "Yes? I’m sure you want to know why I’m here, right?"

Liz was beginning to squirm, "Uh...no...I want to know if you can help me outta here. I need to take a piss in the worst way."

Sam couldn’t help but laugh out loud. " Oh...gods...my thought exactly! Yep, I can do that. Just a sec."

‘So much for keeping the woman inside the Jeep,’ she thought. She extricated herself from Liz and poked her head out the window. Xena and Gabrielle were preoccupied with breakfast, such as it was. "Yo, girls...we could use some help over here. Liz needs to tend to some personal business and I can’t get her out by myself."

Gabrielle started toward the Jeep; Xena stopped her and stood to move. "I’ll do this. You keep an eye on your friend." Her eyes went to the browning meat in the pan. "Yeah, Sam, I’m coming."

She climbed toward the blonde. "And how is our adventurer doing?"

Sam moved to allow Xena entrance into the cab. "She’s in big time denial, I’m afraid."

Xena shook her head and had ‘that’ look on her face. "Typical. Let’s see what we’ve got here." Xena stuck her head through the opening. "Good morning, Liz. Sleep well?"

Liz peered as the form descended through the window. "Xena! Long time, no see. I suppose Gabrielle is here, too?" She half expected to see the bard over Xena’s shoulder.

Xena and Sam were jockeying for position around Liz. "Uh-huh...she’s outside cooking breakfast."

Liz pursed her lips and sarcastically replied, "Well, of course she is. And did you bring Argo?"

Xena let the remarks roll off her as she concentrated on the best way to hoist the woman out of the space. "Nope...she’s sitting this one out. Now do you want to get out or do you want to throw barbs at us all day?"

Liz really had to go and it was becoming serious. "Sorry...Please get me out...I have to pee really bad."

Sam echoed, "That’s two of us then. What can I do here?"

Xena thought for a moment. "Ok...let’s get her standing first. You think you’re up for that, Liz?"

Liz let her doubts go by the wayside for the moment. She was sure she would awake to find herself in a pool of urine, but this fantasy was better than being conscious. "Yeah...I’ll give it a try." She reached for Sam’s hand.

Just in case she’d forgotten, Xena reminded her of the busted leg. "Liz, try to keep any weight off your right leg. It’s broken pretty bad. Just let Sam support that side, ok?"

She was almost upright, leaning on Sam as instructed. Her head was swimming and she felt faint. "Ok...give me a minute...I feel a little dizzy."

Sam’s grip remained tight. "Take as long as you need, Sweetheart. Well...not that long, if you get my drift."

Liz took a deep breath and tried to clear her head. "Ok...I think we can go ahead."

Xena was standing on the vehicle’s side, adjusting a length of rope. She tossed the end of it over a convenient heavy branch above the opening. She then fashioned a knotted loop and dropped it into the cab.

"Ok, Liz, let’s get that loop over your head and hook it under your arms. Sam...make sure it’s secure, but not too tight." She issued orders like a true warrior...no nonsense. Next, she needed Gabrielle’s help.

"Gabrielle, put breakfast aside for now. I’ll need some help when I pull Liz free of the inside."

The bard set the pan off the fire and joined Xena on the Jeep. "Ok...what do I do?"

Xena was peering inside, watching Sam and Liz situate the rope. "Ok...when I get her completely out, I want you to swing her clear of the opening and support her till I can turn loose. Got it?"

"Yeah...I got it."

Xena checked for everyone’s readiness. "Ready??"

Sam and Liz spoke in unison, "Ready!"

Gabrielle also responded, "Ready, Xena."

"All right, here we go. Sam make sure her leg doesn’t snag on anything." Xena took up the slack in the rope and began pulling. Liz felt the rope go tight around her and Sam’s support lessen. She began to levitate out of the smashed car.

Xena pulled in a slow steady manner, smoothly bringing Liz toward the outside. As her dangling feet cleared the opening, Gabrielle grabbed her by the waist, moving her over solid structure of the Jeep’s side panel. She moved around to Liz’s right side and firmly gripped the injured woman, fully supporting her.

"Ok, Xena, I’ve got her. You can turn loose now."

Liz turned her face to look into Gabrielle’s green eyes once again. "Hi, Gabrielle. How ya’ been?"

The bard was amazed at her cavalier attitude. "Oh...not bad. You know...just the usual...save a village...rescue a princess...give birth...learn the correct pronunciation of Lao Ma...everyday stuff. And you?"

"Hmmm...the same...lost my lover..." She whispered in Gabrielle’s ear, "She’s in the cab, y’know" She held on to the solid fantasy beside her and continued, " Uh...tried to commit suicide...wrecked a rental car...died in the Canadian wilderness...everyday stuff." Liz sniffed the air; "Oooh...is that food I smell?"

Xena helped Sam from the cab and turned her focus on Liz. "Yeah...I see some things never change. C’mon...let’s get you down from here." Xena took Gabrielle’s place while she and Sam positioned themselves just beneath them. Slowly, Xena lowered Liz into their waiting arms, with a minimum of discomfort. As last they were all standing on terra firma.

Liz looked at the three, still believing the scene to be operating from her dying form. Oddly, this delusion was about to wet her pants. "Uh...girls...can I go pee now?"

Sam and Gabrielle supported her as they moved toward a small stand of trees. Sam kissed her on the cheek. "Yes, dear, now you can pee. I’m right there with you."

Xena watched them move slowly toward the ultimate relief...thankful she went while hunting breakfast. "Damn!! Breakfast...!!!" She immediately went to see about salvaging their food.

With some difficulty, Liz was able to finally relieve herself. If the situation hadn’t been so dire, it would have been comical. Finally, the three ambled back to the camp. Gabrielle and Sam helped get Liz settled. Xena dished up the rabbit in portions... that was quickly consumed.

"Glad to see you all have healthy appetites. I see I should have gotten more than one." She popped a tender slice of the flesh in her mouth. Gabrielle had made some hot tea using the new fallen snow as a water source. Good thing they had packed a few supplies before leaving their dimension. All had come in quite handy. She guessed Xena had known all along exactly what they would need. Somehow, she always knew. It was irritating, to say the least.

Liz chewed on the gamy nourishment, trying to make rational sense of all this. She certainly felt like it was happening. The sights...smell...touches...were real enough. The pain most assuredly was...and what about Sam? She could almost accept the presence of Xena and Gabrielle. All three of them did have a history of sorts...but Sam...how did she fit in with them? Liz had told her about the things that had happened. Sam even was part of the last little foray. Maybe that was the connection. There were too many unanswered questions. All of which was about to be of no consequence. The shimmering entity started taking form in front of the foursome. Artemis had waited long enough.

All the interested parties stopped eating and watched as the goddess appeared. None of them were the least bit surprised. Well...that wasn’t exactly true. The winter birds, in the area, took immediate flight, sensitive to the subtle energy shift. The goddess made quite an entrance. In mere minutes, she was standing, solid, in front of the quartet. She went straight to the heart of the matter. Artemis wasn’t one for banter with the mortal realm.

"Well, I see you found her." She cast a glance toward Liz, who had resumed eating. "And have you done what I asked of you?" This she spoke to no one in particular, but let it hang in the air, waiting on a taker.

Of course, Gabrielle took the first pass. "Artemis...protector of the Amazon Nation...we’ve been here less than a day. Liz was badly injured and trapped in her vehicle...we just got her out. Uh...we haven’t had time to get into what you asked...."

Artemis sighed, held her hand up and turned to Xena, "And what say you, warrior? Not enough time...?"

Xena was uncomfortable being accused by Artemis, but she was smart enough not to provoke the goddess. "Gabrielle spoke the truth. Liz was too injured and mostly unconscious when we arrived. It was prudent that we waited till she was coherent."

Artemis looked at the warrior, trying to glimpse a lie...but couldn’t detect one. "Hmmm...I see… and what about you, Sam? Have you not talked to her at all since arriving?"

Sam’s eyes met the goddess’s. There was no backing down or even the slightest bit of trepidation. "Of course I’ve talked to her! But our conversation was on a personal level. She was in no condition to engage in a philosophical discussion, nor did I want to have one with her at that time."

Artemis moved slowly around the group. "Well, you see, I’m afraid the element of time isn’t on your side, Sam. You only have today to set this right. Then...."

Sam glared at the goddess, "Then what!? I’m still going to be dead. What more could you possibly threaten me with?"

Gabrielle stood knowing Artemis wasn’t fond of being challenged. Sam was on thin ice, in spite of already being dead. "Uh...Sam is just upset, Artemis. She didn’t mean anything by that, I’m sure."

The goddess actually looked concerned. "Let me explain something to all of you. There are different levels of ‘being dead’...and time is essential in the placement of one’s soul. Sam is destined for the Elysian Fields, but she must go willingly. And in case you haven’t noticed, that’s not happening. Her soul is earthbound...tied to her." Artemis turned and stared at Liz, who was attempting to stand. "And you...aren’t making it any easier for her to move on. Don’t you want her soul at rest?"

Painfully, Liz was finally upright, Sam supporting her. She’d been listening to the improbable conversation and was about to voice her opinion...as only she could.

"Excuse me...mind if I butt in here? First...Of course I want Sam’s soul at peace! How could you think otherwise? Second... I really resent being talked about like I’m not here. Well, of course, all this is in my mind. I mean this isn’t happening...’cause I’m dying in that Jeep..." She waved a hand toward the twisted vehicle. "...And my mind is just hallucinating. But it’s ok...really. This isn’t a bad way to go out...seeing my lover again...and old friends. So...could we just all get along until my heart stops?"

Gabrielle looked at Xena, "See...I told you. She doesn’t believe this is happening. How can we possibly get through?

Xena spoke softly to the bard. "Well...I could put the pinch on her. That would be real enough."

Gabrielle jabbed her with an elbow. "Just like a warrior, just got to be something painful and physical.

"Hey!! It was just a suggestion." Xena rubbed the spot that had greeted the bard’s punch. "Ok, Liz, why don’t you ask the questions? How can we convince you?"

Liz posed an interesting question. "Ok...here’s one for you. If this is real...and I’m really standing here with all of you...in the freaking Canadian Rockies...with just sweats on...how come I’m not freezing to death? It must be well below zero...huh...explain that."

"I can explain that, Liz." The soft sound of Artemis’s voice calmed her rising anger. "I have allowed all of you to not be affected by the temperature. It was in the interest of your survival...and to give you and Sam time to really say goodbye. It won’t last...at midnight all will return to the way it was. Of this I have no control. The Fates have decreed the outcome. Now there is one more thing I will do for you..."

Artemis sent a warm, purple wave to envelop Liz and Sam. The energy vibration healed all of her wounds. When the wave dissipated, Liz was standing unassisted, her leg in one piece again. Artemis before had healed her, but this time Liz was conscious for the transformation. She felt her body for any signs of discomfort. There were none.

"This is what you did for me in Greece, isn’t it?" She remembered the hospital room and the subsequent uproar in the staff. Liz realized this may very well be happening...and the thought caught her emotions unprepared. She started to cry and fell into Sam’s arms.

"Yes and no," the goddess responded. "The healing in Greece was permanent. I’m afraid this will not be. Please take this time to sort out your feelings." She placed a warm hand on both of them. "I will return for you, Sam. You must make a decision then."

The goddess left as suddenly as she had appeared. It was late afternoon and the winter sky had already started to dim. Liz and Sam had so much to resolve. The true magic of Solstice Eve was about to affect all of them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For a long while Liz and Sam sat before the fire...talking...touching...kissing. Even Xena was moved by the affection and love shared by the two. It reminded her of the times she thought she’d lost Gabrielle. There had been nothing so empty, to the warrior, than believing she’d never hold or kiss Gabrielle again. She had a very intimate appreciation of what she was watching. The bard’s hand ran across Xena’s neck, sending a tingling down her spine.

"Oh, Xena, they are so much in love. I don’t see what will convince them to release one another. There has to be something we can do."

Xena leaned back on Gabrielle’s legs, resting her weight comfortably. "We’ve done all we can, Gabrielle. The rest is up to them." She glanced over her shoulder into the eyes of her lover. "C’mon...we need to get some firewood. Night will be falling soon." She braced herself on Gabrielle’s knee as she stood, extending a hand to the still seated woman. Xena easily pulled her off the ground and into her arms. Even though she wasn’t prone to public affection toward Gabrielle, she gave her a tender kiss and prolonged embrace. It was a very pleasant surprise. The smaller woman returned the kiss in a deepening way, wanting to stay close. They drew slightly apart, each feeling the quickening of their hearts.

"Uh...I suppose we should go get the firewood before it gets dark...right, Xena?"

"Yeah...the firewood...we should...go that is." The warrior’s face was flushed thinking about Gabrielle and wanting to feel their skin touching. "We should let Sam and Liz have some privacy...y’know."

"Good idea...privacy." Gabrielle took Xena’s hand and walked her past the campfire. "We’ll be back in a bit...gotta get some uh...more firewood. You’ll be safe here." Liz and Sam barely acknowledged anyone’s presence...let alone needing privacy.

"Ok...see you in a while." Liz’s eyes never left Sam’s as she bade the two goodbye. "Take your time."

Sam peered at the duo fading into the woods. "Don’t you think we should help them?"

"Uh...no, I don’t. They’re big girls and besides have you seen that sword of Xena’s? Trust me, she doesn’t need any help. You’re not going anywhere." She held Sam’s hand tightly in her own. The reality of this was overwhelming and she knew it was not going to last. "Sam...what are we to do? I don’t know how to let you go...I don’t want to...I can’t." Liz brought Sam’s palm to her lips, placing a soft kiss right on the lifeline.

Sam closed her eyes, relishing the feel of those lips on her skin. Her hand gently caressed Liz’s cheek, her thumb tracing the outline of her mouth lazily. It was as if Sam was trying to imprint Liz’s very essence through her own skin...something to take with her. "Liz...do you remember what we talked about doing here?"

"Yes...I do. That’s why I came. I wanted to complete our life together in this place. I didn’t know I was going to die, too." A single tear rolled down her face. Sam’s thumb caught it and spread the wetness over her cheekbone.

"Liz, you’re not going to die. I won’t allow it. You have to take care of Brie and RG...not to mention Roger. He loves you very much and so does Randi. They are so worried about you...especially since..." Clasping Liz’s left hand, she rolled the arm over to expose the healing cut on her wrist. "...this."

"How do you know about this?" She pulled her hand back and covered the wound. "There was no one there except Roger and me. And how did you know where to look for me?" Liz had questions but no clear answers.

Sam explained, "I was there and so was Xena and Gabrielle. I couldn’t do anything but watch. I felt so helpless. Thank the gods Roger arrived and interrupted you. When it was obvious we could do nothing, Xena and Gabrielle took me to the Amazon village to see Artemis. The goddess told me you were in danger...but didn’t reveal the nature of it. We went back to the condo, but you had already left. Roger and Randi were they’re trying to figure out where you had gone. It’s when Roger mentioned Canada that I knew where you’d gone."

"But we were going to that cozy little inn further north. How did you find me down here? Hells bells, you can’t even see the road from here." Again her attention was directed toward the junk pile that once was a functioning transport. "Oh...gods...my insurance is going to hit the ceiling."

Chuckling at Liz’s preoccupation with ‘ worldly ’ matters, she continued," I supposed Artemis let us materialize where you went off the road. She also gave us solid form...another clue you were in trouble. Xena just put it all together and dragged Gabrielle and me down here with her. You’re right about one thing, no one can see this far. You would have died for sure."

"That’s very good, but what makes you think I’m not going to anyway. Artemis said you have to leave at midnight and everything will be as it was. That means I’m back in the saddle over there all busted up...and still can’t be seen. It’s a moot point, if you ask me. Why can’t I just die and go with you? Wouldn’t that be easier?"

"No! It would not! You are not going to die, so just stop talking about it, ok?" Sam pleaded with her eyes for a change of subject. "Let’s spend our time doing what we planned."

The sound of wood being dumped behind them announced the twosome’s return. "And just what were you planning? I’m curious...what is so important to drive you to this place, Liz?" Gabrielle was exercising the bardly right to know.

"Wait...I’ll show you." Liz jumped up, still amazed her leg was in one piece, and moved over to the Jeep. "God...I hope it’s still here." With little effort, she hauled herself up on the vehicle, and deftly lowered into the cab. The full realization of how close she’d come to being crushed met her eyes. All that was recognizable of the Jeep was the front seat area. The rest was compressed...totally flattened by the huge tree. "Omigod," she whispered. A chill swept over her body, not unlike the finger of death. "Man...all because I undid that seatbelt and fished for the stupid map. What a idiot!" Her eyes came upon the backpack, partially under the twisted seat. She freed the sack and climbed out of the cabin, rejoining the group by the fire.

She sat with a satisfied grin on her face and began searching the interior of the bag. Sam was staring quizzically at her lover. ‘What in Hades are you looking for?"

Xena couldn’t resist a guess, "I bet it’s something to eat." Liz cut her blue eyes at the warrior and chimed, "Ding...wrrronng...still your turn."

"I bet I know what it is. A present for Sam, right Liz?" Gabrielle was certain this was the answer.

"Nope...well not exactly." Liz finally pulled a small blue box from the bag. Sam’s eyes went wide and her mouth dropped open. "Liiiizzzz...what is that?"

Liz looked at the box and then the green of Sam’s eyes. "It was going to be something to join us in a lifelong commitment, but now it will serve to remind us of one another." She turned the box toward Sam and opened the lid.

For a moment, no one said a word. All were gazing on the contents, the firelight reflecting off the objects. Sam gasped and put a hand to her mouth, the tears already forming in her eyes.

"Oh...Liz, they’re beautiful."

Gabrielle reached over toward the box. "May I?" Liz nodded and the bard held the treasure up to her eyes. "Look, Xena, the rings have your chakram’s design on them. Amazing."

Even the warrior was moved. "Yes...very beautiful." Xena took the box from Gabrielle and peered at the detail of the etching. "Nice work...well made." She handed the ringbox back to Liz.

Sam was still in shock, "But...when...I never knew..."

Liz smiled, "Of course you didn’t know. It wouldn’t be a surprise if you knew. I had them made about six months ago...just in case someday you might want to marry me." She reached toward Sam’s face and caressed it. "I did good, didn’t I?" Sam threw her arms around Liz’s neck. Quietly, she uttered, "Yes, you did good."

Gabrielle held on to the woman next to her. "Oh, Xena this is soo romantic." She raised her eyes toward Xena’s face. "I think it’s a very good idea, don’t you?"

The warrior raised that eyebrow and winked at the bard. "We’ll see."

"So that’s why you came here. To get married?" Gabrielle was in her forty-question mode.

Sam explained. "Well, legally we can’t get married, but we were going to have a commitment ceremony. Just the two of us, under the winter sky, with the whole universe as witness. Now you two can be our witnesses...that is, if you want."

Xena smiled warmly, "You just try to stop us. It’s going to be a perfect night. Gabrielle and I would be honored to stand with you."

"Yes, honored. What do we need to do?", the bard asked.

Liz looked at the sky. "Nothing...just wait for the heavens to decorate the sky on this Solstice Eve. We’ll do the rest." Liz couldn’t help but think about the traditional holiday eve get together. She wondered if Roger and Randi would have it anyway. She hoped so.

Continued...Part 5

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