Xena

The cold night is accompanied by chirping crickets. A few birds land curiously on the creaking branches, trying to catch a glimpse of the young rider penetrating their forest. A thousand stars twinkle around the full blue moon. It is the first time in eighteen years that a blue moon has once again shined over the dark land. All nocturnal animals seem charged by its cold blue light. A gentle gust of wind that slowly transforms into a whisper breaks the silent night...

"Alana... Alana..." Weary Alana answers unintelligibly. The silk sheets whisper gently as she turns. "Alana" resounds one more time. Blowing, Alana opens her eyes and stares into Margareth's warm face. "Mother?" The young woman smiles with satisfaction. "Alana my sweetheart" she greets. Lovingly, she embraces Alana. "Mother..." Alana begins, but Margareth interrupts her. She strokes the hair from Alana's bloody head wound. "Everything will be fine sweetie" whispers Margareth. "My little girl." "Happy birthday" congratulates Margareth. Alana sniffs. She places her arms around the woman. "I miss you so much" she whispers. "I'm sorry I lied to Alana. But I had no choice. The warmth that Margareth radiated earlier had been exchanged for a chill breeze.

I couldn't admit I was living with a monster." Alana looks up confused." Mother what"... "Stop calling me that" Mother yells viciously and slaps Alana on the jaw. "This is not real" Alana whispers in shock and walks back. "This is his job!" "Do you know how hard it was to pretend I was a mother?" "A mother," Alana asks incomprehensibly. "Katinka her real one was long dead, thanks to you. This is your fault" she yelled viciously. Blood seeps from her eyes and mouth. "No" Alana whispers and walks back. "Alana, don't you see child... you are destined to step into his shoes. Just like your mother... dark." "No" Alana hissed. Tears ran down her cheeks as she walked backward. The room around her shakes dangerously. "Alana" cries Mother hopelessly and extends her hand. "Don't leave me behind Alana" she cries, as bloody marks appear on her neck. "No" Alana yells loudly and falls through the broken window. Alana desperately tries to grab hold of the fluttering curtains. Alana wakes up screaming. "Ah" she moans and lifts her hand. Fresh blood adorns her palm. Whining, she removes the shards of glass. "Alana" hisses Daydream. "What?" Alana asks, confused. Daydream hastily stands up. "We must leave," he says. Alana looked at the child hiding behind a thick tree. Her heart pounds in her chest while she observes the young girl. She is afraid to trust anyone again, but on the other hand... this is a child. "Alana.. This child might be lost." Alana swallows. He is right. And lost children... That is the worst. "Don't think about it, Alana. You are too kind!" Alana scoffs. "Don't be afraid... Come closer, little one. Are you lost?" The young girl slowly stepped from behind the tree. Alana looked at the child. Her blond hair was tied into two space buns. Each dot was decorated with a bright blue flower. On her forehead is a darkblue shawl with a little flower pattern tied. A few hair strands out of it on her narrow face. She wears a white blouse, tucked into a bright blue long skirt. On her stomach rests a brown leather belt that holds the same kind of shawl as on her head around her hips. Golden bells adorn the edges of the shawl. She has no shoes on her feet but around her ankles are two golden bracelets. Her bare feet are covered in sand and dirt.

"Are you okay?" The girl her bright blue eyes are pointed at Daydream. "Where is your mother? Or father?" The girl swallows. "I'm lost" she eventually says. "Well, where do you live?" The young girl points her finger. Alana chuckles. "You hungry," she asks. Greedily, the child nods. "What is your name?" "Luna" she says. "Well Luna, I have an apple. You want it?" Careful Luna walks closer to the stranger. "We need to bring this girl home, Daydream." she thinks. " I don't trust it, Alana... It could be another trap. You are too good, to trusting... To kind." Alana swallows. She knows he is right. But what if it isn't? She cannot leave a child just like this. "I'm bringing her home and that's it." "This is why you are my rider." Alana smiles. "Where do you live?" "I live in Gül." the girl answers. Alana swallows. She hadn't heard of this town yet. "Is it far?" "Two-hour riding" Alana swallowed. "How did you get here, alone?" "The bandits came, they took my father and my mother told me to run. I ran the whole night." Alana her stomach turns. "I'll take you home" she says. Luna grins wide. "Really?!" Happy she slams her arms around Alana her stomach and laughs. Alana chuckles and hugs the child back. "Thank you" Luna repeats over and over again. Alana rubs the girl her long hair. "Come one" she says and helps the child on Daydream his back.

While Luna keeps chatting about her mother, her father, and her home, Daydream makes its way to the mysterious village Gül. She talks about her pet frog and the stork that came out of nothing on her roof. Her dream about dragons and even her attempt to tame a lion. This young girl reminds Alana a lot of herself... A way younger version of herself, of course.

Happy to find her way home, Luna points Daydream in the right direction. Overwhelmed that Alana gives the reins to her, she keeps grinning.

"There," the girl shouts all of sudden. Alana looks at the little town which is located in the basin of the river. Surrounded by a two-meter-high iron wall, with creepers scattered here and there that flee between the black bars, the place gives her the creeps. A big iron fence stands open, not welcoming but allowing everyone to enter. And most important... leave.

Along the cobblestone path that leads to the gate, tombstones adorn left and right between the tall grass. Some are warped by the many years of oblivion while others look recent. A high black lantern post shines over the weeds, growing between the fence and the gate. Alana swallows. "You live here," she asks. "The first house on the right", Luna says happy. "Alana, I do not want to go in here... I feel a strong and evil force here." "We must bring the girl home." Alana swallows and urges Daydream further. While Luna's excitement only grows, Alana starts to feel more and more like she should run as fast as possible. "There," Luna shouts and almost doesn't wait for Alana. Alana hastily slides from Daydream his back and helps Luna off. Luna runs as fast as her little legs can carry her towards a small wooden cabin. The house, formed from the old roots of a fallen tree, is lit by two candles. A silver symbol consisting of three circles adorns the wooden door, which rests crookedly on its hinges. Alana once saw this symbol in a book... It's a witch symbol! The symbol stands for luck. Is this girl a witch's child?

A young woman races out of the house. She looks so much like her daughter. She has the same blonde hair, carefully put together in a half top knot. Around the knot rests a sunflower. Her hair is held out of her diamond-shaped face with a forest green shawl. Her close-set blue eyes are decorated with dark blue and black ink. Her thick heart shaped lips are painted in a dark pink color. All over her chai colored skin are symbols painted with royal blue ink. In her small rounder ears she wears long golden earrings with navy blue pearls. Around her slender neck rests a matching thick necklace. Her full hourglass body is dressed in a white blouse with an open boat neck neckline, open shoulders, and short sleeves. Over her full breasts, an open leather jacket without sleeves. The laces are sloppily tied around her round breasts. She wears a long white skirt with a deep V cut and a shawl that matches her daughters over her hips. On her feet, she wears leather boots with long spiky heels. Around her wrists are golden jewels with bells. Alana looks at how the woman cryingly hugs her daughter. "Luna" the woman shouts.

"Wait" the mother shouts. "You brought Luna home. For that, I give you my eternal gratitude." Alana nods. "It is okay." "Please, at least let me make you some dinner." Alana swallows. Dinner sounds good at the end. The woman smiles. "I'm Destiny," she says and holds Alana her hand. Alana swallows when Hate his mark appears out of her sleeve. It looks like Destiny didn't spot it. Relieved she follows her inside the humble home. "I love how natural this place is" Alana says for being friendly. The house is designed to look like the inside of a tree. Or maybe it is just a tree, nothing else. Destiny smiles and puts on a kettle. "Luna, go play in your room" she orders. Luna nods and runs up the small stairs. "I am so grateful, I didn't know Luna would go that far... And I was afraid I would never see her again." Alana smiles soft. "I cannot leave a child on her own" she says and accepts the cup. Destiny smiles softly. "I do not know how I can repay you." "You don't have too" Alana smiles. She burns her tongue on the hot Thea.

Destiny chuckles. "Sorry" she says. Alana grins. "If you don't mind me asking, you are a witch?" "A fortune teller" Destiny corrects. "I'm sorry" Alana whispers. Destiny shakes her head. "I can predict your future if you want?" Alana swallows. "I'm not sure that my future is something worth telling. Destiny smiles. A strange look appears in her bright eyes when she takes Alana her hand.

"I can see you come from very far. You are a long time on the road... You are running. From your father. I can see your future, your past, and things that might be. And I see a lot of violence, pain, and sorrow, but also happiness. A love that will grow if you don't ignore it. I see an unlikely friendship... And a dragon. His fire will end everything you've been holding onto." Alana swallows. "I don't understand" she answers. "I see death, coming closer with every day." "I don't...who?" "I cannot foretell. All I know is that it will happen. And a boy... He is waiting for you. You will save him." Alana swallows. Does she mean Rodehanthe?

"I'm sorry, I can only see images. And not full stories." Alana shook her head. "It is okay. I should go anyway." "Drink", Destiny orders and stands up. "I mean... You haven't drunk your tea yet." Alana nods. "Forgive me." She hastily takes the cup and takes a big gulf. "What is that? Mint? Apples?

She looks at Destiny. Destiny smiles softly. ""Reverie Salen Lyth". "Little one," he whispers. "What... have you done?" Alana stammers softly and places her hand on her heavy head. Her gaze dims softly. "Who are you?" Alana whispers.

Hate walks into the cell whistling. Faylinn looks up and stares at Hate, broken. Blood runs from the head wound again as she squeezes her eyes into the light. "It was Faylinn right", he smiles and feels the strong chains around her wrists. Angrily, Faylinn looks at Hate." Apparently, you knew me" he asks mockingly. Faylinn doesn't answer. Hate smiles and grabs her hair. Brutally, he drags her head up and bites her neck wound open again. Grunting, she tries to defend herself. "I knew your grandfather" Hate begins with a smile and rubs the blood from his lip. "But in the end, I killed him" he mocks. "Monster" hisses Faylinn viciously. Hate smiles. "Speak," he orders. Faylinn shudders as he rubs her chin. "No" she begs softly as he slides his hand to her chest. "If you don't want to lose those beautiful eyes, I suggest you start talking" Hate whispers.

Faylinn stares deep into his dark eyes. "Obviously you don't remember, typical for psychopaths" she hisses. Hate laughs and gently squeezes her nipples. Faylinn lets out a haunted cry at which Hate chuckles. "Refresh my memory" he mocks and places his other hand on her hip. Faylinn shudders under his touch. "Our village" she whispers when he bites her neck open again. "That filthy ghost town," he asks with a laugh. "It wasn't always like this. It was once lively and cozy, full of warm people." "Let me guess, you think I'm responsible for it" he mocks and rubs her breast with a vicious smile. Faylinn pulls hopelessly at the chains and bites back the tears. "You destroyed everything" she exclaims. "I hear that often," he laughs. Faylinn growls annoyed. "Do that again" whispers Hate and kisses her neck. He carefully licks the blood from her wound. Faylinn closes her eyes. "Come on tell me". He smiles. Faylinn shudders. "What do you want to hear? You took everything from me." Hate smiles amused. "Not everything" he laughs and leans against the girl. "No" she yells anxiously and tries to escape. "No, please. Hate" she squeaks and tries hopelessly to slip out of the chains. Hate smiles and undoes her belt. "You should know that this really turns me on," he whispers and continues; "you say everything. I will take everything, but really everything from you. Except for your life. You can't escape from it that easily" he smiles and strokes her nipple. "No," Faylinn begs, crying. Hate penetrates her and grins as she whimpers. "Now I have taken everything away", he laughs and rests his head on her shoulder. Faylinn lets out a short cry as he pushes on, blowing. "Stop" she begs crying. "Oh dear, I've only just started", he laughs and quickens his movements.

Faylinn lets out an anguished moan and closes her eyes. She sobs hopelessly when he unties her again." I know what to do with you" he mocks and turns around. "My Lord," Greed hastily interrupts and whispers in Hate's ear. Hate smiles viciously and pushes Faylinn towards Greed. "That will have to wait a little longer" Hate jokes and disappears.

Moaning, Alana lifts her heavy head and opens her eyes slowly. "What the hell happened?" she moans confusedly." Thick ropes hold her wrists tightly on the red cloth chair.

Deep in thought, she gazes through the glass-domed roof. A thousand stars twinkle in the dark sky.

Her slender body is dressed in a long black silk dress. The wavy sleeves cover the mark from Hate. Her necklace is hidden under the U-shaped collard that makes her round breast come out fuller. A golden belt rests around her waist. Not understanding who changed her clothes or why she licks her pink lips.

Worried, Alana looked at the marble floor. Right in the middle of the spacious room, a diamond crescent moon adorns the floor. Already looking for a way out and wondering where she is, she lets her gaze wander around the room.

She looks at the diamond-shaped doorway. A bearded dragon rests between two wall shelves, decorated with glass spice jars and thick books. The thick stump below him is fastened to the light silver wall. A luxury bed rests at the back of the room. His white curtains match the silver wood. Why is everything white or silver? A pentagram star adorns the left wall. His lines were carefully finished with blood-red paint. Or is it blood for real? Four leather bracelets are stuck against the wall, neatly organized on the centerpiece of the Witch star symbol.

Nervously she holds her breath when a yellow python creeps menacingly along her ankles.

"Aw he doesn't do anything" a soft voice suddenly soothes. Alana looked up at the young woman in surprise. She slowly entered the room from the wide doorway. The silver beaded curtain rattles as she steps cautiously over to Alana.

The woman, her long white hair flows next to her diamond-shaped face, giving her milk-colored skin a pale look. Her high arched eyebrows are black. Her deep-set eyes are bright blue, almost white. On her button-shaped nose, she wears a silver ring. Right in the middle of her nose bone. Her plump heart-shaped lips are painted dark red with ink. Matching the ink around her eyes. Her slender neat hourglass shaped body is dressed in a long black dress with a deep scoop neckline. Around her neck, he wears a dark cape that is a bit too long. It sweeps over the floor with every step she takes. One amulet, shaped like a ram's head with a bright white stone right between its horns hangs around her neck. Her revealed arms are decorated with diverse drawings and symbols, painted onto her skin with black paint. Around her wrists, she wears long silver bracelets. They almost look like thick cuffs. Her hands and fingers are decorated with silver rings, each with their own colored stone and silver little chains that lead towards her bracelets. Her long nails end in a point and, as a surprise... silver colored. Her legs are decorated with ink just like her legs. Her high black boots that just reach her knees have a sharp high glass heel. In her ears dangle two silver long earrings with midnight blue diamonds. On her head she wears a silver tiara, decorated with a diamond moon and stars. The point of the crown ends on her forehead.

"I'm sorry for the deceptive encounter" she smiles and runs her index finger adorned with an onyx ring over Alana's jaw. Wryly she turns her head to the black cauldron. "I am Xena... Queen of witches," the woman proclaims. Alana's heart sank into her shoes.

Where is Daydream?" she asks weakly. "Safe" Xena laughs and takes a crystal ball from her silver case. "It feels weird talking to you, when you look so so much like her" smiles the witch." But you have his eyes. Those blue skies are his trademark", she laughs and strokes the corner of Alana's eye with her long fingernails. Alana swallows while tears moisten her eyes. "Oh, don't cry, I didn't mean badly" she whispers and takes out a handkerchief with which she wipes her eyes. "Where is... Daydream?" Alana asked again. "Don't be afraid, Unicorns are worshipped here. Nobody harms him. It's not poisoned," she winks and hands over a cup. "Drink, it's fruit juice. You look a bit sick." Alana slowly drinks from the cup. While she takes a sip, Xena strokes her hair away.

"Ah Hate" she greets, with a smile, and looks at the doorway in which he appears. "Just in time" she continues with a laugh. Hate smiles viciously and looks at Xena. "Did you have to be that rough with my boys?" "I can't help that they aren't the most... gifted" mocks Xena, to which Hate hangs his hands on Xena's neck. He gently kisses her cheek. "Happy birthday little one", he mocks and looks at Alana. So, he knows! Alana glares at Hate and spits the liquid into his eyes.

Hissing, Hate steps back as the juice lands in his eyes. "Oh you serpent" swears Xena and hastily jumps from her chair. Growling, Hate wipes his burning eyes. "Come here" soothes Xena and rubs Hate's eyes with a damp cloth. Alana uses the distraction to wring her hands free. Hastily, she crawls out of the chair and tries to get away from the dangerous duo.

Hates straightens himself and swears. He looks at Alana furiously. "Where do you think you're going?" he growls and throws the chair aside. Startled, Alana steps back and stumbles on the bed. Hate smiles meanly. Frightened, Alana crawls away from him across the fuzzy bed. He follows her in silence. "If it gets intimate, I'll leave" jokes Xena. When Hate doesn't respond, she nods. "That's obvious" she mumbles and leaves her own room.

Xena had become all too familiar with his silent signals. Alana trembles nervously and stares at the demonic creature in front of her. "What was the point?" he growls and pushes her flat on the bed. "Did you really think this would work?" he mocks, rubbing the inflamed tooth mark on her wrist. Hopelessly, Alana squeaks for oxygen. "Hate you are heavy" she coughs. Hate smiles. "That's what they say" he winks and lays himself better on top of her. "I know" she mumbles, coughing and is trying to wriggle out from under him. Hate smiles meanly. "Why do you think you can escape?" "Get off me," she begs softly. Hate looks deep into her eyes and rubs the hair out of her mouth. Slowly, he comes closer and whispers; "This is what you asked for". Alana closes her eyes as he bites her neck open again. With her free hand, she desperately tries to reach the heavy book, lying beside the bed. A soft click alarms him. He suddenly let go of her neck. "What are you trying to do", he smiles." This" smiles Alana and pushes her amulet once again on his forehead. Hissing Hate jumps backward, his skin is steaming and burning. "How in the hell" he groans and opens his eyes again, only to be met with a glass bowl that Alana smacked on his forehead. Hate growls after which it becomes dark before his eyes.

Growling, Hate sits up and wipes the shards of glass from him. "Here" whispers Xena and hands him a cup of blood. He mumbles something unintelligible and takes the cup, cursing. "Alana is gone. Hate growls softly and rubs his stiff neck. How could this happen? In a town full of witches. How could she just get away from him? What the hell does he have to do to get her? She had her mother's fighting spirit, which was clear, but soon enough that fighting spirit and that strength would run out. And then... then he will be ready "But this doesn't mean I can't make you happy" whispers Xena and takes the cup from his hand. Hastily, she sits on his lap and kisses his jaw. "Come on Hate don't be so mad, you'll get her. Let's have some fun now." Hate looks at her briefly and smiles viciously. Xena grins and pushes him down on the bed.