Notes: The characters from Forever Knight belong to Sony Tri-Star. The characters from Xena Warrior Princess belong to StudiosUSA and Renaissance Studios. The characters from Mutant X belong to Marvel and Tribune. The characters from Smallville belong to DC Comics and the WB. The characters from Andromeda belong to their copyright holders. J. R. R Tolkien wrote about Aragorn and The Lord of the Rings. All other characters are fictitious and belong to me.

"Sara Smile" was sung by Daryl Hall and John Oates and can be found on several of their albums. Most recently it appeared on their "Legacies" 3 CD set. (The lyrics are from Song365.com.)

"Angels Calling" was sung by Laura Branigan on the "Touch" CD.

"Holly Holy" was written by and sung by Neil Diamond. Most recently, it appeared on his "Greatest Hits 1966-1992" CD.

"Whatever It Takes" was co-written and sung by Amy Grant on the "House of Love" CD.

The poem, "To Those Who Have Helped Me" (Byron's Poem) is my work.

Thanks to Emily and Jarvinia for their beta comments.  Thanks also to Kathryn and Akasha for the info on Lana.

Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com.

Introduction [Amazon Lands, c. 84 AD]

Gabrielle, Bard-Queen of the Amazons, writes...

At midsummer's eve, our friends' planning came to fruition. Right after David and Angela assumed the thrones of Ruthwen, the double wedding between Clark, Lana, Chloe, and Lex would take place. For us all, these events held a special significance, especially in light of recent events.

Chapter 1 [New Sanctuary]

Adam stood at the computer console overlooking the Dojo. As with most Saturdays, the new mutant students practiced with their abilities, working out the bugs in their control in the process. The computers recorded every motion and nuance of activity.

Beside him, Emma watched the monitors and observed the students' progress. For the most part, the students' confidence in using their abilities even under the most stressful of circumstances made her feel good about them. They're really working well as a team. "Great going, guys," she complimented. "Keep it up."

"Thanks," Mika sighed, wiping her brow off and passing the word along to Martin and Paula in their animal forms.

"I know it's not real, but it sure felt like it," Sebastian sighed. "Those flames felt hot enough."

"That's the idea," Adam replied, making sure that the safeguards were now on. "You all did great. You especially, Lex."

The billionaire descended the stairs from the raised platform. "That was an intense workout, I must say."

"Hey, Luthor, this ain't your health club," Chloe cracked, throwing a terry cloth white towel at him.

"I noticed." He smirked. "My country club never would've let you in, Sullivan. Press pass not allowed."

"Let them try and stop me," the Hazel Fury retorted, drinking from a cup of ice water.

"Besides, you would have given them all cancer," he continued, giving her a hug.

"And you aren't afraid of that, Luthor?" she asked.

"I've already been exposed. I've lost my hair and gained earthquake powers. And then, there's always the question of your charming personality," he gibed.

"And what is it about my personality?" she wondered, tossing a white terry cloth towel at him.

"You're...well fiery," he responded, kissing her on the cheek. "Don't change." His eyes shone warmly on her.

"Nice save, Lex," Clark laughed, walking over to them.

"I specialize in them."

The alien student grinned. "Yeah well, I can see that."

"You might want to take a few notes, Clark," Chloe cracked.

"He already has the consideration thing under control," Lana assured her from where she had watched their latest test. "That was never the problem. Now, keeping secrets...that was a serious issue."

"As always, Lana, you are the mistress of the understatement," Lex chuckled. "Clark's secret nearly tore Smallville apart."

"Guys, it wasn't that bad," the farm boy sighed with embarrassment.

"Depends on where you're standing," his fiancée informed him. "Still, it's nice to know we won't be having that problem anymore."

"Right," he agreed, glad to be wriggling off that hook.

"Lex, cut it out," Mika declared. "We don't want to be picking fights this close to the wedding, do we?"

"Chill out, Mika," Clark soothed. "Lex is just being Lex. Come on, I think lunch should be ready in a few minutes."

The other new mutants eagerly followed his lead, walking out of the training facility toward the dining area.

Chapter 2 [Campus, Tucson]

Dave hurried across campus, trying to make his next appointment. Since returning from ancient Greece, he had backed off from work, trying to pay close attention to his wife. Then the business related to his new role as Ruthwen's king pulled at him too. Although largely ceremonial, the council decisions required him to be there weekly and to spend hours preparing for those sessions. As he did so, the balance between work and home strained both sides. Thank God it's still summer. I don't know what I'd do with a full slate of classes and research right now.

Passing through the library's front door, he walked up the stairs and through the door to the dean's suite. "Hi, Sue-Anne, how's everything?"

"Fine, David, and you? How's Angie doing?" the receptionist asked.

"She's okay and already back at work," he replied, looking around anxiously. "You know about those miraculous recoveries."

Sue-Anne glanced skeptically at him. If it were anyone else, I'd think he was going nuts. "Dr. Sommers is ready to see you. Thanks for stopping by and saying hi."

He nodded and walked into Caitlin's office. "Hi, Caitlin. I got your call. What's up?"

Caitlin walked over to the door, closing it behind him. "Oh...just some odds and ends. Please take a seat. First, I wanted to ask how everything's going."

"Fine. Angie, Eve, and Francesca are doing all right. I'm hanging in there," he assured her.

"I'm glad to hear that. Losing their services would have been a real hardship for us all," she told him, pouring herself a cup of coffee. "Would you like a cup of tea or some of this?"

"A cup of hot water would be great. Thanks," he accepted, taking a small circular tin from his pocket.

She poured the cup and handed it to him. After he put the tea bag in, she inquired, "Cherry today? We are stressed, aren't we?"

"No more than usual. Why?" He looked at her curiously, wondering where this conversation was going.

She chuckled. "Come on, David, this is me you're talking to. What's going on? Are the students all right?"

"They're fine. In fact, four of them are getting married next week," he told her. "I have a lot of other things on my plate right now."

"Well, Angie and the others aren't made of glass, David. Life's full of tests. You just seem to have more than the rest of us. Okay, we've covered family, friends, and students. What else is there? Perhaps that situation over at the UMC and Social Sciences?" she pointed out.

"From what I understand, His Darkness has a new toy to play with," he agreed. "No, I can control that...I think. There's something else actually. I...umm...I have a new set of responsibilities to go along with everything else now."

Her left eyebrow arched. "New set of responsibilities?"

"While I was dealing with the last mess, I found out that I...am a king too," he admitted.

"A king? Now you've lost it," she scoffed.

"Seriously, Caitlin. You can ask Adam. He was there when I found out. Seems as if I'm the real version of Tolkien's Aragorn character. Exile struggling to discover his role in the world outside, only to find out he's the real heir for the inner one."

"Is this place like the one where your sister and daughter are?" she inquired.

"Sort of. Anyhow, it's a largely ceremonial deal for now. I have a regent dealing with day to day stuff with the understanding that I'll be there for big decisions and emergencies."

"And where does that leave you vis-à-vis your teaching?" she asked, not believing what she was hearing.

"This is still my main thing," he told her. "The Community of Tolerance requires me to be here, as do the larger student body. And there's the matter of the Child. I don't know what prolonged trips away from here, especially to there will do to him. The Dark Lands are close to the kingdom."

"Where those troll-things are from, right?" she guessed, shuddering. He's right. With that much darkness close by, it could make him worse. "Just be careful. All right? Whatever you decide to do, we're all behind you, but consider all of the options."

"I will," he promised, pulling out his files. "Now, onto business."

Taking the cue, she sat back behind the desk to begin the discussion's next phase.

Chapter 3 [UMC]

Angie plodded out of a patient's room on the fifth floor of the UMC, heading for her office. As with Dave, her week had proven especially difficult. Bad enough Dave's treating me like a China doll, but so is everyone else! She shook her head as she sat down behind her desk and looked at her charts. It's hard to believe that I really died a week ago though. And then, there's that queen thing in Ruthwen. I still don't get that.

"Everything okay, Angela?" Dr. Fishburne asked from the hall.

"Yes, sir. Thank you," she replied, trying to keep her tone cordial.

"Is everything all right?" he inquired, stepping into the room and closing the door.

She glanced at him anxiously. When he gets like this, there's no making him back down. "Well, I'm still dealing with my near death experience. It was eye-opening to say the least."

He nodded. "For all of us, Angela. We realized just how big an asset you are."

"To the UMC or in keeping Dave under control?" she responded wryly.

"Honestly-in both senses," he admitted, shuddering as he recalled the near miss by Lori's desk. "I'm grateful that Karen Montoya was there. He lost it."

"And yet the building's still here. Where my husband's concerned, that's no mean feat," she retorted, taking a sip from her lukewarm coffee. "Look, Dr. Fishburne, I'm really sorry for that scene out there. I don't know why I had that heart attack. It just happened." Still, he's right. Given what happened on the main campus, we should count ourselves lucky that Karen and Cybelle were here.

"I know. As long as we left you alone, he didn't do anything that bad," he reassured her. Considering who it is we're talking about, we should be grateful for small favors. "I heard there was another standoff on the main campus."

"Lydia told me about that as well. I can't believe that Eve, Francesca, and I all went at the same time," she fibbed. Actually, I can-considering that we're linked to Xena and Gabrielle.

"I approved your vacation leave for next week, Angela, but why don't you take off early?" he offered. "Belinda can handle your cases since you're all caught up."

"And if I don't do so, it'll become an order, right?" she sighed.

"Right."

"Okay. I can always spend more time with the girls," she relented. "Just let me get this review out."

"Fine. We'll see you the week after next," he concluded, watching her stuff the just-completed piece in an envelope. "I'll make sure that this gets in today's mail," he said, heading toward Lori's desk.

"I guess I should be thankful," she muttered, throwing her coat on. "Still, I would feel better if I were working or doing something. Maybe Dave will want to get away this weekend."

"There's an idea," Karen's voice chimed in from outside. The nurse stuck her head in the door. "I was heading out. Hey, Mike bought more steak than we can handle tonight. Do you think Dave can bring the grill out?"

Angie grinned as she locked her door. "I think we can twist his arm. He was talking about doing something like that this weekend. Come over about sixish, all right?"

"Count on it," the nurse agreed as they got in the elevator and rode it to the ground floor. "See you then." With that, she headed across the lot to her Pathfinder.

As she threw her stuff in the car, Angie looked up at the sun-drenched sky, thinking, It's a nice day. Heck, I might as well walk over to the library. Locking the car's door again, she headed toward the Speedway underpass and the main campus.

****

Ten minutes later, the oncologist strolled into Caitlin's reception area. "Hi, Sue-Anne," she greeted.

"Good afternoon, Angie. David and Dr. Sommers are just wrapping up," Sue-Anne responded cheerfully. "Are you feeling better?"

"Much better. Thanks," Angie replied. "I'm really sorry that I scared everyone like that."

"It wasn't your fault, although I hear David had quite the reaction to it," the receptionist noted, suppressing a shudder.

Killing several gods in public will do that. I'm still thankful that Nick kept a lid on everything. "I don't think we'll ever get the full story on that...thank goodness," the doctor replied, trying to remain calm.

At that moment, the object of her worrying stepped out of Caitlin's office. "Thanks, Caitlin," Dave expressed.

"You're quite welcome," the Dean's voice chimed back.

He walked over to his wife's side. "Hey, Princess. How was your day?"

"Okay, I guess," she sighed. "Other than Dr. Fishburne "advising" me to take a week off, I'm great."

I knew that would happen. The trick now is to occupy her with the wedding plans. Maybe I can see what the Kents can do. "Come on. I promise some great BBQ. No sense in fretting over something you can't control, right?"

"I guess," the oncologist conceded glumly. "All right, the others are waiting for us."

He rubbed her shoulder as they headed toward Speedway.

Chapter 4

[Hall's End, Ruthwen-The Next Day]

Dave and Angie strolled into the citadel's banquet room. Even undecorated, the area could awe anyone with its massive fireplace, hickory and oaken walls, and a roof similar to those in Gothic cathedrals.

"It's hard to believe we're in charge of this place," she said.

"We are, Princess. Hey, it took me by surprise too," he replied, hugging her shoulders. "You are a queen now--in fact as well as in name."

"But how are we going to handle this and our other responsibilities? What if something happens to Ferali?" she worried.

"Nothing's going to happen to me for a long time," the gnome assured her, entering the chamber. "As long as your duties continue on Outer Earth, I am content to serve as regent."

Dave smiled warmly at his honor brother. "We appreciate that, Ferali. Those council meetings are something else."

The pint-sized warrior grinned. "I told you so, didn't I?"

"You did," Dave admitted. Changing the subject, he asked, "So, how go the preparations for our banquet?"

She stared at them. "Banquet?"

"Right. The wedding banquet," Ferali replied. "Everything proceeds along as we discussed in the council. By Friday next, we'll have a party that will match your affair from a generation ago and surpass all others!"

"We're having the wedding banquet here?" she asked incredulously.

"Can you think of a better place?" her husband inquired. "Look, Angie. Jonathan and Martha don't have a lot of extra money. Neither do Gabe Sullivan, Nell Potter, or Henry Small. I've already discussed this plan with Jonathan, Martha, and Gabe. They're happy that we can host it here."

"The Faerie Empress has decreed that the wedding will take place in her cathedral," Ferali added.

"She's helping us too?" Angie sighed happily, recalling their own special day. "The kids are in for a special treat."

"Wait'll you see what we offer for the honeymoon," Dave added.

"I hope we can visit Grandpa Alex at that point. They'll love the manor," she pointed out.

"And Nick's volunteered his ancestral castle in Brabant as well. I think Lex has rented a beach house on the Riviera during that week too," Dave noted.

"They do need their time alone, Dearest," she laughed, her giggling sounding like the gentle ringing of a bell.

"And so do we," he murmured in her ear.

"Whose honeymoon is this?" she teased.

"Theirs, but there's no reason why we can't get intimate too," he suggested. "Lex insisted we go along. We get our privacy and they get theirs. No problems. No crises. If your grandfather agrees, we can let him visit with the twins during that time."

Her smile broadened as she thought of their honeymoon. He does have a point and it would make Grandpa Alex happy to spend a week with the girls. "If he agrees, it would be fine with me."

It does my heart good to see them like that. Happy moments are so rare for them. Let's hope this bliss lasts for a while yet. Ferali smirked. "As I said, Angela, everything's taken care of."

She sighed, conceding the point. For once, it's so good to hear those words. After all that we've been through since last summer, I hope this is an affair to remember. Angie, trust in Dave when he says it will be.

****

[Crystal Cathedral, Faerie Lands]

Cybelle surveyed the grand structure, walking around to take in every facet. The building easily blew away any of its European counterparts on Outer Earth in terms of sheer size and grandeur. Although its transparent walls allowed the sunlight in, the facility was quite sturdy. The sisters had placed row upon row of seats in neat formation before the dais. On that platform, the ceremony would take place.

It seems like yesterday that Dave and Angie were married here. It's hard to believe that fifteen years have passed since that day. Her mind flashed back to the pageantry associated with the last ceremony here. At that time, she was only a simple priestess not yet in line to her current position. Relieved of her duties for the day, she was a part of Angie's bridal party. That was some event.

"And this one will be as well, Cybelle," the Faerie Empress assured her.

The high priestess spun and kneeled to the elf-queen. "Milady."

"Rise, Cybelle," the Empress advised. "I trust the cathedral is still to your liking?"

"Of course. I have always loved this place," Cybelle replied earnestly. "I hope our preparations do it justice."

"I'm sure they will. Even now, the sisters hunt for blossoms in the groves beyond. Ferali and Grimwilkin have assured me that the reception matters are settled. And David has secured Anthony Samuelsohn to serve as minister again. Has he not?"

"Brother Tony was all too glad to help us again. I don't mean to be forward, but will your elves be assisting the brides as you did for Angela?"

The Empress nodded warmly. "That's a fair question, Cybelle. Yes, given the importance of this wedding for us all, Lana and Chloe will be coming here to prepare. If you will excuse me, however, I must prepare for a trip to the Outer World. I go to reassure the Kents that everything is in order. Would you care to accompany me?"

"Of course," the High Priestess accepted. "Allow me." She opened a mist portal to the realm beyond.

"Thank you, Cybelle."

After the Empress had stepped through, the High Priestess closed the gate behind them, leaving the cathedral empty once more.

Onto the next part