Twenty-Eighth Night

By Tiriel



Twenty-Eighth Night: Before the Show

The scene: The Royal Theater of the Twin Cities of Joxonia and Joxopolis.

The audience awaits the promised entertainment.

(Murmuring from the audience)

"Hey, you remember that Tiriel character?"

"I think so...she posted that sappy J/G series a while back and then vanished?"

"Yeah, and when we do see her she's always bitching about how much work she has to do and saying she has a story almost finished."

"Oh, yeah, her."

"Well, she's actually got a story done. A response to the Shakespearean Challenge. I heard that's why we're here tonight."

"Really? Let's hear it."

(The audience quiets as programs are distributed)

Programs are handed out to the audience containing the following text:

Twenty-Eighth Night

A comedy of Shipwreck, Mistaken Identity, and True Love.

By Tiriel


Characters aren't mine. The plot only kind of is. No harm intended, please don't sue. ("If we shadows have offended..." etc. etc.) Apologies to William Shakespeare, although I suspect if anyone was likely to support "borrowing" someone else's plot to meet your needs, it would've been him. And I promise someday to finish a story in which no one dreams. For the sake of simplicity, I've dispensed with Shakespearean language, and used description as well as dialogue. Liberties taken with geography, the plot of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, and whatever else I wanted to change. So there. Lots of same-sex sex ahead, so that would be an NC-17, but be patient, and this is my first completed same-sex story, so (wink) be gentle. Also includes foul language, bad jokes, cross-dressing (hey, it's Shakespeare, how could I avoid that one?) and some mild bondage. Comments, offers of marriage, rotten fruit from the groundlings (that's Shakespeare talk for "cheap seats") may all be thrown to Tiriel.

Thanks to my beta reader, Emerys9.

Feedback, please.

And now, on with the show.

Prologue: The Dreamer of the Dream



I should have known it was going to be this kind of a day, he thought as he hung from the remains of the rope bridge. Then the last rope snapped, and he fell. As he fell, he had time to notice that the distance felt even longer than it had looked from above. Then he hit bottom, and knew no more.


Act I



Scene 1 The Shipwreck-Evening

"I can't believe I'm on a boat with the two of you," Jett said as he stared off at the horizon. "If Dad weren't sick..."

"Yeah, yeah, we know," Jace said, flipping his long hair and mimicking Jett's posture. "You wouldn't be caught--dead or alive--with the two of us." Jace winked at his other brother, who was trying not to laugh at Jace's impression of Jett.

Jett turned toward Joxer just then. "Hey, are you laughing at me?"

"No, no," Joxer said quickly, "I was just thinking about the time when--"

"Just make sure you don't laugh at me. You know what happens when you laugh at me." Jett stepped toward Joxer threateningly.

"Hey, don't you guys think it's weird, our father the mighty warlord, and it looks like he's going to die in his bed? I'm just glad I was able to find the two of you to bring you home."

Whatever Jett and Joxer were going to say in response to Jace's comment on the irony of their father's illness, we'll never know, because just then the small ship they were on lurched with the impact of a giant wave. The brothers fought for their footing and realized that while they'd been arguing a storm had come upon them.

The crew dashed around them, fighting to keep the ship afloat. But the Mino was lost. The ship broke up in the storm, and the brothers were separated.




Scene 2 A Rocky Shore-Morning

Jett awoke to find himself on a rocky shoreline, still clinging to the debris he'd floated to shore with. He coughed, sat up, sneered at the properties of wet leather, and surveyed his surroundings.

"My useless brothers are probably dead, and I have no idea where I am," he said aloud. He saw no other living things on the shore. The rocky beach faded into a forest, and over the tops of the trees he could see the turrets of a castle.

"Ah, where there's a castle, there's always business for the King of Assassins," he said, and set off.




Scene 3 A Harbor-Morning

Jace awoke to find himself floating in a harbor, still clinging to the debris he'd floated to safety with. He coughed, paddled to the dock, and pulled himself from the water, aware of but ignoring the stares of strangers.

"Oh, I'm a wreck! I'm so lucky to have survived, but I hate what water does to my hair. And my brothers! They must not have made it! I was always the lucky one. And Dad! Oh, I've got to get home. Where am I?"

He sat down on the dock and buried his face in his hands.

"Don't cry, young lady."

Jace turned in the direction of the voice. An old man, juggling, was leading a group of brightly costumed entertainers past the docks. Jace stood, straightened his multicolored skirt, and walked over to him.

"Thank you, kind sir," he said, pitching his voice up, "I'm lost, shipwrecked. Could you tell me where I am?"

"The isle of Viola, of course! Where are you going?"

"My father lives near Athens. He's very ill. Can you tell me where I might find passage to Athens? My money was lost in the wreck."

"Why, we're going to Athens after the festival ends here. That's just a few more days. If you have talent, you could travel with us, perform to earn your keep. We have three dukes and a prince to visit before we leave."

"I can dance and sing," Jace said.

"Wonderful! One of our dancing girls just quit last week. Follow me, and we'll get you in costume," the juggler said with a smile.

Better and better, Jace thought as he joined the parade.




Scene 4 A Fishing Village-Morning

Joxer awoke to find himself on a sandy beach, still clinging to the debris he'd floated to shore with. He coughed, sat up, and surveyed his surroundings. He could see a small fishing village not far off. He stood, brushed off the sand, and began to walk slowly towards it.

"Joxer the Mighty, survivor of a shipwreck," he began to sing, and then realized that his brothers were nowhere to be seen. "They must not have survived. I'm alone." He shuddered and kept walking. "Dad wouldn't want to see me, anyway."

It was a short walk to the fishing village. When he got there, he could smell freshly cooked fish from a nearby inn. He started to walk towards it, but stopped. His money pouch was gone, probably lost in the ocean. He needed money.

But how can I earn some money? Nobody's ever been willing to pay to hear me sing, in fact, once I was offered money not to sing, but I'm sure that was a joke. My reputation probably hasn't spread to this far land, so challenging a local champion wouldn't be fair--he wouldn't know what he was getting into. And there's no chance of handouts from admiring citizens.

His armor clattered about him as he walked, and he remembered that once, a blacksmith had offered to buy his armor for scrap.

"I hate to do it, but even Joxer the Mighty has to eat," he said, and walked toward the telltale smoke that came from the smithy.


Act II



Scene 1 The Forest-Late Morning

Jett walked purposefully through the woods, silently cursing his brothers for dragging him along on that boat in the first place. Of course, they hadn't really dragged him. His father was an important man. There would be an inheritance for him, of that he was sure. I'm the only one of his children who's not a freak. But the inheritance will be there for me later. For now, I'll find out where I am.

"Ha-ha!"

Jett whirled in the direction of the voice, but it was too late. His feet whipped out from under him as the snare he'd stepped into pulled tight, lifting him into the air.




Scene 2 The Wardrobe Mistress' Room-Late Morning

The juggler led the troupe back to the inn where they were staying, and led Jace to the wardrobe mistress' room. Once they were inside, he leaned over and whispered, "Very clever of you to dress as a girl, young man. Sweet young thing like you, alone, this late in the Festival of Eros, wouldn't last long dressed as a man in these parts."

The look that accompanied the words made their meaning clear. Festival of Eros? Sounds interesting. I'll have to find out more. Jace smiled. "Call me...Jacie then. What kind of costume do your dancing girls wear? We have three dukes and a prince to visit."

As if on cue, the wardrobe mistress appeared from behind the rack of clothing and began to take Jace's measurements.

"Well, we've been working out this routine with black leather and a round hoop of sorts that the girls throw. We saw it performed by the Widow Twanky's company in Greece last year. They called it 'The Dance of the Warrior Princess' or something like that. Once you're in costume, you've got the rest of the day to practice before our first performance."




Scene 3 The Smithy-Late Morning

Joxer entered the smithy and looked around. The muscular man at the forge paused his work to look at him.

"Hi, I've um, lost all my money, and I was hoping I'd have something you'd want," Joxer said, unbuckling pieces of his armor. When he looked up, the blacksmith was staring at him hungrily. "Uh, could you use this metal? I hate to sell my armor, but..."

"The armor? Yeah, I could buy that, too," said the blacksmith in his gravely voice.

"Uh, just the armor. It's not that big of a deal, I guess," Joxer said.

The blacksmith looked disappointed, but agreed to pay Joxer for the metal. Coins in hand, Joxer walked back toward the smell of fish stew.




Scene 4 The Forest-Afternoon
Twenty-Fifth Day of the Festival of Eros

The dark-haired stranger jumped down from the tree he'd been perched in with a casual somersault, ran a finger along his mustache, and said, "Who are you, and what are you doing on the duke's land?"

Jett was humiliated enough by having walked into such a simple trap. He had no desire to stay and talk to this man. He pulled a knife from one of the many secret hiding places in his clothing, cut the rope holding him upside-down in the air, flipped over as he fell, and landed with his knife at the stranger's throat, all too swiftly for the other man to react.

Jett hissed into the man in green's ear. "Why don't you tell me who you are, where I am, and about this duke of yours. Is that his castle in the distance?"

"All right. This is the land of the handsome, clever, and all-around great Duke Autolycus. That is his castle, I am the King of Thieves, and I suggest that you look down."

Jett did glance downward, and saw that the other man had a knife pointed at his groin. Where did that come from? He felt himself becoming aroused by the thrill of danger and the proximity to the King of Thieves. "It's been a long time since I met someone this good," he said, and stepped back, lowering the knife.

"Right back at ya. So, assassin, as I said before, who are you and what are you doing on my duke's land?"

"I am no mere assassin, I am the King of Assassins," Jett said. "Where there's politics, there's always business for me. If your duke employs a thief, he must surely have enemies he'd like eliminated."

"As a matter of fact, I think he does. He's been vying with two other dukes for the hand of a handsome prince for quite some time now."

"Did you say prince? Not princess?"

"You're not from around here, are you? Let me show you how things are done on this island." The thief walked over to the assassin and pulled him into an embrace. Their lips met with almost bruising intensity.

"Want to find out just how good I am?"

Jett answered him with a kiss. They quickly shed their clothes, all of which clanked suspiciously when they hit the ground, and the thief dropped to his knees to take Jett's erection in his mouth.

Jett groaned and thrust forward. He let his head fall back and closed his eyes. Just when he thought he couldn't stay on his feet any longer, the thief reached up and slid a finger into Jett's mouth then trailed his hand down Jett's back. He pushed the moistened finger into Jett's tight entrance, and Jett came with a shout.

The thief wiped his mouth, and pulled Jett gently to his knees. Dazed by his orgasm, but aching to be filled, Jett knelt and turned, offering himself. He didn't have to ask twice. The thief rummaged in the pile of clothing, setting aside a grappling hook and lockpicks before coming up with a vial of oil. Then he felt the thief's slick fingers, one, then two, and then the fingers were gone, and he gasped as he was entered--slowly, carefully, the pain turning to pleasure as his muscles relaxed and his cock hardened again, sooner than he would have thought it would. The thief began to move slowly.

"Ohh, hard! Fuck me hard!" Jett pleaded a tiny part of his mind shocked at the effect this man was having on him.

The thief again didn't need to be asked twice. The King of Thieves pounded into the King of Assassins. It felt like they were joined more deeply than either had thought possible with every thrust. Finally, they achieved a delirious release together. Panting from the exertion, they collapsed on the ground next to each other, and Jett dropped into a sound sleep.




Scene 5 The Inn-Late Morning
Twenty-Fifth Day of the Festival of Eros

Joxer walked into the inn, and up to the bar. "Some of that fish stew I smell, please." He dropped a few coins on the bar and paused. Every man in the place was staring at him. My fame must have reached these parts after all, he thought.

"Yes, good people, it's true. I am Joxer the Mighty."

"I bet you are," someone called from the back of the room.

Then a different voice came from another part of the room. "Need some company?"

Joxer looked around the room. Suddenly he felt very uncomfortable.

"Hey, I saw him first!"

"No, I did!"

Then the fighting began. Joxer was pulled from person to person, struggling just to stay on his feet as the brawl erupted around him.

Joxer saw a short, golden-haired man in front of him. He knocked out the man holding on to Joxer's arm, and put a gentle hand on Joxer's shoulder. "You'd better get out of here," he said, and dove into the fight with amazing agility.

Joxer used the confusion to his advantage and hurried out the door. His arm was grabbed again, and he was pulled into the alleyway next to the building. Bracing himself for a fight, he turned to see that it was a woman who had pulled him aside.

"Are you crazy going in there? It's festival!"

"Festival? What festival?"

"Oh, dear, you're really not from around here, are you? It's the Festival of Eros. One month of celebration that all the men on the island take part in. Many of us here enjoy the company of those of the same sex -- more than in other places, I'm told. But during festival, the men's desire increases day by day, until the month ends. There's a legend about how it started, but I don't remember the details. It's magic of the gods, though, that I know. Most of our people are better behaved than that, you picked a rough place to have lunch, but, still, it's assumed that a young man traveling alone during festival is looking for a partner. I could tell you didn't know what you were getting into, though. Those men all wanted to claim you before someone else beat them to it. New...faces are rare in these parts."

"Oh. I see. What can I do?"

"Well, you have two choices. This is the twenty-fifth day, the festival ends at midnight on the twenty-eighth day. Hide until it's over, or dress as a woman. I think you could pull it off with a wig and the right clothes."

"But what about the women? Won't they be just as bad as the men?"

"No, no. Our festival is later in the year. You're about my size. I just quit this dance troupe; I hated the costume. It should fit you. Follow me." She set off down the alleyway.

Joxer paused for a moment, then followed her. "Is there food where we're going?"

"Yeah, sure," she said, and laughed. "Come on! Before they find you!"


Act III



Scene 1 Leaving the Woods-Late Afternoon
Twenty-Fifth Day of the Festival of Eros

Jett woke up to find himself tied up. With very efficient knots, he discovered as he struggled. I should have spent more time learning to undo knots instead of cut them. His clothes and weapons were nowhere to be seen. The thief, the man who'd fucked him into a state of unconsciousness so deep that he hadn't even woken up when he was being bound, was sitting across from him, getting dressed.

"I knew I should've killed you!" Jett spat on the ground and looked defiantly at the thief. "And I will kill you later on, believe it."

"Ah, not so fast, my handsome friend. I'm too talented," the thief licked his lips, "to kill. Let me explain. I'll bring you back to the castle as my prisoner, then explain to the duke who you are. I have some influence with him, he'll surely release you, but I can't let a trespasser walk freely into the castle. Understand?"

"Can I at least have my clothes?"

"Yours? No, you'd be out of those ropes in a flash, I'm sure you have all kinds of sharpened buckles and the like. You're too valuable to allow you to escape. You can have a blanket to cover yourself with. You'll get your clothes and your toys back later, I promise."

Jett didn't like it, but despite his anger he was looking forward to spending more time alone with the King of Thieves. He took the blanket and followed the thief out of the woods.

It wasn't much farther to the castle. They reached the point where the woods met the castle wall, and the thief pressed a series of stones too quickly for Jett to note which they were. The castle wall opened. This entrance led to the rear courtyard, with no guards or passerby in sight, to Jett's relief. They continued to what looked like a service entrance. Inside, a woman stood guard. Something about her posture told Jett that she could be very dangerous.

"There you are. I'm glad you've returned. The entertainers are expected soon. And I see you caught a trespasser."

"I think I'll be occupied by then, Nebula, but enjoy it without me. Now, take this man to a guest chamber, let him bathe and give him suitable clothing, but do not let him out of your sight. He's very dangerous. When he's done, bring him to the duke's chamber. He will be questioned, but I suspect he'll become a guest instead of a prisoner."




Scene 2 Duke Autolycus' Castle-Evening
Twenty-Fifth Day of the Festival of Eros

"The duke is unable to attend the performance," said the woman who'd let Jace, the juggler, and the other entertainers into the castle, "but he asked that all scheduled events continue in his absence."

Jace had practiced with the dancers all afternoon. He was a quick study, and he performed the routine as well as if he'd been with the company from the beginning. They were paid well and sent on their way, never having seen the duke.

"Probably found himself a new lover," the juggler said with a wink. "You were wonderful, Jacie. Would you like to dance a solo at the next performance?"

"I'd love to! Where do we go next?"

"The prince is next on the list. The three dukes are vying for his hand, and word is he's seemed very annoyed by it lately. A good show might be just the thing to boost his spirits. We travel tomorrow, and perform tomorrow night."




Scene 3 On the Road-Early Evening
Twenty-Fifth Day of the Festival of Eros

"There, that should do it."

Joxer's rescuer had given him lunch, listened to his story, and found a long black wig for him to wear. The outfit from her dance troupe had indeed fit him.

I look like Jace, Joxer thought with a twinge of sorrow.

"Call yourself...Joxette, and stay in disguise until the festival is over. You'll do fine." With that, she sent him on his way, pointing him in the direction of the nearest town.

As Joxer walked, he whistled his song, but he kept thinking about the kind, golden-haired man who'd helped him escape the inn. He flushed as he remembered the gentle way the man had touched his cheek. I might not have minded so much if he'd won the fight over me.

Soon he reached the town. Where do I go next? I don't know anyone here. Then he caught sight of a blonde man in the crowd ahead of him. He followed not even certain if it was his protector, as the man entered the grounds of the duke's castle through a side entrance.

As the man walked toward the castle, the guards saluted him. He turned and saw Joxer following him. At that point, Joxer was certain that it was the same man. He walked back over to where Joxer was standing; the casual walk and posture he'd had before replaced by a regal, commanding air. Joxer couldn't decide which he found more attractive.

"Why were you following me, woman?"

He doesn't recognize me, Joxer thought.

"Um, er," Joxer stammered, barely remembering to pitch his voice so it would sound more like a girl's, "I'm lost. I was shipwrecked here."

"So you are a stranger here. That still doesn't explain why you were following me."

"I wasn't. I just saw the castle, I was curious."

"Well, curious shipwrecked lost woman, do you have a name?"

"Jox-Joxette. Who are you?"

"I am Duke Iolaus. Since you're so curious about castles, I have an errand you can run. I am striving to win the affections of the prince. This being festival, I can't entrust this errand to a man. Tonight there will be a place for you in the servant's quarters. Tomorrow, you will carry a letter to the prince for me and wait for his response. If you do that, perhaps there will be more work for you. We treat strangers well in my lands. Now, come with me and tell me about yourself, Joxette."




Scene 4 Duke Autolycus' Castle-Evening
Twenty-Fifth Day of the Festival of Eros

Jett had been kept away from his clothes. He'd been watched carefully while he bathed, then given only a silky robe to wear. I thought I was going to be given 'suitable clothing,' he thought with a sneer. Nebula led him to the duke's chamber. Very nicely decorated hallways. Perhaps the King of Thieves is as good a thief as he is a lover. She held the door open and gestured for him to go inside. She closed the door behind him, staying in the hallway. The duke's chamber was dark except for a few candles in one corner and a fire in the fireplace.

"Hello again."

Jett felt his skin prickle at the sound of his lover's voice from the shadows.

"Lie down on the bed."

"Why?"

"Because I can't have a dangerous man like you free in the presence of my duke. Not yet."

Suddenly aware of how thin his robe was, Jett found himself doing as he was asked. His lover came over to the bed and kissed him deeply, then swiftly tied his hands and feet to the bed.

"Fine. Now that I can't harm your precious duke, where is he? We have business to discuss."

"He's already here," his lover said, and stepped into the firelight.

Autolycus was wearing fine clothing and a heavy signet ring. A thin gold circlet rested on his head.

"So, Duke Autolycus, or is it King of Thieves?"

"Both, actually. Few people know that, though."

"Whatever. Two questions. Are you going to untie me and give me back my clothes now that your little game is over? And do you want my services?"

Autolycus raised an eyebrow.

"My services as an ASSASSIN."

"Ah, too bad, because there are other services I'd rather have you perform. And then I could do you a service. Sorry about the deception, but I wanted time to check the rumor mill, make sure one of my rivals hadn't hired you to kill me. As for your clothes, are you sure you want them?" Autolycus walked back toward the bed.

Jett's heart skipped a beat. His mouth was dry. "Well, if you put it that way," he said.

"This afternoon was so quick. I'd like to take a little more time to enjoy you." He leaned down and opened Jett's robe.

Jett watched, his cock growing harder, as Autolycus slowly took off his clothing, revealing more and more of his beautiful body. When he was naked, he crawled onto the bed and knelt between Jett's spread legs.

"Tell me what you want," Autolycus said, running his hands up and down Jett's lean, firm body, only gently brushing his erection, his sac, and the cleft of his ass.

"I want to taste you."

Autolycus quickly released Jett from his bonds and lay back on the bed. He didn't resist when Jett moved up to tie his hands.

"You're too trusting," Jett said after Autolycus' hands were secure, "I could kill you in half a dozen ways right now, without weapons, and be gone before your people knew what had happened."

"Could you? But what a waste that would be. You should probably enjoy me first, then kill me."

Jett was a little surprised that the duke didn't seem more worried. He wouldn't really kill Autolycus, the temptation in front of him was too great, but it would be nice to hear him beg for mercy. Well, there are other ways to make a man beg.

Jett trailed kisses down Autolycus' chest, stopping just short of his cock. He blew on it, watched it twitch, fluid leaking from the tip, then without warning took it all into his mouth. Autolycus gasped. Jett pulled his head back and licked along the vein at the bottom before again swallowing the whole length down.

I could do this forever, it's almost better than killing. His taste in my mouth, his hands in my hair...Hands in my hair! Jett almost choked as he pulled back suddenly and sat upright. Sure enough, Autolycus was no longer tied to the bed. No wonder he wasn't scared of me.

"Didn't mean to startle you, baby. But I am the best there is." Autolycus sat up and kissed Jett's mouth, then neck. "You never told me your name."

"Jett, and I see why they call you King of Thieves."

"Well, Jett, King of Ass-ass-ins, I want you to take me, right now. There's some oil in the nightstand."

Jett smiled. Much better than killing.




Scene 5 The Prince's Palace-Afternoon
Twenty-Sixth Day of the Festival of Eros

Jace had been working on his solo all day, and much of the night before. It helped him fight off the desire that seemed to build in him by the hour. If only there were someone around who's more my type. Maybe I'll meet someone today.

Unlike Duke Autolycus, the prince was in attendance at the troupe's performance. As Jace danced his solo, he could feel the prince's eyes on him. He knew he'd done his best. And the Dance of the Warrior Princess had been a huge hit as well. As he curtsied, he caught a glimpse of the man of his dreams, watching from the side of the room. He looks a little like a statue I saw somewhere. What a dreamboat. Tall, muscular, and he looks important, such fine clothes and jewelry. But by the time the applause ended, the man was gone.

Jace found the juggler talking to an enthusiastic gray-haired man in purple.

"I'm telling you, what you need is a good PR person. You could be famous!"

"PR?" The juggler looked unconvinced. "What's that?"

Jace cleared his throat. "Could I speak to you for a moment?"

"Gladly, Jacie," the juggler said, and they walked away, leaving the other man in mid-sentence.

"Remember what I told you," he called after them, "famous!"

Jace described the man he'd seen.

The juggler gave him a knowing smile. "That sounds like Duke Iphicles. We visit his castle next. But I should tell you--he's one of the dukes trying to woo the prince. He may only have eyes for him."

"Thank you."

"Now, let's gather the group. We'll set off right away, so we'll reach Duke Iphicles' lands before dark."




Scene 6 The Prince's Palace-Late Afternoon
Twenty-Sixth Day of the Festival of Eros

Joxer had sat and talked with the duke for hours. He'd told him the story of how he came to the island, everything except for the part about the inn and dressing like a woman. As far as the duke knew, he was a woman, not the foolish man he'd had to rescue at the inn. Duke Iolaus had confessed that he often dressed in street clothes and went out among the people of his lands. He had told Joxer about the prince and handed him the letter he was to deliver.

The distance between the two towns was half a day's travel, and Joxer spent his time reliving the conversation of the night before. I wish the duke could see who I am. He reached the prince's palace by late afternoon.

"Back again?"

"Again?" Joxer looked at the guard who had spoken to him. "Uh, no. I carry a letter for the prince from Duke Iolaus."

"Whatever," said the guard, and Joxer heard him say more quietly, "entertainers!"

The guard led Joxer into the castle and to a servant who led him to another servant and another, until finally he reached the prince.

The prince took a look at Joxer, and said in a commanding tone, "Leave us."

The servants hurried out of the room.

The prince was young, and short. He had close-cropped blonde hair and blue eyes. "Your performance was exquisite, my dear."

Performance? What is going on here? Joxer cleared his throat. "Your highness, I carry a letter from Duke Iolaus."

"Dukes dukes dukes. Too many dukes and none of them can give me what I want. But you can. Let's talk about you." The prince stood and walked closer to Joxer, his intentions clear.

"But, but, I'm a woman!"

"That's all right, I like women," said the prince.

"Oh, um, oh dear," Joxer said. He dropped the letter, turned, and ran from the room.

He was still running when he turned the corner and hit a solid wall of muscle. He looked up and saw a large man with a circlet much like Duke Iolaus' on his brow. Something familiar about him. Must be another duke.

"Why are you in such a hurry? You danced so well. I don't usually like women, but there's something about you..."

"Dance? No, you must be mistaken. And I've really got to go." Joxer again fled. Why does he look familiar? Finally he found his way out of the palace and headed for Duke Iolaus' castle. He would get there by nightfall. I thought I wasn't supposed to have this problem dressed as a woman. It wasn't until he was back at the castle that night that he realized he'd forgotten to wait for the prince's response to the letter.


Act IV



Scene 1 Duke Iolaus' Castle-Morning
Twenty-Seventh Day of the Festival of Eros

The duke summoned Joxer early the next morning.

"So, Joxette, where is the prince's response to my letter?"

"Er, well, there wasn't one. He took the letter, that's all."

Well, almost all, Joxer added silently.

Iolaus stood and walked over to Joxer. "What did he say?"

"Not much, really. Something about too many dukes, but not much else."

"I want..."

"Duke Iolaus?" Joxer was suddenly aware of how close to him the duke was standing. Staring deep into his eyes with an odd expression. Oh, gods, he knows! "Duke Iolaus? What do you want me to do?"

Iolaus seemed to shake himself back to attention. "I want you to return to the prince and demand a response to my letter," he said quickly.

"Yes, of course. Right away," Joxer said without thinking. Oh, gods, the prince! How can I go back and talk to him again?




Scene 2 Duke Iphicles' Castle-Afternoon
Twenty-Seventh Day of the Festival of Eros

Jace hadn't been this nervous before a performance yet. I have to be my best today.

As Jace stepped out on stage, he nearly tripped at the sight of the duke. I knew he'd be there, watching, but somehow, seeing him there is different. The performance passed in a blur, and as Jace curtsied, his eyes met the duke's. Seized by a sudden impulse, Jace winked at him. He only had time to see the look of surprise on the duke's face before he hurried offstage.

As the last performer was finishing his routine, a servant approached Jace. "The duke requests your presence," she said.

Either I'm going to be killed for daring to wink at him, or I'm going to get lucky, Jace thought as he followed her. Ooooh, I remember! The statue of Ares in the family shrine! That's what he reminds me of. But I've always hated beards.

"My sweet lady," said the duke when the servant had gone, closing the door behind herself, "I'm so glad you changed your mind."

Changed my mind? What is he, crazy? Oh, well, crazy and cute.

Duke Iphicles walked over to Jace and took his hand. "As I told you, I don't usually like women, but there's just something about you that I can't resist. You're enchanting. And when you winked at me, I knew I had a chance. Tell me your name."

"Jace. And you're in luck, because I'm not a woman."

The duke looked surprised, then smiled widely. "Then stay with me, Jace. Celebrate the festival with me."

Jace stepped back. "Not yet. I have one more performance that I need to give." His mouth seemed to be working all by itself. What am I, crazy? Well, that makes two of us. He continued speaking. "The show must go on. After tomorrow afternoon, I'm all yours."

"If patience is what it takes to win you, patience I can have. Tomorrow night at the prince's palace there will be a banquet. Meet me there."

"I will."

"A kiss before you go?"

Jace stepped closer and kissed him. After a long moment, he placed his hands on the duke's broad, muscular chest, and stepped back. As he walked out of the room, he could feel his legs wobbling under him. "Tomorrow," he said. Oh, I am crazy.




Scene 3 Prince Gabriel's Palace-Late Afternoon
Twenty-Seventh Day of the Festival of Eros

Joxer spent the entire walk to the palace dreading the inevitable encounter with the prince. He delayed as much as he could. He even stopped for lunch at the stall of a questionable-looking roadside vendor who was selling something he called "fast food." But finally he couldn't delay any longer. He reached the palace.

The guard let him in right away, and he was led to the prince immediately.

The prince was standing on one side of the room, staring out the window. The servants left them alone.

"I was hoping you'd come back," said the prince.

"Yes, well, I need a letter to take back to the duke."

"Forget about the duke. There's something I should tell you that might change your mind about me."

"But--"

"I'm not a man," the prince said, his voice soft, feminine.

"But--"

"No, wait. I'm a woman. I know, I know. You don't believe me. Here, I'll show you." He turned toward Joxer and began to unbutton his shirt. Joxer could see the cloth binding -her- breasts.

"Your highness, don't." Joxer stepped closer and pulled her shirt back together. "You may--I'm not--I'm not a woman."

"What?" She stepped back and quickly buttoned her shirt back up, her voice hard again. "Oh, of course. Festival."

"Yes."

She sat down and dropped her head. Her voice was soft again. "I'm sorry. It's just so hard to be alone. Let me explain. You remind me of a woman who stopped a war in my homeland a few years ago. It was too late for my family, though. I fell in love with her, but I was in too much pain from the loss of my family to let anyone get close to me. I left there, came here to start a new life."

"That must have been hard for you."

She continued as if she hadn't heard him. "One day, I met the prince in the marketplace. The resemblance was surprising to both of us; our names were even similar. We struck up a friendship. He eventually revealed to me that he was dying. He was afraid that things would become chaotic when he died, with the dukes and all. They were always on the edge of war then. He asked me to take his place. I thought that by preventing a war, I might save someone from being left alone as I was, so I agreed. We retreated into the countryside for a few months, just the two of us. He taught me what I needed to know. He died there, I buried him, and Gabrielle became Prince Gabriel. I returned to the palace, and I've been him ever since. No one here knows. It's been hard, but I've kept the secret. I don't know how much longer I can hold this all together, though." She looked up then, tears in her eyes.

Joxer stepped closer and took her hand. "Is there anything I can do?"

"Keep my secret. You see now why I'm not eager to marry any of the dukes. But I'm supposed to decide by tomorrow night's banquet. Keep my secret. I'll keep yours. It's too late for you to return tonight. Tell me your story, and I'll send you back with a letter for Duke Iolaus in the morning. At least we can be friends."

"All right," Joxer said. It'd be nice to have a friend here.




Scene 4 Duke Autolycus' Castle-Evening
Twenty-Seventh Day of the Festival of Eros

"Where is the duke, anyway?"

"Ah, Morrigan, you're back. It's good to see you. He's been locked up in his room for days. He caught a trespasser in the woods, had me deliver the prisoner to his chambers, and has been in there with him ever since."

"But is he all right?"

"Of course he is. It's festival. I'm sure they've been fucking like crazed weasels the whole time."

"You know what that reminds me of, Nebula?"

"Yes, Morrigan, I do."

The two women went upstairs hand in hand.




Scene 5 Duke Iolaus' Castle-Early Afternoon
Twenty-Eighth Day of the Festival of Eros

I still can't believe I didn't even spend the night with him, Jace thought as he gave his performance at Duke Iolaus' castle. And why does everyone here keep looking at me like that?

Jace had told the juggler that morning that he would be leaving the troupe after today's performance. He'd been given a generous share of the past few days' earnings and everyone's best wishes for getting back to his father's sickbed. Before he knew it, the performance was over. He left the castle, heading for the prince's palace. Just then, at another gate, Joxer was returning to the castle. The servant the duke had sent to talk to Jace found Joxer instead.

Joxer had taken the letter from his new friend and headed for Duke Iolaus' castle. Gabrielle had showed him out herself, saying, "You must come back for the banquet tonight. Please?"

"I'll try," he'd said. The conversation they'd shared the night before had brightened his spirits, and the trip had seemed much shorter than it had the day before. He had just reached the castle when the servant found him.

"There you are! The duke sent me to find you. Follow me."

Joxer followed and was taken to the duke.

"It's about time. Do you have my letter? Or do you need to dance some more first?"

Dance? What is it with these people and dancing? Joxer walked over to the duke, letter in hand. "Here it is."

When he handed the letter over, their fingers brushed. Iolaus jumped back as if he'd been stung.

"Thank you, Joxette," he said, his voice quieter. "That--that will be all."

As Joxer turned to go, Iolaus added, "I'll be leaving soon for the banquet at the palace. Would you like to come with me? With my party, I mean?"

"Thank you, yes."




Scene 7 Duke Autolycus' Castle-Afternoon
Twenty-Eighth Day of the Festival of Eros

Jett was just waking up from a nap in Autolycus' arms. I'm still surprised to find myself here when I wake up. He was even more surprised to find himself smiling. Autolycus was beginning to stir as well, in more ways than one. They'd been making the most of festival, and the extra stamina it gave them. Trays of food had been left outside the door, but no one had dared disturb them. Until now.

Autolycus and Jett both sat upright at the sound of the knock on the door.

They heard Nebula's voice. "Duke Autolycus? We've got to leave soon for the palace!"

"Yes, damn it! I'll be ready soon!" Autolycus shouted back annoyed. "Damn, damn, damn," he said, more quietly, "we have to get up." He grinned. "I mean, leave."

"Why?"

"There's a celebration at the palace. The end of the festival. The prince is supposed to announce his choice of husbands at the banquet. While I have to say I don't really care now who he picks, I have to put in an appearance."

"So that means you don't need my services after all, then."

"No, I still need your services. Just not as an assassin. Come to the banquet with me?"

"Of course," Jett said. "Now how much time do we have before we have to leave?"


Act V

Prince Gabriel's Palace
Twenty-Eighth Night of the Festival of Eros

Jett and Autolycus and the rest of their party were the first to arrive at the palace. They were led to the banquet hall, and took their seats. A seat was reserved for each duke, one along each of three of the room's walls. The prince's throne was near the fourth wall. Chairs for the rest of each duke's party were spread along the walls. The center part of the room was reserved for as many of the subjects of the kingdom as wished to come to the celebration. Autolycus took a chair and placed it next to his own. He motioned for Jett to sit down.

"I'll be right back. I've got to find the prince."

As Duke Autolycus left the hall to search for the prince, Duke Iphicles was arriving at the gates.




"Has a young man--I mean a young woman, one of the dancers who was here the other day, arrived yet?"

"No, Duke Iphicles, I don't think so," said the guard.

"Well, she has long black hair and wears a black leather dress. When she does get here, could you tell her I'll be waiting in the side garden?" He handed the guard a coin. "For your trouble," he said.

"Yes, your grace. Thank you, your grace."

Duke Iphicles headed for the garden to wait as the rest of his party was seated in the hall. Outside, a woman approached the palace.




"Ah, hello," the guard said. Something about this woman made him nervous. "Duke Iphicles is waiting for you in the side garden. I'll take you to him." And maybe there's another coin in it for me.

"I'm not here to see one of your dukes. I need to speak to the prince," Xena said.

"Yes, yes, of course. After I take you to the duke."

Xena rolled her eyes and followed him into the palace, but when he turned around to show her into the garden, she was gone. He retraced his path in search of her.




Meanwhile, Joxer and Duke Iolaus were arriving at the gates. The guard who was now on duty at the gate pointed them toward the banquet hall. Just as they were about to enter the hall, the guard Xena had eluded rounded the corner and saw them.

"There you are! Now come with me, he really wanted to speak with you." The guard took Joxer by the arm and half-dragged the confused man away.




Jett, eager for his lover's return, sat in the banquet hall watching the door. He saw a blonde man who had to be Duke Iolaus enter, and behind him a woman being taken away by a guard. He could only see her back, but she looked oddly like Jace. That's not possible. My brothers are dead. It's just the hair that's the same. My mind is playing tricks on me.




Xena had stolen away from the guard at the first opportunity. By watching the servants, some of whom smiled warmly and greeted her as they passed, she was able to find the prince's chambers. I hope I'm right, she thought, and pushed open the door.

Gabrielle was alone in the room, sitting at the window, gazing off into the distance. She saw Xena's profile out of the corner of her eye and said, "Hello, Joxer. I'm glad to see you. I could use a friend. I still don't know what to do."

Xena crossed the room and knelt next to Gabrielle's chair. "I'm not Joxer, but will I do?"

Gabrielle was staring at Xena as if she would vanish if she blinked. Her eyes welled up with tears, and she reached out a hand to touch Xena's face. "Is it really you? Oh, I always hoped you'd find me."

"Yes, it's me. Gabrielle--or do you prefer Prince Gabriel?" Xena smiled warmly to emphasize the joke. "Gabrielle, I'm glad I found you. I've searched a long time."

"Oh, Xena, now that you're here, I know exactly what to do." Gabrielle leaned forward and kissed Xena's mouth. Just then, a servant walked in.

"Oh, your highness, I'm sorry!" The woman left immediately, locking the door behind herself.

Xena and Gabrielle had hardly noticed the interruption. For the first time in years, they were together as they always should have been.

"The first thing I need to do," Gabrielle said when they came up for air, "is get out of these pants."

Xena was happy to help, and in a few minutes, after a few distractions, Gabrielle stood naked in the middle of the room. She walked to a cabinet and reached to the very back of a drawer, pulling out a small pack. "We've got to get to that banquet room."

Xena walked up behind her and put her arms around Gabrielle's naked form. She cupped Gabrielle's breasts in her hands and kissed the back of her neck. "Couldn't we be late?"

Gabrielle dropped the pack and turned around. "Of course we can. I am, after all the prince. They won't start without me." She took Xena's hand and they walked toward the bed.

"Well, your highness, perhaps I should kneel," Xena said, and gently guided Gabrielle to sit on the edge of the bed. Xena knelt in front of her.

"It's good to be the prince," Gabrielle said. "You know why I --ahhh-- left, don't you?"

Xena ran her hands gently up Gabrielle's legs, stopping just short of the point Gabrielle most wanted her to reach. "Yes," she breathed enjoying Gabrielle's shudder.

"And--and you know--" Gabrielle stopped speaking with the first touch of Xena's tongue on her clit.

"Yes, I know what your solution to the problem of the dukes is," Xena said, then put her mouth to work full-time at pleasuring her lover, certain she wouldn't be interrupted again.




Autolycus walked toward the banquet hall. So the prince prefers women, does he? That explains a lot. He rubbed his mustache. He'd gotten to the prince's chamber, but been forbidden to enter by an embarrassed-looking servant. He'd left, and as he'd turned away he'd heard an unmistakably feminine cry of orgasmic delight. Then his thoughts turned to Jett. What had started as a purely physical festival dalliance had become something more than he'd expected. More than I've ever felt for anyone else, he thought. But he doesn't seem to know that. How can I show him? The answer came to him, the simplest of solutions. He grinned and walked back into the banquet hall.




Where is Joxette? Iolaus wondered, and why does that man with Duke Autolycus' party look so familiar? Then he remembered the guard's words, "HE really wanted to speak with you." Without stopping to ponder why the idea of Joxette in private conversation with another man bothered him so much, he set off in search of her.




Autolycus walked over to Jett, smiling widely. He bent to whisper in Jett's ear. "Can we talk--alone?"

Jett felt his entire body react to his lover's whisper. "Yes," he said, and they left the hall together.




Joxer had been taken to the garden, assuming it was the prince waiting for him. When he saw Duke Iphicles instead, he turned and ran, remembering his last encounter with the duke. The bewildered guard, relieved that Duke Iphicles hadn't turned and seen them, went in search of the woman. Again. "He'd better have more gold for me, elusive as she is," he muttered.

Once Joxer was certain he'd escaped, he headed for the prince's chamber.




Jace arrived at the palace and asked the guard at the gate, "Where can I find Duke Iphicles?"

The guard, looking a little confused, said, "I think he's in the side garden."

"Thank you," Jace said, and set off in that direction.




Jett and Autolycus tried several doors before finding an empty room. They looked around to make sure no one was watching and ducked inside.

Jett immediately began to pull at Autolycus' clothing, but Autolycus took his hands and stepped back.

"Wait, wait. I need to ask you something."

"What?"

"I told you before that I don't care now who the prince chooses. That's because I've already chosen. I choose you. Stay with me always? King of Assassins, King of Thieves--we were made for each other." He looked questioningly into Jett's eyes and gave him a winning smile.

Jett opened and closed his mouth in surprise.

"Well? Don't leave me hanging, baby! Give me an answer."

Jett had always been good with his hands, and since he found himself unable to speak just then, he used his hands to answer.

"Damn, I love festival," Autolycus said.




The twice-eluded guard stumbled across Jace, who was, much to his surprise and relief, very willing to be led to Duke Iphicles. Neither of them saw Duke Iolaus follow them.

"Here is the young lady you wanted to see, your grace."

"Thank you," Iphicles said, his eyes on Jace. When the guard didn't leave, he dropped a few coins into the man's hand.

"Thank you, your grace," the guard said, and left them. He was too busy counting his money to see Iolaus hiding near the garden entrance.

Jace and Iphicles walked toward one another as if in a trance. They started to speak at the same time, then stopped.

"I--"

"It's--"

"Go ahead," Jace said.

"I'm glad to see you."

"Oooh, yes, you too," Jace said, and took the last step forward into the duke's arms.

From his hiding place, Duke Iolaus saw the person he believed to be Joxette kissing Duke Iphicles. He felt his face flush with rage, and almost jumped out to confront them. What am I doing? He covered his face with his hands. Joxette should be mine. I love her--I love a woman. But it's too late. He walked out of the garden, leaving the moans of Jace and Iphicles' passion behind him.

If he'd turned around just then, he would have been very surprised. Jace's skirt was lifted, and the equipment under it was decidedly masculine. Iphicles' mouth was on Jace's neck, and his hand was on Jace's cock. Jace blindly fumbled with Iphicles' pants, freeing his straining erection. Still standing, leaning against a tree, Iphicles moved his mouth to Jace's, their lips locking together as if they needed to breathe each other in. Their hands moved along each other's cocks in a primal rhythm. It wasn't long before Iphicles gasped, and his hot seed spurted onto Jace's cock. With a shudder, Jace came as well, and they clung to each other, trembling.




Joxer had taken a wrong turn on his way to see Gabrielle. He stopped and looked around, unsure of where he was. I think if I turn left up there... Joxer began walking again.

"Joxette!"

Joxer whirled around at the sound of Duke Iolaus' voice behind him. The next thing he knew, the duke's arms were around him and their mouths were pressed together. Surprised, Joxer didn't have time to react before Iolaus pulled away.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that. It's clear that you don't return my feelings. I saw you two together and it was only then that I fully realized that I've been falling in love with you these last few days. I know this must come as a shock, but the conversations we've had, the time we've spent together...I had to tell you. I'll leave you alone now, and I won't speak of it again."

"I wish you would speak of it again," Joxer said, too surprised to remember to disguise his voice as a woman's. "You just took me by surprise. I've--"

Iolaus reached out and pulled hard on Joxer's hair just then, and Joxer stopped in mid-sentence as his wig came off in Iolaus' hand.

"It's you. From the inn. I should have seen it."

"Yes, it's me. Joxer, not Joxette."

"So after that you dressed as a woman--"

"Yes, but everything else I ever said to you was true," Joxer interrupted, "and you're the only one I want to spend what's left of festival with. You're not the only one who's been falling in love."

"Then let's not waste any more time," Iolaus said, and pulled Joxer through the nearest unlocked door into what looked like a linen closet.

They had, each for his own reason, been denying their desire, their feelings for one another, for days. All that passion, intensified all the more on this, the last night of festival, finally found expression.

They kissed first, lips and tongues entangling for what felt like a delicious eternity. The urgency of their passion was tempered by the certainty each felt that this was the beginning of something truly special, something to be savored.

Iolaus ran his hand down Joxer's body. When he reached the skirt Joxer was still wearing, he broke away and dissolved into a fit of laughter.

"What?" Joxer looked confused.

"All this time, you were right here in front of me. And I thought I was going through some kind of--of life change because I was falling in love with a woman!" Iolaus wiped away his tears of laughter. "I love you, Joxer. I'd still love you if you were a woman, but I'm glad you're not."

"I love you, Duke--"

"No, just Iolaus, please. It won't do to have my husband calling me Duke all the time."

"Okay, I love you, Iolaus. Wait--husband?"

"You don't think I'm going to go through all this and let you go, do you? That is all right with you, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is. Now, let's take advantage of the fact that I'm not a woman."

Which is exactly what they did. Joxer's dress and Iolaus' shirt and pants were tossed aside. Freed of the obstacles, literal and otherwise, that had been keeping them apart, they forgot about everything but each other.

Tenderly, passionately, they threw themselves into the task of loving one another. They pressed together, enjoying the feel of skin against skin. Iolaus dropped to his knees and took Joxer's leaking erection into his mouth.

Iolaus' skilled mouth and hands did their work, and Joxer, unable to remain standing, slid to the floor. He groaned, because just then, when he was so close, Iolaus stopped and said, "It feels like I've wanted you forever, Joxer. I want you in me."

Tenderness was cast aside then, as raw passion took over. Joxer grabbed some of the linens from the nearest shelf to create a softer surface for his lover to lie on. But Iolaus grabbed his arm, and without even clearly understanding how he had wound up on his back, Joxer was the one lying on the floor, Iolaus straddling him, lowering himself slowly onto Joxer's cock, which was still slick from its time in Iolaus' mouth.

"Ohhh, yes, please, more," Joxer said, bucking his hips. Iolaus began to move, Joxer began to move, and the only noises for a few minutes were the sound of flesh against flesh and their moans of pleasure. Their tempo increased, until Joxer felt himself nearing the edge, and he reached out to grasp Iolaus' leaking shaft. The added stimulation was more than Iolaus could handle, and his seed spurted onto Joxer's stomach just as Joxer's eyes squeezed shut and he came, buried deep inside Iolaus.

Iolaus fell forward onto Joxer's chest and they lay quietly for a little while. Then Iolaus spoke. "I'm so glad you didn't stay in the garden with Iphicles. When I saw him kiss you…"

"Kiss me? I never let him kiss me."

"It was when I saw you with him that I finally realized how I felt about you. I saw you there...unless..."

"What?"

"That's it!" Iolaus exclaimed.

"What?"

"I'd better not say until I'm sure, but your brothers, they looked exactly like you?"

"Yes, they did."

"Then we need to go back to the banquet hall. Do you have any other clothes?"




Jace and Iphicles had stayed in the garden and talked. Even though they'd spent very little time together, they felt a sense of connection, as if each was the person the other had been searching for all along. As the sun began to descend in the sky, they headed inside for the banquet.




Jett and Autolycus had eventually decided they should head back to the banquet. They were just about to walk in when Jett caught a glimpse of long black hair out of the corner of his eye. He turned to look.

"Jett! Oh, Jett, is it really you?" Jace flew over and hugged him. Jett hugged him back, just a little, for just a moment, before pushing him away.

Autolycus and Iphicles exchanged looks of confusion.

"Yeah, it's me. Thought you were dead." Jett sneered, a little less convincingly than usual.

Iphicles looked at Jett. "So, it was you who rejected me. I thought it was Jace, you were dressed the same. It all makes sense now."

"Me, in a dress? Yeah, right. I wouldn't be caught dead in a dress."

Autolycus leaned over and whispered something in Jett's ear. Jett blushed, much to Jace's surprise. He coughed. "Anyway, like I was saying, the only other person I know who'd be a big enough loser to travel in disguise like that is my idiot brother Joxer."

Just then, Jace and Iphicles' eyes opened wide.

"It figures, Joxer dressing as a woman to save his sorry ass. What, he's behind me? Yeah, sure." Jett turned around. Joxer, now dressed in his usual clothing, was indeed standing behind him.

"You're both alive! This all makes sense now!" Joxer grinned. "No wonder everyone kept talking to me about dancing, it was you, Jace!"

"But where have you been, Jett?" Jace said, "If all the mistaken identity was Joxer and I, where have you been?"

Jett blushed again.

"He's been busy," Autolycus said, and winked.

Jace giggled.

"Don't laugh at me! You know--"

"Come on, let's go sit down," Autolycus interrupted.

"Looks like the prince is going to have to make other arrangements now," Iolaus said.

"I somehow don't think that'll be a problem," Autolycus said.

Joxer simply smiled.

Iphicles and Jace, Autolycus and Jett, and Iolaus and Joxer all walked in to take their seats. A hush fell across the room and they turned toward the door.

All of them, except Joxer, looked shocked. Joxer again simply smiled.

Gabrielle, Xena at her arm, walking carefully in a long dress, smiled back at her friend, and proceeded to the throne at the front of the room. The hushed silence turned to the sound of hundreds murmuring to one another.

"My people," Gabrielle began, in her deeper, more masculine voice, and silence returned, "a few years ago, your prince, Prince Gabriel, knew he was dying and hoped only to avert a war." The murmurs began again.

"Please! Prince Gabriel and I," she said, her voice now feminine, "met by chance. Noticing our resemblance, he made a plan. He taught me what I needed to know to become him, keep the kingdom from war. My name is Gabrielle. Prince Gabriel has been dead for five years, and I have ruled with his blessing. Now, my true love has returned to me from Greece, and we are going to marry. The kingdom is at peace, and I cannot betray my heart by marrying one of the dukes. I suspect," she grinned at that point, "that they don't mind that at all. In fact, it looks like they'll have a lot more in common from now on. I decided that it was time to tell you the truth. I will leave in the morning."

Noises of protest erupted in the hall.

Iolaus turned to Joxer. "You knew, didn't you?"

Joxer nodded.

Duke Iphicles stepped forward. "Pr-Gabrielle, I think I speak for my people when I say that you have ruled wisely and well, and even though you were not born our ruler, I would be happy to see you stay."

"I agree," said Duke Iolaus, stepping forward.

"And me, too," said Duke Autolycus. "All who want Gabrielle to stay as our ruler, if she is willing, stand up."

The entire room stood.

Gabrielle, tears in her eyes, said, "Thank you. Although I was born in Greece, I have come to think of Viola as my home. I will be happy to stay." She cleared her throat and said, "The purpose of this banquet was, as I recall, to celebrate the end of festival, and to celebrate my choice of a mate. Well, I've chosen, and we're ready for a wedding, so let's not delay any further!"

The crowd cheered.

"While we're all ready for a wedding, would you mind if we joined you?" Iolaus smiled at Joxer.

"And us, too," Autolycus said.

Jace and Iphicles whispered to each other, then Jace stepped forward. "You, you came from Greece?" Jace looked at Xena.

"Yes, I did," she said, giving Jace's familiar outfit a raised eyebrow.

"Do you know of the warlord they call J? He's our father, and we were on our way to be with him when we were shipwrecked."

"I do. I usually keep an eye on the warlords. He was ill, but he had made a recovery just before I left Greece."

"Oh, thank the gods! Then, in that case, we'd like to be married, too," Jace said.

"Then a quadruple wedding it is," Gabrielle said, and the crowd cheered.

"And after the wedding, your coronation, as planned. Hail to the Queen!" Autolycus shouted, and the crowd echoed it.

"Hail to the Queen!"

So the day did end with a royal wedding and coronation after all. Gabrielle and Xena, Duke Iolaus and Joxer, Duke Iphicles and Jace, and Duke Autolycus and Jett were married in a grand celebration that the people of the Isle of Viola would be telling the tale of for generations. After the wedding, Gabrielle was crowned Queen.

All the bells on Viola sounded that night, in celebration of the joy this festival month had brought. And as the bells rang, the Dreamer drifted back to consciousness.


Epilogue

The Dreamer of the Dream

"Herc? Herc? Are you okay?"

He opened his eyes and saw his friend looking down at him, blond curls outlined by the sunlight.

"Iolaus? Is that you?"

"Yeah, are you okay?"

He sat up and saw Xena and Gabrielle walking toward them.

"Yeah, I just had the strangest dream. And you were there, and you and you."

"Uh, Herc? You weren't out that long. Are you sure you're all right?"

I love him, Hercules thought, and a warmth spread through him, why have I never realized that? Aloud he said, "I'm great, better than I've been in a long time. We'll talk later."

Iolaus shook his head and helped Hercules to his feet. To himself, he said, You'd think I was the one who took that fall, because I could've sworn Hercules just winked at me.

AND THE CURTAIN FALLS

The playwright takes a bow, as do the actors. Tiriel also calls Emerys9, a wonderful beta reader, on stage for a bow. Thank you all, and goodnight!

Back to the Tiriel's Treats archive