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It's dark in the Amazon village...the air still and humid. Murmured voices are heard as the night watch changes over. Ear plugs are exchanged and knowing glances look pointedly at the Queen's hut.

X: Gabrielle? Honey?

G: <groaning> Not again so soon...gotta sleep....losing too much fluids..

X: <poking a shoulder> No, silly.....later...I need...

G: Gods, l know....you just can't get enough....l know......<sighing and

pushing the sheets down>....gimmme a sec...just need a gallon of

water....<muttering> maybe a little protein<shaking head vigorously in an

attempt to gird her loins>

X: <arching an eyebrow and speaking in a rather sultry voice> ...whips and

chains

G: We did whipped cream last night...it's all gone

X: <silence>

G: <popping one eye open> What...what did you just say?

X: Now that l have your attention...I need to go to the healer...it's time.

You're gonna be a..

G: Time? <said weakly>

X: Yes. <smiling broadly>

G: N....n...now? <faints dead away>::thud::

X: Why did l know this would happen? Ephiny!!