Tali nodded. She watched as the Princess held out her hand. But
Tali ignored the hand, and got up on her own.

Chilapa walked over to the two combatants. "Lila has won
and has past her Rite. She is now the Princess of Amazonia, with
all the rights and responsibilities of her role." The Amazons
hooted and yelled in celebration, all but one. Tali sulked off
toward the trainees' hut without looking back. Eponin and
Sophia watched Tali as she left the celebration.

"Eponin, you are going to have major trouble out of that
one."

"I know. She keeps letting her anger control her."

Sophia turned back around and watched as the Amazons started to
surround Lila, each of them congratulating her on the victory.
"Look at her. I hope she doesn't get a swelled head
because of this."

"And why not?" Chilapa walked over to the two
warriors.

"She's proven herself. I told you that she would rise
to the occasion."

"You were right. Now if you'll excuse me." Sophia
headed towards her friend."Hey Lila. Congratulations,
Princess."

Lila threw her arms around Sophia. "I couldn't have
done it without you."

"Yes you could have and you did. In fact, I almost made a
real mess of things."

"What do you mean?"

Sophia sighed. "I went behind your back and talked to
Chilapa. I thought she was being too hard on you. For so many
years, I saw you as the little kid who was always on
Gabrielle's heels, a kid who hated to studied and needed
someone to protect her. I didn't even realize that you had
grown up. I thought that you needed my help again, but I was wrong.
You don't need it, not anymore. You can fight your own battles.
I'm real proud of you Lila."

*****

"Hello?" Lila peeked into the trainees' hut,
hoping to find Tali. "Oh good you're here."

Tali continued to pack. "What do you want?"

"I didn't see you at the celebration tonight. You know,
you were a big part of me passing. I never thanked you…"

"Don't mention it. PLEASE don't mention
it."

Lila eyed the packed saddlebags. "Are you
leaving?"

"What do you think?"

"I think leaving would be a mistake."

Tali finally looked up at Lila, determination shining in her
brown eyes. "No. I'm doing the right thing."

"You're an Amazon. You belong here."

"I may be an Amazon, but I can't be a part of this
tribe."

"Because of me?"

Tali sighed. "No. I've burned too many bridges here. I
need a fresh start, so I'm heading for the Northern
tribe."

"I never thought of you as the type to run from a
battle."

"I'm not running." She picked up her saddlebags,
"I'm riding." Both young women smiled at Tali’s
joke. "Listen, I appreciate what you are trying to do, but
this is for the best." Tali walked toward the door and opened
it. "For what it's worth", she stated without turning
around, "you've earned my respect." Tali walked out
into the night and her new life.

Lila watched the young woman walk off. "Goodbye. And may
Artemis be with you."

THE END

Written and (c) Copyrighted by: Paully Adams

September 21, 2001