Silver And Bronze 
by John O'Connor
Disclaimer:  Batman and it's related characters are
owned and copywritten by DC Comics and Time-Warner. 
This story is for entertainment purposes only and no
money exchanged hands. No copyright infringement is
intended. The original characters, situations, and
story are the property of the author.
Batman was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger.  R'as
Al-Ghul, Talia, and Ubu were created by Denny O'Neil
and Neal Adams.  Silver St. Cloud was created by Steve
Englehart and Walt Simonson.
Note: Spoilers for Detective Comics #476 mainly.  
The majority of these events take place immediately
following the Jokerfish story arc, specifically the
"Sign Of The Joker" story. 
1) Stolen Away
From Silver St. Cloud's diary:
'I can only vaguely remember that night years ago,
that night my life was taken from me.  Taken, twisted,
and distorted into what I have now...'
* * * * * *
Silver St. Cloud ran into her apartment building and
found an open elevator.  She blindly stabbed the
button for her floor, tears blurring her vision.
She was a fool.  She had already left because she
couldn't handle Bruce's secret.  She should've kept
going.  But no, she had to have some kind of epiphany
and return to Gotham City.  What a mistake!
But then again, the person who picked her up outside
of town, Rupert "Boss" Thorne, had become suddenly
irrational.  Screaming about ghosts, he almost killed
them both.  That was unnerving enough for her to feel
the need of Bruce's strong arms around her.  Catching
a ride back into town, she left the Mob-connected
councilman gibbering by the side of the road.  
Once in town, she caught a cab to the sight the
reporter on WGC radio said the Batman was fighting the
Joker near the harbor...
Fortunately encountering no one, she made it to her
apartment and stumbled through the front rooms to her
bedroom.  As she entered, she stopped and stared at
the rumpled bed.  How many nights had Bruce spent here
with her?  How many times had he heard the siren call
of the night but stayed with her?
She looked critically at herself in the mirror over
her dresser.  Her eyes were red and swollen from
crying.  Her silvery hair was falling out of the
stylish bun and strands were hanging wetly around her
face.  She'd have to adjust the little makeup she wore
before meeting Bruce... 
The rumble of thunder outside startled her back to the
present.  The storm was building in intensity again.
No!  She was not going to give in!  After seeing him
almost get electrocuted by the storm outside on that
fire escape...  
She had to leave town.  Metropolis, New York, maybe
out west like Coast City or LA.  Anywhere but Gotham. 
Hell, even that rats' warren, Bludhaven, down the
coast, would be an improvement.  As long as the Batman
and his rogues' gallery was far away...
Digging out a suitcase, she began to grab clothes at
random from her dresser, flinging them into the open
bag.  Filling one bag, she began to stuff another with
blouses, slacks, and dresses.   She hurried, ignoring
the fact that she was not showing any care or concern
for her own expensive clothing.
Lightning flashed outside, illuminating the Wayne
Foundation Tower visible across the Park from her
rooms.  She froze, staring at the afterimage of the
tall building, thinking...
"Maybe, if I..." the silver-haired beauty muttered
aloud.  Shaking her head, she realized she was not
going to go anywhere.  She was going to stay in Gotham
and learn to deal with Bruce and his consuming passion
for justice and revenge.  "I can't leave...  But, I
can't take this..."
Just as those words left her mouth, a tall, striking
man stepped into the room.  In a sharply accented
voice, he said, "No, my dear, you can't leave.  At
least not yet.  Not to all intents and purposes."
The man raised his hand, a gun gripped tightly in his
fist, and pointed it at Silver.  "It is a shame, my
dear.  But I need you to help me stymie the
detective."
As she heard a slight noise, Silver felt a sharp pain
in her neck.  She reached up to touch a small,
feathered dart stuck in her skin.  The room started to
fade as she heard the strange man say, "Take her to
the boat, Ubu.  Be gentle with her.  Talia, please
return the lady's garments to their proper..."  
The voice faded as blackness enveloped Silver St.
Cloud...
* * * * * *
Pain...darkness...roaring silence...she was dead.  But
if she was dead, she couldn't feel pain, could she?  
Sitting up, her head throbbing with the effort, she
realized she was in absolute darkness.  There was no
hint of light of any kind.  All she could feel was the
hard surface beneath her and the steady vibration,
accompanied by a distant throbbing.
Where was she?  Then the more frightening question: 
who was she?
Panic ensued at the realization that she did not know
who she was.  Where she had come from.  Why she was
here, wherever here was.  She began to hyperventilate
and started to thrash around, learning her hands were
bound across her stomach.
"Oh God!  Help me!  Please!!!"  She was surprised to
hear her own voice.  It was ragged and harsh.  Her
mouth was like sandpaper, her tongue thick and dry. 
She was thirsty, desperately thirsty.
The strain and fear took it's toll and she succumbed
to the welcoming oblivion once again.
* * * * * *
Coolness on her forehead.  A cool, damp cloth.  A
gentle touch.  
Her mind filled with questions even before she was
fully conscious.  'Where am I?  Who am I?  What's
happened to me?'
As she opened her eyes, she saw a bronze-skinned
beauty smile gently at her.  Who was this?  Why was
she smiling and caressing her face with the damp rag? 
"Where...  Who am I?" she whispered, her throat even
dryer than when she had first awakened.  
Even as the shock of her voice echoed in the small
room, she remembered.  Silver.  Silver St. Cloud.  She
was Silver St. Cloud, and she had been...
"Kidnapped!  I've been kidnapped!" Silver tried to
yell as she moved to sit up.  The lovely bronze girl
gently pushed her back onto the soft mattress.
"No, please rest.  You need more time.  Some traces of
the toxins from the dart are still in your system,"
the girl said in a lilting voice.  There was an accent
but from where?  It sounded British but with a trace
of...what?
Silver's head was throbbing.  She couldn't believe it!
 She was a prisoner.  And no one knew.
"You are aboard my father's yacht, en route to North
Africa.  You are a guest of R'as Al-Ghul.  I am Talia.
 Please try to relax.  You may even find your stay
pleasurable," the exotic-looking woman said.
"R'as...?  I have heard of him but...I don't
remember...  Everything is so mixed up.  I..."
"Ssh.  Just relax.  Let me get you some refreshment. 
I'm sure you are hungry.  And I know you must be
thirsty."
"Yes, please.  Some water, my throat..."
Talia nodded and rose, crossing the room and bringing
a pewter goblet.  Holding it to Silver's lips, she
said, "Sip it slowly.  Not too much...  That's enough
for now.  Let this settle in your body."
"Thank you.  Why am I here?  What are you going to do
with me?"
"I cannot speak for my father.  When you are
recovered, he will speak with you.  But, as long as I
am here, you will be safe.  Please believe me," Talia
said.  And something in her dark brown eyes compelled
Silver's trust. 
"Would you like to bathe?"  Talia clapped her hands
and two young women scurried in.  "Draw a bath.  Make
sure the water is soothingly warm.  Thank you."
The girls, one with raven-dark hair and the other with
light reddish hair, bowed as one at the polite
dismissal and began to leave the chamber.  "Wait!  Add
the special bath salts to, if you please."  
There was no mistaking the tone.  Even couched as a
request, Silver knew this woman was a commanding
presence.
Silver shuddered as the reality of her situation
became more and more clear.  She was a prisoner on a
boat in the middle of the Atlantic heading towards
Africa.  And no one knew where she was.  She could
very well die out here and no one would ever know.
Suddenly, like a light coming on in a dark room,
Silver realized her fate was in her hands.  She
remembered some martial arts courses she'd taken in
college and used some of the mental training to calm
her fears.  She would do what was necessary to survive
and eventually gain her freedom.
But if death were to claim her, she determined to face
it on her terms.
A calmness like she hadn't felt in far too long washed
over her.  Silver knew she could, and would, deal with
anything that threatened her.  One way or another.
When the time was right...
"Come."  Talia gently took Silver's hand and helped
her off the bed.  Leading her across the room in the
direction the handmaidens went, Talia said, "My father
would like to see you when you are ready.  But that
can wait until you have had a chance to refresh
yourself.  I have always found a warm bath to do
wonders..."
"Th-thank you?" Silver whispered hoarsely.  A bath
would be nice.
Talia smiled, her eyes lighting up.  "Believe me, it
is my pleasure."  Cupping the American's chin lightly,
Talia said, "I can well understand my beloved's
interest in you.  It is a shame that it will lead to
nothing."
The beautiful handmaidens, now nude, came up and began
to remove Silver's clothes.  She lifted her hands and
started to protest.  Talia saw this and said, "Please,
allow them to assist you.  After all, you can't easily
relax in a bath in your clothing."
Acquiescing, Silver stood with her eyes closed as her
grey t-shirt was pulled over her head by the taller of
the two girls.  The other knelt and pulled down the
brown slacks she had been wearing for...  How long?
"How long?" she asked.
"We left Gotham Harbor early yesterday," Talia
responded.  She sat in a chair near the large, sunken
tub.  "It is early afternoon.  You've slept for over
forty hours."
"Drugged?" Her eyes followed small, delicate hands as
her bra was gently removed. 
Shaking her head, Talia said, "No.  Not entirely.  You
were merely anesthetized.  You must have simply been
exhausted.  The two combined to leave you unconscious
until a short time ago."
Silver felt her panties slide down her bare legs.  The
girls then took her hands and led her into the warm
water.   Silver sat, closing her eyes as the water
rose up to her round, firm breasts.  It tingled
pleasantly and she found herself relaxing unwillingly.
The handmaidens each began to sponge Silver's body. 
Their touch was soft, more of a caress.  Silver gasped
as she felt a hand press a sponge against her
submerged sex.  The sponge began to gently move up and
down.  Silver sat there, her eyes squeezed shut.
While she had never had sex with a woman before, she
felt so overwhelmed that she didn't feel it worth
fighting.  And the hands felt so damned good!  
"Lyssa is quite adept at washing a body, isn't she?"
Talia breathed into Silver's ear.  "But I should also
give praise to Erin."  
At those words, another sponge brushed Silver's
nipples.  They immediately hardened, pointing out
proudly.  "I see my ladies can have the same affect on
you as they do on me," Talia said as she stood from
the tub's side.  "I shall leave you.  My father awaits
me."
As her grey eyes followed the dusky woman from the
room, she was dimly aware that the hands caressing her
no longer held sponges or clothes.  Silver sucked in a
surprised breath as the raven-haired woman slipped a
finger inside of her.  Her breathing became even more
ragged as the auburn-haired girl's mouth closed over
her breast and began to suck.
A shudder ran through the sliver-haired woman.  She
was becoming incredibly aroused by what the two women
in the water were doing to her.  They were creating
feelings and needs in her that she would not have
believed possible only a few short minutes ago.  Soon,
she felt herself on the verge of sexual release.
Silver silently thrashed in the warm, tingly bathwater
while a quiet orgasm coursed through her.  As the
ripples of pleasure died down, Silver moaned out a
held breath as the women stopped their ministrations. 
They then proceeded to wash the silver-haired beauty.
Shortly, the red head, Erin, led Silver out of the tub
and towards the other woman who held a large towel out
for her.  The handmaidens gently rubbed the woman's
body as they dried them off.  They then applied
scented oils to Silver before helping her to dress in
silken garments similar to those her captor wore.  All
the while, the handmaidens remained nude.
Silently indicating the door towards the room she
awoke in, the girls then turned and left.  Silver
walked out of the bathing room.  Talia was sitting on
the large bed, her feet tucked under her.
"Ah, you look much more relaxed.  My garments fit
quite well also."  She stood and walked towards
Silver, reaching out and combing the silvery locks
back over her ear.  "You must feel much better too.  I
know I always do after their ministrations."
Blushing at the realization that Talia knew exactly
what had happened, Silver could only nod.  Then, in a
small voice, she asked, "What's going to happen to
me?"
"Nothing.  You have my word.  Father is not the
monster the media portrays.  He has his...agenda, if
you will.  But it is all for the betterment of our
world.  You have the misfortune of being a lever
against his greatest foe.  And my love."
"You mean...  You mean Batman."
"Yes," Talia nodded, her dark, brown hair shimmering
in the light.  Then she looked directly into Silver's
eyes.  
"We may be rivals for his heart but I hold no
animosity towards you," she reassured her 'guest'. 
"After all, who could not help but be attracted to
him?  He is the epitome of the human male.  Much more
than an alien being or a ring-wielding glory-hound."
"Yes," Silver agreed.  Her fear had almost disappeared
but her anxiety remained.  Who knew where she was? 
Could Bruce even find her?
"Come, my father wishes to speak with you," Talia
said, taking Silver's hand.
Shortly they were in the main salon of the large
yacht.  R'as Al-Ghul sat in a large chair at the far
end.  There were various underlings scurrying in and
out of the room from side exits.  And a virtual
mountain of a man stood slightly behind R'as, massive
arms cross over a heavily muscled chest.
'It's like an emperor's throne room,' Silver thought
to herself.  Steeling herself, she released Talia's
hand and marched purposely across the room.
"Ah, Ms. St Cloud.  I am honored at your presence on
my little craft," R'as Al-Ghul said simply in his
accented English.
"Why have you kidnapped me?  Ransom?  I'll pay you
ransom."  Silver realized she was getting angry and
clamped down on the emotion.  Losing control would
accomplish nothing.  Control and use the anger.
"I may not be a Rockefeller, Wayne or Luthor rich but
my family has been quite..."
Al-Ghul interrupted her with a wave of his hand as he
chuckled, "No, no, no, Ms. St. Cloud.  I have no need
for such...penny-ante games as kidnapping for ransom. 
Look around.  While I quip and call this a small
craft, it is one of the most expensive private vessels
afloat.  Far too expensive to be financed by anything
so dangerous or dangerously unprofitable as
kidnapping.  No, I need you for leverage, as my
daughter mentioned to you."
He knew what they talked about?  Of course, the room
was bugged.  Then...  That means he knows what
happened in the bath...
As if he read her mind, Al-Ghul said, "I keep track of
what goes on aboard my ship.  But do not worry.  I do
value privacy as well.  Anything that happens on board
stays here, unless it is perilous to myself, my
darling Talia, my operations, or my people.
"Now then, as to your usefulness...  The detective has
been a thorn in my side for too long.  I had hoped his
love for my beautiful daughter would bring him to my
side.  Later, I tried other methods to keep him at
bay.  All proved fruitless in the end."
"So, what?  Am I a human shield then?"
"No, but I believe the simple knowledge of your
position will help deter the detective from
interfering in my plans to save this planet."
Silver suddenly realized that, at some unknown point
earlier, she had come to realize that Talia, her
father, and who knew who else, were aware that Bruce
was the Batman.  She smiled to herself, they had no
idea of how committed Bruce was.  Or how resourceful. 
Once Al-Ghul made it known he was holding her, Bruce
would find her and save her.
"If you think that the detective will be able to save
you, I'm afraid you're sadly mistaken.  You will not
be held in any of my more established locations. 
Quite the contrary.  But the Batman will not know
that, nor will he trust that I mean you no harm." 
Al-Ghul smirked, "He will believe that you are in
dreadful danger of losing your life if he interferes
with my plans again.  He or any of his 'friends' in
the Justice League, the Justice Society, or any other
ridiculous collection of metahumans.
"And now, if you'll excuse me.  I've kept my nervous
aides waiting.  I sometimes think they truly are
afraid of me and would fall dead if I said so much as
'boo.'  Good day, Ms. St. Cloud."
"I'm not finished here..."
Talia gently grasped Silver's shoulder, "Yes, you are.
 For now.  Please come.  We can dine together. 
Maybe..."
Leaving the thought unvoiced, Talia trailed her
fingertips down the center of Silver's back lightly as
they exited the salon.
Silver refused to show it but the feel of Talia's hand
was extremely pleasant.
* * * * * *
The meal was elegant and delicious.  Most of the foods
she had tasted before on trips to the Mediterranean. 
There were Greek, Lebanese, and Egyptian foods, such a
wide variety that she could only taste small portions
if she wanted to enjoy it all.
"You seem to like our cuisine," Talia said.
"Mmm...yes, very much.  I have enjoyed practically all
of these foods before.  But, I think I overdid it."
"It has been some time since you last ate, I'm sure."
"Yes," Silver sighed.  She had last eaten several
hours before her return to Gotham.  That was over two
days ago now.  No wonder she had been famished.
"Perhaps a stroll around the deck?  A bit of
exercise?" Talia suggested.
"Aren't you afraid I'll jump overboard?"
"You are not the suicidal type.  We are days away from
the nearest land and far from the standard commercial
shipping lanes in this part of the Atlantic.  Come,"
Talia rose and held out her hand.
As they came out on deck, Silver saw it was already
dark.  The air was warm and smelled of salt.  She saw
the glow on the horizon ahead of the ship that would
soon be the rising moon.
She and Talia walked slowly in silence.  Silver had
nothing to say and Talia seemed to instinctively
understand that.  As they crossed the deck near the
bow, Silver pointed out to the port side.
"What's that?"
Following Silver's extended finger, Talia saw some
flashes across the waves near the horizon.  "I do not
know.  Excuse me."
Stepping to a communicator mounted in the bulkhead,
Talia called up to the radar room behind the bridge. 
Soon, alarms were sounding all over the ship as seamen
raced to the portside decks, all armed with automatic
weapons.
"Come, we will be safer below," Talia said, taking
Silver's elbow and directing her to a nearby hatch.
"Safe?  From what?  Why are all the men armed?" Silver
asked, eyeing the people running onto the decks with
M-16s, AK-47s, Uzis, and even some smaller machine
pistols.
"Enemies of my father," Talia said simply.
Once back in her large quarters, Talia picked up a
phone and asked for status.  As the dusky beauty
spoke, Silver heard the distant, somewhat muffled
sounds of gunfire with an occasional explosion.  The
latter she could feel in the vibrations of the deck
plates beneath the sumptuous carpeting.
"It is Kobra," Talia said as she placed to phone back
in it's cradle.  "They are a fanatical criminal cult
and one of the more dangerous of my father's enemies."
"So, are we safe?"
"Yes.  It seems to be a small, badly-planned raid. 
Retaliation for the destruction of one of Kobra's
drug-running cells in the Far East.  My father cannot
abide narcotics.  As you can hear, the danger is
nearly past."
Silver did notice that the sounds of combat had
tapered off.  In moments, it was silent.
The phone rang.  A shrill double-ring that sounded
like most British phones.  Talia picked it up, "Yes? 
Very well.  We'll be there in a moment."
After again hanging up the phone, Talia turned to
Silver, "We are to see my father again."
Back on the throne room (Silver could not think of it
as anything else), they stood before R'as Al-Ghul. 
Talia looked at him directly, one of the few in the
room that dared.  "What may we do for you, Father?"
Silver didn't like the way that had been phrased and
felt a shiver of dread, half-formed images coming to
mind.
"The raid by Kobra's minions was a total failure.  Of
course."  R'as allowed a small smile to play across
his young/ancient features, a smile meant only for his
darling Talia.
"However, should they decide to strike again, the
force will undoubtedly be considerably larger.  While
the ship and crew will be safe enough, I would prefer
not to have to worry about my daughter.  Or my guest."
 Ra's added the last almost as if it were an
afterthought.
"Father?"
"You will take Ms. St Cloud and go to one of our safe
houses.  Keep her with you at all times and await word
from me."
Talia nodded in understanding then asked, "Which one
shall we use?"
"I care not.  Keep the radio set for our general
broadcast and then contact us once you get our signal.
 You know which one I mean?" Ra's asked.
"Of course, Father.  Shall I take the hydrofoil?"
"No, use the jet copter.  It is faster and has far
greater range.  I have scouts dispatched around us and
there is nothing in range to disturb your flight."
"Very well Father.  I hate to leave you."
"And I hate to have you leave, my daughter.  But your
safety is paramount.  As is our guest's.  Please
accede to my wishes."
"Good-bye, Father.  I will see you soon."
"Farewell, Talia."
* * * * * *
Talia led Silver to a small jet copter on a hidden
hangar deck, completely enclosed near the stern of the
ship.  As they settled into the small aircraft, Talia
ran through a quick checklist.  As she completed it,
she barked a string of what sounded like Arabic into
the throat mike.  The roof of the deck retracted as
did the aft wall.
Once they were airborne, Silver looked at the ship. 
Yacht was almost laughable.  R'as Al-Ghul's ship could
give any of the Love Boat cruisers a run for their
money.  However, she doubted she'd see signs of battle
damage on a Princess Cruise ship.
"We shall make for the Azores and refuel.  You will
remain in the ship when we land.  I do not wish to
restrain you but I will if necessary," Talia said.
"No, that won't be necessary," Silver said.  She
wasn't about to try and escape on a small island. 
Once they reached the European mainland, or even the
African coast, she would get away.  If she couldn't,
well, Talia would learn she was no pushover.
Several hours later, as dawn lightened the sky to the
east, they landed briefly at a small airport on the
island of Faial.  At least that was the name Talia
gave the island.  As far as Silver knew, they could be
on any rock in the Atlantic and she'd have to idea
where they were.  
In the light dawn haze, she was able to make out the
center of the island rose to a tapered cone.  Possibly
an ancient volcano, she thought.  
Soon, they were again airborne.  Talia headed east
towards Europe and, Silver hoped, her freedom.
Again the flight passed in relative quiet.  Silver had
little to say, she was considering her options.  She
had no money, her passport was still in her Gotham
apartment, any ID was still in Talia's stateroom on
Al-Ghul's ship.  She did speak French and Italian with
a smattering of Spanish.  As long as they landed in
one of the Romance language countries around the
northern Med, she'd eventually be able to get in touch
with an American consulate.
Talia, seemingly unaware of her passenger's thoughts,
was silent for a different reason.  She was simply
enjoying herself.  She loved to fly but she seldom got
the chance to pilot any craft herself.  Her father
deemed that beneath someone of their stature.  For her
to be flying, the situation had to be dire by her
father's estimation.  What was happening back on the
yacht?
Her thoughts roamed freely, as did those of her
'guest'. But, while she didn't know the content of
Silver's thoughts, she knew the woman was working on a
plan to regain her freedom.  Talia sympathized but her
loyalty was to her father.  No matter that this lovely
woman should be free, Talia would never consider
letting her go unless her father had no further use
for the socialite.
As the miles passed, they crossed from the water to
the land.  Talia knew they were over Portugal and,
later, Spain and related this information to her
'guest' when Silver asked.  
Soon, on the far horizon, sunlight glinted off water. 
They had almost completely passed over the Iberian
Peninsula.  Though not needing gas, Talia landed at a
small airfield to fill her tanks before they resumed
their flight.
This time, Talia remained in the helicopter, relaying
instructions to the one-man ground crew via radio. 
She was not about to give her passenger the chance to
get away.
As the copter lifted in a cloud of light brown dust,
Silver finally asked, "Where are we going?"
"To an island of my father's.  We should be there
shortly.  Before nightfall."
Although she didn't show it, Silver's heart dropped. 
An island!  And apparently privately owned.  She would
be trapped!  Unless there was a boat...
"I know you had hoped to get away but that cannot be
allowed.  I do hope you come to see yourself as our,
as my guest.  Your every need will be met," Talia
said.
"Every need?" Silver said sardonically.
"Within reason," Talia replied.
* * * * * *
As promised, Talia landed on a small island shortly
before sunset.  The deep blue water reflecting the
sun's rays brightly and the warm breeze combined to
invite visitors to enjoy the island and it's climate.
Silver was not so easily persuaded.  She was a
prisoner, regardless of how lovely the prison was. 
She was reminded of the old British TV series with
Patrick McGoohan she had watched on A&E. 
'At least they didn't give me a number,' she thought.
Talia led her to a large house on a hillside
overlooking a cove with a white sand beach.  "You may
swim there whenever you wish.  The water is warm and
quite clear.  No one will disturb you."
"Aren't you afraid I'll try to swim away?" Silver
asked, already knowing the answer.
"No, we are far too distant from any other landform
for you to accomplish such a feat.  On the far side of
the island, a mile or so away, as Americans still
measure distance, is an ancient Roman ruin.  Father
believes it to be a temple.  There is not much there
but some broken columns and cracked flooring.  If such
things interest you, please explore it if you wish. 
The rest of the island is wild.  Come, we will have
something light for our meal then I will show you to
your rooms."
Silver followed Talia.  She was surprised to find she
could still detect the girl's perfume after all the
time they'd been in the air.  Or perhaps it was the
girl herself?
* * * * * *
2) Captivity
From Silver St. Cloud's diary:
'I am basically marooned here on a small island in the
middle of the Mediterranean Sea.  The closest land is
dozens of miles away.  Too far to swim, unless I was
Aquaman.  There are no boats of significance here
either.  If only I knew how to fly the helicopter...
'Talia has tried to be a hostess, not a warden.  But I
am still her captive.  That cannot be forgotten.  I
will not give into that kidnap victim mentality where
the victim becomes friends with the kidnappers - I
believe it's called the Stockholm Syndrome.  But I am
not Patty Hearst - I'm much stronger than that.'
* * * * * *
The days and weeks passed.  Silver had combed every
inch of the island from the beach below the villa to
the old ruins.  There was nothing there to help her. 
Even the small jetty she had discovered on the north
shore was crumbling and probably hadn't seen use for
decades.
The villa was large and roomy.  Silver found she could
avoid even seeing Talia for hours at a time.  There
was an extensive library, mainly classics and various
texts but there was a small section of relatively
contemporary fiction as well.  There was also a good
stereo system and a large selection of classical
music, especially Bach.
She and Talia were the only people on the island with
the exception of the old caretaker and his wife who
also acted as their cook.  The old couple was rarely
seen by the young women.
Some old date groves had grown wildly across the crest
of the island, in areas the other small trees hadn't
claimed.  The dates themselves were delicious.  Silver
often plucked a few during her explorations.
The nights were lovely.  The air was warm and flowed
through the windows into her room, caressing her skin.
 She took to sleeping in the nude, as she occasionally
had done in Gotham at the height of the summer.  Her
clothes were loose airy garments that were easily
removed if she decided to swim, which she found
herself doing more and more.
The waters were also warm and gentle.  And since she
and Talia were practically alone on the island (she
often forgot the old caretaker and his wife were even
there), she never worried about skinny-dipping.
One morning, nearly two months after their arrival,
Silver went down to the cove to lay on the beach and
take a dip in the water.  She brought a book from the
library but doubted she'd get much reading done.
As she neared the water, she heard a splash.  Coming
around a small rocky outcrop, she saw Talia swimming. 
Silver froze, entranced by the beautiful scene before
her.  
Talia swam with all the grace she exhibited on land. 
She barely created any turbulence in the water. 
Walking out of the water, she stood for a moment on
the small beach, the water dripping off her shapely,
naked form.  Then she sprinted to the right and a
small shelf of rock.  From there, she executed a
near-perfect dive into the water.
Silver stepped back into the shadows of the foliage. 
She didn't want to be seen for some reason.  But she
also had an unusual desire to see more of Talia.  She
was rewarded when the bronze-skinned woman stepped out
of the water again.  
Talia was nearly perfect from her beautiful face down
to her almost ideal breasts, her thin waist, and long,
slender legs.  Her brown areola stood out prominently
on her naturally tanned skin.  And she was shaven. 
Silver had never seen another woman who was completely
bare down there.
Running her hands down, Talia brushed water off her
high, round breasts and then down her flat stomach. 
As Silver stared in wonder, one hand slipped between
the other woman's long legs and began to move slowly
back and forth.
Silver was astounded!  This woman was masturbating
right in front of her!  She was torn between twin
desires to stay or to go.  A somewhat quieter urge
told her to join Talia on the beach but she ignored
that.  
As Talia stroked herself, Silver stood transfixed, her
hand slipping between her legs and squeezing herself
through the silky material.  She shuddered as Talia
threw her head back, took a deep breath and moaned
softly before falling to her knees on the sand.
Silver withdrew, her body on fire, as Talia lay on the
white sand and closed her eyes.  
Silver ran up the path back to the villa.  She dashed
into her room and closed the door.  As soon as the
door slammed behind her, she suddenly wondered why she
acted as if she'd done something wrong.  It wasn't
like she was peaking through drapes into someone's
bedroom, Talia was out in the open doing...
Suddenly feeling flushed, Silver fell onto her bed. 
Curling into a near-fetal position, she squeezed her
arms between her legs and fell asleep.
Her dreams were full of beautiful women, some clothed
and some nude.  She knew they were all stunning but
could only make out the faces of three: Erin, Lyssa,
and, of course, Talia.  All were smiling at her,
holding out a hand in welcome.  The other hand was
between the legs of the girl standing alongside, as
they massaged and probed each other's sex.
Talia's open hand slipped between her legs as Silver
realized she was nude as well.  Long fingers slipped
inside of her as Erin's, or was it Lyssa's?, hand
caressed her breast.
Silver came hard from the inquisitive hands.  The
climax was enough to bring her to consciousness.  And
to the realization that the hand between her legs was
her own and her other hand had been caressing her full
breast.
She fell back.   She had a wet dream about women!  But
she admitted to herself that she had been turned on by
Talia on the beach.  And the last orgasm she'd had was
given to her those many weeks ago by the other two
girls that appeared in her dream.
Still excited, Silver began to manipulate her sex
again.  This time she tried to focus on Bruce or one
of her other previous lovers.  Every time she let her
concentration slip, she saw Talia.  Finally, Silver
gave in and allowed herself to picture Talia as she
had appeared on the beach.
This climax was more intense than any self-induced
orgasm she'd had in quite some time.
Silver drifted off to sleep, her hand still between
her legs.
* * * * * *
3) The Stockholm Seduction
From Silver St. Cloud's diary:
'I have not been able to get the image of Talia out of
my mind.  She was so beautiful standing there on the
shore, her body gleaming in the sun, her long hair
hanging straight.  Her skin looked so soft.
'When I try to think of men, all I can see is Talia. 
Either alone or with her two handmaidens from the
yacht.  
'What is wrong with me?'
* * * * * *
That evening, at dinner, Silver found herself looking
at her captor often.  However, she quickly averted her
eyes whenever Talia looked back at her.
"Is something troubling you, my dear?" Talia asked as
they were finishing.
"No.  Nothing."  Silver's answer was short and to the
point.  She wasn't about to admit, to anyone, that she
had gotten herself off thinking of the woman she was
dining with.
Talia rose and walked behind Silver's chair.  She
gently placed her hands on the blonde's shoulders,
saying, "I think you're not being completely honest
with me.  I think there is something bothering you. 
And I think I know what it is."
Silver felt warm breath on her shoulder.  "You are
aroused and embarrassed simultaneously.  Am I right?"
The last was a breathy whisper that stirred the silver
tresses over her ear.
Standing abruptly, Silver strode to the large French
windows, staring out into the night.  "No.  I'm
not...that way."
"What way?" Talia asked in her soft accent.
"You know...with girls..."
"Have you ever tried?"
"No."
"Then how can you be certain?"
"I just am!"
"Perhaps I can help convince you otherwise," Talia
whispered, her hands settling softly on Silver's hips.
 Silver froze.  God help her, the other woman - her
captor! - was getting to her, arousing her.
With one hand, Talia combed Silver's hair away from
the side of her face.  Then, she gently placed a
chaste kiss on the woman's cheek.  
Silver shivered, she couldn't help it.  The soft feel
of Talia's lips on her skin was so exciting.
Talia pressed her closed lips to the outside of
Silver's ear.  Slowly, she opened her mouth and
allowed the tip of her tongue to trace the ear's edge.
Silver shivered again and, even worse to her, moaned
quietly.
Talia heard the moan and felt the woman's shivers. 
She smiled but still slowly traced just the outer edge
lightly with her tongue.  There was plenty of time.
Her lips moved down and followed the contour of
Silver's slender neck, sucking lightly at the skin
over her carotid.  She could feel the American's pulse
with her tongue.
Silver had her head back.  While she had never
considered a woman lover before her captivity, she
realized that this girl, her captor, was stimulating
her like no other person before had.  And Talia hadn't
even touched any of her more sensitive, private areas.
Talia's lips moved up and followed the line of
Silver's jaw as her body slid sensuously around
Silver.  When Talia was facing the other woman, she
looked deep into Silver's eyes.
Silver lost herself in Talia's cat-like eyes.  The
dusky girl had the most beautiful eyes she had ever
seen.
Talia smiled, her even white teeth gleaming.  Gently
cupping Silver's face, she brushed her lips against
the other's.  Then she pressed more firmly against
Silver's lips.
Silver's lips parted in surprise and Talia slipped her
tongue along the inner edges of her upper and lower
lips.  She felt the woman's lip quiver and open wider.
 Her tongue slowly slid in, darting and briefly,
teasingly touching Silver's tongue, teeth, and lips.
Silver tried to parry with her tongue as she became
more and more aroused but the supple intruder was
almost phantom-like.  She moaned her frustration and
Talia relented, letting her tongue caress and fondle
Silver's.
The softness, the warmth was a wonderful surprise to
Silver.  She was used to men and their often rough,
quick kisses.  This was exquisite; excitingly
different.  She ran her tongue along Talia's and into
Talia's mouth, tasting the bronzed beauty.
Slowly, as the kiss deepened, Talia gently wound her
arms around Silver, hugging her close.  Silver's hands
rested firmly on Talia's hips then slid up and held
the exotic woman's shoulders.
Their clothed bodies melded together in flowing silks
as they pressed together from their knees to their
passion-locked mouths.
Talia pulled back, her breathing slightly ragged.  A
sure sign that her great control was slipping.  "I
want you," she whispered huskily.  "I have since yo
were brought to Father's yacht."
"I...I've never..." 
"Ssh.  I want to please you, to taste you, to revel in
your body."
Talia closed the distance between them again in a
searing kiss that brought a loud moan to Silver's
throat and caused her toes to curl in her sandals.
Breaking the kiss, Talia took Silver's hand and led
her to the master bedroom.  Once inside, she pushed
the door closed and again took Silver in her arms,
capturing her mouth in another deeply passionate kiss.
Talia ran her fingers through Silver's pale hair,
marveling at the soft texture.  Everything about this
woman was soft and beautiful.
Her hands traveled lower, slowly pulling Silver's top
down off her shoulders to hang loosely at the woman's
waist.  
Silver kept her lips sealed with Talia's as she let
her arms hang at her sides to help Talia begin to
disrobe her.
The American's head was swimming.  Talia's kisses were
sweet and hot.  Her skin tingled wherever Talia
touched her.  It was the most erotic moment of her
life.  Any doubts she had about making love to another
woman were forgotten in the heat of her arousal.  She
had to be with Talia!
Talia broke their kiss again and began to trail soft
lips down to Silver's shoulders.  Kissing across and
then down the soft white skin, Talia found the taste
of Silver's skin intoxicating.
"Oh Talia!  God...  I've...never..."  The rest of
Silver's words were lost when Talia cupped one of her
breasts, kissing the hardened nipple before sucking it
between her lips.
No words were possible for Silver once Talia's tongue
began to explore the diamond-hard nub while her
forefinger and thumb pinched the other nipple.
"Oooooo!" Silver moaned as Talia blew a stream of cool
air on the wet nipple.  
"God!  That's..."  Again her words failed her when
Talia began to suckle on the other breast.
Talia's hands slipped down the soft skin to push
Silver's pants over her hips.  They fell with her
blouse to pool around her feet.  Talia's hands cupped
the marvelous roundness of Silver's butt while she
continued to feast on the blonde's breasts.
Silver wrapped her hands around Talia's head, the dark
silken hair caressing her skin.  She pulled her lover
more tightly to her as she struggled to remain on her
feet.
Sensing Silver's near lack of strength, Talia picked
the woman up in her arms.  Carrying her like a groom
traditionally carried his bride, Talia walked to the
bed.
Silver was amazed at the hidden strength in Talia's
slender form.  It excited her tremendously and scared
her just a little.  She leaned up and kissed Talia
before she was deposited on the large bed.
"Lay back.  I want to worship your body, my love,"
Talia whispered.  Silver happily did as her woman
suggested.
Talia stood beside the bed, drinking in the sight of
the nude woman before her.  Silver's breasts were firm
and stood proudly on her chest.  Her slender waist led
to slightly flaring hips.  Below that was a small,
neatly trimmed patch of silvery pubic hair.  As Silver
shifted one of her long, slender legs, Talia saw the
glistening prize she wanted to taste.
Secretly, as a child, Talia had seen how the various
women in her father's seraglio had entertained him. 
They often danced slowly for him as they removed their
clothes before taking him to his chambers for sex.
When it came to that point, she always withdrew.  She
was more fascinated with the beautiful women than with
most of the men in her father's entourage.
Once her father was bedded for the night, she would
sneak over to the women's central room and observe
them pleasuring themselves, both alone and in small
groups of two or three. 
Those nights of hiding and spying were not to be
wasted as she began one of the more sensuous dances
for her new lover. 
Silver watched entranced as Talia danced before her. 
As various pieces of clothing fell away, Talia moved
to shield her more private parts.  Silver relished the
teasing - she had never considered how sexy a woman's
bare back could be.  Nor the sight of a woman's ass
still hidden by nearly transparent panties which soon
joined the small pile on the floor.
Talia spun one last time to face Silver, one arm
across her breasts and one hand covering her hairless
mound.  
"Do you like what you see?"  Silver nodded.  "Or did
you find it more arousing this afternoon by the
water?"
Silver reddened and said, "I...didn't know you...  You
were so beautiful.  You are so beautiful."
Talia smiled and tossed her long, dark hair back with
a flick of her head.  "Thank you.  So are you.  Now, I
want to make love to you.  Would you like that?"
"Oh God, please!  I need you so...  I've never felt
this way about anyone before.  You...  Please, make
love to me," Silver whispered.
In lieu of words, Talia lay next to Silver.  She
glanced at the mirror beyond the foot of the bed. 
They were a study in contrasts.  Silver with her
silvery hair and pale skin next to Talia with her
dusky bronze skin and dark, nearly black hair.  
Starting with another deep, probing kiss, Talia began
to work her way from Silver's mouth down to her goal. 
After kissing the hard nipples and then the quivering
flesh of Silver's abdomen, Talia repositioned herself
between the blonde's legs.
She began to kiss the insides of Silver's thighs, her
tongue running from the backs of the woman's knees up
to the very edge of her wet labia.  Silver moaned and
shifted in response, trying to bring her sex to
Talia's mouth.
Talia finally relented, more for her own needs than
Silver's, and kissed then licked the lust-swollen
flesh beneath the small silver triangle of hair. 
Dipping her tongue into Silver, Talia relished the
flavor of the American's honey. 
Waves of heated pleasure blazed through Silver, coming
from her vagina, as Talia explored her.  She
physically quaked in rapture as Talia thrust her
tongue deep into Silver.
With a scream, Silver exploded in her first orgasm of
the night.  Her juices flow like water over Talia's
lips and tongue.  The dusky woman lapped them up like
a kitten laps milk.
Without moving her face from between Silver's splayed
legs, Talia continued to ravish the American.  Before
Silver was able to recover from her first climax,
another thundered through her from Talia's talented
mouth.
After her third climax, louder than the first two
combined, Silver physically pushed her lover away from
her dripping pussy.
Talia smiled, kissed the quivering lips quickly,
smiling even more at the 'Hey!' Silver said in
protest, then crawled up and kissed the flushed
blonde.
Silver relished the taste of herself on Talia's tongue
as she sucked the tender muscle into her mouth.  She
couldn't help but wonder what Talia would taste like.
Kissing Talia once more, she pushed the bronzed beauty
onto her back then began to kiss the dusky skin at her
throat.  Planting kisses down the dark skin, Silver
moved a little, bringing her mouth near the hard brown
nipple on Talia's right breast.
Suckling, she swirled her tongue around the
eraser-sized bud.  Silver nipped lightly at it,
tugging gently then moved to the other breast, sucking
and biting.
She smiled when Talia began to moan and mutter in a
foreign language.  The words were unfamiliar but she
was sure of the sentiment as she had felt the same way
very recently at the mouth of the young woman beneath
her.
Moving between Talia's long, dark legs, Silver began
to kiss the smooth skin at the apex.  She had expected
to feel some stubble like a man who had shaved earlier
in the day.  Instead it was smooth as a baby's skin. 
Fascinated, Silver licked all over the rounded mound. 
She occasionally got a taste of Talia's essence and
once, from the deep shiver Talia exhibited, she had
touched some ultra-sensitive part of the woman's sex.
Wondering if she'd touched the woman's clitoris,
Silver pulled the outer lips apart.  She stared in
wonder at the delicate folds, bedewed with Talia's
sweet nectar.  It was like a flower.  One Silver had
to taste.
With a lack of reluctance that she would've found
surprising even a few hours before, Silver began to
lick the droplets off the outer, then the inner lips. 
She loved the tightness of Talia's vaginal walls on
her tongue.  
And, when Talia lifted her hips off the bed, Silver
knew she'd found another sensitive point.  
Cupping the round asscheeks, Silver probed deeply into
Talia, caressing the spot inside her lover.
Talia squealed and went rigid as her tangy honey
coated Silver's tongue. 
Silver loved the tart taste and continued her oral
explorations to get more of Talia.  
While she didn't bring Talia to three orgasms, Silver
did manage to give her two convulsive climaxes before
her tongue became tired from the unaccustomed
exercise.
She crawled up alongside of Talia and kissed her
deeply.
They lay there for quite a some time, sharing deep,
languid kisses.  No words passed between them, there
was no need.  Just the closeness of two happy women
satisfied by their discovery of the other.
* * * * * *
4) Silver's Fate
From Silver St. Cloud's diary:
'That night with Talia...  I have never spent a night
so full of sexual wonder.  She is the best lover I've
ever had.  
'I only hope I was as pleasing.'
* * * * * *
The new lovers spent most of their time together after
that night.  Silver no longer slept in another room,
she happily shared Talia's bed.
Talia was just as happy and welcomed her new love. 
She had found the one person who could fill the void
in her life that she had come to realize her beloved
would never fill.
Soon after the beginning of their lives together,
Talia and Silver were joined by their handmaidens,
Lyssa and Erin.  Silver soon came to appreciate their
resourcefulness.  And ingenuity.
And to her surprise, Silver found that sharing their
bed with the handmaidens didn't lessen their growing
feelings for each other, but actually strengthened
them.
Finally, after several months with no word, Talia
contacted her father.
"Father?  Is everything alright?"
"Yes, Talia.  Kobra was more of a problem that I had
first presumed.  However, they have been defeated for
now and I am ready for the next phase of my project,"
came the voice over the speaker.
Talia, with some dread, asked, "Will this involve
Silver?"  Seeing her father's confusion, she added,
"The American girl?"
"Girl?  Oh, the detective's lover.  No, she is no
longer a factor.  He has moved on and so my plans have
been adapted."
"What...what is to become of her?" Talia asked, hoping
her father wouldn't hear the quiver in her voice.
"I care not.  One of the Bangkok brothels or one of my
sultans' harems.  It matters not.  I will send someone
to..." R'as responded, almost as an afterthought.
"NO!  I mean, that will not be necessary, Father.  I
can take care of Sil...Ms. St Cloud."  Talia
maintained a stoic calm, but inside she was quivering
with fear over the possible fates that could be in
store for her silver-haired lover.
"Very well, Daughter.  She is in your hands.  Do not
trouble me about her again."
"Thank you, Father," Talia said before signing off. 
Then she sagged against the comm unit, relief washing
over her.
* * * * * *
5) Back In Action
From Silver St. Cloud's diary:
'Talia is devoted to her father.  But I think she's
finally seeing how mad some of his plans are.
'At least I hope so.  I couldn't bear it if anything
happened to her.
'I love her.'
* * * * * *
Talia's head lay on Silver's bare breast, Silver's
hand stroking the long, shiny hair softly.  A full
moon shown through the closed window, it's light
increased by the thick blanket of snow that covered
the grounds outside.  
The higher peaks of the Alps stretched up into the
dark sky above the chateau two different women shared.
"Do you realize we've been together for over three
years, darling?" Silver asked.
"Yes, my Heart.  I do.  And it has been a wonderful
three years," the exotic beauty replied, with a happy
sigh.
"I've never been with anyone this long.  Ever."
"Are you happy, my love?" Talia asked, her breath warm
on the woman's skin.
"So happy.  I could stay here with you forever,"
Silver replied.
Talia purred against Silver's nipple.  Her hand
skimmed down to the silver fur between the American's
legs.
A quiet yelp of surprised pleasure echoed momentarily
in the otherwise still room.  As Talia penetrated the
woman holding her, she said, "I received word from
Father."
"Oh?"  Silver hoped Talia didn't feel her rapid pulse
or sense the dread Talia's words brought.
"Please, believe me.  This is the last time.  I...I no
longer believe in my father's work as I once did. 
I...I think I can keep things from going too far. 
Please believe me.  I love you," Talia said, gently
stroking inside Silver.
"I love you too.  Just come back to me."
"I will.  But Father needs me.  I fear he is taking on
too much, going against the entire Just...  I should
not say anymore."
"Will you see...him?"
"Undoubtedly."
There was a long moment of silence.  In the far
distance the muted sound of a glacial fissure opening
echoed among the surrounding mountains.
"Will you come...?"
Talia silenced her lover's words with a deep, loving
kiss.  "I'll always return to you, Beloved."
* * * * * *
6) Talia's Fate
From Silver St. Cloud's Diary:
'When she goes away for any length of time, I do start
to worry.  Lyssa and Erin take care of my needs and
wants; they are very, very good at satisfying a woman.
 But that can only deflect my thoughts from Talia and
where she might be, what danger she might be in.
'My Talia loves her father, despite his... his
misguided plans for our world.  And she has never
hesitated to go to him.  But this last time...
'My darling Talia has become so much the focus of my
life.  Before, I thought she was the cause of all my
misery.  She had twisted and corrupted my life, or so
I thought.
'Now her life is twisted and warped.  By one of her
father's insane ploys to defeat the Justice League and
take the planet.  
'Thanks to that, she is now scarred for the rest of
her life.
'Oh my love, if I could only give you what you lost. 
Only take your pain to myself.  Anything I have I
would happily give to you.'
* * * * * *
Silver couldn't help but cry when Talia was returned
to her.  Her beautiful lover was covered with bruises,
cuts, and various abrasions. 
But the worst brought a thrill of horror to the former
socialite.  Talia had nearly lost one of her long,
lovely legs.  She had been shot at close range, then
escaped before taking the time to treat the injury. 
The injury had become badly infected.  She was close
to death.
Talia lay in a drugged sleep for some time after being
brought home.  Every night, Silver slept with her,
holding the comatose body close.
"If I ever find the one who did this to you, I will
kill him!" Silver said as she cradled her unconscious
lover gently.
Talia did not respond.  Not that night, nor for
several more days.  When she did, it was apparent she
was not cognizant.
"Molly?  Shall we go skiing tomorrow?  Or just stay
here and make love by the fire," Talia said, her words
somewhat slurred.
Silver recognized the name of one of Talia's former
lovers, a world-class skiing champion.  Jealousy
flared briefly in her heart as she recalled Talia
telling her of a very brief, very memorable, very
torrid affair with Molly Post several years before,
while they tried to help Bruce stop R'as in these very
same Alps.  
As much as Silver hated R'as Al-Ghul, apparently this
Molly hated him even more for what he did to her
fiancée.  And Silver loathed the tyrannical criminal
mastermind, as much as she loved his daughter. 
Later, in another fever-induced delirium, Talia called
out a warning, "Beloved!  Look out!  Father!  Don't
let Ubu hurt him!  Please!"
Was this a recent event?  Or one of the many other
times Talia came between her father and the Batman? 
And why didn't she feel the same level of jealousy
when it came to Bruce?
Still later, "Thank you, Father, for not taking her
from me.  I love her.  My darling Silver..."
This last brought naturally brought tears to Silver's
eyes.  And joy to her heart.
When Talia started spending more time awake than
asleep, Silver sat with her.  The silver-haired woman
was constantly at Talia's beck and call.  She even
took over the chores the handmaidens usually
performed.
The most important was at night, when Talia would wake
screaming from one of her many remembered nightmares. 
Then Silver would hold her cold, quaking body, cooing
reassuring noises into the bronzed ear until Talia
could once again sleep peacefully.
Finally, after a seeming eternity, Talia was able to
accept the brace she needed to support her damaged
limb.  And she finally knew that Silver was always
going to be there for her.
* * * * * *
From Silver St. Cloud's Diary:
'I now know she kept me alive and free.  Yes, free. 
All things considered, I am as free here in our estate
near the Cote d'Azur as I was in Gotham.  Possibly
even freer, as I no longer have the shadow of Bruce
and his other life hanging over me.
'I believe I gave as much to Talia, maybe more.  But
when you're in love, none of that matters. I would
give everything I have, everything I am, for her. 
'With Bruce, I don't know that it was love.  Not like
this.  Ours was a bright flame quickly ignited and
almost as quickly, the fire went out as I was forced
to part from him.  It just would've taken longer if
I'd stayed in Gotham.
'As I helped keep my darling alive and sane through
her recovery, we spent a lot of time in pain, hers
phyical and mine emotional with only our love for each
other sustaining us.  And, once she finally began to
recover, so did I.  
'We have a long way to go but we'll do it together.
'I know some part of Talia still loves Bruce.  Some
part of me does as well.
'But does that matter?  No, not anymore.  She loves
and needs me.  And I love my Talia.  I always will.'
 (c) John O'Conner
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