Disclaimer: BABYLON 5, Ivanova, Talia, and all characters and situations thereof, are all rights and © J. Michael Straczynski and Babylonian Productions. This is a not-for-profit effort for the purpose of fan-to-fan appreciation of some wonderful characters :).

further notes: This is a post B5 fourth season story. Italics depict telepathic communication. This is not hardware sci-fi, it's romance fan fiction, depicting a love relationship between two women. If this sensibility disturbs/does not interest you, please read no further. To find out how Ivanova gets Talia back, read Sel Vecantie's 'Reunion', (and other great I/T stories!), at: www.geocities.com/Athens/Troy/9933/index2.html

Beta-read by Calliope2000, who has my most sincere, heartfelt thanks!

Thank you, and enjoy...

LITANY

Meine liebe, amor mio, mon amour, meu amor, mi amante, mou agapi....

The soft-voiced litany whispered in Susan's mind, as she drowsily nuzzled Talia's damp hair, inhaling her soap, their sweat, the musky scents of their lovemaking. They lay together, warmly entangled in each other's arms under cool sheets, Ivanova's quarters dimly lit by the blue cast from Io's stark surface rising slowly through the port window.

....min elskede, mij liefde, meg elske, askim, austaja, liubov, moje laska, muj zcela vlastni.......

Every night, as the concerns and responsibilities of her ship and her command receded slowly from her consciousness, the gentle litany began, lulling Susan to sleep. It was a comforting, loving presence within her thoughts.....so like her mama's, before they made Sofie Ivanov take the sleeper drugs to silence her telepathic gift, leaving a small girl forever bereft of her mother's touch in her mind. Susan reached sleepily to stroke Talia's cheek, moving her dark head closer to the shimmering blonde one, as the soft, mental whisper continued.

...fy cariad, ceiso mo chridhe, wagokokoro, aikouka, mwenzangu......

If you call me 'love' in Vorlon, I may take offense, Susan thought wryly, unable to resist the light-hearted remark. The whisper in her mind halted as a throaty, husky laugh left Talia's mouth, now revealing teeth in a broad smile.

The universe had asked its younger races to follow either the path of order or the path of chaos. One could choose neither, and find one's own way, but Ivanova did not think that was the complete answer. Duty and sacrifice came as matters of consequence, she reflected. At least so it has been in her life, where all battles have been met with the best of strength and dedication she could give. Death or victory, no matter what she as a soldier may want, would be, in the end, entirely beyond her hands.

She moved to brush her lips tenderly against a smooth, pale brow, the gently voiced litany resuming in her mind once again.

Just know that my soul's yearning is answered, Susan spoke as to the universe and stars beyond her bed, beyond her ship, to the very infinite reaches within and without that she could comprehend, as she gave thanks for the warmth, and breath, and smoky deep eyes that shown in loving regard into her own.

Who I am; What I want. The questions the Vorlons and Shadows had asked. The answer lies here, with me, Susan affirmed, tracing loving fingers along the beautiful angle of Talia's face in the pale blue light. My God is here.

Mal'akh, she sent, gazing into warm, blue eyes. Mein Engel, mia Angela, meu Angel, mon Ange, mi Angel, mou Agkelos, mo Aingeal, meg Englev....

However the universe may play it out, Ivanova silently vowed, aa Talia's eyes lidded sleepily, shutting despite herself. This will survive, uncontested.

And as Talia experienced Susan's loving voice in her mind, Ivanova wrapped her arms tight around her lover, cradling her close, giving reverence as it was given her.

....Ingel, Andel, Angaros, Angeres, Deva,Tenshi, Droshalla, G'Lan....

The end.

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