Disclaimer : The characters in this story mostly belong to Renaissance/Universal/MCA Pictures but some of them came from my head. This story contains scenes of a sexual nature between two consenting adults of the same gender, some of it quite graphic. If this offends you, you’re too young to read it or if it’s illegal where you are, please don't go on.

Dedication : For Sham because she’s the coolest woman ever. She created great words like "kershwa" and excellent phrases like "There is but one Pit for all nations". She’s also my drinking buddy and the person I bounce ideas off when my muse deserts me. Also for my family, who discovered a while back that I actually write alternative fiction and are very supportive of me.

Author’s Note : I have to say that I’m quite proud of this one. It’s been a labour of love and I got stumped a number of times but now, I’m finally done. As you can tell by the title, it’s set after the Ides of March but it’s out of the main story so there aren’t any spoilers except for Season 5 Fallen Angel I guess and it doesn’t give away much really.

Feedback to [email protected] and if you want to archive this… go ahead. I would get a kick out of knowing about it though! We Irish people are strange like that! J lol!

Please check out our Xena website : www.angelfire.com/ri2/thepit

Thanks a million, Love Paula.

"Xena, why didn’t you tell me?"

The six-foot, raven-haired beauty looked up and scowled at her friend.

"Gabrielle…" she warned and gave her ‘the look’ but the bard wasn’t intimidated at all.

"You always do this. You get injured, say it’s just a scratch and then proceed to go on fighting. You need time to heal properly Xena."

"Gabrielle, I have a mother," the Warrior Princess replied with a quirky smile, knowing that ‘the look’ wasn’t getting her anywhere. It only served to infuriate the bard further.

"Xena… you… big…dumb… warrior! You have to take care of yourself. Ok, that’s it. We’re going to the Amazons and I don't want to hear any argument. You’re going to relax for a few weeks and let that wound heal."

At first the warrior was going to argue but then she just sighed defeatedly.

"Ok, ok, I surrender before Gabrielle!"

Xena got up from the log she was sitting on and winced slightly at the pain in her side.

Dammit all to Hades! I wasn't focussed at all in that fight. What in the gods’ names is wrong with me?

However, in her heart and soul, Xena knew the answer to that question. It was Gabrielle. Ever since Eli had brought them back to life, Xena had been fighting with divided focus. She was trying to watch out for the bard out of the corner of her eye all the time and as a result had been injured more than once. Gabrielle was more than skilled in battle but the thought of losing her again…

"Xena?"

The warrior almost jumped as she was startled out of her thoughts but covered it quickly.

"Yes, Gabrielle?"

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to… well… I can be… Dammit, I’m worried about you!"

The bard ran her hand through her short blonde hair. She was small, but strong and nicely muscular with a very beautiful face.

"Gabrielle, it’s ok. You’re right. We could do with a rest after what happened…"

The warrior trailed off and she felt the familiar twisting of her gut as images of their crucifixion and the battle for heaven flooded into her mind. Gabrielle saw the expression on her face and hugged her around the waist. Xena pulled her closer and rested her cheek on the top of the bard’s head.

"It’s over now, Xena," she whispered, as much for herself as for the warrior. The truth was that Gabrielle was having terrible nightmares and the only way she could sleep peacefully was when she was curled up against her best friend. Xena kissed the top of her head and then released her.

"Yes, you’re right. We just need time, Gabrielle. It’s only been a few moons since we came back. It’s to be expected that we still feel a bit shaky."

Shaky? I’m practically quaking, the bard thought.

Gabrielle smiled up at her friend.

"Do you remember what I said to you just after we came back, when we were sitting on the slab?"

Xena frowned for a second and then arched an eyebrow.

"I think so. You said that we were going to be together for eternity," she replied.

"That’s right. I want you to know that I still believe that. You are my best friend, the one I love most in this world… I just wanted you to know that."

Xena brushed an errant strand of hair away from the bard’s eyes as she smiled tenderly.

"You took the words right out of my mouth," she whispered.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Xena and Gabrielle travelled for almost a week and came to Amazon territory. As they walked through the forest, they saw the familiar no trespassing signs of Gabrielle’s tribe. Xena heard a slight rustle over her head but didn’t look up.

"We’re being watched," she said.

"Yeah," the bard replied with a knowing grin.

Suddenly, ropes fell from the trees and a dozen Amazons landed on the ground in front of them. Xena and Gabrielle clasped their hands above their heads in the Amazon sign of peace and the Amazons immediately knelt down in front of Gabrielle, their heads bowed.

"Come on! Get up all of you!" Gabrielle called as she rolled her eyes. The Amazons rose, lifted their masks and approached their Queen, hugging her and patting her on the back. Xena received a similar welcome.

"Gabrielle, you look great!"

"You too, Chilapa. How have you been?"

"Very well thanks. How about you and your tall friend here?"

Gabrielle darted a look at Xena and saw the warrior’s jaw tighten.

"Fine thanks… um… we should get to the village. It’ll be dark soon."

Chilapa nodded her agreement and they reached the village thirty minutes later. Xena went to stable their horses, while Gabrielle and her Regent went into a nearby hut. They sat down at a long table and were served some food. A plate was laid out for Xena too.

"So, what’s been happening since I was here last?" asked the bard.

"Well, things have been going well. We all miss Ephiny though," said the Regent. Gabrielle felt a pang of pain at the mention of her dear friend’s name.

"Yeah, I miss her too. It’s been hard on us all."

She looked at Chilapa and knew that there was something on her mind. Gabrielle laid her hand on the woman’s arm.

"What is it?"

Chilapa looked down at her plate, unsure of how to go on. After a long minute, she raised her eyes to the bard’s green.

"Gabrielle, we heard… rumours… that you and Xena had been crucified by Caesar."

She saw the immediate look of pain in the blonde woman’s eyes and green looked away.

"I'm sorry… I didn’t mean to upset you," Chilapa stammered.

Gabrielle shook her head.

"No, it’s ok. What you heard was true. Xena and I were crucified but we were brought back from death by a man called Eli. He has the ability to heal the sick by touching them. If it wasn’t for him, Xena and I would be dead now."

Chilapa smiled.

"Well, the Amazons owe Eli a debt of gratitude," she said and Gabrielle grinned appreciatively. Just then, Xena returned, ducking her head as she entered the hut. She spotted Gabrielle and Chilapa sitting together and sauntered over, throwing a long leg over the bench and flopping down, wincing at the pain in her side. She caught the worried look in her friend’s eyes and smiled.

"I'm ok, Gabrielle. Don't worry."

The bard laughed.

"Asking me not to worry about you is like asking a bird not to fly or a bee not to buzz!"

Xena rolled her eyes and threw Gabrielle a lopsided grin.

"Kinda like asking you not to talk huh?" she deadpanned and then ducked a playful cuff from the bard. Chilapa laughed and stood up.

"I’ll go and arrange a hut for you to sleep in. I hope you’ll be staying at least a few weeks."

"Maybe longer, if I can get Xena to sit still for that long," said Gabrielle.

Xena attacked her meal, choosing to ignore the bard’s comment. Later that evening, the Amazons put on quite a party and the two friends didn’t leave until very late. They were both kind of drunk so Chilapa led them towards her hut but Gabrielle suddenly stopped.

"Why are we going this way? The guest huts are over there," she asked waggling a drunken finger in the general direction.

"I know, Gabrielle," said the Regent, "but you are not a guest. You are the Queen so you’ll sleep in the Queen’s hut. As for Xena, she’s too tall to sleep in the smaller huts! She’ll end up with a permanently bent back!"

The warrior chuckled, Chilapa’s comment seeming infinitely funnier through her wine induced haze, and Gabrielle thanked Chilapa for her kindness.

Xena sighed wearily as she climbed into the large bed beside her friend. She had cleaned and freshly bandaged her wound and the herbal salve was stinging but she took it stoically as usual.

"Xena, I want you to promise me something," Gabrielle said as she turned onto her side to study the warrior’s face.

"What’s that?" asked Xena, squinting at her friend.

"I want you to promise that you’ll relax for the next few weeks. You’re almost dead on your feet. I can see it in your eyes and as much as I hate to say it, you’ve lost your usual swagger."

"I do not swagger!" said Xena, with a laugh, slapping her hand against her chest.

"Of course you do! It’s your ‘I’m a fierce warlord’ swagger. You’ve always done it!"

"Ok, ok and yes, I promise," said Xena with a grin.

"I’m going to hold you to that."

Xena wrapped a long tanned arm around her friend and Gabrielle snuggled into her.

"I know."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning, Gabrielle woke early and was surprised the see the warrior still asleep. Xena always got up before dawn but the bard was glad that she was allowing herself some much-needed rest, not to mention the fact that she was going to have quite a hangover.

"So you’re awake," Xena growled making Gabrielle jump in fright.

"You scared me. I thought you were asleep!"

"I was. My sleeping ear told me you were awake though."

Gabrielle shifted a little and stretched. Xena suddenly tickled her and the bard yelped and tried to knock the warrior’s hands away.

"Get off!" she yelled and suddenly, a tall Amazon charged into the room.

"Queen Gabrielle? Are you ok?"

Xena saw a blush spread across her friend’s face and scowled at the Amazon. She went to get out of the bed to give her a piece of her mind but Gabrielle grabbed her arm.

"We’re fine thank you," she replied with a sweet smile.

The Amazon guard nodded and left the room but Xena was angry.

"You’d think I was trying to hurt you or something!" she spat, laying a hand against her pounding head.

Gabrielle sat up and put a calming hand on her shoulder.

"Xena, relax. Please try to calm down. They’re just being overprotective of me. They heard about what happened."

"Oh," said Xena, the anger draining from her immediately. "I guess they’re right. I’m glad there’s someone watching your back."

"I have the only person I want or need to watch my back right here," said Gabrielle, capturing Xena’s eyes and seeing… something… there. Could it be? Don't be ridiculous Gabrielle. The warrior held her gaze for a long minute and then pulled back the blanket and got up, straightening her short sleeping shift. She picked up their wash bag and swung it on the end of her finger, arching her trademark eyebrow.

"Swim?"

Gabrielle nodded, pulled herself stiffly out of the bed and rummaged in their saddlebags for a couple of towels. When she turned back to the warrior, she saw that she had her sword in her hand.

"Be prepared," said Xena as she saw the bard’s questioning look.

They walked to the nearby river and stripped off their clothes, diving quickly into the cold water.

"Whoa, that’s cold!" Gabrielle exclaimed though chattering teeth. She quickly washed her short blonde hair and then her body, ducking under the water to rinse the soap away. Then she handed the bar of soap to Xena who did the same as Gabrielle swam lazily to the far side of the river and back. She saw Xena get out of the water and sit on a rock, wrapping a towel around her and wringing out her raven black hair. The warrior ran her hand through the thick tresses, working out the tangles and letting the sun warm her back. Gabrielle emerged to sit beside her. She shook her head, sending droplets of water flying and then smoothed back her short blonde locks.

"Thank you, Gabrielle. You soaked me!"

"You’re welcome. How’s the head?" the bard replied brightly and went back to drying herself. Xena rolled her eyes and got up, stealing a look at the bard as she did so.

Gods, she looks so sexy with her hair smoothed back like that!

"Come on. I’m hungry."

Xena picked up her sword and the wash bag and headed back to the village followed closely by Gabrielle. After dressing, they went to get some breakfast. The bard sat down at the top table but Xena didn’t sit beside her. It was expected that the Queen would sit either alone or with Chilapa at the top table, facing the rest of the Amazons who were eating breakfast. The bard looked proudly around the room. Her tribe was strong, skilled and proud and she had to admit that she loved spending time in the village with her ‘sisters’. Xena caught the look and smiled up at her best friend.

"Hey, Cerane! How about some sparring practice later!" Gabrielle called to a young Amazon. Cerane smiled and nodded.

"Of course, Queen Gabrielle."

After breakfast, Gabrielle and Cerane faced off, surrounded by a ring of Amazons. Xena was standing just inside the ring and smiled as Gabrielle whipped her sais out of the holders on her boots and twirled them skilfully in her fingers, taking her fighting stance. Cerane had chosen a sword and lunged at the bard. Gabrielle blocked the blow and spun, forcing the sword up into the air but the Amazon immediately caught it on descent. They teased each other for a while and Cerane laughed when Gabrielle leapt sideways and flipped over to avoid her right cross cut.

"You’ve been training! You’re really good!" she panted.

"I try," said Gabrielle with a grin and parried another blow. Again, she disarmed the Amazon but caught the sword herself. She spun it in a half-arc in her hand and then plunged it into the ground where it stuck, quivering. Cerane held out her hand.

"Good fight, Gabrielle."

The bard grasped her forearm.

"You too."

She turned and saw Xena standing with her arms folded, a carefully neutral look on her face but the bard could see the pride in her eyes and felt a blush creep into her cheeks. She gave her friend a wide smile and walked towards her.

"Well, how did I do?"

Xena winked at her.

"I’ve never seen Cerane disarmed by anyone except me before, let alone twice. You did great Gabrielle."

"Thanks, I had a good teacher!" Gabrielle replied and poked Xena gently in the ribs.

The bard saw something flash across Xena’s eyes and the warrior’s face changed to pure stone.

"Xena, what’s wrong? Please tell me," Gabrielle asked worriedly. She saw the warrior shake herself.

"Oh it’s nothing. Just me being silly again," Xena replied, forcing a smile onto her face.

"Xena, your feelings are never silly. I trust them. Please tell me what it is."

The tall warrior’s hand moved absently over her chakram, allowing the cool metal to reassure her.

"It’s just… Gabrielle, when you killed those Roman soldiers you left the Way of Love for me. I’m sorry. If only I hadn’t fallen…"

Gabrielle shook her head and felt anger rise in her.

"Xena, you listen to me. Stop blaming yourself for what happened. It wasn’t as if you tripped over your bootlaces. Callisto broke your back with your own chakram and I couldn’t just leave you to die. I chose the way of friendship and if I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change my decision. It was my choice."

She slapped her own chest to reiterate and looked up into the Warrior Princess’s eyes but her anger melted away when she saw tears shimmering in the piercing blue pools. Xena looked away and stared off into the trees, silently warring with her emotions.

"Xena, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have got angry. It’s just that sometimes you underestimate me. I’m not a kid anymore. I can make my own decisions. I wanted to protect you."

The warrior turned and walked away from her friend without a word. She couldn’t find the words to make Gabrielle understand the way she was feeling. She knew it was her fault. If only she had made Gabrielle leave her when she had started having the visions, maybe this would never have happened. But the thought of losing Gabrielle terrified Xena beyond all comprehension.

The Amazon Queen stood and watched her friend walk away from her.

Oh Xena, there’s nothing I can do to help you unless you tell me what you’re feeling, everything you’re feeling.

Gabrielle turned and walked back to where Cerane was standing. The Amazon regarded her carefully.

"Gabrielle? Is she ok?"

The bard sighed and shook her head.

"No, Cerane, she’s not ok… but she won’t let me help her. I’m really worried about her. She’s been pulling away from me, not physically but emotionally. It’s as if we’ve gone back to the way we were when we first met. She’s slowly rebuilding the walls between us and it’s all because she feels guilt over something that wasn’t her fault."

Cerane nodded thoughtfully.

"Yeah. I know Xena loves you more than her own life. Your friendship means more to her than anything else in this world. I think she needs to be reassured that you’re not going to leave her."

Gabrielle’s mouth dropped open.

"She thinks I’m going to leave her?"

"Gabrielle, she’s a warrior. She thinks she failed you and that she doesn’t deserve your friendship anymore. She needs to know that you love her."

Tears trekked over the bard’s lovely cheeks.

"I do love her." Gabrielle looked up at the tall Amazon. "More than I could ever get up the courage to tell her," she added in her low, silky voice.

Cerane was shocked at this confession from her Queen.

"Gabrielle, you’re… you’re… in… love with her?" she stammered.

"For as long as I can remember and so much that it hurts not being able to touch her," said Gabrielle and a small sob escaped her. Cerane hugged the bard.

"Then tell her," she whispered.

"How can I? She would probably be repulsed and leave me anyway. I can’t take that risk."

"Gabrielle," said Cerane with a smile, "I think there’s something you should know. Xena has been with women before. She told me one night when she was a little drunk."

Gabrielle’s mouth opened and closed but no sound would come out. Suddenly, she grinned at the Amazon and then took off after Xena. Cerane chuckled and wished good luck to the hastily retreating Amazon Queen.

"Xena! Hey! Wait up!"

Gabrielle skidded to a halt about three paces from the warrior.

"Gabrielle, I really need to be alone…"

The bard silenced her quickly.

"Xena, you’re never going to be alone again. I love you!" she exclaimed bravely.

Xena completely misunderstood.

"And I love you Gabrielle, but I need to sort out what I’m…"

"No Xena, you don’t understand," said Gabrielle softly, moving closer and taking the warrior’s hand, bringing it to her mouth and kissing it gently. "I’m in love with you."

It was Xena’s turn to be shocked and her mouth dropped open. She shook her head, as she couldn’t quite get it around the words she thought she had heard.

Is it possible? Could she feel the same way about me that I feel about her?

Gabrielle stepped forward and wrapped her arm around the warrior’s slender waist.

"Do you love me, Xena?" she asked tentatively, terrified of rejection.

"With all my heart, Gabrielle," Xena managed to get out, her voice low and husky. Gabrielle felt her heart leap and hugged the warrior close, loving the feel of Xena’s leathers against her skin. She felt a soft kiss on the top of her head and looked up into piercing blue eyes full of love and something else… passion. She saw Xena leaning towards her and stood on her toes to receive a soft kiss full of sweetness and love. She couldn’t help but moan as she felt the tip of Xena’s tongue against her lips and opened her mouth to allow it entrance. Xena parried teasingly against the bard’s tongue and then pulled hers back. Gabrielle moaned again and thrust her own tongue into Xena’s mouth, searching for it. The warrior moved her hand to cradle the bard’s head and felt muscular arms slide around her neck and pull her closer. After long minutes they broke apart and Gabrielle wrapped her arms around the warrior’s waist, burying her face in her chest and straddling her thigh. Xena could feel the bard’s wetness through her breeches and her knees almost buckled as a wave of passion coursed through her body.

"I love you Xena."

"You are my heart, my soul, my life," the warrior replied, blinking away stinging tears as she felt her heart swell with love for this most wonderful and beautiful woman. They stood like that for a long time, hands slowly caressing, until Xena released her grip a little.

"We should get back to the village. They’ll be looking for us," she said, pulling her face back from where it had been buried in the bard’s short hair.

She saw the look of disappointment on Gabrielle’s face and grinned wickedly.

"Tonight, My Love," she said with a sexy smirk that almost sent Gabrielle over the edge, right where she was. She forced herself to let go of Xena but the warrior caught her hand, entwining their fingers. They walked back to the village hand in hand but as they approached, Gabrielle let go.

"Xena, I don't want them to know just yet ok? I want them to get used to me being back as their Queen before we spring anymore news on them."

Xena chuckled.

"I understand. Gotta keep our hands off each other when we’re in public huh?"

Gabrielle nodded but felt herself being pulled behind a tall bush where a warrior tongue performed a tonsillectomy.

"It’ll be hard," Xena growled into her ear.

"Uhuh," was all Gabrielle could say in a voice choked with passion.

They continued back and Cerane looked questioningly at the bard as they approached. Xena was intent on watching Chilapa coming towards them so Gabrielle nodded quickly and held her finger to her lips, silently begging Cerane not to tell anyone. The Amazon smiled and nodded back at her.

"Queen Gabrielle!"

"Yes, Chilapa?"

"I was hoping that we could talk for a while."

Gabrielle looked at Xena and then back at her Regent. She didn’t want to be parted from her love but she knew that she had to take care of some business. She nodded at Chilapa.

"Ok. See you later, Xena," she said with a grin and then followed the Regent towards the Queen’s hut. Xena’s eyes followed her slender form all the way to the door before she disappeared inside. She sighed and walked away towards the dining hut to get a late lunch.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gabrielle sat down in a chair behind her desk and motioned for Chilapa to sit down opposite her.

"Ok, Chilapa, what’s up?"

"Gabrielle, since we lost Ephiny, a lot of the Amazons here, especially the younger ones, want to go after the Romans. I’ve been doing all I can to keep them calm but since we heard what happened to you and Xena, their unrest has grown out of all proportion. It’s becoming impossible for me to keep them under control. I know for a fact that a group of them are planning an attack behind my back. I was hoping that, now we know you’re alive, you might be able to calm them down a bit."

The bard sat back in her chair and bit her bottom lip thoughtfully.

"If they were to go behind our backs, Chilapa, it would destroy any chance of a peace treaty with the Romans. I think that we need to send word to Caesar that…"

Gabrielle stopped when she saw the look of surprise on the Regent’s face.

"What?"

"Gabrielle, you don't know? Caesar is dead. Brutus killed him the same day you and Xena were crucified. I’m so sorry. I thought you knew."

"Caesar is dead? Who’s in control of Rome?"

Chilapa frowned and sat forward.

"I’m not sure but I’d say Brutus has most of the power there now. He was Caesar’s right hand."

The Queen nodded.

"If Brutus is in power, it will be easier to form a treaty with Rome. Despite the fact that Brutus let us die, he will honour the treaty I asked him to bring to Rome, even if Caesar didn’t. Ok, I’ll send a new treaty to Brutus and see what he says. Leave me now please, Chilapa."

"Yes, Queen Gabrielle," said the Regent and moved towards the door.

"Oh, Chilapa. Ask Xena to come to me would you please?"

The Regent nodded and bowed slightly before leaving the hut. A few minutes later, Xena entered, closing the door behind her. Gabrielle looked up from her scroll and smiled tenderly at the tall warrior. Xena strode over to her and stood her up, kissing her passionately.

"I missed you," she said seductively.

"I missed you too, but Xena, there’s something you have to know. Caesar’s dead. He was killed by Brutus."

The warrior’s face hardened and she turned away, pinching her bottom lip between her fingers.

"I take it Brutus is in control of Rome," she stated flatly.

"Chilapa isn’t sure but she says he probably is."

"I agree. What are you planning on doing?"

"I’m sending a new peace treaty to Rome. I think he’ll honour it."

Xena nodded and started pacing. Then she looked at Gabrielle and the bard was frightened by what she saw in Xena’s piercing blue eyes.

"Xena… what…?"

"I’m glad Caesar is dead, Gabrielle. It means I don't have to go after him now."

Gabrielle’s shock stopped the warrior in her tracks.

"You were going to go after him again?" the bard asked, her voice barely a whisper.

"After what he did to you? To us? Of course! I was going to nail him to a cross and let the bastard see what it was like!"

Xena’s lip was curled into a sneer of hate and her fists were clenched at her sides. Gabrielle went to her and looked at her with tenderness and love.

"I wouldn’t have let you do that, you know," she said softly.

"But…"

"No, Xena. I would have stopped you from going even if I’d had to tie you to a tree. I would never let you succumb to your dark side. That would mean that I would lose you… and I couldn’t live without you. I love you too much."

This admission from the bard wrenched the anger out of the warrior’s heart and replaced it with love. She wrapped her long, tanned arms around her love and held her tightly.

"I couldn’t live without you either," she whispered. "I love you."

They stayed like that for a few minutes until there was a knock on the door. Xena and Gabrielle reluctantly parted and the warrior quickly assumed her calm warlord mask. "Come in," Gabrielle called and ginned widely when she saw a friend enter.

"Amarise? I can’t believe it. What are you doing here?"

She pulled the young Amazon into a hug.

"Oh, I was in the area and thought I’d say hi," she replied nonchalantly. She wasn’t going to admit that she had ridden for three days straight without sleep, to see them. Xena grinned and it was her turn for a hug.

"Well, we’re glad you stopped by," she said with a small smile. She could see the exhaustion in the young Amazon’s eyes. "How have you been since we saw you last?"

"I’m fine. I stayed with Yakut’s tribe for a while but I missed you… I mean here… so when I heard you were back here. I decided to drop by. Kill two birds with one stone… you know?"

"I know," Xena deadpanned, darting a look at Gabrielle, who was trying to stifle a grin.

"Well now that you’re here, you’re my guest, Amarise. I… We… owe you a debt of gratitude," said Gabrielle.

"You don’t owe me anything," said the Amazon quietly.

Xena laid a hand on the young woman’s shoulder.

"Amarise, you helped save our bodies so we could be brought back. We owe you more than we could ever repay," she said gently. Amarise shook her head and looked at her friends shyly.

"You are the best friends I’ve ever had. I couldn’t just leave you up there."

Amarise felt a wave of nausea come over her as she remembered how herself, Joxer and Eli had pried the nails from the hands and feet of the two women standing in front of her in order to take them down from the crosses. Tears involuntarily rose to her eyes and she wiped them quickly away.

"Anyway, I’m starving!" she said with a small smile.

Gabrielle shook herself and looked at Xena.

"I think it’s dinner time anyway," she said but Xena only nodded, her face tight and haunted. They went to the dining hut and were joined a few minutes later by several other Amazons. Gabrielle was again sitting up at the top table and she found herself aching to be near Xena. She tried to communicate this to Xena with her eyes and the warrior nodded back. After the meal, Gabrielle came down to sit next to her love so she could join in the conversation and, more than once, she had to stop herself from stroking the warrior’s back or putting her hand on her thigh. At last, it became too much for her and she let her hand move to Xena’s leg, sliding her hand to lightly caress the warrior’s inner thigh. She knew that the Amazons wouldn’t see anything under the table, but she noticed that Xena immediately lost her train of thought. The warrior cleared her throat and fixed her attention back on her friends.

"Sorry, what was I saying?" she asked and then shivered a bit as Gabrielle continued to stroke her sensitive skin.

"Are you ok?" asked Chilapa.

"Yes, it’s just a bit chilly in here," Xena replied.

Gabrielle raised her eyebrow.

"Oh? I thought it was kinda warm," she said huskily and saw Xena swallow deeply. Cerane shot her a look and the bard blushed slightly.

The warrior thought her body was going to jump out of it’s skin and she actually moved the bard’s hand away from her leg to allow herself to regain her composure.

"Now. What was I saying?" Xena asked again.

"You were telling us about the time you released Death from King Sisyphus’ castle," said Amarise helpfully.

"Right. Thanks."

Xena continued on with the story but she soon felt Gabrielle’s hand on her leg again. The warrior suddenly sprang up from the bench, startling the Amazons.

"Excuse us. Gabrielle, I forgot to tell you something. Can I have a word for a minute?"

"Sure," the bard replied innocently and followed Xena out of the hut. The warrior didn’t say a word but led Gabrielle around the back of the hut. Once out of sight, Xena spun and pulled the bard to her, kissing her passionately. Her hands moved to Gabrielle’s breasts and she caressed them through her top.

"See what you do to me…" she said, her voice husky with passion. "I almost couldn’t stop myself from taking you right there and then on the table in front of all those Amazons."

"Hmmm, promises, promises," Gabrielle murmured against the warrior’s lips and felt Xena’s body shuddering against her. She slid her hand between her legs and stroked lightly.

"Gabrielle, wait…not here. I want it to be special…"

The bard pulled back and sighed.

I’m sorry. You’re right. I just wanted you so badly. I can hardly wait, My Love."

Xena grinned and kissed her knuckles.

"Soon, I promise. We’ll leave dinner early and go back to our hut and then…"

She kissed the bard again and then slapped her on the rump. "You’ll see!"

They returned to the dining hut and Xena sat further away from Gabrielle. They stayed there for about a candlemark and then Gabrielle stifled a pretend yawn.

"I'm sorry. Guess I’m more tired than I thought. I think I’ll turn in. Goodnight everyone."

She got up and left the dining hall walking quickly to the Queen’s hut, where she immediately drew a hot bath. She quickly prepared the bathing chamber.

"What else?" she asked herself. "Uhuh!"

She picked up a bottle of bath oil and poured some of it into the steaming water, swirling it around with her hand.

"Perfect…" she said and grinned to herself.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Xena got up from the table. She had waited another quarter candlemark and then excused herself. She walked calmly out of the dining hut but once outside, she ran flat out back to the Queen’s hut.

"Gabrielle?"

"Xeeennaaaaa!" answered a sing song voice.

The warrior entered the bath chamber of the hut and gasped at the sight before her. The room was lit by lots of small candles and Gabrielle was sitting in the bath, the flickering light reflecting off the water droplets clinging to her naked body.

"By the gods, Gabrielle! You are so beautiful!" said Xena in awe, rooted to the spot, as she found herself unable to make her legs work.

The bard smiled and patted the edge of the bath.

"Don’t you want a closer look?" she asked, as she seductively trailed her fingertips down her chest.

The bard’s words spurred the warrior into action and, in seconds, she had stripped naked and was climbing into the bath. Gabrielle opened her arms and Xena slid into them, resting her head against her love’s chest. She looked up and Gabrielle captured her mouth for a long lingering kiss, moaning deeply in her throat. Xena pulled back and looked at the bard with so much love that it almost took Gabrielle’s breath away.

"I love the sound of your voice when you moan," she said.

"Well, I can’t wait to hear you scream," said the bard huskily, right into Xena’s ear. Even in the water, Xena felt the wetness grow between her legs and she lowered her head to claim a nipple, sucking it gently and loving the sound of Gabrielle’s ragged breathing.

"Gods, Xena!" she cried, arching her back and forcing more of her breast into her lover’s mouth. They continued their tentative exploration of each other until Xena couldn’t stand it anymore. She stood up and scooped the bard into her strong, muscular arms, carrying her quickly to the large bed in the adjacent room. She sat her on the bed and knelt in front of her, reclaiming the nipple and swirling her tongue around it.

"Xena… please… more…"

The warrior pushed Gabrielle gently back and crawled up onto the bed, lowering herself onto the bard’s small frame. Gabrielle ran her hands up and down her lover’s back caressing the strong muscles of her shoulders with her fingertips. Xena kissed every inch of her face, neck and chest, pausing at her breasts to nip and suck on the erect nipples. The bard was writhing under Xena and she slid her hands up and down the warrior’s sides and then moved lower to caress her buttocks. The warrior kissed her way south until she came to soft golden curls. The musky fragrance of Gabrielle’s arousal went straight to her head as she parted the bard’s lips to plunge her tongue into her soft centre. She continued this exploration and felt Gabrielle arch off the bed, clutching at the warrior’s shoulders as Xena brought her to dizzying heights. The warrior slid a finger around Gabrielle’s opening as she sucked on the bard’s clit.

"Xena… please… your fingers… inside…" she said in a hoarse, passion filled voice. Xena slid two fingers inside her love and thrust them in and out as she sucked. She felt Gabrielle reach the pinnacle, saw her head thrashing from side to side and sucked harder.

"Oh gods, oh gods, OH GODS, XEEENNNAAAAA!!!"

Coherent thought was ripped away from the bard as she plunged over the edge and spiralled downward to where she knew Xena would catch her. She collapsed back on the bed, breathing heavily and softly moaning. Xena chuckled and kissed her way back up Gabrielle’s sweat slicked body, rolling over to pull the bard on top of her. Gabrielle snuggled into the warrior’s chest and planted a soft kiss on her breastbone.

"By the gods, Xena! That was incredible… better than I had dreamed," she whispered. It suddenly dawned on the warrior that she was only the second person Gabrielle had ever slept with. Perdicus, her husband, had been killed the day after their wedding so she had only made love with him once. Then something else occurred to the raven-haired beauty. Gabrielle was the first person she had made love with also. Sure, Xena had had sex many times but she hadn’t really loved any of them. Not in the way she loved Gabrielle. Lust, yes; Love, no. Gabrielle was her soulmate and the warrior knew it.

"I’m home," Xena whispered.

"What?" asked the bard, lifting her head slightly.

"Nothing, Gabrielle. Rest now."

"Oh no, Warrior Princess. I seem to remember that only one woman here was satisfied. Besides, I told you I can’t wait to hear you scream."

The bard kissed her love passionately and then moved lower to nibble at the hollow of the warrior’s throat. She felt the vibrations against her tongue as Xena moaned softly. Gabrielle sucked on one nipple while she massaged the other with her hand. She bit down gently and Xena arched up into her hand, begging for a firmer touch. Gabrielle complied, squeezing the nipple between her thumb and forefinger. Her hand then snaked down over Xena’s flat, muscular stomach and she plunged it into the pond between her legs as she slid her tongue into the warrior’s navel.

"Oh gods, Gabrielle, where did you learn… THAT!" she cried as the bard slid two fingers inside her, rubbing the small nub at the top of the warrior’s sex with her thumb as she thrust.

"I’m a quick study," the bard replied around a mouthful of warrior breast.

"Yes, you ARE!"

Gabrielle had changed positions to take that nub into her mouth and suck with the same rhythm of her fingers. Her free hand continued to tease the warrior’s erect nipples. The more vocal and athletic Xena became, the harder the bard sucked until Xena’s sweet release stormed over her. She grasped a handful of blonde hair and arched her back off the bed as the waves of pleasure coursed through her.

"YES, GABRIELLE YEEESSSSSS!!!!"

She collapsed back onto the bed and just lay there with her eyes squeezed tightly shut.

"I love you, Xena," said Gabrielle and the warrior reached down to haul her back up to lie on top of her.

"Gods!" Xena cried, lavishing kisses on the smaller woman’s face and hair. She wrapped her arms around her love and held her tightly. Gabrielle nuzzled her neck and then rested her head on the warrior’s shoulder.

"I’m so tired," she commented and felt Xena chuckle underneath her.

"Me too," she admitted. "Are you ready for some sleep?"

"Uhuh, want me to move?"

"No, you’re not heavy besides I want to hold you like this forever," Xena replied.

Gabrielle looked up at her with adoring eyes.

"Xena, sometimes you say the most incredible things. You can pull my heart right out of my chest. It’s a good thing you don't say much. I don't think I’d be able to survive if you were talkative."

"I’ll try to remember that. I want your heart right where it is, with me right inside it. I love you. You’re the best thing in my life."

"There, you just did it again," said the bard with a sigh. "I love you too, Xena."

The two women drifted off into a deep sleep holding each other tightly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As the sun streamed through the open window, one blue eye popped open, then the other. Xena looked down at her love, who was still fast asleep. She planted a gentle kiss on the top of her head and then slid out from under her. After pulling on her leathers, armour and boots, Xena strode out into the morning sun with her sword in her hand. She started doing some drills and as she felt that the wound in her side was up to it, she added some high kicks, punches and finally, some aerial stunts. As she completed her drills, she noticed that she had drawn a crowd. Many of the younger Amazons were staring in awe at her. Xena was the only warrior they had ever seen who could jump their own height into the air, flip and land in a perfect battle stance. Cerane came out into the bright sunshine with her bow and quiver of arrows in her hand. She saw Xena complete her drills and smiled as the warrior called to her.

"Cerane, two arrows one after the other… right here!" she called, pointing at her own chest. The Amazon nodded and grinned. She drew two arrows, placing one between her teeth and loading the other. She pulled back on the bowstring, released it and then quickly loaded and fired the second arrow. Xena watched the arrows flying toward her and a feral grin spread over her face. She dropped to one knee and caught the arrows one after the other, one in each hand as they passed her ear. She heard many gasps around her and stood up, walking to Cerane and handing her the arrows.

"Thanks Cerane. I haven’t done that in a while. I just wanted to make sure that I still could."

"Well, you certainly haven’t lost your edge," the Amazon replied with a grin.

"No she hasn’t," said Gabrielle from behind her and Xena stepped forward to kiss her. The Queen cleared her throat and Xena pulled back immediately, a sheepish look on her face. She backed away but Gabrielle suddenly caught her arm.

"Oh, what the Hades!" she said and pulled the warrior in for a passionate kiss.

They broke off from each other and Gabrielle looked around to see lots of shocked Amazon faces. She put her arm around the warrior’s slender waist and leaned against her.

"Let’s get some breakfast," she said and led her to the dining hut. Xena went to take her usual seat but Gabrielle stopped her.

"You’re sitting with me at the top table. The woman I love is not going to sit down here."

When she saw the doubtful look on her love’s face she smiled.

"Hey, Queen’s prerogative!"

Xena grinned and followed the bard to the top table and took a seat at her right hand. They were served some cereal, bacon and herbal tea and Gabrielle attacked it with her usual enthusiasm as the other Amazons filed into the dining hut. She could feel all the eyes in the room fixed on her and felt Xena’s reassuring hand on her thigh. The bard looked up and realised that every pair of eyes was smiling. She sighed with relief and smiled at every woman in the room. Suddenly, someone started clapping and soon there was a thunderous roar echoing around the room. Chilapa stood up and beckoned for everyone to be quiet.

"For Artemis’ sake, let the Queen and her… partner… eat in peace."

This elicited several chuckles and Gabrielle looked at Xena who was also smiling.

That went better than I’d hoped the bard said to herself and then went back to demolishing her breakfast.

That afternoon, Gabrielle called together the Amazon council to discuss the treaty between the Amazons and Rome. There were many objections to the treaty and Gabrielle patiently explained her thoughts on each one but she knew there was a lot of doubt. Suddenly, one of the Amazons stood up. She was a young woman, maybe a little younger than Gabrielle but like the bard, she was a seasoned warrior.

"Queen Gabrielle. Forgive me, but can we really trust the Romans to keep a treaty with us. The last treaty you sent was ignored and the result was…" she paused as she searched the Queen’s face. It was calm. "…You and Xena being crucified."

Gabrielle thought about this for a minute but she knew what to say.

"Meralta, I understand your concern, but that treaty was with Caesar. This one will be with Brutus. Much as I dislike him, I trust Brutus infinitely more than I trusted Caesar. I believe he will keep the treaty. He has nothing to gain from making an enemy of the Amazon Nation."

"That’s what we thought about Pompey…" the Amazon replied and sat down.

Gabrielle was surprised but hid it carefully.

"Pompey had a hidden agenda. He wanted Rome for himself but he needed money to do it. He only attacked us so he would have Amazons to sell as slaves. Brutus doesn’t need money. He has the entire Roman army at his disposal."

The bard paused and looked around the room. There were definitely more supporters of the treaty now but she decided to push a little more.

"Look, I’m asking you to trust me. I know Brutus. Xena and I have faced him more than once. Trust me to know what I’m doing. Now all in favour of the treaty say I"

Gabrielle heard many I’s.

"All in disagreement say Nay"

She was pleased when there wasn’t a single Nay.

"Ok, meeting adjourned. I’ll send the treaty today."

Gabrielle had already written the treaty and now sent an Amazon messenger to Rome. She expected to hear a reply within the moon. She decided to relax a bit and went to find Xena. She saw the warrior standing in the middle of a group of young Amazons. Gabrielle smiled when she saw the looks of adoration and respect on their faces as the warrior explained the tactics she had used in one of her battles. The bard stood quietly, just listening to Xena speaking until the warrior suddenly felt her presence and looked around, offering her a tender smile. Gabrielle chuckled as she heard murmurs and whispers make their way around the group. Amarise cleared her throat loudly and shot a disapproving look at the other Amazons as Xena walked towards her love.

"Hey," said Gabrielle softly.

"Hey," said Xena and caressed the bard’s cheek.

"Xena, last night was amazing. You made me feel so special. Thank you."

"You are special."

Xena took Gabrielle’s hand, entwining their fingers and led her towards the trees.

"Let’s go for a walk," she said and the bard nodded.

They walked in silence for a while but there was a question burning inside Gabrielle that she just had to ask.

"Xena?"

"Yeah?"

"When did you know you were in love with me?"

Xena frowned as she thought about her answer.

"Honestly, I don't know. Maybe it was a year after we met. Maybe it was the moment we met. I’m not sure. All I know is that I don't remember ever not loving you. Do you remember the day we were enchanted and I was obsessed with fishing and you were obsessed with yourself?"

"Yeah," said Gabrielle, a blush creeping into her cheeks.

Xena grinned.

"Anyway, do you remember that night, we were stargazing and we were holding hands?"

"Yes," the bard replied a little breathlessly.

"Well, I wanted so much to lean over and kiss you but I was afraid that you wouldn’t reciprocate."

Gabrielle wrapped her arm around Xena’s waist and leaned into her.

"I would have kissed you back. I remember thinking exactly the same thing. We’ve waited so long for this. If only one of us had been brave enough to admit it sooner huh?"

"I know. Gabrielle? When did you know?"

The bard squeezed her love.

"I think it was the moment I first saw you. I thought you were the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. In the beginning, what I felt was gratitude and a little hero worship, I guess, but after a while, I knew it was more. I loved watching you, no matter what you were doing and lying beside you at night without touching you was so difficult. I remember one night I had a nightmare and you pulled me to you. After about a quarter candlemark, I knew you were asleep and I kissed your shoulder, really lightly. I was so afraid that I would wake you up but I couldn’t help it. Not being able to touch you was killing me."

"Gabrielle, I think I might have a reason why I didn’t wake up."

"Oh yeah?"

Xena grinned sheepishly.

"Yeah… um… I only wake up for something unnatural or out of the ordinary. I think that maybe I had dreamed about kissing you and making love to you for so long that my body didn’t think the kiss was anything unusual or unnatural."

Xena looked at the bard. She saw the love and awe in the liquid green pools.

"I think that’s quite possibly the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard. Come here."

Gabrielle stood on her toes and kissed Xena passionately, exploring her mouth with her tongue. Xena sighed and scooped Gabrielle up into her arms, not breaking the kiss. The bard laid her head against Xena’s chest as the warrior carried her to a secluded spot where they made love to each other slowly and tenderly. As their souls melded with their sweet releases, Gabrielle whispered softly to her love.

"I love you, Xena."

"More than my own life," the warrior replied as a single tear ran down her face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Queen Gabrielle!"

The Amazon Queen came running out of her hut when she heard the urgency in the voice.

"What is it Amarise?"

The Amazon ran toward her and spoke in a low voice.

"Gabrielle, the scouts have reported a group of soldiers violating Amazon territory. There are about thirty of them, all mounted."

"How far away?"

"About two candlemarks. Where’s Xena?"

Gabrielle smiled.

"She went hunting. She’ll be back soon."

Amarise grinned and shook her head.

"What?" asked the bard.

"Did anyone ever tell you that you get a dopey look on your face when anyone mentions a certain tall, black haired Warrior Princess? You’ve got it bad, Girl!"

Gabrielle slapped her friend’s shoulder playfully.

"I do not… Do I…? Oh gods!"

A blush spread over her face and Amarise teased her gently about it.

"Come on, my Queen. Let’s go kick some soldier butt."

Gabrielle arranged the Amazons into four squads, led by herself, Chilapa, Cerane and Amarise. She knew that Xena would do her own thing and it would be better if she didn’t have anyone else to worry about.

Ok, Chilapa, take your squad and meet the soldiers. Try to change their minds about entering Amazon territory. Cerane, back up Chilapa but don’t show yourself unless you have to fight. Amarise, take your squad out about half a candlemark from the village and wait there. If the soldiers get past Cerane and Chilapa, you will take them on next. My squad, we’re going to stay here. If the soldiers somehow make it this far, we have to defend the village."

"Good plan," said Xena from behind her. "I’ll go with Chilapa. I might be able to change their minds about coming near us."

The Regent grinned and nodded.

"Ok, head out everyone and be careful. I want to see you all back here for dinner ok?" said Gabrielle with a smile.

The Amazons chuckled and went to prepare to leave. Xena saddled Argo and patted her neck.

"Ready, Girl?"

Argo nodded and whinnied her agreement. Xena mounted her and trotted out into the open area of the village where Chilapa and her squad were waiting. She offered a hand to the Regent and she swung up behind Xena holding her loosely around the waist.

"Let’s go," Chilapa cried and they headed off into the woods.

Ten minutes later, Cerane and her squad left and shortly after that, Amarise moved her squad into position.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What do you think?" Chilapa asked Xena from their vantagepoint in the trees.

"I think these guys need to be taught a lesson in manners" the warrior replied angrily as she saw them drag a woman along by a rope around her neck. "Chilapa, wait for my signal."

"Ok. Xena be careful."

"I’m always careful," the warrior replied with a smile and jumped out of the tree, bellowing her warcry and somersaulting in the air.

"Alalalalalalalalalalalalalalala! Cheeeeeeeeyyaaa!"

She landed with a thud and rolled forward landing on her feet with her sword drawn in front of the soldiers.

"Hi Boys!" she said. "I think you should turn back now and save yourselves some humiliation.

"It’s Xena," one of the soldiers cried.

"Help me!" said the captured woman, a pleading look in her eyes.

Xena’s lip curled in hate and she narrowed her eyes.

"You like to pick on women huh? Well, pick on me!"

She spun her sword in a vicious arc in her hand as the first soldier ran at her. She flipped over him, planting a leather boot in the back of his head as she sailed by. He stumbled forward and fell on his face. Xena ran flat out and slashed her way through the men.

"Chilapa! Now!" she yelled as she pulled a soldier down off his horse and knocked him out with a spinning heel kick to the jaw. The Amazons ran into the fray and soon the soldiers were incapacitated and tied up. Xena stood in front of the commander.

"Who are you?"

He looked away and wouldn’t answer so Xena jabbed the pressure points on his neck.

"Awwright," she drawled, "I’ve just cut off the flow of blood to your brain. You’ll be dead in thirty seconds unless you tell me what I want to know."

The commander sank to his knees, gasping for breath.

"My name is Corralus. I… I… wanted slaves to sell to build up my army."

Xena jabbed his neck again and released his blood vessels.

"You make me sick. You were going to sell my friends as slaves? I should kill you right where you are. I killed a Roman Magnus for that before."

Xena held her dagger against the man’s throat. She had a look of fury on her face. She was about to kill him when she felt a hand on her arm.

"Xena, don't kill him. It’s up to Gabrielle to decide his punishment," said Chilapa.

Xena was trembling as adrenaline coursed through her body. Eventually she dropped the commander and stepped back, sliding her dagger back into her boot.

"You were lucky Chilapa was in a good mood today," she growled and then walked away. The Regent followed her.

"Xena, are you ok?" she asked, a puzzled look on her face.

"Yeah, I’m ok. I’m sorry about that. I guess I lost my temper."

"Xena? What’s going on in that warrior brain of yours? I’ve never seen you so angry that you would kill in cold blood before. Is that what you used to be like before you changed?"

"Yes it is. Chilapa, it’s not my head that’s leading me. It’s my heart. I’ve seen so many of my friends and loved ones die. I just… I’m… oh Hades, I don't know. I just want to protect the ones I have left."

"This is about Gabrielle isn’t it? Xena, what happened was not your fault. Amarise was there. She told me what happened. She saw the chakram hit you and she saw Gabrielle pick up a sword to defend you while you were helpless."

"But…"

"No Xena. No buts. She loves you and she wanted to protect you. Would you do it for her?"

"Of course, I love her," said Xena in shock.

"Then why do you think she shouldn’t have done it for you?"

This question left Xena stunned and she watched Chilapa walk away to arrange for the men to be taken back to the village. The warrior felt her knees buckle and she sat down on a nearby log. She couldn’t stop the sobs that wracked her body as the memories and emotions, she had been trying to deny for three moons, finally forced themselves past the walls around her heart. She leaned forward, resting her elbows on her thighs and burying her face in her hands. A few of the Amazons saw her but knew better than to approach her. The Warrior Princess was a private woman and they knew she would only be embarrassed by this show of emotion. After a few minutes, she got up and wiped her face. She mounted Argo and after shouting a farewell, she headed back to the village. She needed to talk to Gabrielle. As she rode, Cerane stepped out from behind a tree.

"We’ve got them, Cerane. Give Chilapa a hand would you?" Xena called as she rode past.

"Sure!"

A candle mark later, Xena arrived back at the village. Gabrielle ran out to meet her.

"What happened?"

"We got them. Chilapa and Cerane are bringing them back for a trial."

Gabrielle saw that Xena was shaking and led her into the Queens Hut, gathering the warrior into her arms. Xena held her tightly.

"Xena, what’s wrong? Is everyone ok?"

The warrior pulled back a little.

"Yes, everyone’s ok… except me. Gabrielle, I’ve been such a fool. I’m sorry for pushing you away over the past three moons. I couldn’t get past my pain. I couldn’t even admit that I was feeling it. I’m so sorry."

She buried her face in the bard’s neck as more sobs made her chest heave. Gabrielle held her, stroking her hair and whispering to her that everything was going to be ok.

"Let it out, My Love. I know it’s hard for you but please trust me. I love you and I want to help you make this pain go away. You’ve held me so many times, through the nightmares and the tears. Let me do the same for you."

Xena turned her pain filled blue eyes on her love.

"I… I… need…" she struggled.

"What do you need Xena?"

"I … need… you. Please don't ever leave me."

"Never," said the bard and held her love tighter, rocking her gently, trying to instil her with the strength to face the difficult healing process ahead. Gabrielle smiled as she realised that Xena had just voiced and released her greatest fear. After almost a candlemark, Xena let her go and managed a small smile.

"I’m hungry. How about that dinner we talked about earlier?"

"Good idea. I’m famished," said Gabrielle and her stomach growled on cue making Xena laugh.

"Come on, Gabrielle."

They walked hand in hand to the dining hut where some of the other Amazons were already gathered. A few minutes later, Chilapa and Cerane returned with the prisoners who they safely ensconced in the jail building of the village. They had picked up Amarise and her squad on the way back too and the red headed Amazon came to the top table to speak to Xena and Gabrielle. Xena told her and Gabrielle what had happened with the soldiers and then Amarise went back to relay the information to her own squad.

After a quarter of a candlemark, both women had demolished their dinners and stepped down from the top table to sit with their friends. For the first time, Xena and Gabrielle were able to be open about their love for each other. The tall warrior was sitting with her back to a wall and Gabrielle was sitting between her legs, leaning back against her love’s chest. Xena’s arms were around her waist and Gabrielle entwined their fingers, resting her head on the warrior’s strong shoulder. This position felt really natural to them and more than once, Xena planted a small kiss on the top of the bard’s head. Amarise thought they made a really cute couple, that was when she wasn’t looking at another Amazon, Jadan, with adoration. Gabrielle saw this and grinned. She leaned forward and whispered to her friend.

"And you were teasing me about dopey looks! Go over there and talk to her for Artemis’ sake!"

Amarise blushed deeply and shook her head.

"I can’t…" she replied.

"Come on, Amarise, take the first step. Go on!"

The Amazon swallowed deeply and then got up, moving over to sit beside Jadan. Gabrielle watched them out of the corner of her eye and was pleased to see that they were talking easily to each other. She nudged Xena in the ribs and the warrior leaned forward.

"Yeah?"

Gabrielle whispered right into her ear.

"Look at Amarise and Jadan. I think we might have another couple soon."

"Playing matchmaker?" asked Xena with a raised eyebrow.

"Me? No! You must have me confused with Aphrodite," the bard replied with a sweet, innocent smile and Xena kissed her lightly on the lips.

"Guess so," she said knowingly.

Just then Cerane entered the room. She saw Xena and Gabrielle talking and she saw the light kiss between them. She scowled and left the hut again. Chilapa had seen her scowl and followed her outside.

"Cerane? Are you ok?"

"Yes, I’m fine," the Amazon said defensively.

"Hey, come on, Cerane. You’re my best friend and I know when there’s something wrong with you."

Cerane sighed and sat down on a nearby log. Chilapa moved to sit beside her.

"Is this about Gabrielle?"

"No, Chili, it’s not."

"Is it about Xena then?"

She saw a look of pain cross Cerane’s face and knew instantly what was wrong.

"By the gods! You have feelings for Xena? Why in Hades didn’t you tell me?"

Cerane nodded and buried her face in her hands.

"What am I going to do, Chili? I can see how much in love with Gabrielle she is. For Artemis’ sake, it was me who encouraged Gabrielle to tell Xena how she felt in the first place."

Chilapa threw her arm around Cerane’s shoulder and squeezed her.

"I’m sorry, My Friend, but there’s nothing you can do. Xena and Gabrielle are soulmates. Nothing could ever break them up."

"Up ‘til now, I’ve at least had hope but now…" said Cerane, wiping her suddenly wet face.

"I’m here for you, Cerane. Anytime you need to talk. You know that right?"

"Yeah, thanks Chilapa."

Cerane got up and walked back to the dining hut. She sat down away from Xena and Gabrielle and ate in silence before getting up and leaving straight away. Gabrielle noticed this and was quite puzzled but she soon forgot it, as she became engrossed in the conversation at her own table.

Later on that evening, Xena went to see the prisoners. She gave them something to eat and then went to meet Gabrielle in their hut. She smiled when she saw that the bard was already asleep. She changed into her sleeping shift and climbed into the bed, snuggling up to Gabrielle. The bard rolled over, resting her head on Xena’s chest and the warrior wrapped her arms around her love and drifted off into a deep sleep.

Xena was woken the next morning by the sound of a yell. She jumped out of bed and pulled on her boots and leathers, noting that, surprisingly, Gabrielle was already up. She ran outside, her sword and chakram in her hand.

"What’s wrong?" she asked an Amazon as she ran by.

"Cerane and Gabrielle are fighting in the ring. They’re beating each other badly but Cerane won’t stop."

Xena narrowed her eyes and took off to the ring. As she approached, she saw a large group of Amazons watching the fight. Instead of battling her way through them, Xena leapt into the air and flipped over their heads. She landed near the edge of the ring and what she saw make her stomach lurch. Gabrielle and Cerane were facing each other, both looking exhausted. Gabrielle had a deep gash across her shoulder and the blood from it was dripping off her hand as she gripped her sais.

"Cerane, why are you doing this?" asked Gabrielle as they circled each other warily. Cerane swung her sword at Gabrielle. The bard brought her sais up to protect her head from the blow but suddenly, Cerane pulled a dagger and lunged for her.

"Gabrielle!" Xena yelled and the bard tried to move out of the way. The dagger plunged into her side and she cried out in pain, collapsed onto her knees and then fell over onto her side. There were audible gasps from around Xena but her keen hearing heard her love’s voice.

"Xena," she said weakly.

The warrior was at her side in a split second and lifted her up, cradling her in her arms. Xena turned eyes full of fury on Cerane.

"What the hell were you thinking?" she snarled. "You could have killed her!"

Chilapa stepped forward shaking her head.

"Was that the idea, Cerane?" she asked with disappointment in her voice.

The Amazon lowered her head and dropped her weapons on the ground. She looked sorry for what she had done.

"Hold her with the other prisoners but keep her away from them," Chilapa ordered and Cerane was taken away. Meanwhile, Xena was trying to assess the damage to Gabrielle’s side.

"It’s bad but not life threatening. Get me bandages and a needle and thread. This is going to take quite a few stitches."

Xena lifted the unconscious bard into her arms and carried her to their hut. The Amazon healer, Malopa, followed her inside with the necessary supplies. Xena washed the blood off her hands as Malopa held a thick pad to the wound, trying to stop the blood flow. After a few minutes and several more clean pads, the wound had clotted enough for Xena to stitch it. She used neat stitches, carefully tying off each one before proceeding to the next. Gabrielle was starting to come around and she opened groggy eyes.

"Xena? What happened?" she asked shaking her head to try to clear the cobwebs from her mind and then wincing as her head started to pound.

"Sshh, rest now, Gabrielle. We’ll talk later. Go back to sleep while I finish this. I’ll wake you up later."

Gabrielle nodded and allowed herself to be swallowed up in the exhaustion she felt.

"Malopa? What in Hades was going on out there?" asked the warrior through gritted teeth.

"I’m not sure, Xena. From what I heard, Gabrielle and Cerane were just running through their normal everyday sparring practice, when Cerane turned on Gabrielle. She wasn’t expecting it and Cerane got in quite a blow to the side of her head. The Queen was sluggish after that and got that gash on her shoulder. Then you arrived and you know the rest. Xena nodded as she examined the gash on the bard’s shoulder.

"This is going to need stitches too," she said and proceeded to sew it up.

When she was satisfied with her work, she applied a herbal salve and bandaged the two wounds carefully and gently. She then washed all the blood from Gabrielle’s body.

"Malopa, would you stay with her please. I'm going to talk to Cerane."

The healer nodded and Xena stormed off to the jail. She stopped as she reached it and made herself take a couple of calming breaths. She knew that it wouldn’t do any good to yell at the Amazon.

"Besides, I can always use pressure points," she said to herself, with a frown.

She entered the jail and Cerane stood up.

"Xena, I’m so sorry. I lost my temper. I didn’t mean to hurt her. You have to believe me."

Xena looked at her with narrowed eyes.

"Cerane, what’s all this about. You’ve been acting strangely for the past few days. I’ve seen you going off on your own and not returning for hours. What’s going on?"

The Amazon sighed and sat back down.

"I don't know what to tell you Xena."

"Tell her the truth," said Chilapa. She had entered the jail and was standing behind the tall Warrior Princess.

"Tell me, Cerane," said Xena softly, keeping her anger bubbling below the surface.

"I was jealous, Xena. I was jealous of you and Gabrielle."

Xena looked surprised.

"Jealous? I don't understand. Why were you jeal…? Wait. Are you in love with Gabrielle?"

Cerane shook her head and couldn’t meet Xena’s eyes. Chilapa stepped forward.

"It’s not Gabrielle she’s in love with, Xena. It’s you."

This statement almost knocked the warrior for six but she just about managed to keep a neutral face.

"I see," she said, crossing her arms. "And you thought that getting Gabrielle out of the way would give you a shot with me?"

The last part of the sentence was said in an angry growl.

"Cerane, if you had killed Gabrielle, I would have killed you. Do you realise that?"

"Yes," Cerane replied in a small voice.

Xena shook her head and perched her hands on her hips.

"So what made you think that I would ever have chosen the one who killed the only person I’ve ever loved?"

"That’s just it, Xena. I didn’t think. I just snapped and went after her. I never really wanted to hurt her. I wanted to hurt you and I knew that the best way to do that was through Gabrielle. I’m sorry, Xena, I really am and I’m ready to take whatever punishment Gabrielle decides for me. I’ll give her my life if she demands it."

Xena sighed and leaned sideways against the bars of the cell.

"Cerane, you know very well that Gabrielle is not going to ask for your life. I’ll talk to her and tell her what’s going on. In the meantime, you’re staying here. I can’t trust myself to be around you. Do you understand?"

"You’re angry with me. I understand."

"Cerane, I’m more than angry right now. I’ll see you later."

Xena stormed back out of the cell closely followed by Chilapa.

"Xena?"

The warrior spun and stared coldly at Chilapa.

"You knew about this. Why didn’t you stop her?" she demanded in an angry whisper.

"I only found out last night. I never thought she would…"

Xena relented when she saw the fear on Chilapa’s face and laid a hand on her shoulder.

"It’s ok. I know she’s your best friend and I’m not going to kill her. I just need to calm down ok?"

Chilapa nodded and Xena left to go back to Gabrielle. She found the bard awake and sitting up in bed, drinking a mug of herbal tea.

"Hey," said Gabrielle looking up and flashing a brilliant smile at her Warrior Princess.

"Hey. How are you feeling?" asked the warrior, placing a gentle kiss on her love’s forehead.

"I’m aching a bit and there’s some guy pounding a drum inside my head, but apart from that, I’m fine," the bard replied.

Xena smoothed back her hair and felt a large bump.

"Oww," said Gabrielle flatly. "I forgot about that one."

"I’m sorry, My Love."

"Forget it. Malopa told me that you were going to speak to Cerane. You didn’t kill her did you?" she asked with a grin.

"Nope, wanted to though. Gabrielle, there’s something I have to tell you and you’re not going to like it."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. I spoke to Cerane and she told me that she went after you to get back at me. She was jealous."

"Jealous? Why?"

Xena turned away and massaged her suddenly aching temples.

"Xena?"

The warrior turned back and Gabrielle saw a blush creep into her face.

"She’s in love with me, Gabrielle."

Xena almost laughed when she saw the look of shock on the bard’s face.

"But… but…I… She…" she stammered.

"Take it easy, Gabrielle," Xena said softly.

The bard swallowed deeply, trying to ignore the little guy with the big drum and refocused her thoughts.

"She was the one who convinced me to tell you how I felt about you. Why would she do that?"

Xena shrugged.

"I don’t know. Maybe she thought she could handle seeing us together. I guess it got too much for her. The question is, what are you going to do now?"

"Me? What do you mean?"

The warrior sat down on the bed beside Gabrielle and took her hand, kissing her knuckles.

"Gabrielle, you’re the one who has to decide her punishment. She tried to kill you."

"Oh yeah."

The bard bit her bottom lip thoughtfully and eventually gave Xena the answer she had expected.

"How can I punish someone for loving you as much as I do… not that that’s possible of course," she added quickly and Xena smiled. "Xena, leave her there another day and then let her go."

Xena was surprised at this.

"Another day? Why?"

Gabrielle grinned wickedly.

"Am I not allowed a bit of jealousy myself?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

Xena chuckled and gathered her love into her arms.

"Ow, ow, ow," said Gabrielle, wincing at the pain in her side and shoulder.

"Gods, I’m sorry, Gabrielle," the warrior exclaimed but the bard grabbed her and pulled her closer.

"No, I want you to hold me. I want to know that you’re all mine," she replied and kissed Xena passionately on the lips, almost taking the Warrior Princess’ breath away.

"No, Gabrielle, you’re all mine!" Xena growled and returned the kiss.

"Xena! Gabby… I mean Queen Gabrielle!"

Xena broke the kiss and sighed.

"I think I’m going to have to kill Amarise," she said fiercely and then ducked a playful cuff from Gabrielle.

"We’re coming!" Xena yelled.

"No, that’ll be later and Amarise isn’t invited," said Gabrielle, seductively tracing Xena’s lips with her finger and the warrior laughed.

"Oooh, promises, promises," she shot back and helped Gabrielle out of bed. She knelt in front of her, lacing up her boots for her and sliding her sais into the holders.

"Thanks," said Gabrielle gratefully. "I can’t bend over."

"My pleasure, my Queen," said Xena, placing a quick kiss on the bard’s bare midriff. Then she helped Gabrielle to walk over to the door.

"It’s ok, Xena. I can walk. I’m not going out there showing any weaknesses."

Xena let her go and Gabrielle walked slowly out into the open area, trying to ignore the throbbing pain running through her body. At least the guy in my head has let up a bit, she thought to herself.

"What is it, Amarise?" she asked.

She saw the look on the young Amazon’s face and smiled at her.

"I’m ok, really. Now tell me what’s wrong?"

Amarise stepped closer to her.

"Our scouting party had spotted a legion of Roman soldiers, outside Amazon territory but headed this way. This could be trouble, Gabrielle."

The Queen shook her head.

"Let’s keep our heads here. They might not be a threat to us."

She looked at Xena who looked doubtful. Gabrielle sighed and walked over to the warrior.

"Wishful thinking huh?" she asked.

"Not necessarily, but I don't think we should take any chances," Xena replied, running her hand over her chakram. Gabrielle saw this and laid her hand over the Warrior Princess’s.

"Xena, you only do that when you’re worried. What are you thinking?"

"I think that we need to be prepared in case this legion decides to stop by for a little visit. I’m going to ride out to meet them and see what’s going on. I’ll probably be gone overnight so don't worry about me."

"You’re not going alone are you?" asked Gabrielle.

At first Xena was going to say yes, but she relented when she saw the fear in the bard’s eyes.

"I’ll take Amarise with me," she replied with a smile.

"Good. Be careful."

"I will. Amarise! You’re with me!"

Xena saddled Argo and loaded some supplies and her bedroll onto the horse’s back. Then the two women headed out into the forest to begin the ride to the edge of Amazon territory. They made good time, not pushing their horses too much and as a result, were able to talk.

"Xena, can I ask you something?"

"Do I actually have a choice?" asked the warrior with a raised eyebrow.

"Not really. I need your advice, Xena."

"Ok, go on then."

Amarise paused to gather her courage.

"You love Gabrielle right?"

"Right."

"How do you know when you’re in love?"

Xena smiled and saw Amarise blush deeply.

"Well, I was wondering how long it would take. Jadan right?"

"Yeah."

Xena thought carefully about the answer to Amarise’s question.

"I think that it’s different for everyone but I can tell you how I knew."

"You don't mind telling me?"

"Not you, Amarise. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be here to tell you at all and I wouldn’t have Gabrielle either. Anyway, with me it was little things like… um… her smile made me melt… and… her touch made me shiver… and… losing her almost killed me. I knew that I couldn’t live without her…"

"Whoa, back up a bit, Xena! You lost Gabrielle?"

"Yeah, a couple of years back. It’s a complicated story but basically, she fell into a pit of lava and I thought she was dead but she wasn’t and I got her back."

"How did she fall?" asked Amarise quietly.

Xena thought back to that moment when she saw Gabrielle pull Hope over the edge of the pit and down into the lava below, saving the warrior’s life. She shuddered slightly at the memory and swallowed deeply.

"She was protecting me from her daughter," Xena replied. "Her child was the daughter of an evil god, who raped Gabrielle in Britannia. I was going to kill Hope but Ares called in Gabrielle’s debt and told her that if I killed Hope, the Fates would cut my life thread. Gabrielle couldn’t let me die so she let herself fall into the lava pit, taking Hope with her. A part of me died that day, Amarise but when I got her back I was so happy. She was somehow able to get out and find me."

Xena looked at Amarise, whose eyes were wide with awe.

"That’s an incredible story. She killed her own child to save you?"

"Well, there’s more. Hope was pure evil. She murdered my son. Gabrielle and I parted but I grew to hate her. I went after her and…"

Xena stopped as she heard her voice catch.

"It’s ok, you don’t have to go on, Xena," said Amarise gently.

"No, I’m alright. I went after her and did some terrible things to her but she survived and managed to get away from me. She hated me as much as I hated her and she fought back, pushing us over a cliff. We died temporarily but we went to a land called Illusia where we sorted everything out and then, Hades brought us back."

"Now I understand," said Amarise thoughtfully.

"Understand what?"

"You once said to me that Gabrielle had seen more pain and suffering than I’d ever know. I’m starting to understand what you meant by that. I had no respect for her in the beginning because she wouldn’t fight but now I realise that it took greater strength not to lose herself in the fighting and to continue striving for peace."

Amarise looked at Xena and she saw pride in the warrior’s eyes.

"I also said to you not to look for your answers at the end of a sword and what you just said tells me that you’ve done that. You’ve come a long way since I first met ya."

"Thanks," said the young Amazon shyly.

"Anyway, you and Jadan. Do you love her?"

"I’m still not sure."

"Ok, does your heart pound when you see her?"

"Yes."

"Does your body feel as if it wants to jump out of its skin when she touches you?"

"Yes."

"Do you want to do anything to make her happy, even cut off your own hand?"

"Yes."

"Do you want to protect her and shield her from pain and suffering?"

"Yes."

"Well then, My Friend, you are in love because that’s the way I feel about Gabrielle too."

Xena saw Amarise turn pale and got worried.

"What’s wrong Am?"

"Now I’m scared," she admitted and the warrior chuckled.

"Believe me. It’s the best kinda scared to be!"

A few candlemarks later, Xena and Amarise came across the Roman camp. They crept forward soundlessly to see if they could find out what was going on but Xena froze when she saw a man, whose face she would never forget, step out of the commander’s tent.

"Brutus," she growled quietly.

She motioned for Amarise to retreat and followed the Amazon back to where they had left their horses.

"What in Hades is going on here?" she said. "If Brutus isn’t in control of Rome, we may be in big trouble."

Amarise nodded her agreement.

"What do we do now?"

"I think I should have a chat with Brutus and find out what the hell is going on."

"Xena?"

"Yeah?"

"You’ve mentioned this hell before. What is it?"

Xena froze and looked at her Amazon friend.

"Xena?"

"It’s nothing you’ll ever have to worry about," said the Warrior Princess and moved off into the trees. She crept back to the Roman camp and stayed put for a few minutes, watching the guards for a chance to creep by them. She got her chance when one of them stopped to relieve himself at a nearby bush, leaving a gap in the defence wide enough for Xena to move through without being seen. She moved soundlessly to the commander’s tent and took out her dagger, placing it between her teeth. Then she lay flat on her stomach and crawled under the tent fabric. She saw Brutus lying on his camp bed, apparently asleep and she moved to stand beside him. Xena paused and took the dagger from between her teeth, holding it to his throat and then she put her hand over his mouth waking him instantly.

"Don't say a word or I’ll slit your throat," she whispered fiercely and he nodded. She slowly removed her hand and Brutus looked up at her with wide brown eyes.

"You survived the crucifixion? What are you doing here, Xena?" he asked in a whisper.

"I could ask you the same thing," she retorted. "What’s going on in Rome? Who’s in power now?"

"You haven’t heard?"

Xena scowled at him.

"I wouldn’t be asking if I’d heard now, would I?"

"Sorry. Caesar’s adopted son is in power now. I’m the commander of the Roman army. This is the advance guard. The rest of the army will be joining us soon."

"Gabrielle sent an Amazon messenger to Rome with another treaty. Will the new Emperor agree to it?"

Brutus frowned as he considered the question.

"I think he will. He’s not like Julius Caesar. He has no wish to take over Greece. He’s too busy trying to clean up the mess Caesar made."

"So why are you here?" asked the Warrior Princess.

"We’re on our way to Chin. We have no desire for a conflict with the Amazons, believe me. Not after the last time. We can’t afford to make more enemies so close to home."

Xena nodded and took the dagger away from Brutus’ throat.

"I see you chose to be your own man in the end," she commented.

"Xena, you were right about Caesar. He stabbed me in the back, so I returned the favour, literally."

"Yeah," said the warrior, actually managing a small smile.

"Listen Xena, about what happened with the crucifixion. I’m sorry. I don't know how you and Gabrielle managed to survive but I really am sorry for letting it go ahead."

"We didn’t survive, but that’s one you’ll have to figure out for yourself. Be well, Brutus."

Xena crept back out of the tent and ran back to Amarise.

"Come on. We’re heading back tonight. I need to talk to Gabrielle," said Xena, vaulting up onto Argo. Amarise followed her but they didn’t stop until they reached the Amazon village, six hours later. Xena jumped down from Argo and ran into the Queen’s hut. She almost didn’t want to wake Gabrielle when she saw her sleeping so peacefully but she had to tell her before she burst.

"Gabrielle, wake up."

Th bard rolled over and realised that the warrior was back.

"Xena? I thought you weren’t coming back until tomorrow."

"Well I have good news and possibly bad news," said Xena.

"Possibly bad first."

"The possibly bad news is that Brutus is not in power in Rome. Julius Caesar’s adopted son is but Brutus thinks that he will agree to and honour the treaty. The good news is that one way or another, this new Emperor doesn’t seem to have any interest in Greece. He’s going after Chin. Brutus says that the Emperor doesn’t want enemies - namely us - so close to home so I think we’re safe."

The bard released the breath she had been unconsciously holding and hugged Xena.

"That is good news. Now, you look exhausted. Let’s get some sleep and we can let the rest of the tribe know in the morning."

Xena stripped off her armour and leathers and slipped into the bed behind the bard, snuggling up to her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Ok, if there’s no more business, I think this meeting is finished. Thank you all."

Gabrielle got up from the top table and stretched her weary muscles, wincing a bit at the pain from her wounds. The meeting had been over three candlemarks long and the chair she was sitting in had been very uncomfortable. Her mind was racing as she thought back to the arguments made by some of the younger Amazons. It seemed as if Chilapa was right. There was a lot of anger and doubt in the young women and Gabrielle knew that they were planning something. The thing that frightened the bard was the fact that they were possibly right. The fact that Brutus was not in power was a real worry, no matter what Brutus said about the new Emperor wanting peace.

"Hey," said a soft voice in her ear and Gabrielle almost fell off the raised platform with fright.

"Xena, gods, I didn’t hear you. You always manage to sneak up on me!" the bard exclaimed.

"I told you before, Gabrielle. I have many skills," Xena replied with a lopsided grin.

"Many… many…skills," said the bard seductively, trailing her finger from Xena’s breastplate to her hip. She felt the warrior shudder slightly and stepped back.

"Anyway, enough about that," she grinned, "I seem to remember a certain Warrior Princess promising to go swimming with me today. Now I wonder who that was? Wait now ‘til I just… I’ve got it! It was you wasn’t it?!" said Gabrielle playfully.

"Gabrielle, your wounds…" Xena started shaking her head.

"Oh yeah, dammit," said Gabrielle disappointedly.

Xena gave her a quick peck on the lips.

"In a few days, I promise. Now, I’ve gotta go. Amarise and I are going hunting. I’d love you to come, but again, your wounds…"

Xena stopped as she saw the bard’s face cloud over with irritation.

"…Or I could stay here with you?" she said hopefully, trying to read her love’s face. Gabrielle only got angrier.

"Xena! Oh, you…" she stammered.

"What? What did I say?" asked Xena, taking a step back defensively.

Gabrielle turned and stalked out of the hut leaving a shocked Warrior Princess standing with her mouth open. She suddenly realised what had happened and ran after Gabrielle.

"Hey! Gabrielle!"

The bard turned and stared at her hard.

"Xena, you’ve been spending a lot of time with Amarise lately," she said and the warrior couldn’t help but crack a smile.

"Gabrielle, what are you saying?" she asked, knowing quite well what was going through the bard’s fertile imagination.

"I… I… I don't know," said Gabrielle, looking down.

"Do you think that Amarise and I are…?" Xena asked gently, not wanting to hurt the bard by finishing the sentence.

"Are you?" Gabrielle countered, suddenly searching Xena’s eyes.

The question reached into the warrior’s heart and squeezed it hard.

"Gabrielle, I can’t believe you’re even asking," said Xena and walked away.

The bard watched her go.

"Oh gods," she whispered and put her hand to her mouth.

Xena made every effort to avoid Gabrielle for the rest of the day. She sat down with Chilapa and Amarise at dinner while Gabrielle sat at the top table alone. After the meal, Gabrielle saw Amarise and Jadan leave hand in hand and the guilt was too much for her to bear. She had let her petty jealousy get the better of her and she had hurt Xena in the process. She got up suddenly and went to sit beside Xena. The Warrior Princess didn’t move away but she didn’t reciprocate when Gabrielle put her hand on her thigh.

"Xena, I think it’s time to go," said Gabrielle softly.

"Go where?"

"Go to bed. Come on, Xena. Come with me. We need to talk."

"I’m not going anywhere," said the warrior, coldly and defiantly and Gabrielle had a flash back to the first night they had ever spent together, five long years previously. Xena had been cold, unable to show the emotion that she had trained to stay down inside her. Gabrielle remembered how she had tried to get the Ex-Destroyer of Nations to talk, only to be shot down again and again until she finally received a smile for her effort.

"Come on, Xena. Let’s go to bed… please," said Gabrielle, pulling on her arm a little.

"Let go of me!" Xena snapped, suddenly standing up. She looked coldly at the bard but when she saw the tears in Gabrielle’s eyes, she relented.

"Fine, come on then."

Halfway there, Xena stopped and looked at the woman she loved.

"You don't trust me," she stated.

Gabrielle froze.

"No, I do trust you, Xena. I let my jealousy blind me and I’m sorry."

"You hurt me, Gabrielle." Xena’s eyes spoke volumes.

"I know," the bard whispered. "But I love you, Xena. Please understand. I’ve lost you before and I don't think I’d survive if I lost you again. The thought terrifies me."

"Gabrielle, you’re young. You’d be just fine. You’d find someone else someday and you’d be happy."

The bard looked shocked and quickly cleared her throat.

"No, Xena, look. Remember that story I told you years ago about everyone having

a tree in the forest?"

Xena nodded.

"You’re my tree. Anyone else would be a twig in comparison. I want you, Xena and no one else."

"That’s the way I feel. Gabrielle, I’m sorry. I really mean it. I love you. You’re so beautiful and just looking at you gives me more joy than you’d ever imagine. I’ll try to be more understanding of your feelings in future. I promise that."

"Thank you and I promise the same. Now let’s get back to the hut before I collapse!"

Xena chuckled.

"Tired huh?"

Gabrielle kissed her love.

"No, I was thinking about touching soft skin and hard muscle. The best combination."

"Oh!" said the Warrior Princess and allowed herself to be led into the hut. Gabrielle helped her undress and they made love tenderly, feeling their love grow stronger with each passing second.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Xena cringed as she saw Cerane walk toward her.

"Hi Cerane."

"Xena, look. I know it hasn’t been easy over the past few days and I really want to apologise to you again. I want us to be friends."

The warrior sighed and held out her hand.

"Ok, let’s put all of this behind us."

Cerane grasped Xena’s wrist in the traditional warrior handshake and smiled gratefully.

"Thanks. So… um… how about a little hunting later on?"

"Sorry Cerane, I can’t. I promised Gabrielle I’d go swimming with her today. She’s been waiting all week for this."

A look of guilt flashed across the Amazon’s face and she turned away.

"I’m glad she’s ok. Enjoy your swim," she stammered and walked away. Xena shook her head and went to find the Queen. When she arrived back at their hut, she found Gabrielle deep in thought. She was tapping her quill against her cheek and her eyes held that far away look that Xena had come to know so well. She had seen it every night when Gabrielle was writing at every campsite they had ever made.

"A dinar for them," the warrior grinned but she immediately saw the worry in the bard’s green eyes when she glanced up. "Gabrielle, what’s wrong?"

"Nothing, it’s nothing…" she replied and stood up. "Now, ready for that swim, Warrior Princess?"

"Gabrielle…"

"Leave it, Xena… please."

"Ok, come on then. Let’s swim."

Xena held back from questioning the bard but she knew something was very wrong. They undressed by the river and dove in. Gabrielle grinned as she rose to the surface, smoothing back her short blonde hair.

"This is Elysia!"

The tall warrior flicked her hair back and returned the grin.

"Yep!"

She dove again and swam underwater for a long time. Gabrielle got worried.

"Xena?"

Silence.

"Xena? Come on you’re scaring me!"

Suddenly she felt a pair of strong hands catch her around the hips and she was pulled under. Xena rose to take and breath and then dove again pulling the bard into an embrace and kissing her under the water. They floated to the surface, still kissing and Xena held her tightly.

"Are you ok?" she finally asked.

Gabrielle’s green eyes filled with tears and she pulled away, swimming to the far side of the river. Xena followed her and caught her arm.

"Come on, Gabrielle. You can tell me what it is."

She shook her head and a tear spilled over. Xena wiped it away with her thumb.

"Please, Love. I hate to see you upset like this," she said tenderly.

"I can’t write, Xena. I haven’t been able to write since the… um… since we came back. I’ve tried so hard but there’s nothing there. Xena, I think I’ve lost the part of me that’s a bard."

The Warrior Princess was stunned. She didn’t know what to say. She stared at Gabrielle for a long minute and then pulled her into a hug. It was the only thing she could think of.

"I’m sorry, Gabrielle. Maybe you just need some time to get your head around it," she offered.

"I don't know, Xena. I feel… I feel… gods, I don't know what I feel. I thought I’d let what happened go but maybe I haven’t."

"Maybe you should write about it," Xena suggested and she was surprised by the shocked look on the younger woman’s face.

"I never thought… I will," she said resolutely.

Gabrielle was in much better spirits then and they enjoyed a nice afternoon swimming and sunbathing.

"How are the wounds holding up?" asked Xena.

"I’m fine thanks. There’s no pain or anything. I’m almost back to normal."

"Good. I’m glad."

They returned to the village and went to have some dinner. They entered the dining hut and Xena grinned as the Amazons all jumped out and yelled.

"SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY GABRIELLE!"

The bard blushed to her roots and glared at Xena.

"I’m going to kill you!" she said and the warrior kissed her.

"Happy Birthday, My Love."

A special meal had been prepared and Gabrielle received a number of gifts from her sisters. Xena sat at the back of the room and smiled broadly as she watched the Amazons fuss over the young woman. They spent the night drinking and talking and Gabrielle had a really good time. The party went on very late and the friends were exhausted by the time they got back to their hut.

"Gabrielle, sit down on the bed and I’ll be back in a minute," said Xena and disappeared out the door of the hut. She returned a few minutes later with her hands behind her back. The warrior sat down on the bed and smiled.

"First of all, I love you and second of all happy birthday."

Xena handed the bard a single red rose and then two small parcels.

"Thank you, Xena," said Gabrielle and kissed her gently.

She smelled the rose and then laid it carefully on the bed beside her. She opened the smaller of the two parcels first and smiled as she fingered the highly polished wooden dove.

"You made this for me?" she asked as a single tear crept down her cheek.

"Yeah I did. I’ve been working on it for a while."

"It’s so beautiful, Xena. Thank you," Gabrielle replied.

"Open the other one," said the warrior.

Gabrielle did so and was delighted when she saw the leather scroll case and new quill.

"Where did you get these?" she asked with a laugh.

"Weeellllll, I sent one of the Amazons to the nearest village to get it for me. Maybe it’ll help you with your writer’s block."

Gabrielle threw her arms around the warrior’s neck and hugged her tightly.

"Thank you so much, Xena. Gods, you know I feel old…"

Xena chuckled.

"Old? What are you twenty two?"

"No, I’m twenty three today," said Gabrielle with a smile.

"Oh that’s so old!" Xena teased. "Try being as old as I am!"

A strange look came over Gabrielle’s face.

"Xena, how old are you? You don't look much older than me."

"Well thanks but I’m almost ten years older than you."

"Ten?"

"Yeah, does that bother you?"

Gabrielle laughed and slapped the warrior’s arm playfully.

"No, not at all. I was just curious that’s all. I can’t believe I never asked you before."

"You did. I gave you the look," Xena replied, demonstrating ‘the look’.

"That’s right, you did. The look doesn’t work on me anymore… not after everything we’ve been through."

"Yeah, I know," Xena replied with a grin. "I’m glad though. I don't ever want you to be intimidated by me."

The bard laughed and stood up.

"Intimidated? Xena, you may be the tough Warrior Princess on the outside, but on the inside, you’re made of mush!"

Xena faked a wounded look and then gathered Gabrielle into her arms.

"Love you, Gab and happy birthday," she whispered.

They fell into bed and into slumber, content in each other’s arms.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning, Gabrielle presided over the trial of the soldiers who had tried to enslave her Amazon sisters. Xena gave evidence on behalf of the Amazons and explained in detail exactly what had happened. All during the trial, Gabrielle was worried. She knew that by Amazon Law, the men should have to forfeit their lives but she was reluctant to order their executions. After all the evidence had been heard, Gabrielle decided to take some time to think. She adjourned the session and retired to her throne room to think but after several hours of pouring over scrolls of Amazon Law, she was still no happier with her decision. She decided to have some dinner and return to work later. As she approached the dining hut, she heard some murmuring voices coming from the darkness. Gabrielle moved silently closer to the sounds.

"Gabrielle is a kind and compassionate woman but she lacks the strength to condemn those men to death," said a young voice.

"Believe me, she’s pouring over Amazon Law texts right at this moment looking for a loophole or something in order to be able to free them. I say we go in there and finish the job for her."

The bard stepped out from behind a tree to confront the young Amazons. She was shaking with anger and it was all she could do to stop herself from lashing out at them.

"You have no faith in me?" she asked through gritted teeth. However, she almost laughed when she saw the shocked looks on the faces of her sisters.

"Queen Gabrielle, it’s not that. We do have faith in you but you have a kind and gentle heart and we know it’s difficult for you to make life or death decisions…"

Gabrielle laughed out loud and took a step forward angrily.

"Really? I can’t make life or death decisions?! Ask Xena about the eight Roman soldiers I killed while she was injured… or ask her how I killed my own daughter because she was evil… or ask her how I let a Roman ruler die because I thought he was guilty!… Ask her!… ASK HER! If you don't trust me to do what’s right, I will not have you fighting or living beside me and you’re welcome to challenge me under Amazon Law. Am I making myself clear?"

"I suggest you leave now and never question your Queen again… otherwise you’ll have to deal with her champion, got it?" said a gravel on silk voice from behind her.

The younger women nodded and quickly left Xena and Gabrielle standing alone. The bard leaned her forearm against the tree and rested her head.

"I don't know if I’m cut out for this, Xena," she said quietly.

"Gabrielle, you’re a great Queen. You just need to have faith in yourself."

The bard turned and Xena was shocked by the immense sadness in her eyes.

"What scares me is that they were right. I was looking in the Amazon Law texts for a way to free those men. I don't think I can condemn those men to death Xena."

"I know," said Xena quietly, "I never expected you to. I suggest you allow one of the other judges to make the decision."

Gabrielle was surprised by the warrior’s idea.

"But I can’t just shirk my responsibilities either, Xena. I have no choice in this. I’m going to do what’s right."

She turned and walked away with new resolve. Xena smiled after her. I also knew that, my bard…

The next day, Gabrielle took her seat on the raised platform of the courtroom.

"My sisters… I have spent a great deal of time thinking about my decision," she began in a strong voice, "According to Amazon Law, these men should die for their crimes against the Amazon Nation… unless they pledge their allegiance to the Amazon Queen. I have decided to give them that chance. Bring them up here!"

Gabrielle waved at the Amazon guards and they led the men up to stand before the Queen.

"Do you pledge your allegiance to the Amazon Nation and it’s Queen?"

All twelve men answered yes and Gabrielle almost breathed a sigh of relief.

"Good, I sentence you to spend six months in this village serving the Amazons in whichever way they see fit. Sentence begins immediately."

The bard stood and indicated that the trial was finished and everyone in the room stood up and left. Xena waited for Gabrielle by the door.

"I know I’m not going to hear the end of this," said Gabrielle.

"You probably won’t, Gabrielle but you did the right thing."

"Yeah, I know. Thank you."

They left the courtroom and walked slowly across the village.

"We should hear something back from Rome soon," said Xena.

"If the Emperor accepts this treaty, it will mean a lot for the Amazons. Sometimes I wonder if the nation needs to be a little less combative."

Xena shook her head.

"Gabrielle, you know better than anyone what it’s like to try not to fight. It’s difficult not to jump in when you see a friend in trouble. Can you see any Amazon just stand by and watch while her sister is beaten or killed?"

"No, of course not, but all through Amazon history, there has been a thread of violence. The most recent of which being the Centaurs and… you, I guess."

Xena looked away but agreed with the bard.

"I know and believe me, there isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t regret what I did to the Amazons."

"You don’t have to explain yourself Xena. I know what’s in your heart," Gabrielle replied gently.

"Thanks, but getting back to the Romans. What if we don’t get a favourable answer?"

Gabrielle looked up at Xena with a resolved look on her face.

"Then, we wait and if necessary, we go to war."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning dawned bright and clear. The village was bustling as the Amazons performed their training drills. Xena and Gabrielle joined in, sparring against each other.

"Try bending your right knee with that move. Pivot your hip more. You’ll get more power behind it," said the warrior.

"Ok, like this?" asked Gabrielle as she completed the move.

"Yeah, just like that, " Xena replied with a smile. She was pleased with the bard’s skill with her sais and pulled out her sword, spinning it in her hand in an impressive demonstration of skill.

"Ready?"

"As ready as I’ll ever be."

They circled each other warily each watching the other’s eyes for a sign of the next move. Xena lunged first but Gabrielle easily blocked it. The bard bent over and lashed out with her boot, grazing the warrior’s chin. Xena staggered backward and a feral grin rose to her face.

"So, you wanna play rough, huh?" she growled and Gabrielle nodded at her.

"Let’s go, Xena. No holds barred."

Even though both women knew they wouldn’t do anything to hurt the other, they both relished the thought of some real sparring like they always did together. They fought for almost two candlemarks and both women were exhausted when they finally wrapped it up.

"I need a bath," Gabrielle stated as she wiped her sweaty brow with the back of her hand.

"Yeah, me too," Xena replied and they headed back to their hut.

That afternoon, Gabrielle was summoned to the meeting room. The Amazon messenger had returned from Rome with the Treaty. Xena sat quietly at the back of the room as she saw the bard unroll the parchment.

"Well?" asked one of the other council members.

Gabrielle looked up and smiled.

"He agreed to the treaty. He signed it!" she said excitedly and Xena beamed at her from her chair at the back of the room.

The council members cheered and patted each other on the back. Gabrielle received warm congratulations and she smiled appreciatively.

"Let’s have a feast tonight to celebrate this momentous occasion!" she cried and the Amazons cheered again.

Xena and Gabrielle sat at the top table during the feast and watched the Amazons as they danced around a huge bonfire. Xena suddenly stood up.

"Care to dance, my Queen?" she asked as she bowed from the waist.

"I’d love to," Gabrielle replied in a regal tone and allowed herself to be led to the dance area.

They danced together for a long time and shared intimate kisses as the drums beat around them.

"Xena?"

"Hmmm?"

The warrior pulled her face back from the bard’s hair.

"Are you happy here?"

"I like it here but I guess I’m feeling a bit… well… I’d like to get back on the road. Maybe not right away but in a while."

Gabrielle grinned and squeezed the warrior.

"I was thinking the same thing. How about we stay another week and then get back on the road. I think Chilapa can handle things here."

The tall warrior smiled.

"Are you sure. You’re getting used to all this queening aren’t you?" she teased.

"Hey, careful or I’ll have you tied up and thrown into my hut for me to have my wicked way with you."

Xena shot her lover a sexy smirk.

"Oooh, ya promise?"

Gabrielle backhanded the warrior gently against the stomach and frowned.

"You’re incorrigible!"

"Only when I’m around you, My Queen!"

It was very late when the Queen and her consort got to bed. Xena was quite drunk and Gabrielle laughed as the tall warrior bumped into a table.

"Xena, watch yourself," she giggled playfully.

The warrior growled deep in her throat and shot ‘the look’ at Gabrielle.

"I can assure you that I’m quite sober," she stated as she placed a hand casually on the table to steady herself.

"Oh yeah right," Gabrielle retorted and wrapped her arms around Xena’s slender waist, burying her face in her chest.

"Gabrielle?"

"Yeah?"

"Did I ever tell you how much I’m in love with a petite, blonde Amazon Queen?"

"No, you didn’t. Why don’t you tell me now."

Xena grinned and swept Gabrielle up into her arms, depositing her gently on the bed before crawling on top of her.

"Well, Gabrielle. She is a kind, generous, beautiful woman, who captured my heart when I swore I’d never let anyone in again. She taught me how to love again and she stood by me in my darkest hour. She saw me through life and death and she’s still at my side… and she’s cute too!"

The bard laughed and hugged Xena tightly.

"Well, I think it’s the Amazon Queen who’s lucky," she replied in a serious tone and she stroked the warrior’s cheek.

Xena kissed her deeply and then gathered her into her arms. They fell asleep together safe in the knowledge that their love was eternal.

A week later, Gabrielle and Xena said goodbye to the Amazons and went back on the road. Xena was in an excellent mood and they spent the morning chatting and teasing each other.

"So where to next?" asked the bard, as she chuckled at the warrior’s joke.

"Where do you want to go?" Xena replied, arching her eyebrow.

"You’re asking me?" said the bard incredulously.

"Yes," the terse reply.

"Sorry, I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. It’s just that normally you have a plan or a village to save or something."

Xena smiled.

"Yeah, you’re right but we have nowhere to be so you choose."

A thought suddenly came to Gabrielle.

"Xena, did you send word to your mother to say that you’re ok?"

"Gods, no I didn’t. Dammit, I should have thought… I should know the way news travels… Hades!"

"Well it looks like we’re going to Amphipolis then," said Gabrielle.

They picked up their pace and arrived in Amphipolis three days later. Xena and Gabrielle stabled their horses and entered The Amphipolis Inn, the tavern owned by Xena’s mother, Cyrene. Xena stood at the door for a few seconds just watching her mother bustling around and she felt her heart fill with love and affection for the older woman. Suddenly Cyrene saw her and her hand moved to her mouth in shock and relief.

"Xena!" she cried and ran to her. The warrior hugged her mother tightly and rocked her slowly as she sobbed.

"It’s ok, Mom," she crooned.

"I thought… we heard… I didn’t know…"

"I know, Mom and I’m sorry I didn’t get here sooner. Things have been… strange lately. We stayed with the Amazons for a while because I was hurt and…"

"It’s ok, Little One. I’m just glad to see you. I love you, Xena."

"I love you too, Mom."

Cyrene looked around and saw a smiling Gabrielle.

"Come here and give me a hug daughter," she said and Gabrielle moved into her arms. "It’s so good to see you both," she said as she released Gabrielle.

"I’ve missed you, Cyrene," said the bard.

The older woman wiped her face and ushered them to a table.

"You must be starving! Sit down and I’ll bring you something to eat."

She went into the kitchen as Xena and Gabrielle sat facing each other at the worn wooden table.

"How am I going to tell her about us?" asked Xena.

"Do you think she’ll be mad?" said Gabrielle nervously.

"No… I don’t think so… surprised I think but not mad."

Gabrielle grinned as she saw Cyrene returning with two heaped plates.

"Let’s just wait for the right moment."

"Yeah," Xena agreed and then smiled at her approaching mother. "Thanks Mom, that smells great!"

"Enjoy, daughters. I have to tend to the rest of the customers but as soon as the midday rush is over, I’ll come back to hear all about your latest adventures."

She left them and started bustling around the tavern. A candlemark later, she returned to sit beside them.

"Well, I have to ask. How long are you going to stay? I hope you won’t be rushing off too soon. Your last stay was so short I barely got to talk to you!"

Xena shook her head and a quirky grin rose to her face.

"Mom, we were here for a whole moon!"

Gabrielle stifled a grin behind her mug of cider.

"We’ll be staying for a while I think, Cyrene. We could do with some more time in a soft…uh… in soft beds."

She looked at Xena, who saw the wicked glint in the bard’s eye and felt a wave of arousal move through her. She cleared her throat and tore her gaze away from her lover.

"Oh, I should get you two rooms," said Cyrene.

"Uh, Mom, one will be fine," said Xena.

"You always have to share. I thought you might like a room of your own," the older woman replied. Xena took Gabrielle’s hand and smiled.

"Gabrielle and I choose to share Mom. She my… uh…"

She looked at the bard for the right word.

"Partner," Gabrielle finished for her.

"Well, you’ve been partners for years…" said Cyrene, totally misunderstanding.

Xena shook her head.

No, I mean we’re… together. Mom, we’re lovers."

Cyrene’s mouth opened in shock but no words would come out. She shook her head to clear her foggy mind.

"That’s… that’s wonderful news! I thought you’d never get together!"

"What?" said Xena and Gabrielle together.

Cyrene assumed an amused look.

"Come on, you two. It was obvious that you’re in love with each other the last time you were here… You’re both blind!"

"You didn’t say anything!" Xena exclaimed.

"It was none of my business," Cyrene replied with a grin and Xena and Gabrielle laughed.

"Gods, we could have been doing this for ages," Gabrielle exclaimed and then blushed as she realised how it sounded. "I mean… um… never mind."

Cyrene and Xena shot her the exact same quirky grin and then the warrior’s mother went to get them a room key.

"Well done," the bard muttered as she shook her head.

"Don’t worry about it. You were right. We could have been doing this sooner. I suggest that we do it as soon as possible!"

"I think that’s a great suggestion but let’s give your mother some more time first. She’s glad to see you."

"Yeah, it’s nice to be able to come home. You know it was right here that you saved my life when we first met."

Gabrielle nodded as she remembered.

"Yeah, I talked us out of the situation. I can’t believe they were actually going to stone you."

"Well, they had every right. I might as well have killed the men of this village myself. I persuaded them to join my army and led them like lambs to the slaughter," Xena replied sadly. Gabrielle placed a hand on her arm and squeezed the biceps gently.

"Hey, that’s the past. Everyone here is very proud of you now, Xena. You’ve saved a lot of people over the past five years. I know you get embarrassed when I say this but you are a hero in the truest sense of the word."

Xena blushed on cue and smiled.

"Thanks, Gabrielle."

After they stowed their belongings in their room, they went for a walk through Amphipolis. Xena pointed out all of her favourite spots to Gabrielle as they walked hand in hand through the woods. She also showed her a tree where she and her brother Lyceus had carved their names twenty years previously.

"You miss him, don’t you?" said Gabrielle.

"Yeah, I do. He was my best friend growing up and when I lost him the pain was terrible. It’s one of the reasons why I turned into the monster I was."

"I’ve never told you this but I’m proud of you, Xena."

"Oh? Why?" asked the warrior with an arched eyebrow.

"When we first met, you were so detached from everything… as if you didn’t care whether you lived or died. Now you’re the first person to jump in and help others… at considerable danger to yourself."

"That’s because of you, Love. Hercules may have unchained my heart… but you saved my soul. I love you, Gabrielle."

They kissed and then held each other tightly.

"Come on, let’s head back. We can have some dinner and then go to bed early," said Xena.

Two candlemarks later, Xena and Gabrielle said goodnight to Cyrene and retired for the night. Xena locked the door behind them and lifted Gabrielle onto the bed. She began dropping kisses on her neck and throat as she slowly undressed her and the bard felt her body respond quickly. Breathing became ragged as warrior and bard touched, kissed and caressed each other with a lustful urgency. Xena’s body was on fire and everywhere Gabrielle touched burned with desire. The bard looked deeply into piercing blue eyes and as Xena’s release stormed over her and she almost drowned in the love evident in those eyes, it drove her over the edge with her lover. Gabrielle knew that this was the only thing she wanted or needed in her life.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

::BANG BANG BANG::

Xena sprang forward, almost dumping Gabrielle onto the floor but catching her just in time.

"Xena! Hey! Wake up!"

The warrior groaned and rubbed her eyes.

"Oh gods, it’s Toris," she mumbled sleepily as Gabrielle tried to get her bearings.

"I’m awake, Toris. What do you want?" she yelled.

"Hey Sis, you have staff training in fifteen minutes… or did you forget?"

"Staff training?" Xena thought back to the night before. "What in Hades name possessed me to agree to training the villagers in the use of a staff?"

Gabrielle smiled and shook her head.

"Your mother asked. You couldn’t say no to her."

"Oh yeah… All right Toris I’ll be right there!"

The Warrior Princess climbed out of bed, wincing slightly at tender muscles but she grinned evilly as she thought back to what caused the tenderness. Gabrielle was a little worse for wear and she groaned aloud as she walked to the washstand to clean up.

"Remind me to do warm up exercises next time," she joked.

"Yeah, that goes for me too. You’ll be ok when we get started with the training."

"Oh, so now I’ve been drafted too have I?"

Xena raised an eyebrow.

"Of course. You didn’t think I was going to let you away with this. By the way, you do remember how to fight with a staff don’t you?"

"Ha ha," Gabrielle replied flatly as she slid her sais into her boots.

Fifteen minutes later, Xena and Gabrielle were facing off against each other in the back yard of the tavern, surrounded by a ring of spectators. The word had spread quickly through the village and many men and women had shown up with staves in hand to receive training from the Warrior Princess and the Amazon Queen. The match was fairly even and Xena found herself dumped on the ground as often as Gabrielle did. A number of the rounds came to a stalemate and Xena had conceded one to Gabrielle’s two.

"Ok, so you haven’t forgotten how to fight with a staff," said Xena, panting slightly from the exertion.

"Nope, I guess I haven’t," the bard replied, dropping to one knee and swiping at Xena’s legs. The warrior was prepared for this and she jumped to avoid it. She swung her staff down to hit Gabrielle over the head but as she expected, the bard’s staff was there to block the blow. Xena had the advantage of balance though and she used her boot to push Gabrielle in the chest and gently knock her over. The bard lay on the ground laughing for a minute and then flipped into standing. The villagers all laughed and clapped and Xena grinned and bowed from the waist. She patted the bard on the shoulder.

"I think that’s enough sparring for today," she said and then turned to face her students. "Ok everyone. Split up into two groups and line up according to height."

Gabrielle took one group and Xena took the other and they ran through various drills and techniques with the villagers, giving them tips on stance and grips. After a candlemark of drills, they paired them up and let them fight each other. There was one odd woman so Gabrielle stepped in to be her partner. She looked nervous so the bard smiled reassuringly.

"Don’t worry. We won’t hurt each other. What’s your name?"

"Isabel," the woman replied.

"Ok, Isabel, let’s take it slow ok?"

They started sparring and Gabrielle was impressed by how much of the morning’s training the woman had taken in but after a while, she got the feeling that this woman had had more training than she said. In fact, she was pulling some unexpected moves on Gabrielle and she nearly hurt her once except for the fact that the bard’s reflexes were good. After about twenty minutes, Gabrielle stopped her.

"Ok hold it! You’ve had staff training before haven’t you?"

Isabel nodded and smiled.

"Yes I have, my Queen," she replied, lowering her eyes respectfully.

The bard’s mouth dropped open in shock.

"You’re an Amazon?" she said incredulously.

"I was but I left my tribe when I met my husband. I’ve been living in Amphipolis for eight years now."

"I see. To what tribe did you belong?"

"Yours, my Queen. I was a friend of Melosa’s."

"Do me a favour and drop the Queen bit. I’m just Gabrielle here in Amphipolis ok?"

"Of course my… Gabrielle."

The bard grinned.

"So the question is, why are you here for staff training when you’re probably as good as me, if not better?"

Isabel dropped her eyes again and then looked back at Gabrielle with the saddest expression on her face.

"Reminds me of home… of Solari and Eponin and Ephiny. We used to practice together. They probably hate me for leaving. I couldn’t say goodbye to them."

Gabrielle glanced over at Xena who was busy instructing one of the men on how to get a better grip on his staff.

"Come on over here and sit down for a minute," she said to Isabel and led her to where she had hung a waterskin. They sat on the back step of the tavern.

"It sounds like you had to leave in a hurry," she said as Isabel drank from the skin.

"I did. It was a bad situation I’m afraid. My husband was a soldier in an army that passed through Amazon territory. Melosa, Solari and I went out to meet them and we came to an agreement for safe passage. We brought them back to the village and to make a long story short, after a stupid mistake, I got pregnant. I decided to leave the tribe because I wanted Macedes to raise the child with me but Melosa wasn’t happy about it. We had an argument and I left the village one night without saying goodbye to anyone. I think it was for the best but I don’t know if my friends ever forgave me for doing it."

Gabrielle nodded slowly.

"You had to think about your child. I would have let you go with Macedes."

"Thanks, but there isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t think about my sisters. Anyway, we should get back to practice."

"Forget it, Isabel. I’m drafting you as a trainer. Take half of my group and I’ll talk to Xena about tomorrow."

Isabel grinned and went back to the others, breaking them up into two groups. She started into some new drills with them and Xena watched, suitably impressed with her technique. Gabrielle walked to her.

"She’s an Amazon," she said quietly. "I’ll tell you about it later."

Xena shrugged.

"Ok, she’s very good."

"She should be. She used to train with Solari, Eponin and Ephiny."

"I can tell," Xena replied with a raised eyebrow. "I’ve seen Solari use that technique before."

"Yeah, anyway, back to work," said Gabrielle and returned to her group.

A candlemark later, Xena and Gabrielle were soaking in a hot tub.

"This is great," the bard said with a sigh.

"Yeah, mother thinks of everything doesn’t she?"

"Now I know where you get it from," Gabrielle retorted with a knowing smile.

"I guess. Turn around and I’ll wash your back."

Gabrielle did as requested but after Xena had finished, she wrapped her arms around her lover and rested her chin on her shoulder.

"I love you, Gabrielle," she said.

"I love you too. Now I’ll do your back."

Xena turned around and closed her eyes as Gabrielle moved the sponge slowly across her well-muscled shoulders, following with feather light touches and tiny kisses.

"Mmmmmm… I like this," said Xena throatily. "We have to do this more often."

"Yeah, we should," the bard replied, sliding her hands around to cup Xena’s breasts. She teased the nipples gently, eliciting a shiver and low moan from her lover.

"You’re driving me wild Gabrielle," said the warrior, her eyes almost closed with desire.

"Great. Then it worked," the bard replied with an evil grin and kissed Xena passionately.

The warrior broke the kiss and stood up slowly. She scooped Gabrielle up into her arms and carried her to the bed. Cyrene was passing their door and she grinned at the low moans and giggles coming from her daughters’ room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning dawned sunny and warm and Xena and Gabrielle returned to the yard to continue the training of the villagers. Isabel took a third of the group and Gabrielle watched her briefly as she led her group in various drills. She was fascinated by this woman and found her eyes being drawn to her. Later on, Xena called a break and Gabrielle sat down beside Isabel, offering her, her waterskin.

"Isabel, I’m not sure if you know this but Ephiny is dead."

The woman looked down at her boots and shook her head.

"She was a great warrior," she said sadly.

"She was my Regent," Gabrielle replied softly. "She led the Amazons with courage, strength and wisdom. She was also my friend."

Isabel turned sad brown eyes to the bard.

"She was once my lover," she whispered and Gabrielle‘s eyes grew wide.

"I’m sorry," she said and laid a gentle hand on the woman’s shoulder.

Isabel leaned toward her a little and shook her head.

"Did she die in battle?"

"She died protecting the nation from the Romans. I returned to the village shortly afterward and took over as Queen. We defeated the Romans and I passed the mask of the Queen to Chilapa."

Isabel nodded slowly and sighed.

"I’ve made mistakes in my life, Gabrielle. One of them was leaving Ephiny behind."

She looked at the bard and Gabrielle could see loneliness in her eyes.

"Are you not happy here?" she asked.

"No. I haven’t been for a long time. I love my husband but I miss the companionship of a woman."

She placed her hand on the bard’s leg and smiled.

"It’s so good to have you to talk to, Gabrielle," she said with a smile but the bard shook her head.

"Isabel, I’ll be here for you but you have to understand that Xena and I are together and I love her with all my heart."

The Amazon nodded and grinned.

"I can see that, Gabrielle. She’s been watching us for the last few minutes and she looks like she wants to kill me!"

"She wouldn’t kill you. Severely maim you maybe but…"

The two women laughed and Gabrielle went to speak to Xena. She saw the thunderous look on her face and smiled tenderly.

"Xena, it’s ok. We’re just friends. You’ve nothing to worry about. I love you and my bed is yours only."

She saw the warrior relax… slightly and took her hand.

"I love you too much to be stupid like that, Xena. I can’t lose you. I’d slowly die myself. Please believe me."

Xena nodded and a slow smile spread over her face.

"I know that, Gabrielle. I guess I’m jealous…"

The bard laughed.

"You have nothing to be jealous about… or did I not show you that last night?"

She slowly traced Xena’s lips with her fingertip and smiled at the shudder she felt in response.

"Oh, you showed me, Gabrielle, but I think I might need a lot more reassurance," the warrior replied with a quirky grin.

"I think that can be arranged," the bard deadpanned. She smiled at her lover and then went back to training.

Over the following weeks, Gabrielle got to know Isabel really well and spent lots of time with her, swapping stories and laughing together but every evening, she returned to her room to be with Xena.

I didn’t think it was possible but I’m falling more in love with her everyday, she thought as she lay with her head cushioned on the warrior’s shoulder. Xena was asleep and Gabrielle leaned up to whisper in her ear.

"I love you so much, Xena. You’re so beautiful and kind."

A tiny smile formed on the warrior’s lips and she sighed contentedly in her sleep. Gabrielle snuggled deeper into her lover and fell into a peaceful sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

:BANG BANG:

"Gabrielle!"

The bard woke with a start and sat up. It wasn’t yet dawn and Gabrielle rubbed her eyes. Xena was also awake and exchanged a puzzled look with her lover.

"Yes, Cyrene?" the bard called.

"You’d better come down, Gabrielle. It’s Isabel. She needs you."

Xena went to get up but the bard shook her head.

"It’s ok. Go back to sleep. I’ll be back soon."

She kissed the warrior quickly and pulled her clothes and boots on. Then she ran down the tavern stairs. The sight that met her made her both upset and angry simultaneously.

"By the gods, Isabel. What happened to you?"

The woman’s arms and body were covered in angry looking bruises and her face was bloody and swollen. She was shaking violently and a choked sob was wrung from her throat when she saw the bard.

"Gabrielle," she whispered.

The young woman ran to her and started to look after her wounds.

"Who did this to you?" she asked with barely controlled fury.

"I… I had an accident," Isabel replied, unable to meet her friend’s eyes.

"Does an accident leave hand prints?" Gabrielle asked with a frown. "Who did this?"

Isabel shook her head and clamped her swollen lips shut.

"Tell me, Isabel! Amazons don’t just have accidents. Tell me!"

She shook the woman by the arms and was shocked and ashamed when she groaned in pain.

"I’m sorry, Isabel, I’m sorry. Look, I can’t help you if you don’t tell me what happened."

"It was Macedes," the woman replied in a tiny voice.

Gabrielle was stunned.

"Macedes did this to you?" she asked, not sure if she had heard correctly. Isabel nodded and started crying and Gabrielle pulled her into a soft embrace.

"It’s ok, it’s ok," she crooned, gently rocking the older woman in her arms. After a long time, the sobs abated and Isabel looked up into anxious, emerald green eyes.

"I’m so glad you’re here," she whispered. "I’ve never had anyone to talk to here. No one I could really be open with."

She cupped Gabrielle’s cheek with her hand and the bard got a funny feeling that something was about to happen. Her feeling was confirmed as Isabel leaned up and kissed her on the lips. The bard quashed the urge to dodge and let her kiss her for a time and then pulled back slightly.

"Isabel, I’m sorry. You’re my friend and I care about you a lot but I can’t give you what you want."

"I know," the Amazon replied, " but I couldn’t go on any longer not knowing what it was like to kiss you. I’ve been waiting so long for you to come to me. I didn’t know it before I met you, but I was meant to be with someone like you Gabrielle, not a man who beats me and treats me like dirt."

Gabrielle nodded her understanding.

"I know how you feel, Isabel. I was alone for a long time, even though Xena and I were travelling together. It wasn’t long ago that Xena and I finally admitted our love to each other. Please believe me, Isabel, I do care about you but…" she broke off as the woman began to cry softly again.

"I had hoped you would choose to be with me," she replied sadly.

"Under different circumstances I might have," said the bard softly, stroking the woman’s long dark hair.

Xena gritted her teeth as she heard Gabrielle’s words. They hit her dead in the heart and she shook her head, her pity for the Amazon foremost in her thoughts. She wanted to enter the room and kiss Gabrielle but she knew she would be intruding and instead returned to her room. Cyrene gave Gabrielle a room for the Amazon woman and after she explained what was happening to Xena, the bard stayed with Isabel, lying beside her and holding her through the night as she cried out her pain and loneliness. Finally, she fell into a deep sleep and Gabrielle left her to rest. She returned to her room and retrieved her sais.

"Where are you going?" asked Xena worriedly.

Gabrielle’s lips curled in anger.

"I’m going to have a chat with Isabel’s husband," she replied through gritted teeth.

Xena started to protest but the bard shook her head.

"Don’t try to talk me out of it. I’m not letting this go. He hurt her badly, Xena. He beat someone I… uh… care about and I’m not letting that go unpunished."

The warrior was uneasy at the bard’s words but nodded, bowing to her friend’s feelings and instincts.

"Alright, but if he touches a hair on your head, so help me gods, I’ll rip his spleen out!"

Gabrielle grinned, despite her anger and nodded. She left Xena in their room and went to find Macedes. The first place she tried was his house but he wasn’t there. She walked around the town, looking out for him but she couldn’t find him. She finally returned to the tavern to ask if anyone had seen him but, to her surprise, she found him sitting at the bar. Cyrene looked up as she saw Gabrielle enter and grew frightened at the expression on the bard’s face. She had never seen such hate from her adopted daughter. Gabrielle walked slowly toward him, letting her anger wash over her. She tapped him on the shoulder and, as he turned, she grabbed the front of his tunic and pulled him close to her face.

"My name is Gabrielle and I’m a friend of your wife’s. I saw your handiwork last night and I can tell you that you’re going to regret, not only laying a hand on her, but the day… you… were… even… born."

He stood slowly and jerked away from the bard and his lip curled into a sneer.

"So you’re the Amazon slut who bedded my wife!" he cried loudly. "I wonder does your girlfriend know that you’ve been making a fool outta her." He was drunk and teetered slightly as he poked the bard in the chest. "Oh yes. She told me that she was in love with you."

Gabrielle heard a gasp and turned to see Xena standing behind her, a look of total shock on her face. She shook her head and backed slowly away. Gabrielle moved toward her, her hand outstretched.

"Xena, no. He’s lying. I never…"

The warrior ran out of the tavern before Gabrielle could stop her. The bard heard laughter ring out behind her and she whirled.

"You bastard," she snarled and lifted her sais to stab him right in the chest. Macedes cried out and raised his arms in self-defence.

"No!" Cyrene cried and ran from behind the counter to stand in front of the shaking bard. "Gabrielle, no," she said softly, standing on her toes, to take the weapons away from her. The bard shook her head.

"Get out of my way, Cyrene," she said through gritted teeth.

"No, Gabrielle. Listen to me. This is not you. You don’t kill in cold blood."

The words slowly broke through Gabrielle’s anger induced haze and she lowered her arms, sucking in a pained breath.

"Get out of this village," she warned him, "or I swear to the gods, I won’t be so forgiving next time."

Macedes jumped to his feet and staggered as quickly as he could out of the tavern. Gabrielle pulled out a chair and slumped into it, her anger leaving her exhausted as it drained from her.

"What am I doing?" she whispered and Cyrene knelt in front of her.

"It’s ok," she said. "He hurt two people you care about. I understand why you were doing it. Gabrielle, go after Xena. She thinks…"

The bard stood up quickly.

"Yeah, I have to go. Make sure Isabel is ok for me?"

Cyrene nodded and Gabrielle ran after her lover. She followed her tracks as best she could and finally found the warrior sitting on a log by the lake. Xena was staring out across the lake and now and again, she picked up a stone and skimmed it across the crystal blue water.

"Xena," said Gabrielle softly but the warrior didn’t acknowledge her. Gabrielle sat down on the log beside her and stared out over the water herself as she tried to put together something to say to the woman she loved. She finally looked at Xena and touched her gently on the shoulder.

"Xena. Look at me."

The Warrior Princess’ head slowly turned and pinned Gabrielle with a soft blue gaze. The bard was surprised by the love reflected in those eyes. She had expected hate.

"If you want to be with her, I’ll let you go," said Xena softly.

"NO! No, Xena. Macedes was lying. I never slept with Isabel. He put two and two together and came up with five. Nothing happened between us, I swear to you."

"You love her though," Xena croaked as she forced her voice past the lump in her throat. Her stomach was twisted with fear and her hands were trembling.

"I care about her but I love you, Xena. After all we’ve been through together I thought that was obvious. I’m never leaving you, Warrior Princess. I told you before that I would die without you and I meant it."

"I need you, Gabrielle. You’re the first person I’ve allowed myself to really love."

"I know," the bard replied, smiling tenderly. "And believe me, I know what a leap of faith that is for you. You’ve been betrayed by love before but I promise you with all my heart and soul that I will never… and you know how long we’re going to be together… I will never betray you."

Xena’s face relaxed and she returned the bard’s smile.

"I know, Gabrielle," she said and pulled her into a fierce hug.

Gabrielle sighed as her lover held her close.

"Gods, I never thought I could feel this way," she said.

"How do you feel?" asked Xena hesitantly.

"I feel like I could melt into your heart and stay there forever."

"You already are in there," Xena replied and tears brimmed in her eyes. "I was so scared that I would lose you to her," she went on.

Gabrielle marvelled at this beautiful woman, who once kept high walls around her heart but now seemed to be holding it out to her in her open hand.

"You’re never going to lose me, Xena. I love you too much to ever be without you. I need you."

Xena stood up and took her hand.

"Gabrielle, you’re my everything. I want… I would like… uh… Will you marry me?"

A gasp.

A choked sob.

An emphatic nod.

"Yes, Xena. Nothing would make me happier."

An elated Warrior Princess pulled her love to her feet and lifted her into her arms, spinning around and kissing her.

"She said yes!" she yelled and Gabrielle laughed.

"Hey, you’re crazy! Put me down!"

Then she traced Xena’s jaw line with her finger.

"Let’s get married in Amphipolis."

"Amphipolis?"

"Yes, I want to have your mother there, as well as the Amazons and all our friends. I don’t think there’d be room for us all in Potedaea!"

Xena looked sceptical and shook her head uncertainly.

"Gabrielle, I don’t know if we could do that. We have to go to the Amazons…"

The bard put her finger over Xena’s lips.

"Xena, I’m the Queen. They can bring the ceremony to us!"

Xena raised an expressive eyebrow.

"Being Queen has its advantages huh?"

"It certainly does, Love. Now, let’s get back and tell your mother the good news."

The walked back to the village hand in hand and Xena went to her mother. She whispered something in her ear and Cyrene grabbed her daughter, pulling her into a tight embrace.

"That’s wonderful news!" she cried and then ran to hug Gabrielle, almost squashing her in her delight.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hey! Not there… there!"

Xena rolled her eyes in exasperation as she pointed.

By the gods, who would have thought that organising a wedding would be this much trouble.

She looked over at her partner who was trying to stifle her laughter and couldn’t help but smile.

Who cares, it’s damn worth it!

Gabrielle approached her and put her arm around her slender waist.

"Xena, relax. The wedding’s tomorrow and everything almost ready. You’re the bride-to-be. You shouldn’t be lifting kegs and hanging streamers!"

The warrior scowled at her.

"And who else pray tell, my bard, is going to do it?"

Gabrielle heard a shout and looked around.

"Well… them," she said jerking her head towards the approaching entourage of Amazons.

Xena shook her head and grinned.

"Right place, right time," she stated and the friends walked out to meet them. The Amazons all knelt before Gabrielle and she laughed.

"Gods, I hate it when you do that!" she chuckled. "Get up, all of you!"

Chilapa stepped forward and hugged them.

"The place looks great. You’d think a Queen was getting married here!"

She winked at Xena and the warrior nodded.

"Yeah, Mother went full out for this. She has rooms ready for you. I hope you don't mind sharing."

"Not at all," said Chilapa, stealing a look at Cerane and Xena smiled knowingly at her, relieved that she was no longer the centre of Cerane’s… attentions.

"Come on. Let’s get you settled," she said and led the group to the inn.

That evening, after all the preparations were complete they had a meal and Gabrielle was persuaded to tell a few stories. The Amazons were amazed at how she brought their stories to life and the bard bowed to a standing ovation.

"Thank you. I have something to say. Tomorrow is going to be the most important day of my life and I think I can speak for Xena too when I say that we’re delighted to have you all here to share it with us. In the five years that I’ve known Xena, I’ve not only grown to love her, I’ve grown to respect her beyond anyone else and all I can say is thank you to whoever brought us together… who I guess is Draco. Gods, I never thought I’d be thanking Draco. Anyway, enjoy yourselves tomorrow. I know I will."

Gabrielle stepped down from her platform and walked back to her partner. She sat down in the chair beside her and Xena leaned over to her.

"That was lovely, Gabrielle. I can’t wait for tomorrow either. I really hate the thoughts of sleeping alone tonight."

"So do I… but it is tradition."

Xena sighed and nodded.

"Yeah, I guess."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"How do I look?"

Cyrene stepped back and smiled at her daughter, her face a picture of pride.

"You look stunning, Little One," she said and then fussed a little over the warrior’s hair. Xena shook her head.

Mother! Stop that. You’re making me nervous!"

Cyrene laughed and took her daughter’s trembling hand.

"As if you’re not nervous enough already, right?"

Xena nodded sheepishly.

"That obvious, huh?"

"Only to your mother, Honey. Now come on, we don't want to keep Gabrielle waiting do we?"

She led her daughter out of the tavern and over to Aphrodite’s Temple where the joining was to take place. The fearless Warrior Princess stopped at the door and sucked in a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. She wondered to herself if Gabrielle was as nervous as she was.

Probably, she thought with a wry smile and ducked her head into the Temple to see what was going on but her breath caught in her throat when she saw the bard standing at the altar. Gabrielle was dressed in a beautiful, white, flowing dress, cut low to reveal her cleavage. The bodice of the dress was fitted tightly to her slender figure and the skirt had a four-foot long train. Xena swallowed deeply and closed her eyes, almost afraid that if she looked too long, she would awake from the dream she knew she had to be having. Cyrene patted her on the arm and smiled as she jumped slightly.

"Xena, Honey, its time."

Gabrielle stood at the altar, nervously adjusting her skirt.

"Gabrielle, you look great. Relax," said Isabel with a grin. "Everything’s ready. Chilapa’s got the ceremony all planned and the guests have all arrived."

The bard looked around, anxiously biting her lower lip.

"Where’s Xena?" she whispered.

"She’s outside… composing herself."

Gabrielle chuckled and as she glanced at the door, her eyes widened with shock as Xena entered. She was dressed in a long, sleeveless, figure hugging blue gown, trimmed with gold. The dress accentuated her eyes, which captured Gabrielle’s for a loving look. Her hair was braided and she was wearing a matching necklace. The bard blinked a few times and swallowed deeply as her love approached the altar. She smiled tenderly.

"You scrub up well," she teased and received a grin from the warrior.

"As do you, my beautiful bard," Xena replied and took her hand, kissing it gently, never taking her eyes from the bard’s emerald green.

Neither of them noticed Chilapa standing in front of them so the Regent cleared her throat. Warrior and Bard grinned and turned their attention to her.

"Friends," she began. "We have come here today to celebrate the joining of Xena, Warrior Princess, born of Amphipolis and Gabrielle, Queen of the Amazons, born of Potedaea. We ask that Aphrodite and Artemis give their blessing to this joining and grant these women a long and happy life together. So without further ado, let’s proceed."

She turned and picked up a long white ribbon from the altar behind her.

"Xena of Amphipolis, do you wish to be joined with Gabrielle? Do you wish to love her, cherish her and be with her all the days of your life?"

"I do," Xena replied. She glanced at Gabrielle. "More than anything else in the world."

Chilapa smiled and then turned to Gabrielle.

"Gabrielle of Potedaea, do you wish to be joined with Xena. Do you wish to love her, cherish her and be with her all the days of your life?"

"I do," the bard whispered, her emotion stealing her voice.

Chilapa patted her on the shoulder and nodded. She picked up the rings that were resting on a cushion beside her and gave one to Xena. The warrior took Gabrielle’s hand and slid the ring onto her finger.

"This ring is a symbol of my love for you Gabrielle. I’ve loved you since the first moment I saw you back in that clearing in Potedaea. You brought light to my life and you saved my soul and I will be eternally grateful to whoever brought us together."

Tears ran down the bard’s cheeks as she accepted a ring from Chilapa and slid it onto Xena’s finger.

"This ring is a symbol of my love for you Xena. You took a scared little girl and taught her that she could be whoever she wanted to be. You encouraged me, stood by me through the most horrific experiences possible but most of all, you thought of me as family. Believe me, I’ll also be eternal grateful to whoever brought us together."

Gabrielle and Xena just stared into each other’s eyes until Chilapa cleared her throat again and Xena gave her a little nod. The Regent took their hands and joined them before wrapping the white ribbon loosely around them.

"This ribbon signifies the purity of this joining and with Aphrodite and Artemis’ blessing, I now pronounce these two women to be joined for life."

A huge grin lit up the Regent’s face but it was no match for the smiles on the faces of the newly joined couple.

"Now can I do it?" asked Xena.

Chilapa winced.

"Oh sorry. You may now kiss your lifebond."

Xena pulled Gabrielle into her arms and kissed her, cradling her head with her hand. The guests all cheered and clapped and the couple broke part, resting their foreheads together.

"I love you, Gabrielle," Xena whispered.

"I love you too, Xena," the bard replied and then they separated to receive the praise and good wishes from their family and friends. Then they walked back to the tavern hand in hand, followed by the entire group. Cyrene had made a beautiful meal and the feast went on late into the night. It was only a couple of hours ‘til dawn by the time the soulmates finally got to bed.

"That was the most incredible day of my life," said Gabrielle with a smile. "Thank you Xena."

"Thank me? No way! Thank you, Gabrielle. I never realised I could be this happy until the moment you said ‘I do’"

"I’m glad you’re happy, Love. You deserve it… we both do."

Xena stroked her cheek and kissed her gently.

"You know Gabrielle, I’m starting to believe that I really do. I must have done something right somewhere to have been allowed to meet you."

"What you did was realise who you really are and change your life to reflect that. If you hadn’t made that choice, we would never have met. So, in a way, you changed both our destinies."

The raven-haired warrior nodded thoughtfully.

"Maybe I did," she said.

"Anyway, enough thinking, Warrior Princess. We have a few hours yet ‘til dawn."

"That’s right, we do. Wanna play charades?"

Gabrielle laughed and gave the warrior a playful cuff.

"You tease!"

"I have many skills," Xena purred as she allowed her hands to roam over soft, bardic skin, nibbling a convenient earlobe. Gabrielle sighed happily and pulled the warrior in for a long, passionate kiss.

"I love you, Xena," she whispered and submitted to the warrior’s tender, sensual touch.

The End (for now)