Destiny Trail
By Lady Leonie
Disclaimer: Ares & Gabrielle belong to Renaissance Pictures.
Warning: Rated "R"
Part 1
As the smoke cleared the onlookers were not surprised to see that Cpt.
Godson was the only man standing. Everyone from the sleepy border town of Nogales knew that Godson was the fastest gunslinger in the county, if not the whole state of Arizona. The opponent lying dead in the street was a notorious card cheat and no one was going to miss his passing. The crowd slowly drifted away as Godson walked away in the direction of the sheriff’s office.
Godson swaggered into the sheriff Brown's office and took a seat in front of his old friend. "I'm getting real tired of doing your dirty work, Sam. You could of saved us both a lot of trouble and paperwork if you had just arrested that son of a bitch when he rode in yesterday!"
"Now , now Godson, don't get all in a hissy about this. I was planning on bringing Carter in. It's not my fault you beat me to it, after he cheated you out of nearly 20 dollars. I thought you were a better card player then that or were you looking for a excuse to get rid of that ornery varmint?"
"Well, you may have got me on that one, Sam. Can't say that I haven't been bored out of my mind lately and this provided a bit of distraction for me. But, I can't just go around shooting people to relieve my boredom, now can I? "
Sam had to laugh at Godson's statement. The man was always itching for a fight for as long as he had known him. Maybe the favor he was about to ask would stifle his boredom for a little while.
"How about you do me a little favor?"
Godson's eyebrow raised in amusement. Whenever Sam asked for a favor, he usually ended up staring down the barrel of some old coots six shooter. "What favor would that be, but I am almost afraid to ask."
"It is not what you think. Old man Patterson's daughter is coming in
from out east and he asked me to provide safe escort for her. Will give you a chance to get away for a few days."
"Let me get this straight, you want me to babysit some simpering little tenderfoot from back east? What would old Patterson think about your choice of escort. That old bastard has never liked me."
"Except for the female population and myself, I can’t think of anyone around here who does like you, buddy."
Godson had to laugh at that statement, since it was so close to the truth. The men in the town had never liked him once the ladies had taken notice.
"Its not like I have anything better to do. When do I leave?"
Ellie sat waiting impatiently for her the escort from her father’s ranch to arrive. This was typical of her father's to leave her waiting in the heat. She pushed a stray golden hair back up inside her bonnet and once again found her place in the book she was reading. "Ancient Greek Mythology" by Arestis Warner. The heat of the day finally took its toll and Ellie soon fell asleep , book in hand.
Well, that had to be her he thought. Only a city woman would be wearing that much clothing in the Arizona heat. The girl’s head was all slumped over into her chest and his first thought was that the chit had expired from the heat. Standing over her he could see her chest moving and knew she was alright. Reaching beneath the monstrosity of a hat she was wearing he lifted her head up to get a look at her. The girl was apparently not as unconscious and he thought and at the touch of his hand jumped from her seat to face her would be attacker. A bolt of electricity literally ran between the two people as they each got a look at the other. Ellie was speechless. This man was the most magnificent male she had ever seen. He looked liked Lucifer himself with his black hair and dark eyes that seemed to look right into her soul. A strange sense of recognition overwhelmed her as she fell into a faint at his feet.
Ares looked down at the woman that had literally fallen into his hands.
"By the Gods, Gabrielle??
Part 2
Ares couldn't believe after all these centuries, he had finally found her. His Gabrielle. There had not been a day that past in last 900 years that he hadn't looked for her beautiful face. He had almost given up hope that the fates prophecy of their meeting again would come to pass. Now she was once more in his arms and for once in his long life the former god of war felt like fainting himself. Ares pulled the bonnet back and gently untied the satin ribbon around her neck. Now free of the
offending bit of material her glorious blonde hair spilled out
surrounding her face in a golden cloud. He brushed his fingers softly across her sunbacked lips and slowly bent his head to join his own with hers. At the first contact her fern green eyes opened wide with fright and she began struggling to push him away. "Get away from me, you scoundrel! How dare you t-t-touch me! Do you know who I am?"
"I know exactly who you are, Gabrielle."
"How do you know my name? Are you the man my father sent to escort me to Nogales?"
"That would be me, little lady. Looks like the heat got to you and you
fainted. I was just trying to wake you . No harm done. Now let me help you up."
Ares was glad to see that she still retained the same fighting spirit that he had admired so much. The fact that she had no idea who he was disappointed him, but he was not surprised. He knew it was only a matter of time before her soul recognized him and they could be together.
"Bye the way Mr.....whatever your name is. I don't answer to Gabrielle My name is Ellie. Only my father still calls me that and only when he is angry with me. Now, Mr...what do I call you?"
"Captain Ares Godson at your service mam."
Ellie felt a chill run down her spine when she heard his name. Did she know him from somewhere? Certainly she would remember if she had. No woman would ever forget a man that looked like him, but the feeling of familiarity would not leave her. Picking up the discarded book and dusting off her dress the best she could she made to follow Captain Godson back to the waiting wagon. As he helped her into the seat a odd notion popped into her head. "Ares is such a odd name. Did you know that was the name of the Greek God of War?"
A strange light came into the Captains eyes as he looked her over before answering. "Yes mam. I am well aware of that fact." Ellie could not imagine that real Ares could look as wonderful as this one. Embarrassed at her thoughts she buried her head back into the book as they headed out of town.
The two stopped at a small bed and breakfast for the night and Godson had asked her to join him for supper. The question had felt more like a plea or she would not have accepted his offer. There was a distinct sadness about the man along with his raw masculine quality that seemed to draw her eyes irresistibly to him at every opportunity. The whole journey from the train station she had tried to ignore him as much as possible and concentrate on her reading. Unfortunately the more she read about the greek gods the more his face popped into her mind. Mental pictures of him dressed in ancient garb, sword in hand, fighting all sorts of mythical creatures kept creeping into her subconscious. Surely it was just the exhaustion of the trip and then waking up in his arms that was causing this confusing attraction. After all he was not the type of man she was usually attracted to. The rough frontier type was not acceptable as a companion to a person of her status. Ellie berated herself when she realized that was her father’s words coming out not her own. She always prided herself on being a giving and thoughtful person without any class prejudices. The clock striking six reminded her it was time to join Capt. Godson for dinner. Checking her reflection one last time she went to join him.
After a dinner spent in relative silence, Ellie nearly jumped when Ares asked about the book she had been reading. He had seen the title while riding in the wagon and it had brought a smile to his face.
"It is a historical text about the myth and legends of Ancient Greece. In particular the Olympian gods and warriors of the age. For some reason I have always had a fascination for that point in history. That is why your name was such a surprise. Were your parents fans of that time as well?"
A wide smile transformed his formidable face to one of breath stopping beauty. Ellie could feel her heart beating faster when he answered.
"I guess you could say they were experts on the topic, Gabrielle. Since they were witnesses to that bit of history."
Part 3
"You have a very odd sense of humor Captain Godson. I suppose the next thing you are going to tell me is that you ARE the real Ares Greek God of War? I may be what you call a tenderfoot , but I am not feeble-brained enough to believe that sort of nonsense."
Elli waited for the Captains glib response, but was instead alarmed at the anger she saw there. Before she had time to think he was grabbing her and throwing her down to the ground just as a bullet whizzed by their heads.
"Gabrielle, for godsakes stay down!"
Ares rolled into a shooting position and let off two shots in the direction the others had come from. Another round of shots came from outside and yet another that seemed to come from behind them. Ellie could not believe what was happening. Her first gunfight and she was petrified. The gunfire rang out from all sides and the acrid smell of gunpowder permeated her senses. A gruesome thudding sound followed by a groan drew her attention to her escort. A crimson thread was appearing on his sleeve. As she began crawling towards him she noticed a man coming from behind, without thinking she picked up one of the fallen dinner knives and flung it with deadly accuracy at the mans heart. With a brief look of surprise the man fell too his knees unconscious. Ares ooked back at the fallen man before turning to her and mouthing a quick thank you. Ellie could not believe what she had done. Never in herlife had she done violence to another person and now she had taken a life. What was more surprising was that she had actually hit what she had aimed for. The dining room fell silent as the gunshots stopped and Ares stood up to look around. After motioning for her to stay where she was he went to take a look around. Apparently the other shooter had fled the scene after his partners demise. When Ares returned he went to look at the fallen man.
"Well I'll be damned! Frank Otis as I live and breathe. That piece of....um nevermind. He has been after me for awhile now. Thank you Gabrielle! You saved me the trouble of tracking him down later."
"I asked you not to call me that Capt. Godson."
Ares could tell she was in shock over what she had done, but he
couldn't be more please. She had thrown that knife with the same skill as she had once wielded her sais.
Remembering the Captains injury she walked over to exam the wound. When he pulled back from her inspection she thought to herself what big babies men were when they were hurt. "Don't worry Captain I'm not going to hurt you. I just want to take a look at that wound."
Ares decided now was not the time to reveal that the wound was already healed therefore revealing the truth of who he really was. She had to remember at her own pace with no help from him. Although he wouldn’t mind passing on a few hints now and then.
"It’s only a scratch, believe me I have had worse. I'll take care of it myself. Now I think we have had enough excitement for one night. Why don't you head on up to your room and get some sleep. We ride out at first light tomorrow."
"If you say so. I'll see you in the morning Capt."
Ares watched as she mounted the stairs on her way to her room. Each step brought his attention to her lovely derriere swaying to the beat of her steps. He had to admit she looked stunning even in the travel stained dress she was wearing, but he much preferred her old leather ensemble. It hadn't left much to the imagination, but that was what he had liked. With a arrogant grin on his handsome face he headed for the local law office to report the fight.
"What makes you think I would betray Xena for you, Ares?"
"Because my dear, Gabrielle, I can give you what Xena can't. The opportunity to change the world. With my army behind you, we could restore order to the chaos. Peace where this is none. With your ability to find peaceful answers and my army to enforce them. We would be unstoppable. Of course there is the added bonus...I could give you the child you have always wanted."
"Ares, you don’t know what I want. I had a child once and I will forever grieve the loss of what she could have been."
"The problem was not your child, it was the father. Dahaks evil corrupted Hope forever. A child of ours would be magnificent. I can see in your eyes the longing you feel and I want to be the one to quench that for you. Be with me. Be my successor, my bride and the creator of our legacy through the children we create. Tell me you don’t want that too."
Ares stepped closer taking Gabrielle into his arms. His hands caressing her bare shoulders sending shock waves to her senses. Only Ares could make her feel like this and she both loved and hated him for it. To be with him would alienate Xena forever, but did she really want to deprive herself of the happiness she could have if she gave into her feelings for Ares. With his lips trailing hot kisses down her neck the decision became easier and easier.
Ellie woke with a light sheen of perspiration all over her body. Every
nerve seemed alive with some melting heat that she couldn’t explain. The
dream had seemed so real. She had dreams like this one for as long as she
could remember, but until now the mans face had always been lost in the
shadows. Now he bore the face of her guide. The very rugged Capt.
Godson. "What am I thinking. It was his face, because what happened
yesterday was fresh in my mind. That can be the only reason. Well there
is his name. Get a grip on yourself girl before you start believing
that Capt Godson and Ares are one and the same." Ellie hopped out of
bed and poured the chilly water from the pitcher into the bowl.
Splashing her face with the frigid water helped cool down her body, but
her mind was still racing as she dressed and went to join him
downstairs.
Ares was waiting for her in the dining hall. All traces of yesterday’s
gunfight had been removed. Except for the broken mirror now covered by an
old quilt. After a terse greeting Ellie sat down to eat a light
breakfast of ham and eggs before they were ready to leave. Her escort
was strangely silent during the meal and not feeling like talking
herself they quietly finished and headed for the wagon.
Once outside Ares loaded the wagon and pulled himself up to join Ellie
in the seat. Picking her book up from the day before she once again
spent the day buried in its pages. She however did not get much reading
done, since every page brought back memories of last night’s dreams. As
if reading her mind Godson asked "Have any interesting dreams last
night, mam?" The question seemed to have a double meaning to her, but he
cut off her thoughts when he added. "After what happened yesterday I was
afraid you might have some nightmares. For a city girl , you sure came
thru in a pinch. Where did you learn to throw knives like that?"
"I have no idea Captain Godson, no idea at all."
Part 4
Ellie spent another night of restless sleep. The dreams from the night
before were nothing compared to the erotic visions she encountered this
night. Ellie tossed and turned until the blankets were twisted around
her feet and her cotton nightgown was gathered around her waist.
" I knew it would be like this between us, Gabrielle! Pure fire and
passion."
"Just shut up Ares...and kiss me!"
He did just that. Loath to leave one ounce of flesh uncharted by his
kisses Ares lips singed a path from one end of her body to the other.
Gabrielle could hardly think with storm of emotions racking her body.
Finally she decided she couldn’t take anymore.
"Ares please finish this..I..I can’t take much more. I need to be one
with you..NOW!!"
"Your wish is my command, my love."
Gabrielle felt her body stretching as it accepted him into her making
them one. The fire that had been tormenting her before became an inferno
that she never wanted to end. With each moment she felt her body flying
higher and higher until together they exploded into a moment of pure
bliss.
Ares heard the moans coming from Gabrielle's room. Fearing that she
might somehow be hurt her rushed to her door. Without knocking he burst
into the room. The sight of her sweat drenched body thrashing around on
the bed brought an instant rise to his manhood. He slowly walked closer
to the bed. She seemed to be fevered, so he placed his hand on her brow
and found although it was warm to the touch there was no fever. Still
lost in her dream Ellie reached for his hand and guided it to her
breast. "OOh Ares! I love the way your hands make me feel, so alive. I
burn for your touch!"
At that moment Ares realized she was dreaming of their time together.
The desire to join her in the bed and make the dream reality was almost
overwhelming. He knelt beside the bed and gently removed his hand. As
much has he wanted this, he couldn’t. Not until she knew exactly who she
was. Ares took a deep breath and got up heading for the door. Just as he
was about the leave.."What the hell are you doing in my room?
"I heard you groaning from my room and I thought you might be hurt. I
just came to check on you and since you appear to be fine I'll be
heading back to my room. Good night Gabrielle!"
"Well I never...and don’t call me Gabrielle!"
Ellie looked down at the state her nightgown was in and blushed bright
red. Waking up to find the very image of the man from her dreams in her
bedroom and her exposed state was just beyond the pale. With a
disgruntled growl Ellie yanked the covers over her head and tried to go
back to sleep.
The bright midday sun was beating down hard on the two as the reached
the entrance to the ranch. Ellie was both happy and sad that they had
finally reached their destination. She was happy to be rid of Captain
Godson’s unsettling company, but was afraid she would miss it as well.
As they drew closer to the rancho's main house they noticed a number of
buggies sitting in the front. Ares pushed the wagon into a faster pace
when he recognized the sheriff’s horse among them. They had no sooner
pulled up when the sheriff came out to meet them. They could tell by the
look on his face that something bad had occurred in their absence.
"Godson, Ms. Petersen. I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but it seems
Mr. Petersen has been murdered!!"
Ares made a quick grab as Ellie slumped into his arms.
"Well hell!
Part 5
Ellie woke up momentarily confused by her surroundings, until she
noticed all her childhood belongings. Her room was exactly as she had
left it almost 10 years before. A light snoring alerted her she was not
alone. Her old nanny Maria was sitting in the old rocking chair at the
foot of her bed. Time seemed to stand still here, even her old dolls sat
daintily on her dresser. Her tentative smile quickly vanished when she
remembered what had happened. Her father was dead. Gunned down in his
study in an apparent robbery. She vaguely remembered being carried up to
her room by Capt. Godson.
For that brief time she had felt safe as the world around her was
spinning violently out of control. "Good morning my little one. I was so
afraid when the captain brought you in. This whole thing is so horrible.
The patron was so looking forward to your arrival. My poor Gabriella,
this was not the welcome home you were expecting was it?" Maria pulled
her large frame up from the chair and walked to bed. Ellie went quickly
into her loving arms to receive the solace Maria was always willing to
give.
"You don’t really think this was a robbery do you, Sam?"
"I don’t know what to think. From what I can tell nothing was stolen, but
who knows what old man Patterson had lying around here. I do know that
he was into some strange dealings with those railroad fellas. Maybe he
finally stepped on the wrong toes and got a belly full of lead for his
trouble."
"Do you think that whoever did this will come back? Ms Patterson is
gonna be all alone out here now with her pa gone. I think I'll stick
around here, until this is all settled I mean."
"Well I'll be damned,Ares, you got a thing for that little lady don’t ya?"
"Its more then a thing ,Sam. She is the one I have been looking for ,for
a very long time. You can wipe that stupid grin off your face though.
She doesn’t feel the same way about me...YET!"
"You have my sympathy then, Godson. If she didn’t fall at her feet at
your first meeting like the rest of the ladies around here. You might
have your work cut out for ya."
The sheriff’s laughter followed him out of the Patterson's parlor as Ares
mounted the stairs to check on Gabrielle.
Maria had just finished helping her dress when there was a knock at the
door.
"Who is it?"
"Its me Gab...Ellie, Capt Godson. Can I come in?"
"I suppose so, just one second."
Ellie rushed back to the mirror to make sure she looked alright. Except
for the red around her eyes from her tears, she thought she looked well
enough. "Alright come in!"
"I seen that little one. He is a fine looking man your Captain." Maria
whispered.
"He is not my Captain, Maria." Ellie hissed under her breath.
"I’m sorry to disturb you but, the sheriff had to leave to make the
arrangements for you. Are you ok Gabrielle? This had to have been a
helluva shock for you, but I want you to know that I will be staying on
here until the killer is brought in."
"Excuse me? I’m not sure who you think you are, but this is my fath...my
ranch and I don’t believe I asked you to stay. I am perfectly capable of
protecting myself. Besides I am not alone here. There’s Maria , Joesph
and all the ranch hands. I will be perfectly safe without your help."
"Seems to me all those folks were here when your father was murdered and
apparently he wasn’t safe. What makes you think you will fare any better
if these men decide to come back?"
Ares almost immediately regretted what he said when he saw the horrified
look on her face. "The chances of them coming back are low, but I would feel much better if I was here if they do. I got you here safe and sound didn’t I? Now no arguing. Whether you like it or not I’m staying."
Ares barely had time to duck as one of Gabrielle's old dolls came flying
at him.
"Stay if you like Godson, but don’t expect me to be accommodating. You can
sleep in with the ranch hands or in the barn for all I care. Just stay
the hell away from me!!"
Ellie flounced past Ares out of the room with as much dignity as she
could manage after nearly tripping on the remains of her dolly.
"You sure stirred her blood up Capt Godson . I aint never seen that
child so worked up."
"She is a bit of a spitfire isn’t she Maria? I like it!!!" Maria could
not contain her laughter and was glad to know that her little Gabriella
was not going to be alone anymore.
(warning..light adult content)
Part 6
Several days passed by after her father’s funeral before Ellie saw Capt.
Godson again. She knew he was still around since he seemed to be the
only thing anyone could talk about. If she heard Maria sing his praises
one more time she thought she would be sick . You would think he WAS a
god the way everyone sang of his glory. "Oh that Captain Godson sure has
a way with the animals, that Godson is a hard worker, blah blah, blah"
she mimicked. "What’s wrong with you child? Can’t you see what a fine man
he is?" Enough was enough, she owned this ranch now, not him. It was
high time she had a talk with the almighty Godson.
Matthew, the young boy who worked in the stable informed her that Godson
was out checking the fenceline in the north pasture. It had been years
since she had ridden a horse, but decided now was as good a time as ever
to reacquaint herself to it. Matthew saddled up a gentle gelding named
Daisy for her to take out. After only a few seconds back in the saddle
she realized this was not going to work. Her dress was going to have to
go. Sliding off of Daisy's back she slammed back into the house and soon
returned in a pair of her mother’s old buckskins and sturdy cotton shirt
she borrowed from Joseph. She was not prepared for the odd looks she
received from the hands working in the yard. She had to admit the pants
were a little snug in the backside. Her mother had been a slight woman ,
almost mannish in her build. While Ellie was all gentle curves that were
quite pronounced in her manly garb. Ignoring their sly looks she
remounted and took off to find her prey.
Ares sat down wiping the sweat from his dark brow and decided to take a
little rest. He pushed his hat down across his eyes and leaned up
against the new post he had just put in and went to sleep. That was how
Ellie found him several minutes later. She had slowed her horse as she
approached so she wouldn’t wake him. This was the first time she had saw
him at rest and the impulse to curl up next to him was powerful. Not for
the first time she wondered what it would be like to wake up each
morning wrapped in his strong arms.
"Its not polite to sneak up on a person when they’re sleeping miss. You
could end up with a butt full of buckshot before they know who you are."
"How very crude, Captain Godson and I did not sneak. If you had not been
lazing around you would have seen me coming from a mile off."
"Now now..dont get all riled up Gabrielle. I was just taking a quick r..
what the hell do you have on?"
Ellie looked innocently down at her clothes. "What is wrong with what I have on? My mother used to dress like this when she was helping my father out on the range and no one had a problem with it. Besides I am in charge around here and I can wear whatever I choose."
Ares stood up and slowly walked over to help Ellie down from the horse.
"Well all I’m saying is if your gonna put out such a blatant invitation,
I feel obligated to accept." Before Ellie could say anything Ares pulled
her to him and she soon found her lips being devoured by his. After the
first futile attempts to push him away, she found she didn’t want to.
This was not the first time she had been kissed, but never like this.
The feelings he was arousing were like nothing she had ever felt before.
Along with the tidal wave of sensations he was creating there was a
distinct sense of deja vu. With his hands trailing up and down her back
and beyond she pushed that feeling away. Every time his tongue touched
hers a shock wave rippled through her. "We have to stop! I can’t think
when you are doing that!"
"Don’t think Gabrielle, just feel"
Before she knew what was happening Ellie found herself flat on her back.
Somehow Ares had managed to take off his shirt as well as her own. The
only thing between his chest and her own was a thin camisole and he was
making short work of that as well. When his mouth closed over her now
exposed nipple the sensation was incredible. In the back of her mind she
knew she should stop this, but somehow it felt so right. She ran her
fingers thru his hair urging him on. The sudden sound of horses closing
in shocked her back to reality. "My god, someone’s coming!" Ares looked
up and saw several men closing in on them fast. He rolled over to where
his gunbelt was and quickly palmed his colt. Ellie hastily pulled her
clothes back into some sort of order and reached down for the knife
Maria had given her for protection. "You stay down, I'll deal with
this." With a quick kiss he stood and faced the approaching riders. He
had known from the second they appeared that they were not from the
ranch and he wasn’t taking any chances. No sooner had he shouted for them
to halt a volley for bullets had begun to fly. Within only a few shots
he had reduced the riders by three, but this time they were not backing
off. They knew they had the advantage by sheer numbers. Ellie had taken
refuge behind a nearby tree and watched helplessly as Ares tried to
fight off the remaining men. He had managed to wound two more, but had
taken a hit in the shoulder himself. Ellie nearly wept with joy when she
spotted several of the ranch hands coming to investigate the gunshots.
Apparently the riders saw them also and suddenly took off in the other
direction. Ellie ran to Ares and threw her arms around him. "Are you
alright? My god you've been shot again!
"Godson, Ms Patteron. You two alright? We heard the shots and came as
quick as we could."
"I'm fine , but Capt.Godson has been wounded. We need to get back to the
ranch."
"Don't start fussing over me, I'm fine."
"That’s what you told me last time. This time you are just gonna have let
me take care of it whether you like it or not. Now sit!"
"Alright, but you men see if cant find out where those riders headed to.
We'll be fine. I want those bastards caught."
"Yes Captain." Ares watched as the men took off in the same direction as
the riders and sat down under the tree. He knew that he didn’t want the
others around when Gabrielle discovered the truth.
"Now sit and let me take a look at that wound."
Ellie gently pulled the shirt away from his wounded shoulder. Wetting
her bandana she wiped the blood away and gasped. There was no bullet
wound. No sign that there had ever been one. She pulled the shirt down
farther to where he had been shot before and again found nothing.
Looking down at the blood on her hands she began to get bombarded by
images. She had just thrust a blade into the chest of a woman, then she
was standing in a roman coliseum watching a man be put to death. Finally
she lay with a man in her arms as he lay dying and looked up into the
face of his killer to see Captain Godson. no...it was Ares.
Ares greek god of war and the mans name was Eli. "Oh my god! It is you!
You are Ares and I was there when you killed Eli. I can’t believe this! I
must be out of my mind." Ellie ran to her horse and took off in a run
not knowing where she was going. She just knew she had to get away from
that man.
Ares had known the second she had remembered. It was just his foul luck
the things she remembered did not show him in a good light. He watched
her ride off and thought about following her, but decided she needed
some time alone. Time alone to think about what she had remembered. Time
to dwell on the evil deeds he had done and the pain he had caused. "Hell
no! I didn’t wait this long to lose her now!" Ares jumped on his horse
and took off in pursuit of Gabrielle.
Part 7
Storm clouds were beginning to roll in when Ellie finally returned to
the ranch. The coming storm was no more powerful then the raging turmoil
thundering through her head. What had started out as an average day had
turned into the most disturbing one ever. First her near seduction on
the range, the gunfight and then the revelations that followed. How
could she credit what she had seen and felt when she saw the gunshot
wound or lack there of on Capt. Godson. The flashing of images that had
nearly brought her to her knees had seemed so real. As if she had
actually lived them herself. Was it possible she had lived before? It
went totally against her beliefs as a christian to believe that, but the
only other option was that she was losing her mind. Ellie quickly
dismounted and rushed into the house past a gaping Maria. As soon as she
reached her room she went in search of her book on ancient Greece.
Flipping through the pages she took in the garb of the people depicted
of that time. So similar to what she had seen in her mind. Each page
brought with it another glimpse in her mind of another time. She could
see villages and cities that she instantly recognized. The names
Amphipolis and Potedia latched on to her subconscious. She did not
remember seeing those names in the book , but knew they existed. Other
names came to mind. The most commanding being Xena. She had said that
name in her dream. As she got ready to close the book she noticed that
the front page seemed to be stuck to the cover. Surprised she hadn't
noticed before, she gently pulled the page away and nearly dropped the
book. On the inside cover was a dedication. "For Gabrielle. May our
souls once again be one."
"NO it can’t be!! "
The author was named Arestis. Could it really be possible. The same man
she knew as Capt Godson was actually the author Arestis and apparently
the immortal Ares Greek god of War. This was all too much to handle at
once.
"I see your doing some light reading. I do think my foray into
literature was well done if I do say so myself."
"So it’s true? You are that Ares and Im..I'm..I don’t know who I am."
Ares reached to comfort her but she stepped back shooting daggers with
her emerald eyes.
"You know who you are. You just haven’t accepted it yet. Think about your
dreams Gabrielle. They are windows into your soul that transcend time and
space. In your dreams you can remember what time has taken away from
you.. and from me."
"But..but..if you are a god, what are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed
to be reigning supreme on Mt Olympus or something? You don’t look very
godlike right now with that blood on your shirt and a week's worth of
dirt on your boots. "
"Think back Gabrielle. Search your soul and remember. I can’t tell you
what you haven’t already figured out yourself. Tell me what you do
remember and we will go from there."
Ellie plopped down on the bed, exhaustion written all over her face.
"I'm still not sure this isn’t some sort of madness. What I have can’t be
called memories. It’s nothing more then dreams and feelings."
"Then tell me what you feel."
After a brief silence Gabrielle whispered "I feel out of place, like I’m
not really me anymore. Those visions this afternoon were so horrible.
There was blood on my hands and death. Deaths I may have caused, but I
didn’t feel deep remorse. Like the deaths were justified. Except for the
one with the man named Eli. I know or I feel like he was a good friend
and I saw you kill him. All through it I kept hearing a name...Xena. I
felt like with each drop of blood on my hands I had somehow let her
down. Why is that and who is Xena?"
"Xena was your best friend, Gabrielle. A beautiful warrior princess. You
fought side by side with her until the end. You loved her very much."
The last had been said with a hint of anger and sorrow that struck a
cord with Ellie.
"I chose her over you didn’t I?"
"Yes, you did. I offered you my love but it was nothing compared to your
friendship with her. In the end you left me to be by her side. For a
time I hated you for it, but I could never stay angry with you for
long." Ares put his hand on Gabrielle's shoulder and this time she did not back away.
"Did I love you as well? If I did how could I have left?"
" I can’t answer that, really. I did a lot of things then that were to
put it lightly not very nice. I believe you did love me, but could not
see past those things to the changes that were taking place within me.
For a long time I could not see the promise in you, so I came to
understand how you could not see it in me. I did however have time on my
side and knew that one day we would meet again. Now we have and I still
love you as much now as I did almost 2000 years ago."
"I can't believe this is real. If I had not seen with my own eyes the
way you healed from those wounds I never would have believed you. Now I
still don’t know what to think, but I do know as farfetched as this all
sounds..I believe it. I don’t understand it, but I believe. "
Ares pulled Gabrielle into his arms and looking deep into her eyes saw a
sparkle of the woman he used to know. Slowly he guided his lips to hers
and tasted the sweet nectar of her kiss. This time there was not even a
second of resistance as she gave into the power of his embrace. When his
mouth left hers she nearly cried from the loss only to rejoice when his
soft lips began trailing down her neck. Her hands explored every muscle
through his homespun shirt. Finally coming to rest at his throat she
began to unbutton the offending piece of material desperate to feel his
naked flesh on her fingers. Ares mouth was now seeking a different
treasure as he pulled her into his lap and pressed his lips to the swell
of her breast. The old cotton shirt she wore now lay bundled at her hips
and was soon joined by her camisole leaving the top half of her body
exposed . She had never felt more beautiful then when she saw herself
reflected in his eyes. For a moment the kissed ceased as he hugged her
to him whispering "By the gods, I missed you so much. Love me Gabrielle,
as I love you." Any lingering doubts she may have had were swept away at
his words. She wanted nothing more than to be with him like this
forever. Gabrielle leaned down and kissed Ares with all the passion and
love inside her. As the passion swept them away so did the doors that
had guarded her soul. She knew who she was now Gabrielle, the bard of
Potedia,friend of Xena and Ares soulmate. "I remember Ares! I remember
everything and I did love you, but I owed it to Xena to stay with her.
Now is our time. Make love to me Ares, make me yours forever." Ares
could not believe she was finally his. For the first time in his life a
tear slid down his cheek, but Gabrielle quickly kissed it away. The
couple swiftly made short work of the material barriers between them.
Finally completely naked in each other’s arms they explored every inch of
each other’s flesh. When neither one could take it any longer Ares began
to enter her. Mindful that in this body Gabrielle was still a virgin he
grasped his last bit of control to go slowly. When finally the two
became one only the slightest twinge announced her lost virginity before
she was again carried away on the tide of passion they created.
Gabrielle was lost to the little death of their mutual climax and
revelled in the feel of his body on hers as he lay spent on top of her.
Ares was loath to leave the velvety softness that surrounded him and
rolled over pulling her on top of him. Cradling her to him still joined
they fell asleep in each other’s arms.
Unbeknownst to the slumbering pair a trio of woman appeared at the foot
of the bed. In unison they spoke the words that would bring Ares
immortality to an end. " The prophecy has been fulfilled. Ares and
Gabrielle have been reunited in this place and time. Henceforth he shall
exist at the whims of man and die as a mortal. The fates bless this
union with a gift of mortality."
Slowly fading into the ether surrounding them they disappeared.
EPILOGUE
Ares and Gabrielle sat under the shade of an old oak tree and watched as
their children played around them. The children would never know that
were descended from gods, but Ares and Gabrielle knew. Little Aphrodite
was the image of her aunt, Lila was a perfect combination of both her
parents, where as her twin Evander was his father in miniature.
Gabrielle toyed with the spot of grey now sported proudly on her
husband’s head and sighed with her contentment. All was right in the
world again. Soon after their reunion that day so long ago Sam had
arrived with the news that the men who had attacked them that day were
part of a gang of thieves hired by the railroad company to kill her
father and were now in custody. From that time on only peace seemed to
surround their little spot in the world as if someone was watching over
them. Gabrielle liked to think it was Xena who had always been her
guardian angel and forever her friend.
The End.