I rode out to look over yesterday's crucifixions. They were already dead and I was about to turn and leave when I herd a moan further down the line. I road forward and again heard the moan, it was barely audible.

I wanted to see whom it was that had survived more than a day after having their legs broken. It required great strength and a stronger will to live then to give up and allow darkness to overcome you on the cross. I should know; I've been there.

I was waiting for another hint to determine who it was, then I spotted the Guard Captain who had thought to cheat me of the taxes he had collected. I rode over to him and chuckled.

"What's so funny," rasped a voice to my left.

My head turned and my eyes locked on to intense green eyes. If I were superstitious, I'd say that this was one of the avenging Furies coming to serve justice on the spot. I tried to stare her down, but there was something in her eyes that caused me to turn away first. I could see past the anger and the pain, but the emotion that will haunt me for all my days is the pity I saw in those stormy depths. It was not for the things that she had never had the chance to do, but directed at me.

I gazed at her waiting for her to speak again. Her breath was labored, yet her gaze never wavered. We stayed as such for a few moments, me on my horse looking up at her, her on the cross staring down at me. Neither of us spoke. Finally, she broke the silence.

"If you... must... stand here... Kindly move to the side," she rasped out. "I would... like my... last sunset... to be a thing... of beauty... not marred by hate... and fear."

Did this little slip of a girl just call me a coward? Me, the conqueror??? I fear nothing!

I moved my mount closer to her and said, "Have a care..."

"Or what?" she gasped, "You'll crucify me?"

In all my time, during all my fights and struggles, only one other would dare sassing me like that, and he is long dead. I stood up in my stirrups and leaned into her, "Well, I could have them pull you off that cross and turn you upside down. Then reattach you."

I waited for the fear to show, but it never appeared. Is it because she is so close to death or is it because she truly knows no fear? It was an interesting concept, one I have not had the chance to pursue in the past. It may be fun to break her mind, her spirit, instead of her body.

At this thought, the Conqueror took another look at the woman on the cross. She looked like she was pleasing to the eye, properly cleaned up of course. Also, if the reports were correct on this one, she was educated and well versed. It was then that the Lion of Amphipolis decided to cage this prey and partake of the chase.

She moved off to allow the woman her last sunset, knowing that she would not be seeing one for many weeks to come, if ever.

Gabrielle sighed and looked out on the setting sun. She smiled as she saw the blue sky darken to purple and black. She marveled in the reds and oranges of the sun itself and thanked Apollo for this last gift. Slowly, it sank behind the trees on the hill across the valley, causing silhouettes. She marveled at the rays of light as they scattered along her vision. The pain of each passing breath could not taint all this beauty.

Slowly, Gabrielle's head sank down one last time, and she allowed the darkness to overtake her.

The Ruler of the Known World rode back over to the girl. She had been watching her the entire time and was baffled by the smile that had appeared on her face just before she bowed her head. Quickly, the Conqueror removed her prize from the cross, grateful that she did not have to deal with nail. The ropes were quickly removed and the decedent slumped forward onto her shoulders. Xena move her cargo so that she was sitting in front of her on her steed and cantered off toward the castle.

All the while, she was making a mental note about the executioner. She decided that since she ordered the girls legs broken, and they did not appear to be broken, that he needed to be shown what it means to BREAK A LEG. She smiled as she thought about having the waif watch as she personally demonstrated the technique.

Bright light blinded her as Gabrielle slowly opened her eyes, only to shut them when the light made her eyes water. The pain that radiated from her body was confusing since she thought when one died, the pain disappeared. Surely one didn't live out eternity in the Elysian Fields with pain.

"So, she awakes," purred a low voice close to her.

Gabrielle frowned as she tried to place the voice. Was it her mother, who had died of illness so long ago? Or perhaps her sister who had died thanks to the cowardice of a midwife who feared Gabrielle's father if he had found Lila near their home.

"All the way," the voice said louder and Gabrielle winced when she felt a light slap to her cheek.

"Hey," she protested groggily as she reluctantly opened her eyes and peered at the person looming above her. "Oh, gods. Not you," Gabrielle moaned and tried to turn her body away, only to realize that her hands were tethered at the wrist and she was on a large, soft bed.

And she was naked.

"What in Hades is going on?" she yelled as loud as her voice would let her. She tugged at the ropes but to no avail. Tears of frustration began to run down her cheeks, and the Conqueror leaned over and flicked her thumb along her chin, catching the tear then bringing it up to her lips to lick.

"Don't be afraid, my pet," she murmured at eased herself onto the bed next to Gabrielle.

Gabrielle glared at her and jerked her face away from the Conqueror's hand that had began to caress her forehead. "I'm not afraid. I'm angry. Who are you to keep me from dying? Just because you are the Conqueror that gives you a right to play like a god with our lives?"

She was screaming now, the pain only a memory, replaced by a hatred she had never known.

The Conqueror grabbed her chin then leaned closer to her. "Who am I? Who are you to question my law! I am the Destroyer of Nations, Ruler of the World. I hold everyone's life in my hand to do with as I will. You should kneel before me and thank me for saving your useless life!" She raged at her then snapped her head back against the headboard.

Gabrielle didn't even give her the satisfaction of moaning but kept right on. "You are nothing but a pathetic excuse for a ruler. You could have people worshipping at your feet, yet instead you have them tremble with fear. You could have alliances, yet you have only enemies. You are twisted. No better than the raving lunatic Callisto."

The Conqueror howled with rage and quickly grabbed her dagger and ran to the bed, holding the blade along her neck. "I could slit your throat for saying such things," she hissed, her blue eyes cold and soulless."

"Then do it, Lion. I dare you," Gabrielle seethed and waited for the blade to pierce.

But it never cut. The pressure on her neck went away and Gabrielle watched as the Conqueror ever so slowly got up from the bed.

"No, I have a better solution for you. You'll plead for me to kill you when I'm through. And only when you beg for death, maybe I'll grant you that one wish."

She sheathed her dagger and swept out of the room, leaving Gabrielle to shiver from the cold draft from the open door. From down the hall she could hear the Conqueror's voice.

"No one touches her except me. You men can look all your fill, but if you touch her, you answer to me."

Gabrielle closed her eyes and took deep breaths, trying to calm herself. What did she mean, no one touches her except..."

"Oh, no," Gabrielle groaned then gave into the helplessness she felt and began to cry.

The servants could see the rage in the Conqueror’s face. They blended themselves back into the walls hoping against hope she didn’t see them.

"Bring some Port to my room, NOW." Xena’s demand reverberated around the hall as she stormed into her bedroom. She could not believe the insolence of that young girl. "How DARE she speak to me like that." Her arm swept across her desk sending the priceless items crashing to the floor in pieces. The stalked around her room like a caged lion, muttering to herself. Occasionally she would stop to pick up some fragile item and hurl it against a wall. Nothing seemed to calm the beast.

"WHERE IS MY PORT!" Xena’s rage was growing by the minute and she needed something to take off the edge. She needed to develop a plan. She would break this girl. Of that she was sure. But how did she want to break the girl. Did she want the girl to fear her or did she want her to ... Xena stopped that thought before it could develop any further. She picked up another vase and smashed it against the far wall.

The serving girl quivered at the door. She could hear the sounds of the room being demolished and realised her life could be in danger when she took in the port. Timidly, she knocked on the door and slowly entered the room.

"Put it over there, you pathetic girl, then GET OUT." The girl’s hands shook, spilling some of the port as it was placed onto the table.

"You stupid bitch." Xena growled then kicked the girl hard in the ribs. Picking her up by the scruff of the neck, the Conqueror opened the door and threw her into the corridor. The serving girl realised how lucky she was. When the Conqueror was in such a mood, it was not unusual for someone to feel the end of her whip.

The first port was downed without any awareness. The second followed just as quickly. The rage slowly subsided as she swallowed the third. What was it about the girl that caused her such consternation? Why hadn’t she killed her for her insolence? No one had spoken to her like that and lived since … She still could not bring herself to say his name. The pain was still too great. She refused to think back to those happier times.

The Conqueror sat in her chair, placed her feet on the table and contemplated the situation. The girl was beautiful in an untouched sort of way. Obviously her anger was such that she did not feel fear. How to break her then?

Her thoughts kept coming back to the same thing and that confused the Conqueror. Torture and mental cruelty had always worked in the past, why was she so loathe to use them now. When she had been waiting for the seditionist to wake up, it had taken all of her control not to run her fingers through the girl’s hair. And that was what had fuelled her rage. She hated not being in control.

Xena began pacing again. The destruction of her room interfered with her path so she headed back down the hall. Without conscious thought, she found herself back in the girl’s room. It was dark but she could make out the shape on the bed and could hear the tears falling. Xena stayed in the shadows just listening to the girl. Her eyes quickly adjusted to the dim lighting and she had an excellent view of the young woman. The tears slowly stopped and the girl started to talk to herself.

"Well, Gabrielle, you have definitely got yourself into a fine mess this time. Mother always said my mouth would get me into trouble and she was proved so right. She was probably going to give me a big lecture when I arrived in the fields but I couldn’t even do that right. What am I going to do?" Gabrielle tried to stretch her legs and found that there was an ability for some movement. With a contented sigh she wriggled her body into a better position.

It took all Xena’s willpower not to gasp out loud. That little movement of Gabrielle’s had been so erotic that a burning ache had settled into Xena’s groin. She could not believe the reaction her body was having to this woman. She had felt lust before but this was different. It was like it touched every part of her body.

"Comfy, are we?" The comment softly came from the shadows. Gabrielle tried to raise her head to see who had spoken when Xena suddenly stepped up to the bed.

"Can’t you give me any peace?" Gabrielle snarled her retort.

"Now why would I want to do that?" Xena could not keep the amusement out of her voice.

Gabrielle’s breath caught in her throat as she lost herself momentarily in the twinkling blue eyes. She had to admit that the Conqueror was a lot more attractive than anyone had made out, especially when she smiled. Gabrielle, what are you thinking? This is the Conqueror, for gods sake. She will kill you as quick as look as you. Remember everything she has done to your family and your friends.

"Oh I don’t know, maybe you would like to try something new, like compassion." Gabrielle could not stop the sarcasm from her voice. Oh that is a good way to keep yourself alive, just keep annoying her. Good plan.

Xena burst out laughing. It had been a long time since anyone had challenged her as much as this young thing. For once, the sound was pleasant to hear. The guards at the door silently looked at each other. Something unusual was happening. It had been a long time since anyone had heard the Conqueror laugh.

The Conqueror leaned forward until her breath slowly caressed Gabrielle’s ear. "I can be very compassionate when the circumstances are right, Gabrielle." Her voice was seductively low and filled with the passion she was feeling. She gently ran a finger slowly up and down Gabrielle’s trapped arm whilst her other hand played with seditionist’s hair.

Gabrielle tried to pull her arm away from this infuriating woman but the restraints held firm. A shudder ran through her body in reaction to the light caress. This is not good. Gabrielle could feel her own body reacting to the raw power that was Xena. She had to get Xena out of here. She captured Xena’s eyes and softly asked. "Then please leave me alone and let me sleep."

Xena contemplated the request for a few moments. She could smell the way Gabrielle’s body was reacting to her, even if the girl would not admit it. Maybe this girl would be easier to break than she had first thought. Kindness would be the way to go. She would have this girl begging for her touch. That thought pleased her greatly. Raising herself from the bed, she lightly kissed Gabrielle on the mouth and walked away. As she passed through the door, a whispered "Goodnight" floated back to Gabrielle.

As Xena headed back to her room, her body was so tight that she knew the only way she was going to any sleep tonight was to take one of the slaves to bed and find some kind of release. When she opened the door, she addressed one of the soldiers.

"Bring me one of the slaves. A blonde one and hurry." She ordered.

"Y-Yes, My Lord." The soldier stammered as he raced away wishing the Conqueror had told him which one to bring back and it wasn't up to him to pick.

The room had been cleaned during Xena's absence and some more port had also been placed on the table. A quick glance towards the bathing room and she realised that a bath had also been drawn.

"Well, well, well." She thought. "That stupid girl is finally learning. She was pleased her to know that she wouldn't have to kill that worthless servant for her earlier mistake. She hated breaking in new ones.

Xena removed her leathers and settled herself into the bath trying to ease some of the tension from her body. It was no good. She needed sexual release and soon. 'Where on earth is Garilius with that slave?' No sooner had the thought entered her mind, when she heard a sharp knock on the door.

"Enter." She called out.

Garilius opened the door and was followed by a young slave no more than 20 summers. She had satisfied the Conqueror more times than most, but hadn't been summoned for quite some time.

"My Lord. Your slave." He said as he shoved the girl in front of him.

"Good. Now leave us."

He left as quickly as he could and actually felt a little sorry for the young woman he had left behind. She was probably in for a long night. The Conqueror's sexual appetite was well known and when she was as uptight as she was tonight, it was increased ten-fold.

The slave had dropped to her knees and kept her head bowed low. She knew the rules well enough by now and had always tried not to infuriate the Conqueror. One time she had forgotten and had paid dearly by receiving 10 lashes from the Conqueror herself.

"Remove your clothes."

The woman quickly stood up and removed the thin garment she wore. She kept her eyes downcast for to look directly into the Conqueror's eyes usually meant punishment.

"Come here."

Again the woman moved quickly and quietly.

"Get me a towel and my robe."

The young woman grabbed a towel and then glanced around. She noticed a blue silk robe draped across the bed. She was in a dilemma. Dry off the Conqueror and then get the robe, or get the robe and then dry off the Conqueror. She chose the latter.

Xena stepped from the bath and growled, "Hurry up. I don't like to wait."

"Sorry, My Lord."

"Don't be sorry. Just do it."

The slave began to dry off her master and noticed the tension radiating off the Conqueror. As soon as she was dry, she opened the robe and slipped it around Xena.

Xena walked away and headed for the table. She poured herself a large glass of port. She hadn't realised that the slave had come back into the main room and was again kneeling waiting for her next order.

Xena sat on the chair and opened her legs.

"Pleasure me." She ordered.

The young woman tentatively moved in between Xena's legs and began the ritual that she knew would bring the Conqueror to release.

Xena reclined and let her head fall back against the chair. Her thoughts went to Gabrielle. 'Hmm, she has such a fire about her. I'm going to enjoybreaking it.' Tomorrow, she would have a collar and chain made for the woman. She was rather looking forward to breaking the defiant woman.Her thoughts were interrupted by the activity between her legs. This servant was doing nothing for her.

She slapped the servant away from her. "Get on the bed. Guess I'll have toshow you once again, what happens when you don't satisfy me properly." With that she began to take savagely take the young slave. The more the young woman beneath her struggled and screamed, the more turned on Xena became.

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

After Xena's visit, Gabrielle was surprised when an old woman bought her some food.

"I don't want any food." Gabrielle spat at the servant.

"That may well be, but I've got my orders." The servant replied. "Please don't be difficult. If you don't eat, then I will be punished."

Gabrielle didn't understand. "What do you mean, you'll be punished."

"If the Lord Conqueror finds out you didn't eat, she'll blame me for not persuading you. I will receive at least 5 lashes."

Gabrielle knew that what the old woman had said would be true. When it came down to punishment, Xena didn't care if the person was young, old, woman, man and in one case she had heard of, child.

"I hate her." Gabrielle hissed.

"I know you do child. But I beg of her, please eat something."

Gabrielle nodded her head as the woman fed her some broth. The meal was interrupted by a scream coming from the direction of the Conqueror's chambers.

The old woman's smile drained away from her face and she looked deep into Gabrielle's eyes. Gabrielle eyes were opened wide. She looked back into the face of the old woman and she realised what was happening in the other room. She also knew that those could have been her screams today and definitely would be hers some time in the very near future. She tried not to cry, but she knew she was fighting a losing battle.

"Why didn't that warrior bitch just let me die?"

She balled her hands and pounded on the bed as she shouted, "Damn you. Damn you to Tartarus."

Xena was up early and sporting a slight headache from the previous evening. She knew she could command a legion full of soldiers and they all feared her. Yet somehow the woman felt none of that. Right now Xena needed to feel that coursing through her veins before she went anywhere near Gabrielle. She went in search of soldiers to unleash her frustrations on.

Xena also spent some time trying to figure out her best plan of attack in breaking the spirit of that girl. Kindness seemed to be her best choice and it was one she had the least experience with, it would be tough.

As she entered Gabrielle's room, Xena immediately felt an ache deep in her stomach. Stay strong warrior! Stay strong!

Xena walked over to where Gabrielle still layed naked on the bed with her hands bound at the wrist. The dark warrior took out her knife and cut the ropes that bound the young woman's wrists. Without saying a word, Xena turned and moved to the other side of the room, as Gabrielle watched suspiciously. She kept one eye on Xena as she rubbed her wrists trying to bring back normal feeling to her limbs.

The Lord Conqueror was across the room rifling through some drawers and since Gabrielle couldn't tell what Xena was looking through, she sat quietly. As Gabrielle watched, her eyes went to the strong arms of this dark woman, and caught herself imaging how they must feel.

Gabrielle snapped out of it when Xena turned around and her cold evil eyes were staring back at her. Xena walked toward her and threw some type of clothing at her and said, "Put these on."

Gabrielle looked down at the clothing. Initially wanting to throw them back at the evil warrior standing before her. Gabrielle thought that she may be able to muster up some dignity and do something about this situation, if she was wearing some clothes.

Gabrielle put the clothes on and looked directly into the Conqueror's eyes hoping the look would relay the thoughts that were going through her head. 'Are you proud of yourself, does giving me clothes to wear make you feel better about yourself and all the evil that is you.'  She could only hope her eyes could get that message across. However, as Gabrielle looked into the steel blue eyes she saw something. Something she never imagined she'd ever see in those ice blue eyes. Just as quickly as she saw it, the shimmer was gone.

As Xena watched the blonde woman cover herself, her mind began to wander. Wandering across every inch of skin on her small body. When she looked into those green eyes the warrior felt a tightening in her chest. She quickly and immediately brought her thoughts under control.

Once again Xena was looking upon the blonde woman with her steel blue eyes, as the Destroyer of Nations, the person she knew she was.

"Now What?" Gabrielle asked matter of factly.

"Now I decide whether you're to be put back on that cross, or be my body slave, satisfying my every whim." Xena answered with no emotion in her voice, yet a small smirk appeared on her face..

Gabrielle didn't answer, as much as she wanted to die and end this misery, something tugged at her making her want to fight to live. At the same time, she was still very angry and before she could help it, she opened her mouth again, " So are you going to stand here all day, I'm sure you have some innocent villages to destroy, and people to kill, don't feel you need to entertain me."

Xena slowly approached Gabrielle, ran her fingers down her arm, moving close to her ear and replied, "Entertainment, that will be your job later."

Without a glance back, Xena walked out of the room and let the door slam behind her.

Gabrielle curled up and started to cry. She had been a body slave to many before coming here, but the thought of touching such an evil person evoked such strong emotions inside, like she had never felt before. She needed to do something --anything.

As Xena walked down the hallway of the castle, she was proud of herself for not letting that blonde, slip of a woman get to her. Yet at the same time she needed to so something, because that tiny woman had no fear of the Conqueror and that agitated Xena to no end.

"I need to show her why she should be fearful, every time I walk in the room" Xena thought to herself as she approached her office. Just like that, she had an idea. She hollered for her Captain.

"Yes, my Lord," the Captain said as he entered the room.

"Go get that blonde girl, Gabrielle, and bring her out to the courtyard" Xena ordered. Without question, the Captain quickly left to find the girl and deliver her as ordered.

Xena stood there with a smirk " I'll show her exactly why she should be afraid of me."

Aatrius, the executioner was summoned to the courtyard. `What could she possibly want me for?' It always frightened him when he had to look at Xena. She terrified him.

Upon entering the courtyard he saw Xena leaning against a shade tree and she was humming. There were four guards there as well. Aatrius got a most uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. `Something was wrong. What could it possibly be?' he thought.

When Xena saw Aatrius enter the courtyard she smiled a thin smile at him, greeted him and then spoke…

"Aatrius… How did the crucifixions go?" she continued, "Did everyone cry out in delightful agony when you broke their legs?" The coldness was radiating from her eyes unnerving him completely.

"Um… Y… yes, my Lord Conqueror, everyone," Aatrius by this time was sweating profusely.

"Really? Even the blond dissident?" she sneered, as she enjoyed the terror that was creeping into the executioner's face.

Realizing that he was caught, Aatrius confessed and begged Xena for mercy…

"Please Conqueror, please don't kill me! I have always done your bidding, but by the Gods, I just couldn't bring myself to break her legs. I knew she wouldn't last long and…" He was interrupted….

"When I give you an order I demand that you carry it out no matter what you think. You do not think. You do as I say!" Then in almost a whisper she said, "You disobeyed my orders. It's time you learned a lesson. But don't worry. I won't kill you," she snarled at the terrified executioner.

****

The captain opened the door to the room where Gabrielle was being held, and gestured for her to follow him. She didn't move off the bed.

"If you don't come with me willingly, then I will drag you by the hair kicking and screaming. The Lord Conqueror wants me to bring you to the courtyard, NOW! What my Lord wants…she gets," he said.

"Well she isn't getting me!" she yelled back at the Captain. "But it won't be necessary to become physical with me. I will come with you, because I choose too. Not because you demand it of me," she got up off the bed and walked out of the room with the Captain to whatever fate was in store for her.

****

"Ahh! Gabrielle. I want to show you why you should fear me," Xena purred.

As Gabrielle entered the courtyard she saw the executioner tied to the great shade tree. She looked from him to Xena, not fully understanding why he was tied to the tree.

"I see from the look on your face Gabrielle that you don't fully comprehend the situation. So, let me make it crystal clear to you," Xena said.

Pointing to Aatrius, and then turning her attention to Gabrielle, she said…

"He was told to break the legs of the people I ordered crucified. But he didn't break yours. He didn't follow my orders. Now he has to learn a lesson in obedience. Just as you need to learn a lesson in fear."

She turned to the guard that held the mace. "BREAK HIS LEGS." She ordered.

The guard swung the mace and when it made contact with Aatrius' legs, you could hear the splintering sound of bone being shattered.

Aatrius screamed in agony and began to vomit from the pain. He opened his eyes and was met by Gabrielle looking at him with sorrow and tears streaming down her face. For she knew that this was because he had shown compassion when she begged him not to break her legs.

She spoke so softly as almost a whisper and said… "I'm sorry." And as their eyes met he nodded his head, and managed a small smile.

This small gesture was not lost on Xena. She thought, `what power did this snip of a girl have to make people look kindly on her in the face of death?"

Xena and Gabrielle's eyes met causing Xena to feel tightness in her chest. Instead of fear, what Xena saw was loathing in Gabrielle's eyes for what Xena had done to this man who showed her some bit of compassion. So intense was it that Xena broke the eye contact first.

Xena didn't know it at the time, but she had already lost the war to break Gabrielle's spirit. Oh it is true that Xena could crush her physically, enslave her and do just about anything she wanted, but she would never, ever be able to break her spirit. In time it would be Xena who became Gabrielle's slave.

Gabrielle continued to look at Xena with loathing. It pained her greatly to think that Aatrius had

suffered such great pain because he had shown her kindness and not broken her legs. Gabrielle wondered how someone as beautiful as Xena was, could be so unfeeling and evil. Beauty was a good thing and surely someone that possessed such beauty should also possess some good. However, Xena's actions spoke pretty loud that there was no good there.

Xena was disturbed by the loathing that she had seen in Gabrielle's eyes. This had not turned out the way she had planned. She had wanted to see fear in the young girl's eyes and instead she saw loathing. For some reason she could not yet fathom, Gabrielle's reaction disturbed her.

Xena ordered Gabrielle taken back to her room.

Gabrielle laid down on her bed upon her return to her room.She cried for her pain as well as Aatrius.

Once there were no tears left, Gabrielle began to think aboutwhat her future might hold. First of all, she was Xena's slave and she could let that destroy her or she could muster her inner strength and make the best of this situation, keeping her freedom as her ultimate goal.

Gabrielle had been a body slave in the past. The only difference now was that she served the Destroyer of Nations. Once Gabrielle thought about it, she realized that Xena had not done anything to physically harm her since she had been taken off of the cross. In fact, there had been a brief moment when she had seen a positive side of Xena. Maybe there might be a small, tiny place somewhere inside Xena that was good. Gabrielle decided to try and find out if there was any good at all in the Lion of Amphipolis. And with that thought she fell asleep.

Xena was in her room, drinking port, trying to figure out why Gabrielle's lack of fear and the look of loathing in her eyes bothered her. To have someone fear you, meant that you had control of them. Xena had to admit to herself that she admired Gabrielle's spunk. It took guts to stand up to her.

'Is that what I find so appealing?' Xena wondered. The fact that she will not let me control her, unlike the rest of the broken souls that serve me. To break her spirit would make her just like all of the rest of the puppets that do my bidding. She is refreshing and....one of the most beautiful creatures I have seen. Maybe breaking her spirit is not the thing to do.

During Xena's thoughtful explorations, there is a knock at her door.

"Enter!",snarls Xena, upset at having the thoughts of the dissident interrupted.

Peltius, the blacksmith, enters very cautiously dreading each step he takes into the room.

"What do you want?" asks Xena.

Peltius approaches Xena and hands her a package. "It is the collar and leash that you ordered for the blonde dissident.

"You have made your delivery, NOW GET OUT!" Peltius left the roomas fast as his bulk would let him.

Xena opened the package and stared at the collar and leash that she had ordered Peltius to make for Gabrielle. The craftsmanship was exquisite, as Peltius was the best blacksmith under Xena's command. Peltius had heard about the girl and her beauty and had made the collar to compliment her. It was made of silver and had the Conqueror's symbol in gold at the throat. The chain was lightweight but very strong.

Xena takes the collar and headed to Gabrielle's room.

Xena entered Gabrielle's room and saw her asleep on the bed. Gabrielle's face is towards Xena and she can not help but look upon her. Xena stares at Gabrielle for a long time, marveling at her beauty. Gabrielle's sleeping form awakened feelings inside Xena she is not prepared for.

Xena attempts to look away from the sleeping form but her eyes keep going back of there of their own volition. Xena allows the feelings to wash over her and she feels the tension and wetness building in her loins. She looks down at the collar and leash in her hands and then back at Gabrielle, indecision playing in her mind.

Gabrielle had awakened when Xena entered her room. She pretended to sleep and stared at Xena through the slits in her eyes. She noticed the collar and leash in Xena's hands and a tiny bit of fear entered her stomach. She did not give herself away and continued to watch Xena. As she continued to lay there, she began to smell a pleasant yet almost overpowering smell and felt a tension begin in her loins.

Gabrielle noticed Xena look down at the leash and then back at her. To her surprise, she noticed the indecision warring in Xena's eyes. Gabrielle's whole body tensed in response to Xena's indecision and what Xena would decide to do.

"What's she waiting for?" thought the blonde.  Casually, Gabrielle turned hoping the illusion of sleep would give her a chance to study her jailer.  She knew that she needed to be careful but was not allowing that collar to encircle her neck.

Xena looked down at the collar; her emblem staring back at her.  "It would show ownership but would I really own her?  I could have her body or anyone else's, but is that what I want?"

Xena lowered her hands to her side and unconsciously started slapping the leash against her thigh.  She resumed her study of the dissident and notice a slight catch in her breathing.  Xena smiled knowing that the woman was awake.

"How long do you think you can fool me?" asked the Conqueror.

Green eyes opened meeting silver blue, "Fooling you wasn't the intent.  I figured I could observe you unnoticed just as you thought to watch me."

Xena approached the foot of the bed.  Noticing a slight tensing of her captive, Xena continued to move past the bed, sitting on the chair next to the bed instead.  She put the collar and leash on the floor.

"Tell me something, rebel, are you mad?" asked the Empress.

A delicate golden eyebrow rose below tousled bangs.  "Excuse me?"

"You are either insane or simple.  I want to know which it is," replied the dark warrior.

"Well, let's see.  I'm just a simple bard that talked out against oppression with the insane idea that I might be able to help people.  So, I guess you could say that I'm simple and insane.  What do you think?"

The warrior looked at the bard.  "I'd say you were cursed by the Furies with insanity and for that I persecuted you, or rather crucified you.  Tell me, did you like your time up on the cross so much that you would willingly go back?"

Sighing, the blonde sat up in bed with her back against the wall facing her tormentor.  "Did I like it... No.  Would I willingly go back...  Well, that all depends on the reason, don't you think?"

Xena chuckled, "So you are willing to go back on the cross if the cause was right.  So, tell me, what is the right cause?"

Gabrielle looked at her captor.  "Why are you asking me this?  Why do you even care what I think?  All you're doing is playing with me.  You don't care about what I think or what I want so long as it works to your benefit.  What do you want from me?  Why didn't you just leave me where you found me?"

Her voice hard, Xena exclaimed, "Because I'm bored and I can.  As for what I want, well, there could be a number of things I want.  Maybe I want companionship."

The blonde snorted, "And how many service you already?"

Ignoring the comment, the warrior continued, "Then there is conversation.  Being a... bard... should make you reasonably educated and if the past two days is any indication, you don't hold back and speak your mind."

"Sure, it's easy when you know your life is forfeit.  Makes a person more willing to tell you to go to Tartarus," replied Gabrielle.

"Funny that," purred Xena, "It could take a long time to die even if condemned.  The question is how swift and painless the process will be.  In your case, it just may be slow and VERY painful.  I would suggest more civil tone, at least for this evening."

Gabrielle met the almost peaceful gaze looking back at her and wondered, "Who's being the aggressor here?  Did I just tell her to go to Tartarus?"  This was followed by a mental groan.  "Well, in for a dinar..."

"Okay, for this evening, conversation.  I can't promise it will all be pleasant, but I'll be civil."

It was at that moment that her stomach decided to growl.  Gabrielle felt herself blushing and prayed that the Conqueror had not heard the sound.  When she looked at Xena she saw a twinkle in the Empress' eyes that almost made her look human.  It vanished quickly as the twinkle became a hard glint.

"When was the last time you were given a meal?" asked the Conqueror.

Gabrielle noticed a vast change in her "guest's" appearance going from good natured to the Destroy of Nations in the blink of an eye.  Then Gabrielle remembered the slave that had given her dinner the night before; she didn't want anyone else harmed because of her.  She continued to hesitate when she heard her stomach betray her once again.

"Answer me girl!" snapped the Lion.

"Not since," her voice trailed off and her throat grew dry.  She swallowed and started again.  "Yesterday when a woman help me."

"Are you telling me that no one has fed you all day?"

"Yes."

"Fools!  Have I nothing but fools in this castle!  I'm going to beat them..."

"No!" shouted Gabrielle, "You can't."

"Oh, can't I?"

Not wanting anyone else to be harmed because of her Gabrielle said, "It wasn't their fault.  I was so upset after this morning that when they put me in here, I cried myself to sleep.  They probably thought it was best just to leave me be."

"Ah, I see...  They thought.  Now there is a problem.  Can't have them thinking for themselves.  When I give an order I expect it to be carried out without thought."

Having said that, Xena stood, crossed the room and flung open the door.  She bellowed and with in seconds several guards were outside the door.  She spoke quietly but swiftly as she gave them their orders.  Once done, she entered the room closing the door behind her.

"That problem's been dealt with," she said.  As she moved back to the chair, she noticed tears in the rebel's eyes.
"What's the matter?"

"What have you done?" asked Gabrielle in a shaky voice.

Xena replied, "I've told the guards to bring your dinner."

Gabrielle gazed quietly at Xena.  She was sure there was more and waited patiently for the rest.

Xena looked at this person before her.  Hair mussed from sleep and watery green eyes brought back memories best left in the past.  She knew that look, that of a hurt puppy.  "Oh, no.  Now the lip is quivering.  So alike."

"What are you crying for, I said they're getting you dinner," snarled Xena.

Tears finally escaping, started rolling down her cheeks, "And?"

Xena started pacing back and forth, "And what?"

A quiet voice asked, "What else where they ordered to do?"

"What business is it of yours?"

"If someone is to be hurt because of me, then it is my business."

"Get dressed."

Sensing a dark energy from her host, Gabrielle decided against questioning her further and got up.  She moved to take the shift off but froze when she noticed the Conqueror's stare.  She waited until those eyes met hers again.

Xena smiled, "I'm waiting."

Turning her back for privacy, Gabrielle quickly dressed.  Silent tears were still running down her face.

"Stop that," ordered Xena.  She saw the confusion mixing with the tears on the younger woman's face.   "The crying, stop it."

Not waiting for a response, Xena scooped up the collar and lease and headed out the door.  Turning back she noticed that Gabrielle had not moved.  "Are you coming, or do I need to use these?"

Gabrielle followed Xena out the door, not knowing what was going to happen next.

Xena glanced over her shoulder to watch her captive walk behind her.

Gabrielle's head was held high and she had her hands clasped in front of her. The tears had finally stopped, but her eyes still shown bright with unshed tears.

"Walk next to me," she commanded softly. Gabrielle merely raised a brow and came up beside her. She didn't flinch when Xena held her hand out and slowly ran one finger down the side of her cheek.

"Such soft skin," she murmured then trailed her hand down to her throat and wrapped her fingers around the her slender neck.

With one twist she could snap her neck and these strange emotions that were coursing through her body the more time she spent with her, the more time she looked at her, would be put to an end.

Xena didn't know what to do with the strange woman. She wanted to scream at her and force her submission, but at the same time she wanted her trust and her to give in of her own accord. She didn't want to leave her mark on her, yet she wanted to brand her so no one else could.

Gabrielle stilled her body as she felt the Conqueror's strong fingers lightly squeeze her throat.

"Do it," she whispered to the Conqueror, whose blue eyes had a slightly dazed look. Xena leaned down and her mouth nearly brushed Gabrielle's. Her breath was sweet and blew gently on her lips, making them tingle, when she spoke.

"What makes you think I want to kill you?" she purred, then nipped at her lower lip hard enough to draw blood.

More angry than hurt, Gabrielle jerked away from her and held a trembling hand up to her mouth. When she drew it away, a single crimson drop trailed down her finger. Xena grasped her wrist and brought the finger to her mouth and licked the droplet away, here blue eyes staring intently at her face as she did.

Without any thought to the consequences, Gabrielle drew her hand back and gave a hard slap to Xena's cheek. The blow was hard enough to snap Xena's neck back, but she quickly recovered. She took her other wrist in her hand and yanked her to her.

"I've killed people for less," Xena growled."

Beyond caring now, Gabrielle raved on. "Yes, I know. The Conqueror. So dangerous and feared has killed for less. You've killed them because they spoke their minds, wanted their freedom. I should know. I was one of them. So why don't you finish the job? Kill me, Lion. I'm you're prey and you've caught me. Devour me. Finish me. Be the woman I hate and loathe with every breath in my body!"

She was screaming now, tears of hate and anger pouring down her face as she pummeled at her captor with her fists and legs. She caught up in her hatred it took her a moment to realize that her yells had been silenced most effectively.

With the Conqueror's mouth.

The Conqueror slid her tongue into Gabrielle's mouth and heard the bard moan back softly. She then took a small step closer.

Gabrielle sucked on Xena's tongue lightly. She too took a step closer. Then a warm arm encircled her waist followed by the Conqueror's hand lacing through her hair.

The dark ruler continued tasting the younger woman, shocks of emotions zipping through her body to her stomach then further south.

The bard could barely breathe but Xena pulled back from the kiss for a moment. She filled her lungs with air before being kissed again. This kiss was rather caring and tender so much that it made the bard moan happily. Sensations she never knew of rippled through her stomach and her center tingled in need.

The Conqueror sucked in a bit of breath when a warm tongue entered her mouth. She rolled her tongue over Gabrielle's while sucking on it. Her arm tightened around the bard, she drew in Gabrielle so that their bodies pressed neatly together.

Gradually, the bard removed her tongue knowing they had to breathe again.

Xena brought in a deep breath, her forehead leaning against the other woman's.

Gabrielle breathed heavily, her eyes still closed. The sensations in her were still bolting through her, shocking her. "Oh gods," she murmured. Suddenly, her mouth was taken again by the ruler, and she groaned. Her hands came up to hold onto the ruler's shoulders.

The Conqueror now had both arms around the bard. So many emotions flew through her and kissing Gabrielle was the only way to calm them. That's when she knew inside that she would need this bard to live but she had yet to figure out why.

The bard felt Xena starting to end the kiss but not without sucking on her bottom lip. She remained still, her heart racing as fast as her feelings.

The Conqueror lifted her head up so slowly after breaking the kiss.

Gabrielle had stopped breathing for a few moments before she inhaled. She finally opened her eyes and those confused, soft ivy eyes raised up to the Conqueror. She just stared into the dark ruler's eyes, and she felt stunned in place by what had happened and her own emotions. Then gazing into her enemy's eyes harder, she saw the Conqueror's need for her; a loving, tender need.

Xena could only stare back, her true emotions for the bard revealing in her eyes. Yet she finally realized something was different in Gabrielle's eyes. There was a new emotion glimmering in the bard's eyes. For the very first time, the Conqueror saw… fear. The Conqueror's cat grin appeared.

The bard took a step back. "Conqueror…?" she whispered in panic for she now feared the Conqueror, her enemy, loving her.

Xena suddenly lost her grin and held out her hand, every emotion but anger erased from her eyes. "Follow me," she ordered darkly.

The smaller woman couldn't control her panic after what she'd seen and felt. But for some reason, she still took that larger hand of the dark ruler's and could only follow.