Copyright: All Xena Warrior Princess characters are own by RenPics and company. The bards of Red Hope's Place do not own the characters but own the story line.

A LION’S PREY Part Two

The two women headed down the hall, Gabrielle’s hand still firmly held in Xena’s. Boots striking the concrete floor were the only sounds that could be heard, as each woman was lost deep in her own thoughts.

Gabrielle was in turmoil. She had hated the Conqueror for so long and it was that hatred that had given her the strength to stand up against her, to show no fear when she was forced to face the evilness that was the Empress. But with just one kiss that had all changed. No matter how hard she tried she could not deny how her body had reacted to the kiss. It was like something had touched her soul and that was what scared her the most. How could she feel anything for that woman? And what about the look she had seen in the Conqueror’s eyes when they had pulled away from the kiss. It had only been for a second, but it had definitely looked like she cared. There had been such a softness to her eyes … I cannot go there. I have to survive this. I can’t trust in this. She glanced at her hand so protectively held by the Conqueror. She could still feel the tingling wherever their skin touched. Stop that. This is the Conqueror. It doesn’t matter what you did or didn’t see in her eyes. She can and she will hurt you. Oh gods, all I can think about is how her body felt against mine. Stop it right now. Stop it!

Gabrielle’s thoughts were interrupted by her collision with the body in front of her. Xena had stopped but Gabrielle had not realised this. All the thoughts she had been trying so hard to block out came flying back with a vengeance. It took all her will power to stop herself from burying her head into the broad back now so tantalising close to her.

"Sssorry Conqueror, I wasn’t watching where I was going." Gabrielle could not hide the flush that rose up from her neck nor kept the desire from her eyes. After three deep breaths, she slowly looked up into the face of her enemy.

Xena could not hold back the smirk that slid across her face. It only lasted a brief moment before her mask was firmly back in place but it was enough time for Gabrielle to see. Without thought, she smiled back at the Conqueror. Xena felt like she had become captured by that smile. She is truly beautiful when she smiles. I will have to make sure she smiles more often. Xena gave herself a quick shake. What the heck is going on here? Xena could not believe the things that were racing through her mind. I have to get this under control. Straightening her back, she pulled the young woman in front of her then gave her a gentle shove into the kitchen.

Thinking back to why they were here, she let some of the anger she had felt come to the fore. "So, does it look I have ordered murder and mayhem to be committed because you weren’t fed?" Xena could not keep the sneer off her face. She refused to look at why that implication from Gabrielle had hurt her.

Gabrielle looked around the room. Whilst everybody looked busy she did not sense any excessive amounts of fear. In fact, the smells were such that she couldn’t stop her stomach growling out its demand for food. The seditionist blushed even darker when she heard the chuckling coming from the Empress.

"No, Conqueror. It does not. I am sorry I thought you would punish those who didn’t feed me." Gabrielle had the grace to look sheepish. She really did believe that some retribution had been ordered.

"I didn’t say that they would not be punished. I was just highlighting the point that not all punishment includes violence." Xena could not keep the smugness out of her voice. "In this case I have set the punishment to match the crime. Those who thought not to feed you will themselves have the pleasure of no food during daylight hours for the next week just so they know what it feels like to be hungry. They also will have the pleasure of serving me all my meals so they can smell what they are missing. Now…where is the tray I ordered for the prisoner?"

Almost as soon as the Conqueror had finished speaking, an old woman appeared carrying a laden tray. Another younger girl appeared behind her carrying a pitcher and some glasses. Gabrielle recognised the old woman as the one who had brought her tray the night before. She tried to catch her eyes to let her apology be seen but the woman would not meet her eyes. Both of the servants knew they had been treated very leniently and did not want to do anything to upset the balance.

"Add some food for me then take it to my quarters." Re-taking Gabrielle’s hand, the Conqueror turned quickly and dragged the young woman back down the hall towards her rooms. Extra food was hastily added to another tray and the servants hurriedly followed the departing pair.

Gabrielle could not hold it back any longer. "Don’t you think a week’s is unfair? They didn’t do anything wrong. They were just being considerate because I was sleeping. I could cope with them being punished for a day but a whole week is completely unnecessary." Her voice got louder as her indignation grew. This was what she felt familiar with. "It may not have included violence but they are still being punished because of me. I don’t want people to be punished for worrying about me."

Xena only half listened to the tirade occurring beside her. The temptation to repeat the successful manoeuvre used previously to shut the chatterbox up caused a fire to burn through her body. She could still feel those lips on hers as they vied for attention with her tongue. She had been with many people, both men and women, and she could truly say that none had elicited this amount of feeling out of her with just a kiss. A smile edged its way onto her face as she imagined what would happen when they finally made love. Made Love. Now where the heck did that thought come from? Its all about sex and control. It is not about love. Love is for weaklings.

"I can’t understand why anyone would want to punish someone just for helping out a fellow human being. It's not like it was anything personal against you. There was no great plan to annoy the Conqueror by not feeding her prisoner. I mean to say, you only had me crucified yesterday and today are punishing people because they forget to feed me. Am I the only one who sees inconsistency here?" Gabrielle was on a roll now. Suddenly, a hand clamped over her mouth.

"Will you please shut up!!! I am the Conqueror. I do not have to explain to you or anyone why or how I choose to punish my servants. Now will you just go in there, sit down and eat." Xena could not keep the exasperation out of her voice. She had killed people for less but there was just something about the seditionist that made that choice no longer an option. And that really frustrated her even more. Xena could not understand what was happening here. This woman seemed to have gotten underneath her skin and hooked on with a vengeance. If I can just get through this and break her, everything will be back to normal. I just know it.

Gabrielle realised that she may have gone to far. She quickly nodded her understanding of the command and slipped past the Conqueror. The opulence of the room was the first thing that struck her. She had to acknowledge that it was not what she expected. A part of her had thought it would be dark and brooding, likes its' mistress, but it wasn’t. She loved the silks on the wall. They were truly exquisite. And the paintings. She was would have understood war scenes but these were the complete opposite. They were full of beautiful people at fabulous looking places. Unable to help herself, she took a closer look at the paintings. Gabrielle felt herself blush again as she realised exactly what the paintings were of. Turning away quickly, she decided that the safest place to be was seated at the table.

Unfortunately, the servants were bringing in the food at just that moment and she collided with young girl carrying the pitchers. Identical looks of horror spread across both of their faces as the jug of cider teetered on the tray. Prayers were sent to any of the gods listening to please let the jug stay on the tray. None were listening. The jug slid off the edge of the tray and seemed to head towards the floor in slow motion. Gabrielle could not breathe as she waited for the crash and the inevitable wrath of the Conqueror. Closing her eyes she waited for the explosion. And waited. And waited. Cautiously she opened her eyes to find herself staring into eyes of twinkling blue. No one had seen the Xena move but she had caught the jug in its final descent and placed it back on the tray.

"Can’t waste good cider, now can we?" Xena winked at the seditionist then strolled over to the table and sat down, leaving Gabrielle standing with her mouth open in shock. As soon as the food and drink was placed on the table, she dismissed the servants and turned to the young woman. Beckoning the woman over with a smile she indicated that she should take the seat opposite her "Let’s eat before this gets cold."

Gabrielle did not need a second invitation. Her stomach knew exactly where it wanted to go and that was right beside the food. Quickly sitting where indicated she began filling up her plate. Not sure how much she was allowed, she took enough to take the edge of her hunger and started eating.

Xena sat back amazed at the amount of food the young seditionist had put on her plate and then consumed without seeming to breathe. She could tell that the girl wanted more but wasn’t sure whether she could. "Eat up, it's there to be eaten." She was rewarded with a genuine smile from the girl as she happily filled her plate up once more. Xena could not believe how contented she felt just being in the seditionist's company. Not that she would admit that to anyone. Especially not to the young woman eating in front of her. Not when she was this close to breaking her prey. The kiss had gained unexpected results and no matter how much confusion that may be causing the Empress, those results had finally tipped the scales in her favor.

Xena sat in amazement at how much the young woman could eat. She couldn't help herself and before she knew it, she said "You know, Gabrielle. It's not like this is a last meal. I plan on keeping you around for a little while longer."

Gabrielle stopped mid-chew realising the real meaning behind that statement. Upon seeing this, the Conqueror had to laugh.

"Yes, and I'm sure I can guess as what." Gabrielle managed to get out before she continued to chew. She had now lost her appetite.

"Do you know what benefits there are by becoming my body slave?"

"Benefits? What benefits? I don't see how there could possibly be any benefits from having to serve you and your pleasure while you do whatever you like with me."

The conversation was interrupted by loud knock.

"Enter."

The guard bowed before his Empress.

"My Lord. Andolycles has returned with news from the regiment near ... "

Xena cut him off, not wishing to discuss matters of her realm in front of her slave. "Fine, take him to the War room. I'll be there shortly."

After the guard left, Xena turned back to Gabrielle.

"Seems this conversation will have to be delayed. But don't think that it's over.

"How long will you be?"

"What do you mean, how long will I be?"

"Well it's just that I want to make sure I'll be awake when you come back."

Xena walked over and roughly grabbed Gabrielle. "I don't know how long I'll be and I don't have to explain myself to you. Just make sure you're awake and ready for me when I get back."

The Conqueror bent down and kissed Gabrielle. The blonde fought her again, which made Xena smile. Xena quickly released Gabrielle and rushed out the door leaving the young woman even more confused than before.

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

The Destroyer of Nations rushed into the War Room with a purpose. She needed to get back to Gabrielle. 'Needed?' She'd never needed anything in her life before and she wasn't about to 'need' this woman. The sooner she broke the young woman's hold the better.

"So Andolycles, what is so important that you had to interrupt my evening's pleasure."

"I'm sorry My Lord, it's just that the latest village that we are trying to conqueror seems to be proving a little difficult."

"What do you mean, difficult?"

"It seems they were well aware of our plans to attack and we have lost many men. General Paltos seems to feel that this is a battle that we should retreat from."

Xena couldn't believe her ears. Never before had anyone even suggested to retreat from battle. She turned to Androlycles.

"And what are your thoughts?"

"Well, I believe that the General is losing the men's confidence and the only solution would be for you to lead the assault yourself."

"I have pressing matters here that need my urgent attention."

"With all due respect, Lord Conqueror, I fear that if you to not return with me soon, the men will turn on the General and the battle will be lost anyway."

"Let's talk about this some more before I decide what to do." Xena replied, knowing that she was in for a long night.

The meeting had been going for two candlemarks, and the only solution that made any sense was for Xena to take command of the regiment herself, something that she really didn't have time for. She wanted to stay within the confines of the castle and break the young woman who intrigued her so.

Standing, she lowered her head and sighed. "Androlycles see to it that two regiments are ready to leave in a candlemark."

"My Lord, that's not enough."

Xena turned her back on her advisor and snarled, "Don't question me. Just do it."

"Of course, My Lord. It shall be done."

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

Xena stormed back into her room, ranting and raving. She looked upon the bed to see Gabrielle fast asleep. She decided that the young woman would accompany her. Xena shook her and Gabrielle murmured, "Just a little longer, please."

She really didn't have time for this.

"Wake up." The Conqueror shouted to the young blonde as she pulled the covers away.

"Wha-what?"

"I thought I told you to wait up for me. I don't like being disobeyed."

"I-I'm sorry, Conqueror. It's just that once I got in here… "

Xena held up her hand. "I don't have time for excuses. Get dressed. It seems one of my Generals has run into a little trouble and I've got to go sort it out. I need for you to pack things for my trip."

Gabrielle started to smirk and began to thank the Gods for intervening and sending Lion away from her.

"Don't be thinking that you'll be rid of me for a while. You're coming with me. I will need a lot of personal attention and you are just the person for the job." The Conqueror informed her with a leer.

Gabrielle's smirk quickly disappeared from her face. There was a part of her that shuddered in fear, but there was also another part that shuddered in anticipation of what was to come.

Within one candlemark the Conqueror and Gabrielle were packed and heading for the courtyard.  Fortunately for the ordered regimens, they fell into line ready to move, just before the pair arrived.

"Andolycles, let's move!" Xena commanded.

Xena had put herself into a battle mode. Xena knew that she could become easily distracted by the blonde and she needed to watch that, at least in front of the men.

The troops set out toward the troubled region, ready for battle. Xena rode atop her horse as Gabrielle walked dutifully by her side.  Xena checked with Gabrielle several times throughout the afternoon hours, asking her if she was tired and even offered her a seat on the horse. Each time Gabrielle denied the offer.

Just before sunset, the travelling caravan stopped and set up camp for the evening.  Lord Conqueror directed the men where she wanted hers and Gabrielle's bedrolls laid out.  She wanted at least a little bit of privacy for the two of them. Xena figured any would be better than being right next to all the men.

Gabrielle could feel her body ready to give out. She tried to spend some time doing a little bit extra where the Conqueror's bedroll would be set. Knowing the Conqueror would be very short on patience, especially in front of the men, this would not be the time to make any kind of statement. Gabrielle had walked all day and she was ready for sleep and she simply hoped that Xena would be too busy with business to concern herself with her. Gabrielle wasn't even interested in eating at this point.

"Our dinner should be here in a few minutes." Xena announced as she walked to their somewhat private area and as Gabrielle was just sitting down.

"If it's all the same to you, I'd rather just go to sleep.  If you don't need nothing else, I'll just go to sleep."  Gabrielle responded without much emotion.

Xena mustered all the control she had to not force the young blonde to get up and eat her dinner.  Xena knew that if the young girl turned down food, she must be really tired.

"It's been a full day, tomorrow you will ride with me."  Xena stated.

"I'll be fine walking Lord Conqueror." Gabrielle replied softly. 

"It will not be discussed" Xena added as she started to walk away. Xena needed to go discuss a few things with Andolycles and was gone less than a half a candle mark.  When she returned Gabrielle was curled up and sound asleep.  A part of Xena wanted desperately to wake the sleeping form, but something inside stopped her.  As much as she didn't want to admit it, she was beginning to enjoy her conversations with the young woman, even though most of the time she found herself frustrated. Gabrielle looked so peaceful sleeping there.

Thoughts flowed freely in Gabrielle's sleeping mind. Knowing her thoughts would forever be hers' and not even the Lord Conqueror could steal them from her, her slumbering images drifted back to the passionate kiss that the Conqueror and her had shared. She wondered how someone could one minute be so cold and heartless and passionate and giving, the next. Gabrielle struggled within to understand the dark haired woman.

As Gabrielle slept on she could hear the warm voice of the Conqueror who was in her images.  However, she quickly realised that it was the stern voice of the real Conqueror who was calling her name.

"Gabrielle ... Gabrielle ...  GABRIELLE"  Xena barked to the sleeping woman. "Breakfast will be here shortly, and you WILL be eating this morning."

Gabrielle sat up and rubbed her eyes, "Breakfast? Is the sun even up yet?" Gabrielle softly asked giving a sideways glance at the Conqueror.

Gabrielle got herself up and straightened up the area near their bedrolls.  Within a few moments a plate large enough for two was placed before them, consisting of berries, rabbit and fish.  As Xena pointed out, the closer they got to the troubled region, who knew what food would be available. 

Within a candlemark the caravan started moving again and by midday on the second day they were approaching the target campsite. Gabrielle was taken aback by the entire scene. Men milling around, some injured - it was different being on this side of the battle.

Xena directed Gabrielle to where they would be sleeping.  Gabrielle headed off wanting to get settled before the Conqueror would be heading there. The Conqueror went in search of the General. Gabrielle could hear the voice of the Conqueror across the camp; she could tell Xena was quite angry.  At one point Gabrielle saw the Conqueror pacing back and forth all by herself.

Xena spent a few minutes pacing by herself, among the trees, finalising the plans she had started to put together in her mind during the past few days of travel.  About a half a candlemark later, she headed for the General with her plans.

"General, I want the men to pull back." Xena exclaimed.

All those within earshot couldn't believe what they just heard.  Had those reports of the Conqueror been true? Had she softened? It ran through everyone's mind, but not one of them had the courage to say a word out loud.

"I want them to pull back, divide and attack again from both sides, and smash that village quickly. I want the person leading their defences brought to me -  alive.  If he is killed, then the man who kills him, will stand before me." Xena forcefully directed everyone.

Quickly the plan was put into action and things seemed to be going just as Xena had expected.  She had stood just forward of the campsite, up on an embankment keeping an eye on her army of men. Suddenly a man came charging up the hill from the direction of the campsite with obvious urgency.

"Lord Conqueror, we have a problem back at camp." the man started to explain.

Xena's thoughts immediately went to Gabrielle who she hadn't seen in several candlemarks. Something inside wasn't sitting right with Xena all of a sudden. It was the feeling she got, just before she came upon an ambush.

"It's the slave Gabrielle ... she's  ..."

"WHAT?" shouted the Conqueror.

The messenger cowered back as he ducked his blond head looking left and right for a quick escape. There was none, and the Conqueror was already closing in on him.

"YOU IDIOT! How could you let her escape?" Xena screamed at the cowering wreck of a man.

"P…P…Please, my Conqueror…it wasn’t my fault…"

That was the last thing the messenger was able to say, because Xena grabbed him by the collar and smashed him in the face with her fist as she said… "I gave you," punch "an order," kick "to watch Gabrielle!" punch "You have heard," punch "what I do to people," slap "who don’t follow orders." She gave him one last punch in the nose. The messenger heard the cracking sound of his nose breaking just before he crumpled to the ground unconscious.

After Xena had finished with the messenger, she turned her attention towards the village. From her vantage point on the hill over looking the village, she could see Gabrielle being surrounded by many soldiers. What astonished Xena was the fact that Gabrielle picked up a pitchfork and started defending herself. She used it as one would use a staff. She was holding her own, but the Conqueror knew that she couldn’t keep that up for long, so she ordered her troops to attack the village and "Kill ’em all!"

****

Gabrielle was fighting for her life, and she knew it. ‘What was I thinking? They think I’m a spy.’ She kept swinging her makeshift staff in a wide arc to stave off the soldiers to give her self some time to figure a way out of this. ‘This can’t be as bad as being up on that cross!’ Just as she had that thought, one of the villagers threw a large rock that hit her square on the side of the face. It staggered her but she quickly recovered and kept on fighting. Her next thought was… ‘Maybe not!’

She realised she couldn’t keep this up for much longer. All of a sudden she heard "Ayyiyiyiyiyiyiyiyi!" She knew what that meant…She might have a chance to survive her folly of marching into the village, and think that they would heed her warning. Before she knew it, the soldiers and villagers were in a combat that they couldn’t possibly win. Xena’s army was invincible and rode over the village like a gigantic mudslide.

Gabrielle was happy to see Xena swooping in to save her. A truly amazing feeling considering the fact that she despised her. ‘Do I despise her?" she thought, ‘I didn’t when she was kissing me. As a matter of fact, I think I swooned!’ Looking at Xena battling to get to her, Gabrielle suddenly realised the horrible truth! "I love her??!!??"

**********

The battle was over almost as quickly as it had begun with Xena the victor as usual. Only this time the rage she felt when in battle had not abated… It seems there was a new twist to her desire to conquer this woman. When she saw Gabrielle fighting off those idiots Xena realised something shocking…She cared for this woman.

She grabbed Gabrielle by both shoulders, "Are you mad? What in Hades were you thinking? You could’ve been killed!" Xena yelled. Then realising Gabrielle had been injured she calmed down and inspected Gabrielle’s injuries as she continued to ask her questions.

"Conqueror, please, stop shouting. My head hurts!" Gabrielle said as she held her head and started to lean into Xena. Xena put her arms around Gabrielle to steady her and was amazed at how comfortable it felt to hold her.

"Alright," Xena said softly, "No shouting, but you better explain fast before I lose my patience with you, and you know what I’m like when I get angry," she said.

Gabrielle looked up at her and expected to see a sneer on her face, but what she saw was a lovely half grin on the face of the Destroyer of Nations! Could it be? Could the Conqueror be teasing her?

"I went to the village to try and stop the fighting. I was afraid that innocent people would be hurt. I knew that they didn’t stand a chance against your army, and that they would all be killed. So…I snuck out of camp and ran to the village. They didn’t believe me. Thought I was a spy for you and tried to kill me…"

She looked up at Xena, looking deep into those incredible blue eyes and felt something she had never felt before…Lust. Gabrielle didn’t know it, but she was feeling battle lust…for Xena. ‘I just want to kiss those lips and tear her clothes…Oh my Gods! Control, Gabrielle…control!’

"Tell me, who is the leader? And…Oh yes," she snarled, "who was the one that hit you on the face with that rock," Xena demanded as she gently inspected all of Gabrielle’s injuries.

"I’m…I’m sorry, Xena. I had to try to help those poor innocent people that were caught in the middle of this awful fight," said the bard as she lowered her head in defeat. "I failed."

"That is the way of war, Gabrielle, it is always the innocent that get hurt the most," Xena said as she took Gabrielle’s arm in her strong hand…

"Now who threw that rock?"

Gabrielle pointed to the villager that had thrown the rock and knew very well what was going to happen to him. This was his last day on earth. "Please. Xena, don’t hurt him."

"I’m not going to hurt him…I’m going to kill him," she said coldly.

**********

After they had gotten back to camp, Xena, being a healer herself, had attended to Gabrielle’s wounds. She gently cleaned her wounds and checked the gash on her face from the rock that was thrown at Gabrielle.

Xena told Gabrielle to remove her top so she could check out the bruises that were apparent on her chest. She was surprised by the quickness with which the woman removed her top. And before she knew it…Gabrielle was all over her like bees on honey, lavishing kiss after kiss on Xena.

Trying to stop Gabrielle, Xena was positively shocked by this change in attitude and attributed Gabrielle’s behavior to the blow on the upper face she received from that rock! This certainly wasn’t the woman who looked at her with such hatred in the courtyard the day Xena had the executioner’s legs broken!

‘This is ridiculous! I wouldn’t have cared if she were in a comma if I wanted to take her, and now I find myself holding back… Oh Camel dung! Damn, damn, damn!’ "I llllove you!" she said with a sigh to the woman who was about to nibble on her ear…

Gabrielle pulled back sharply at the declaration of love. She stared at the Conqueror, unbelievingly for a moment as her mouth opened and closed without sound. Recovering, she spluttered, "You love me? You LOVE me!? You don't even know the meaning of that word!"

Gabrielle's green eyes blazed with fury. Xena looked on in confusion. The world was spinning too fast, and she tried desperately to catch up, hoping things would make sense then. The feel of the blonde's lips had started a fire in her belly. Had she really whispered a declaration of love to the woman? What in Hades had brought those words to her lips?

Xena's eyes widened in shock as the truth stood before her in all its naked glory. But then Gabrielle's angered shouts registered in her brain. Fury welled up within the Conqueror at the accusations; however, a hollow pain in her chest stole her breath and overshadowed the rage.

In the moments it took Xena to go through her various emotions, Gabrielle shot up. Her eyes darted around the tent like a caged animal until they fell on a spear. Scooping it up, she swung it over her head and slammed the shaft down on the Conqueror's bed. "You're a monster who enjoys torturing people! What could you possibly know about love?"

Gabrielle spun around to face the Conqueror. When she saw the hollow look in the blue eyes, she threw the spear down. It clattered at Xena's feet. Gabrielle's hands clenched into fists and shook from the tension. She wanted to crawl out of her skin...it felt too tight, hot and itchy.

She looked up at Xena and asked in a desperate tone, "What is going on with me? I want to smash something one minute, and with the next breath, I want to tear your clothes off. I feel like I'm being ripped apart!"

Xena pushed away the hollow feeling enough to respond to Gabrielle. Shaking her head, she sighed, "Battle lust. It usually happens after a fight."

"How do you get rid of it?" The blonde was now pacing across the floor, rubbing her arms vigorously. "I don't like the way this feels."

Xena knew how she would like to help the bard get rid of her battle lust. Her libido jumped at the thought, but then she remembered the things Gabrielle had said. Surging forward, Xena grabbed their cloaks and the bard's hand. "C'mon," she muttered while pulling the woman from her tent.

When she reached her horse, Xena tossed the cloaks in front of the saddle then helped Gabrielle mount up. She slid a foot into the stirrup and swung up behind the blonde. Pointing at the captain, Xena ordered, "No one is to follow us!"

Wrapping her arms around the bard and grabbing the reins, Xena kicked the mount into a gallop without even waiting for the captain's reply. They thundered out of the army camp and across the wilderness. Xena tried to not think about the trembling she could feel coming from the bard or the way the motions of the horse rocked their bodies together. Instead, she urged the animal faster.

Too soon for both of them, but not soon enough, the women came to the edge of a lake. They dismounted, and Xena quickly removed the horse's tack. She turned to Gabrielle and murmured, "Take off your clothes."

Gabrielle backed up a step in horror. She was mostly reacting to the anticipation that flooded her mind at the Conqueror's words. She still couldn't believe that she could be feeling these things for the dark woman.

Xena sighed, "Would you just do it? You've made your feelings known quite well." Removing her own clothes, she motioned for the blonde to follow her up a large rock extending over the lake.

Stepping up to Xena's side, Gabrielle furrowed her brow, "What are we doing?"

"You wanted to get rid of those feelings you have?"

"Yes."

"Then jump!" Xena pushed Gabrielle off the boulder and dove in right after her.

When they surfaced, Gabrielle spluttered, "It's freezing!" Her teeth started chattering.

"This lake is fed from snow melt." Xena smiled at the glare that was levelled at her, "Did it help?"

The bard took mental stock of herself at the question. She nodded and sighed, "Yeah."

Xena ducked under the water and came back up with two trout in her hands. "Good. Me, too. C'mon, let's go cook these."

As they were walking up the shore, Gabrielle cleared her throat, "Thank you." Xena glanced at her and nodded before setting up a fire ring.

After the fish had been eaten, the Conqueror and bard were sitting by the fire wrapped in their cloaks. They were both very quiet, Xena staring intently into the flames and Gabrielle watching her shred the bark off of some green twigs. She looked up at the soft sound of the Conqueror's voice.

"You're right, you know. I don't know the meaning of the word 'love.'" Xena tossed a twig into the fire and watched the flames begin to lick at it. "I knew once...but somewhere along the way I forgot it."

Xena looked inward and attempted to analyse what she was feeling for Gabrielle. She compared the feeling to what she thought was the love that she had experienced in the past. The only true conclusion that she came to was that, she had never felt this feeling with the intensity that she was experiencing it for anyone else. Surprised by her revelation, she felt as if she had solved one of the like she had found the answer to one of the riddles of the sphinx and a feeling of happiness surrounded her.

Gabrielle appeared to be staring into the flames of the fire, however, she was watching the play of emotions on Xena's face out of her peripheral vision. The shadows flickering across Xena's face made it hard for the young woman discern what those emotions meant. She noticed a surprised look come into the Conqueror's eyes and then it softened. For reasons she had yet to understand, it excited her.

"We need to get some sleep so that we can rejoin the army at daybreak." Xena told the young woman.

"Daybreak?" squeaked Gabrielle. "It is against my general practices to get up before the sun."

"Well, I guess we are just going to have to change your practices" the warrior laughed.

Sticking out her tongue, Gabrielle got up to situate herself on her cloak near the fire. "What was that?" Xena asked.

"What was what?" Gabrielle asked in return.

"The tongue thing."

"Tongue thing? There was no tongue thing, I was merely wetting my chapped lips."

"Uh, huh. I will have to show you what the tongue is used for." the warrior mumbled.

"WWWWhat did you say?" Gabrielle asked surprised.

"I didn't say anything. By the way, what do you think you are doing over there?"

"I'm laying down to sleep like you told me."

"Uh, uh. You are to sleep over here with me."

With indignation in her voice Gabrielle stated, "I don't think so, I will sleep right here."

"Gabrielle. You can either sleep over here with me or you can sleep bound to the tree over there." Agitated, Gabrielle attempted to speak but only sputtered. "I will not have you attempt to escape from me. It's your choice, which will it be?"

Gabrielle stood up, scooped up her cloak, and stomped over to where Xena had laid her cloak. On her march over, even though she was mad by Xena's statement, the thought of sleeping with Xena away from everyone pleased her.

'This is not a good idea. I won't get any sleep.' thought the young woman.

Xena knew that Gabrielle was mad at her and when she really thought about it she didn't really believe that she would try and escape. 'But, hey, I'll use any excuse I can right now to hold her in my arms.' the warrior thought mischievously.

Gabrielle laid her cloak down and just as she was going to lie down on it Xena snatched it up and indicated that she should lie on her cloak. Gabrielle just looked at Xena. "We will sleep on my cloak and cover up with yours." Gabrielle gave up and laid down stiff as a board. Xena laid down behind her and felt her tenseness.

"Relax, I'm not going to bite you. You'll know when that's gonna happen." The warrior chuckled.

Being so near each other, neither Xena nor Gabrielle could go to sleep. Due to her heightened senses, Xena could sense Gabrielle's increased heart rate. At first she thought that Gabrielle was afraid of her. Then bringing her sense of smell into play, she could smell the pheromones being put off by Gabrielle. This pleased the warrior immensely. 'So she is not immune to me after all.'

Gabrielle tried thinking of everything but the warrior lying behind her. But the only thing she kept thinking was how good the heat from Xena's body felt. She concentrated on allowing that heat to embrace her and she finally fell asleep.

Xena sensed the change in Gabrielle's breathing and knew that she had finally fallen asleep. Very carefully, she eased her arm over the young woman and brought her body close to hers. Feeling contented, Xena fell asleep.

Gabrielle woke up thinking that it was time to get up. Trying to shake the sleep from her eyes, she looked around and noticed that it was still dark. A half moon was up, stars filled the sky, and it appeared to be several hours 'til dawn. Well then, what had awakened her? Why did she feel tingly inside?

Gabrielle felt something move across her stomach. Startled at first, she looked down and saw a hand caressing her from her hip to the underside of her breast. She looked over her shoulder and saw Xena's face, who appeared to be sleeping.

"Conqueror... Uh, Xena?"

Lazily, blue eyes opened as Xena whispered, "Yes."

Xena smiled as the blonde in her arms started to shiver with anticipation. Lifting her head, she gazed down at Gabrielle. The low flames of the fire made her eyes look almost violet.

Gabrielle swallowed hard as she saw the seductive gleam in those eyes.

Continuing to smile at her prey, the Lion of Amphipolis slowly closed the distance between the two, gently taking the rebel's lips with her own. She felt Gabrielle stiffen at the initial contact but that soon changed. The kiss became heated as bodies were shifted for better access to each other. A hunger was arising within the pair and nothing short of release would quench their thirst for one another. Finally the Lion released her prey's lips, both breathing heavily.

"I want you," growled the Conqueror.

Panting for breath, Gabrielle nodded her head and captured those red lips once again.

Xena brought her arms around the younger woman and pulled her closer still. She allowed her hands to caress the back of blonde. Her heart rate increased as she felt the moan against her lips. Xena eased up on the kiss, but lightly licked the now swollen lips of her soon to be lover. Another moan escaped the blonde, and her lips parted as her respiration increased.

Seeing her chance, Xena decided to taste that which was presented to her. As tongues slid against each other, a shudder could be felt between the pair. The joining of the two souls moving closer with every beat of their hearts.

Xena moved one of her hands to the blonde's covered breast. Even through the material, the dark haired beauty could feel the pebble hard arousal of the smaller woman. Leaving her mouth, Xena started to move down Gabrielle's body. She smiled as she heard the small protesting groan, and chuckled at the shiver going through the body in her arms as she allowed her tongue to snake its way down her neck to delve as far as possible into the cleavage presented to her. Xena continued to trace her tongue along the heaving chest. Raising her head she looked into the deep green eyes as she slowly moved her hands to the ties of the top. She paused with one end in her hand.

Gabrielle gazed into the sparkling eyes above her, not sure what was being asked, but when she nodded her head, Xena proceeded to pull the ties of her top, freeing her from the confines.

"Beautiful," breathed the warrior as she bent her head to place light kisses on the treasure before her. Alternating between kisses, nips, and licks, Xena explored both breasts until she finally spiralled in on one of the peaks and started suckling. While her mouth was busy devouring one succulent breast, her hands did not remain idle. They moved along the flat plains of the bard's stomach and proceeded to remove the wrap-around skirt.

Soon, the rebel lay bare beneath her Conqueror. The Lion's only goal at this point was to devour her prey. Leaving one tantalising peak for the other, Xena listened to the sounds of her love. Lovingly, Xena stroked her nether-lips and was greeted by silky moist mound and a resounding moan. Xena's hand continued its exploration of the warm depths, coating her fingers. She then broke off her exploration, much to the disappointment of the body below hers.

"Patience, Little One. I want to savor this," purred the Conqueror. She held Gabrielle's eyes with her own as she slowly started licking the juices off her fingers. "Aaaahhh, just perfect. But tell me Gabrielle, is it better to drink straight from the source?"

Xena watched as comprehension filled the desire filled eyes. With a lopsided smile, Xena proceeded to her personal fountain to enjoy its pleasures. Upon reaching her goal she inhaled deeply before lavishing kisses on each thigh. She then lowered her head and groaned her own pleasure, "Mmmmm, yes, much better."

Xena continued to make love to Gabrielle, hoping that the moans and groans that were increasing in volume would end in climax by calling her name. She could feel the tension building in the compact body. She looked up the blonde's body to see her head thrashing. Xena smiled and redoubled her efforts.

Gabrielle's breathing and moans were at a fevered pitch when suddenly she felt fullness like none she had ever felt before. Her eyes opened wide and her body arched into the touch.

Xena smiled as she felt Gabrielle's body stiffen and she yelled, "Conqueror...Uh, Xena?"

****

Gabrielle heard some unusual noises and woke to a sense of danger. She yelled, "Conqueror...Uh, Xena... HELP!" just as she was ripped from Xena's arms.

Xena jolted awake from her dream looked up into the faces of ten members of the Horde, all poised to strike. Not making a sudden move, she saw Gabrielle being dragged off by three others.

Frowning she said, "This is not how that dream was supposed to end!"

Xena stood up slowly, careful not to make any sudden moves. She watched in growing anger as they dragged Gabrielle by her beautiful hair, the small woman kicking and yelling at them to let her go. She took a step forward only to have ten swords thrust at her.

"You want to play, then? Fine."

With a war cry she flew through the air, jumping over their heads and landing behind them. She turned and with a spinning kick, took out the two on her left, causing them to land in a heap on the ground. She heard a growl and turned just in time to catch a fist to her chin. She merely stumbled back then ran straight at him. He swung at her with his sword, but she rolled under him, kicking him in his lower back. She then jumped on his back and broke his neck.

The other Horde members surrounded her and she caught a fist coming towards her stomach.

"Really, you can do better, can't you?"

They just shouted and continued to attack her. She fended them off easily enough and in no time her sword was stained with blood.

She heard a small cry and her head turned sharply, just in time to see Gabrielle being thrown to the ground, her clothes already ripped from her.

"Oh, no you don't!" Xena yelled. She ran towards the three men just as one lay his sword on the ground, ready to drop his pants. The other two heard her cry and turned to her, bracing for the attack. They were easily dispensed of, and just as she was about to thrust her sword into the back of the man who was on top of Gabrielle, he suddenly fell away from her, his own sword protruding from his chest.

Gabrielle scooted away from him, her eyes hard and her breathing fast. She looked up at Xena, her face pale. "I didn't know what else to do," she breathed.

Without any conscious thought Xena strode forward and wrapped her arms tightly around Gabrielle. She could feel the rebel shaking from shock. It was a long time ago but Xena still remembered her first kill.

Xena now knew that it was her responsibility to do the same for Gabrielle so she began to speak the words softly into the nearest ear as she gently rubbed the seditionist’s back. "It was you or him. Always remember that. There was no other choice. You didn’t know whether I would get there in time. You were fighting for your life. And I, for one, am glad it was you who won. I know it hurts now. You've got to remember that it is our nature to protect ourselves. You did nothing wrong. Nothing." The last word was said with force. She needed to get through to Gabrielle.

Gabrielle could hear the voice but it was like she was in a fog. The words seemed hollow and distant. All she could see was the look of death on the man’s face as she had pushed the sword through his chest. And the sound, would she ever forget the sound as it pierced through flesh and bone. Slowly, the words seemed to become clearer. Her heart appeared to be reaching out to the voice. It was so clear and warming as were the arms encircling her. Then suddenly the dam broke and the tears flowed.

Xena felt the change in Gabrielle as the shaking subsided and the tears began. She tightened her hold on the woman and just gently rocked her back and forth, kissing the top of her head in between the words. "It’s alright, love, I have you. You're safe now. Let it go." Suddenly, she felt her body tense. Extending her hearing to see what the cause of the reaction was she heard the sound of a group of horde silently heading towards them. "I am going to take us home now, Gabrielle."

The Warrior Princess quickly gathered up their things. She helped the bard put her clothes on, well what was left of them before wrapping her up in her cloak. Then whistling for her steed, she scooped Gabrielle into her arms and climbed into the saddle. She kept the rebel cradled in her arms as she urged the horse to head back to the castle. Xena had no problems controlling the horse with her well-developed thighs as the horse had been specifically trained so Xena could have both hands free in a battle.

Gabrielle slowly became aware of the movement of horse and of the warm body enveloping her. She occasionally felt Xena’s lips lightly caress the top of her head as they steadily made their way back to the fortress. What surprised Gabrielle the most was the feeling of safety and security she felt being held this way, and by the conqueror of all people. She decided she would file that realisation away for consideration later. There was still a dull ache in her heart, but it had begun to lessen. The words spoken earlier by Xena that initially went unheard by Gabrielle started repeating themselves in her head. She felt the rightness of them. She had always prided herself on not killing and had thought that she would prefer death to killing. Though noble, she now realised its inaccuracy. There were worse things than death and what the Horde were planning to do to her was definitely one of those things.

"I want to thank you, Conqueror." Gabrielle whispered the comment but she was sure Xena would still hear her.

"Please, call me Xena when we are alone. I like the way you say my name. And you don’t have to thank me. I am just so pleased that you are still here with me." Xena hugged the young woman closer to her. She still could not believe the feeling of hopelessness that came over when she thought about how close she came to losing this woman.

Gabrielle realised that the words were heartfelt. ‘Maybe I was wrong. She may not know what love is, but maybe what she feels for me is just that?’ Surprisingly, the thought no longer scared her. She knew that the Conqueror was a very cruel and demanding ruler. But the Xena that was holding her close was none of those things.

Without either knowing, they had arrived back at the fortress. The Conqueror signalled for her steed to come to a halt then climbed down still cradling Gabrielle. Xena looked down at the woman encased so lovingly in her arms and decided that she was not going to change her position. This woman needed her more at the moment than the necessity of not appearing weak to her men. She could feel the eyes of her soldiers boring into her. Never had they seen anyone carried by the Conqueror with this amount of tenderness.

"I want a battalion of soldiers patrolling the woods at all times. We have horde within our boundaries and I want this threat eliminated NOW!!!" The Conqueror’s eyes had become ice chips as she stared into the eyes of the Battalion Commander. "And second, I will returning to the castle. I want you and the second in command to bring back my forces." She paused before saying, "And make damn sure this village is under our control."

"Yes, Conqueror." Any thoughts of her weakness were quickly dispelled as her commander saluted her and hurried off to the second in command’s tent.

After that, the Conqueror went directly to her tent and placed the bard on the bed. She gathered the few items of their belongings and placing them in her saddlebag. Afterwards she hooked the saddlebag onto Argo and then went back for the rebel. The two were back on the mare and heading back for the castle at a quick speed. By that late afternoon they returned to the castle.

Gabrielle knew she should be feeling afraid as the Conqueror slowly replaced the woman she had been with over the last few hours, but it was difficult to feel that emotion while held so lovingly. "I can walk, Conqueror." There was no real conviction in her voice as she made her statement. A slight shaking of the body holding her caused her to look up.

Xena was smiling down at her, the cold look replaced with one of warmth. "I know you can, Gabrielle, but do you really want to?"

Gabrielle laughed at loud. "Hmmm, caught, huh. No, I am quite comfortable where I am." To emphasize the point, she snuggled her head underneath Xena’s chin and sighed happily. The last thing she wanted to do was to leave the safety of this body. She knew she would have to look at what had happened in more depth later but for now, she really needed this.

If anyone had been watching the women closely, they would have been shocked to see the amount of love showing in Xena’s eyes as she looked down at the endearing bundle before lightly kissing the golden hair. Straightening her shoulders, Xena strode off towards her chambers with her cargo securely held.

Arriving safely at the castle after the recent attack on Gabrielle, Xena carried her directly to her chambers. The Conqueror gently laid her down on her bed and breathed a sign of relief. She knew that here this woman would be safe. It was hard for Xena to admit even to herself how much she cared for the woman who was now curled up fast asleep before her.

Xena laid down beside the blonde woman and brushed her hair back off her face. She continued to touch the blonde's face and head for several minutes. Gabrielle looked so peaceful as she slept there. Xena instinctively wrapped her arms around the smaller woman and felt a closeness that warmed her heart, yet at the same time scared her more than any battle she had ever encountered. That fright inside her made her pull back, sit up and stand up over the blonde woman. The Conqueror knew she needed to get some things taken care of and headed out of the room and straight for her office. The distance away from Gabrielle right now she hoped would do her some good.

By the time she reached her office she was completely back in her Lord Conqueror role. This was a state that she rarely doubted anything she did. She was confident with all her decisions as Conqueror. She immediately called for the General upon his return that evening. Xena wanted quick answers to the question of the Horde problem in the forest as well as the Village where Gabrielle was attacked. Unfortunately there were no answers yet and the General that delivered that news to the Lord Conqueror was twice as sorry he had no news.

Xena spent several candlemarks working out some problems that had arisen. One by one she handled each problem methodically. With a sudden and unexplainable feeling inside her gut, she left the office and headed for her chambers where Gabrielle was safely nestled.

As she approached her door the tightened feeling in her stomach became stronger and every hair on the back of her neck stood at attention. She further questioned, where was the guard that had been previously posted outside this door? The Conqueror then noticed the door to the bedroom was ever so slightly ajar.

Fighting every instinct to slam through the door, the warrior slowly opened the door and was instantly stunned by what she saw. Standing over Gabrielle's body on the bed, the man stood there with a rope held tightly in one hand. All within a flash of processing what was happening, Xena leaped across the room and tackled the intruder before he even realised anyone had entered the room.

The sound that Xena released was loud and fierce and immediately awoke Gabrielle from her slumber. Within moments there were three soldiers searching for the reason behind the Conqueror's battle scream. They had heard this sound before, usually out on the battlefield, but rarely, if ever, here in the castle.

As the soldiers entered the room they found the Conqueror sitting atop a man whose neck was being squeezed by all the strength in Xena's hands. The ice cold piercing eyes of the Lord Conqueror would have been enough to end this intruder's life.

Gabrielle was now sobbing as she took in this unfolding scene. She started screaming. "Xena, STOP!! STOP!!"

To this point, Xena wasn't even sure if Gabrielle was dead or alive, so to hear Gabrielle screaming and crying was almost music to her ears. She slightly loosened her grip on the man's neck.

"STOP !! I can't take anymore of this. Just STOP!!" Gabrielle trailed off.

Xena released her grip on the man's neck, only as the soldiers reached her side. Xena stood up, grabbed the man and threw him at the soldiers.

"Take him away! Don't kill him ... yet!" Xena screamed. Taking a few deep breaths she continued, "I want some information first. How the hell he got in here? Why the hell he wanted to kill Gabrielle? Get those answers, then ..." Xena stopped mid sentence.

"Get those answers, then come to me and I shall have MY plans for him and anyone else found to be a part of this treason." Xena said with a devilish grin as she had already started formulating a plan.

The soldiers lead the prisoner away. After Xena made sure there was a guard posted outside of the door, she returned to Gabrielle's side. Without giving it much thought she followed her instinct and wrapped her arms tightly around the blonde woman who was curled up and still crying softly. Xena simply laid there and didn't say a word.

Within several candlemarks there was a knock on the door. It was a Captain who wanted to brief the Lord Conqueror on the details of the prisoner. Xena said she would be in her office within minutes. She kissed Gabrielle on the forehead and was on her way.

Xena walked through her darkened suite of chambers to the office area. The door was ajar, and slipping silently into the room, she smiled as she slowly walked up behind her guard captain. Softly, right next to his ear she asked, "What did he say, Jason?"

Jason jumped and spun around placing his hand on his sword and unsheathing it a hand's bredth. Xena raised an eyebrow and smirked, "Think you could take me?"

Breathing heavily, Jason replied, "Yes. I mean, no, Majesty. You just surprised me." Jason quickly moved his hand away from his weapon. "I wasn't expecting you this soon."

Walking around him, Xena crossed over to her well-padded chair and sat down. She purred with a sardonic grin, "Jason, in all the time we have known each other, I would think by now you would know that with me, expect the unexpected."

Jason gave his liege a stiff bow, "Yes, Conqueror."

Xena poured two goblets of red wine and motioned Jason to a chair, "Relax and have a seat." Jason had long been in the Conqueror's employ, and she trusted him with such familiarity because of the fact that, despite the gristly services he provided her, he always managed to retain an honesty and lightness about him. It was as if his job never tarnished the man he was when off duty. "Now then, what news of our traitor?"

Jason sat and accepted the wine with a nod of gratitude. He rolled his eyes slightly, "At first he was like all the others, 'I'll never talk.' Well, that lasted for maybe half a candlemark as we started providing him with," the grin in Jason's dark beard flashed with mirth, "incentives to reconsider his stance."

Xena chuckled at her guard captain's finesse. She always liked the way he could provide folks with just the right kinds of incentives. She shook her head at him, "Jason, you are truly a contradiction. You have entirely too much fun at your job, and yet you fawn over that wife of yours like a love-sick poet. If I didn't know you so well, I'd suspect you were two different people inside that skull of yours."

Jason shrugged his shoulders, "You know I get it all out of my system while on duty. Anyways, after several more distracting diversions he started singing like all the rest." He sighed dramatically and pouted, "Just once, Xena, I'd like you to give me a prisoner who is a challenge."

Xena laughed out loud, "I'll see what I can do in the future for you, Jason. So, what song did our little canary warble?"

The captain set his goblet down and rubbed his hands together as if getting ready to share a dark secret. "It seems that the girl you have taken in is wanted by many different people, if you could believe this guy. Get this, he claimed she was an Amazon, royalty no less. She is also a bard, has been married to a dead king...." he began ticking off points on his fingers.

"WHAT? A *dead* king! Who in the world marries someone who is dead at the time?"

The captain nodded, "I know, but he was spilling his guts by that point...literally I might add. People tend to tell the truth, or at least what they believe is the truth, when they know they're dead. Anyway, he said she is also the leader of the resistance. Seems she knows a lot of folks. He even mentioned Rome."

Jason paused and looked Xena in the eye. "If we could believe half of what he said, she knows leaders from the East, has traveled as far north as Gaul, dined in Alexandria with Cleopatra and is a favorite of several gods and goddesses. I'm not just talking about the Olympians, here. Xena, I would say that most of this was probably just a delusion that he believes, and he got caught thinking with his manhood. Not that there is much left of it for future thought. But, come on, can you believe that girl did all of these things?"

Jason took another drink of wine. He raised his hand and said, "The final statement was this: He was ordered to take her and bring her back to Corinth by the rebel leaders or to kill her if she resisted."

Throughout Jason's speech, the Lion's eyes opened wider and wider at some of the outlandish things that she was hearing. No one could possibly know that many people in so many places of power. Then she caught her reflection on the goblet in her hands. Then again, she had done these things and more. Maybe it was true. Maybe Jason should have a "talk" with Gabrielle.

But she had growing feelings for this girl. No, her expression grew grim. If this tale was true, then there was more to Gabrielle than she claimed. A lot more. If that spit-fire could become so close to so many leaders and gods, then she was as cunning as a fox. That made her dangerous. No one made that many connections without lying and playing people for fools. "And I will not be played for a fool." the Conqueror thought grimly.

The Conqueror's voice was hard when next she spoke, "Jason. I think I have that challenge for you. Find out what you can from the girl."

"Yes, Majesty." Jason got up and turned to leave.

"But, Jason," purred the Conqueror.

Jason turned back to his sovereign.

"No permanent damage. Think of it as...an added challenge."