By Amanda Gracen The Spell...


DISCLAIMER:
The characters of XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS are property of RenPics and Universal Studios. No infringement is intentional.


WARNING!!!
This story contains hardcore graphic sex of m/f and f/f nature, non-consensual sex ( Sort of ), and a tad violence. If this is illegal in your area or you are underage, or this type of material disturbs you, please don�t read. Hit the � back � button and move on.


But, if you are looking for rampant sex, Dis must be da place.

TIMELINE:
This story takes place after the episode � A Good Day �.

CRACK!

� Harder! �

CRACK!

� HARDER, GABRIELLE! �

Gabrielle wound the whip back and looked at her target. Xena was nude, manacled and dangling from a chain attached to the ceiling. The marks on her backs were red and bleeding, the blood intermingling with her sweat.

� Finish it! � She hissed, � You have to�..NOW! �
II.
Gabrielle wound the whip back and cast it with all her strength towards her lover�s helpless body. As she did, she saw Xena�s face transform into her own. Her eyes pleaded with her to strike. Gabrielle let the whip fly at her other self.

GLUB!

Gabrielle coughed, as her head broke the surface of the river. Water poured out of her nostrils and her coughing continued for a few moments.

Serves me right, She thought, as she treaded the current, Dozing off, because the water is so cool. I could have drowned myself.

Gabrielle swam to the shore and rose from the river, the water trickling down her naked body. She stepped ashore and crossed the grass forlornly to the blanket that she had stretched out on the ground, careful not to drip on her clothes stacked to one side. She sighed, as she sat down, running a hand through her wet hair. She let the warm breeze rising off the water caress her flesh, before lying back and lazily stretching out on the blanket. She stared up at the clear blue sky, as if she could find the answer to her problem there.

Well, she didn�t need a oracle to figure out what that daydream meant. Punishing Xena. Punishing herself.

Phlanegus

She could see his face The look of victory, of triumph on his face, as they routed the Roman troops of Ceasar and Pompey. It was the look, that salute to her, that allowed the Roman Centurion to catch him off guard and knock him to the ground. She tried to save him, but failed. She tried to throw a spear at the Centurion, but her aim was off target, so far off, she wondered whether she did it deliberately on a subconscious level, so that she wouldn�t compromise her personal vow never to kill another human being.

Whatever the reason, Phlanegus was dead moments later. And Gabrielle would always wonder if her fault. Xena told her that she couldn�t blame herself, but she did. If only she had been more like Xena.

The warm breeze playing across her body soothed her tension. If only Xena was there to hold her, to comfort her. But she was leading a contingent of Greek soldiers, following the retreat of the Roman troops, as they march back to Rome.


III.

Gabrielle sighed. Her whole life was focused on the warrior princess, yet they were so different. Xena understood war and it�s consequences. It�s funny, she mused. If the Warrior Princess had remained the most feared warlord in the land, instead of using her abilities to redeem herself, a soldier like Phlanegus would have been just another body on the battlefield. She would only have counted her plunder, not her losses.

The tingling on her body grew more pronounced with the strength of the breeze and Gabrielle closed her eyes, trying to absorb and enjoy the feeling. Why couldn�t she learn from Xena? Why couldn�t she have more of a dark side to counter the path of light she was on, so that she could be more spiritually balanced? Perhaps that was the meaning of the daydream , keeping her dark side whipped and under control�repressed. Didn�t her moral code cost Phlanegus his life? Could she have aimed the spear more accurately, if she hadn�t been so concerned about taking a human life? She had no business being on a battlefield�she told Xena that. Yet, she lead the troops against The Romans, manipulated by Xena to save Greece at the cost of a good man�s life, among others.

If she just could have been more like Xena�.. the Xena of old. Killing on the battlefield must have come easy to her. And reaping the benefits of a Conqueror.

Gabrielle felt the wind cause her nipples to harden, as it blew low to the ground and between her legs. The Bard opened her legs wider, to feel more of the warm air against her flesh. As her arousal grew, she cupped her breasts and played her fingers across her nipples, feeling them harden. She recalled how Xena usually felt after a battle: Excited, aroused�.if the opportunity presented itself, they would make love, the warrior possessed of a frenzy, but one that Gabrielle knew was still controlled. What she must have been like as a warlord,���choosing the most desirable of men and women

Gabrielle�s left hand moved down to the folds between her legs, her index finger seeking the nub nestled there. She began to fondle and rub it, as her other hand squeezed her right breast. Her mind began to drift.

She was in a large hut, sitting on a large carved wood throne. She wore a large robe of regal purple silk. She was eyeing a large ruby, but, losing interest, she tossed it aside into a large stack of similar jewels in a corner of the hut.

� Empress! �

Gabrielle rose to her feet, as her lieutenant, Draco entered, followed by a two guards escorting several captives in chains, all women and men of youth and beauty. Gabrielle stepped from the throne to inspect them. Draco fell in behind her, his manner obviously eager to please.


IV.

� I chose only the best! � He stated proudly.

� We�ll see, � She replied in a indifferent tone.

Gabrielle inspected the bounty with a critical eye, then gestured for a tall youth and a small blonde girl .

� Unshackle them, �She commanded, � And remove the rest for ��..later. �

Draco complied and the guards unshackled her choices, gesturing for the rest to file out. With one last look of envy, Draco bowed to her and left.

Gabrielle stepped before the pair, the hunger on her face undisguised. She reached out to the girl and grabbed her blouse, pulling it off in a savage jerk. As the woman�s hands went to cover her exposed breasts, the man moved to defend her. Gabrielle pushed him back.

� Listen and listen well�..you can�t escape. If you disobey, the survivors will be executed�even if you are lucky enough to take me hostage. You have only two choices: Die�.or please me and be rewarded. �

The man pondered only a moment, then nodded. Gabrielle smiled at his acquiescence and turned sharply to the girl.

� Strip! �

The girl looked to the man for help, but he turned his gaze away from her in shame. Slowly, reluctantly, she removed her skirt and dropped it to the ground, standing naked before Gabrielle, her head lowered. The Empress placed a hand under her captive�s chin and raised her eyes to lock with her own. Gabrielle smiled, then turned to the man. He discarded his shirt, and moved to unhitch his trousers.

� No! �

The man looked up at Gabrielle�s command, his eyes querying her purpose. She turned to the girl.

� You do it! �, She barked, � On your knees! �

The girls eyes widened with fear, but faded to resignation, as she realized she had no options. She moved to the man and dropped to her knees before him. Nervously, she took the rope binding his pants in her hands and untie them. The garment dropped, exposing his erect cock to the women�s eyes. The girl gasped, but Gabrielle merely smiled.


V.

� Take it in your mouth �.

The girl answered the request with a look of shock at Gabrielle, who returned it with a commanding glare of her own. Fearfully, the slave carefully took the organ in her hands and wrapped her mouth around it. In response, the man gave a small moan and began to piston his hips, moving his cock in and out of the girl�s mouth. She gagged, but kept her mouth around the erection.

� Enough! �

The woman pulled her mouth from the cock, grateful for the respite. The captives looked towards her. Gabrielle stepped to them and placed her hand on the girl�s shoulder . Roughly, she directed her to lie on her back, her head at the man�s feet.

With a smile, Gabrielle opened her robe and dropped it the ground. Naked, she stepped over the prone girl, until her cunt was above the captive�s face. Slowly, she dropped to her knees, bring her pussy to the girl�s mouth. She smiled at the man before her, taking his cock in both hands. She then looked down at the frightened girl beneath her.

� Please me! � She whispered harshly.

Gabrielle felt the girl try and turn her head away. Sneering, The Empress trapped her prisoner�s head between her thighs. The pair locked eyes for a long moment. Resigned and ashamed, the slave began to lick at her captor�s pussy. The Empress maneuvered her legs wider, so her nub was directly in the path of the eager tongue. She�s enjoying it, The Empress smiled inwardly, but then, they all do.

With a triumphant grin, Gabrielle turned her attention to the other, taking the man�s cock in her mouth with her right hand, as her left hand slid under his crotch and rubbed against his rectal opening. She placed her middle finger against the rim and inserted it in, feeling him stiffen at this intrusion. The heat in her pussy began to build, as her female hostage began to build her ministrations into a frenzy.

� By The Gods! � She moaned on the riverside, as she arced on the blanket, her hands on her breasts, the warm breeze playing over her, the tongue moving from her nub to lick at her folds and inward.

TONGUE!?


VI.

Gabrielle bolted upright to see a beautiful young blonde woman licking at her vagina. She was attired in a sheer lingerie-like dress with white panties. Noticing that the Bard was sitting up, she sat back and smiled, Gabrielle�s juices glistening on her lips.

� So,� my turn? �

The Bard threw the woman a furious glare, as she wrapped the blanket around herself.

� Aphrodite! What do you think you�re doing! ?

� If you don�t know, you ain�t been around, � The Goddess laughed, wiping the liquid from her lips, � You must get really horny, when Xena�s away. �

� I don�t know what you mean, � The Bard hissed, as she dropped the blanket and began to dress.

� Don�t try and spoof me, girl friend, � Aphrodite warned, rising to her feet, � You were enjoying it, weren�t you�..Empress? �

Gabrielle, lacing the front of her bra, stopped and looked at Aphrodite with a embarrassed glance. The Goddess stepped over to the Bard, as the latter climbed to her feet and began attaching her skirt.

� Is that what you dream about�being the warlord Xena was? � The Deity inquired slyly, � What is it, Gabrielle? Do you feel �.inadequate? I mean, I know you went through the whole � I�m just a sidekick � phase, but are you feeling like a goody two-shoes in bed as well? �

� Yes! � Gabrielle growled, as she took up her staff, � I mean, No!�.. I don�t know. �

The Bard stepped towards the river, the Goddess following. Aphrodite put her hands on the blonde�s shoulders, feeling the tension in them..

� Look, honey, you�re a genuine babe. Guaranteed. I never tasted better�. �

Gabrielle turned and glared at the female divinity. Aphrodite stepped away from her with a baffled expression.


VII.

� What!? What did I say? �

The Bard shook her head and started to walk back to pick up the blanket. Aphrodite stepped between her and her goal.

�Okay! Okay, maybe I should have let you know what I was doing, but the way you were talking in your�.dream? I didn�t want you to lose that momentum, you dig? I mean, you were going good there, girl!�

Gabrielle looked at her with a angry expression. Aphrodite gave her a small mock innocent smile. With a shake of her head, The Bard softened her expression.

� Let�s just forget it. �

� Gabrielle�whatever is bothering you, lighten up. It can�t be that big a deal. �

Gabrielle whirled on the Goddess, her rage barely contained.

� Not a big deal!? A man DIED, because of me! Because I couldn�t move fast enough or throw straight enough���.

Her body began to tremble. Aphrodite stepped to her and wrapped her arms around her, trying to comfort the woman. After a few moments, Gabrielle regained her composure and gently moved away from the Deity.

� Thanks. �

� I�m sorry�.but you obviously have a�..repression problem.

Gabrielle stepped to one side, but Aphrodite stepped in front of her.

�Look, kid�take it from me. Giving into what you want, your dark desires, if you will�� You need that! It�s blows off steam�.and other things, � She stated, as she softened her tone, � If you�re a Goddess, that kind of thing�s a lot of fun. Even for some mortals, it can be a kick. But I don�t know about someone like you�.�


VIII.
Gabrielle looked at her with a stern gaze.

� What do you mean, �.Someone like me? �

� Well, �.you know. A �.. NICE girl. �

� Nice girl? You say that like it�s a disease. �

� No! No! No! I mean it in a good way. I mean, that little mambo on the blanket shows me you have a certain talent for someone who�s relatively�.I don�t know, ..inexperienced. �

� Inexperienced!???? � Gabrielle howled.

� I�m digging myself deep, aren�t I? �, The Goddess remarked nervously, � I mean, you�re not exactly a party animal, are you? You�re so tied up in helping people, you don�t know how to�let go�.get down�..you know, ��parrr-ttteeeeeee! �

� You�re saying that I�m repressed!? � The Bard asked in a vicious tone.

� Hey, don�t get down on me, because you spend all your time beating up bandits and being chased by that moron�what�s name? Boxer? �

� Joxer! � She corrected impatiently, � And he�s just a friend. �

� Lucky for you � Aphrodite laughed, � Look, girl friend�you should drop Xena and hang with me for a while. If there�s any side in that � Miss Perfect � facade of yours that wants to kick loose, your Auntie Aphrodite will�. �

� Now, look�.!� Gabrielle started harshly.

Suddenly, there was a girl�s scream. It came from a distance downstream. Gabrielle tightened her grip on her staff, then stopped. She looked to the blanket, where her panties and boots still lay near one corner. She turned to the Goddess, but Aphrodite was no longer there. With a shrug of irritation, Gabrielle ran barefoot along the river towards the scream.


IX.

After some trudging through the trees, she moved through some underbrush and stopped short, as a clearing came into sight. Across the clearing, under a tree, one of many that ringed the clearing, a young man and woman were curled up on the ground beside the trunk. Three youths, attired only in loincloths, were taunting them. Letting out a exasperated breath, she stepped from the clearing and approached the group. One of the boys, the shortest of the three, spotted her, and signaled her approach to the others. They smiled at her approach, until she drew closer. Then a look of fear crossed their faces.

� It�s Gabrielle�..Xena�s friend, � One of them whispered.

The Bard took a stern stance before the trio, whose hands went to the front of their shorts. She examined their faces and recognition dawned on her.

� I know you, � She said to them, turning to the oldest of the three, who stood between the two taller boys, � You�re Camden �.

He nodded, indicating his friends.

� This is Persus, � He said, indicating the youth to his left, � And this is Hector �.

� You three were part of the group that helped move the catapults, � The blonde stated, � When Xena lured The Romans into fighting each other. �

They nodded.

� And you�re Gabrielle! � Hector remarked brightly, � You led the charge that drove the Romans out �

� Xena�s friend, � Persus added.

Gabrielle seethed inwardly. That�s how men thought of her�..A sidekick again!

� You all look over twenty summers, � She observed aloud, � A little old to be bothering these people. �

� We meant no harm, � Camden replied sheepishly.

She turned towards the couple.


X.

� You are��? �

� Lenkis, � The young man under the tree said, � And this is my fianc�e, Malita �.

She smiled. She was thin, angular, with a face that The Bard found compelling. Their eyes locked and Gabrielle felt a tingling in her flesh. Trying to shake off the feeling, Gabrielle nodded towards her, but The Bard�s eyes roamed over the pert nipples pressing against the fabric of Malita�s blouse, the curve of her thighs pressed against her skirt.

God, she�s beautiful , Gabrielle mused inwardly, recalling the touch of Aphrodite a short while earlier. She felt her own nipples pressing against her bra.

The bard moved her gaze back to the three near-naked men before her. She could feel her naked loins against the fabric of her skirt, which suddenly felt all too confining.

� I still haven�t got an explanation, � She stated.

� They�re from our village of Tarsus, � Hector explained, � They�re getting married soon, so they came out to the woods to��.�rehearse! �

The last remark brought a laugh from the men, a laugh quickly quelled by the even stare of the woman before them.

� We were swimming, � Persus interjected, � And we saw them through the woods, so we thought we�d come over and�.have some fun. �

� No! �, Lenkis objected, � They were watching us�.from the brush. �

Gabrielle gave them a small smile.

� Were you? Do you like to watch? �

The three men looked at each nervously, then nodded almost in unison.

Gabrielle looked back at the couple, just in time to catch Lenkis avert his eyes from her direction.

He�s looking at me, She thought, looking at my ass. And his pants. He�s gotten hard, looking at me.


XI.

Gabrielle brought herself under control. The swim, the breeze, Aphrodite�s tongue�it already had her aroused. Now these men�� and Malita.

Wait a minute!, She thought, Maybe this is Aphrodite�s doing. She wouldn�t put it past that tramp deity to set all this up to seduce Gabrielle into some kind of orgy. After all, didn�t she mesmerize Joxer in becoming a totally heroic figure? Didn�t her grandson make Draco fall in love with her, Xena with him. and Gabrielle with�Joxer? The bitch Goddess�s probably hovering over the trees, watching them right now.

� What are you looking at? �

Gabrielle realized she was looking skyward and turned to Hector to answer his question.

� Nothing, � The Bard replied, � I better be going. �

Gabrielle started to walk away, when Camden whispered, � She�s cute. �

� But she�s no Xena, � Hector observed.

Gabrielle stopped short, her body tensing.

Xena��Miss Perfect�Goody two-shoes�.Sidekick.

Is this what it�s all for?, She fumed, Callisto,�.Hope,�.Draco,�..Fighting scum, battling monsters and Gods,�Becoming Queen of the Amazons, no less,�leading these men,�these BOYS�.into battle against Caesar�and she�s still being judged as a girl�.as a SIDEKICK! � No Xena �? Another phrase for � Not good enough�.

The Bard turned around, a determined look in her eyes, dropping her staff to the ground, and walked back to the three men, who stopped short at her return and self-consciously fell into a line before her. They could see the fury raging beneath her skin. Lenkis and Malita still lay by the tree trunk, watching the tableau unfold before them.

Gabrielle looked at them, her anger becoming a hunger for these youths. Not good enough, eh? Let see how � The Empress � would handle this.


XII.

Seeing the look in her eyes, the boys hands dropped to their crotches to cover the evidence that her gaze was having the desired effect.

Gabrielle never knew where she got the strength to vocalize her next request.

� Show me what you do�when you watch! �

The men again exchanged nervous looks, but did not move.

� You wouldn�t want to disappoint a close friend of Xena�s, would you? � She asked in a seductive tone.

Well, she reflected, I might as well enjoy this�.and if Xena�s army was enough to motivate people when she was a warlord, Xena�s reputation alone should do the trick now�.as if Aphrodite�s spell wouldn�t get them going.

And she was right. Each boy dipped his hand under his loin cloth and clutched his cock. Gabrielle�s mouth began to water at the sight. She turned towards Lenkis.

� Whatever happens, � She told him, her tone almost a snarl, � Don�t leave. Neither of you. You wouldn�t want Xena to think you offended her friend? �

The couple nodded nervously�or was it anticipation? Gabrielle imagined she saw a longing in Malita�s eyes.

Gabrielle smiled and turned back to the three men fondling their organs under their shorts. The Bard walked in front of each of them, noticing their eyes drinking in her flesh. Standing before Camden in the center, she slowly dropped to her knees. She reached out and seized the loincloth, ripping it from the youth�s body. His erection loomed large before her eyes. Without a word, Gabrielle seized it in her hands and pulled him into her mouth, her tongue lapping at the organ�s underside.

Gabrielle had only had two lovers in her life, a man and a woman ( discounting Dahok, but who counted a demon? ) and she had not performed oral sex on her husband, Perdicus. She could only attribute her eagerness to the many times she had imagined doing this as � The Empress ��or was it Aphrodite�s handiwork? She didn�t care, as she sucked harder. She placed both hands around Camden�s buttocks, pulling his cock deeper into his throat. Camden moaned, pumping his pelvis forward and back from her hot mouth.


XIII.

Gabrielle felt hands come down on either side, undoing the laces of her bra. She released her arms and rose them into the air, so the bra was pulled and up and flung away. Hands caressed her naked breasts, fingers rubbed her back and throat. She could feel a hard cock on either side of her face, poking at her cheeks, begging for attention. The Amazon Queen released Camden�s buttocks, but kept his cock in her mouth, as she seized the other two organs in each hand. Her mind laughed, as she heard the groans of delight at her action. Gabrielle released Camden and began to suck on the cock to her left, not caring whose it is. She lowered her mouth, licking and nipping at his balls. As she did, one of the men started pinching her nipples, as if they couldn�t get any harder. Gabrielle turned to the third cock and spit on it, before swallowing it into her mouth.

She could feel the juices in her pussy flowing. The heat was building in her to an unbearable level. She could feel hands tugging at her skirt and she stopped, releasing the treasure from her mouth.

� Don�t tear it! � She hissed.

The urgency in the fingers abated and the strings holding the skirt were carefully unlaced and unwrapped. Within moments, it was tossed away and Gabrielle moaned at the hot air on her naked pussy. Camden and Persus moved from her grip and lowered the bodies level with hers, caressing and licking her. Hanging on to Hector�s cock, she opened her legs wider, keeping her balance on her knees. Camden began sucking on her left breast, as his fingers moved down to her mound and pressed against her lips. She could feel Persus kissing her back, his cock pressed against her buttocks. He slid his hand down her spine and moved his finger against her rectum opening. She wiggled back, inviting him to enter her. He responded, pushing his finger into her nether region.

The movement brought a shock of pleasure in her body, amplified by Camden�s similar insertion of three fingers into her vagina. Gabrielle reacted wildly, bouncing against the digits, as her orgasm built to dizzying levels. She screamed her pleasure, the juices flowing over Camden�s fingers.

Looking up through the haze, she saw Hector looking down on her, a apish grin on his face. The Bard realized she still held his cock in her right hand. She smiled seductively, pulling it and him closer to her mouth.

And she punched him.


XIV.

He took the blow in stomach and fell on his back, the air knocked out of him. As he regained his senses, he felt a naked body clamber over him and found Gabrielle staring down at him.

� So, � She smiled lustfully, � Still think Xena is better? �

Hector looked at her with embarrassment over his situation, shame at his remark, and �fear.

By The Gods, he�s afraid of me, The Bard realized, Afraid�of me!

Gabrielle sat up and moved back over his erect cock, taking it in one hand. She didn�t hesitate, as she spread her legs, placed the head against her pussy lips, and thrust down on it..

ZEUS! Her mind screamed.

She began to jam her hips up and down, steadying her self with her hands on his chest. Hector clutched her hips, helping her movements keep rhythm with his pelvis. Camden and Persus came up to her, one on each side, their cocks still fully erect. With a devilish grin, she took on in each hand, stroking them rapidly, while using them for balance. Both men began to stiffen. Gabrielle looked down at Hector with lust glazed eyes.

� Don�t cum in me, � She warned between her rapid breaths, � Don�t�you �dare! �

Hector could not nod or speak, his concentration was on the cunt wrapped around his organ, but his eyes reflected his understanding. Within moments. His hands began pushing her away. Hector�s cock bobbed free of Gabrielle, spurting moments later on her belly and leg. The Bard ignored him, pulling the other two men in front of her, their cocks aimed at her face. She could tell they were close, as she moved her hands quicker. She opened her mouth at their slits, her tongue extended, waiting for the fluid to gush for.

Both men yelled, as their cum poured from their organs. Gabrielle�s mouth tried to catch it all, but the flow was erratic. Her hair, her shoulders, her face and her breasts were covered. She swallowed the cum in her mouth and licked her tongue across her lips. She looked at the three tired men before her.

� Clean me, � She ordered.


XV.

The men moved towards her and enveloped her, their tongues licking every part of her body. Their hands gliding and squeezing. She moaned, as her breasts were licked, nipped and massaged. Gabrielle was in sensual bliss. She was not only releasing her desires, but she was in control. She felt Camden�s lips brush her clit. She gently held his head down there.

� Make sure you�re�thorough, � She whispered in a husky tone.

Camden understood and continued his licking, sending ripples of delight through her body. She basked, as the other two tongues licked her hair, her throat, her shoulders, her breasts.

Goddess!, Her mind cried, I love you, Xena, but I need this�this�animal sex! Thank you, Aphrodite! The Gabrielle of this morning would feel shame at this exhibition, but now I feel more alive than ever before, ��save for the night when Xena and I realized and surrendered to our love for each other!

She gazed over Persus shoulders to see Lenkis and Malita still sitting under the tree. They were thunderstruck by the exhibition, but neither had moved, save Lenkis�s left hand that rubbed at his crotch.

With a smile, The Bard pulled away from her lovers� grasp, motioning them to rest. She then crawled over to the couple on all fours, knowing she was giving the men an ample view of her ass, as she provided the couple with a view of her dangling breasts. She crawled up to the reclined Lenkis and didn�t say a word, simply engulfed his mouth with her own. . Their lips parted and their tongues intertwined. Gabrielle felt his hands on her breasts, roughly squeezing them. She moved back, breaking their embrace and looked over to Malita.

She had a frightened look on her face, an expression that puzzled Gabrielle. Surely, she should be as enraptured as the rest of them. Gabrielle reflected that this was one of the most beautiful women she had ever encountered.. Perhaps, she was a virgin. Well, The Bard noted, one way to find out.

Gabrielle leaned over and untied Lenkis pants. With a shove and a small arc of his back, she slid them down to his knees. His erection lay there and Gabrielle noted the tiny drop of semen at the tip. At half erection, it was large. Locking her eyes with Malita, she leaned down and gently licked the drop. Lenkis moaned, but the other girl�s eyes simply widened. Gabrielle took the organ in one hand and licked the head, sending quivers through Lenkis� body. Gabrielle offered the prize to Malita with a look of lust.


XVI

The girl hesitated, looking to Lenkis, who only smiled. He reached forth and placed his hand on the side of her face. She looked to Gabrielle, to him, to the three men watching a short distance away. Then she slowly engulfed his erection with her mouth, expertly moving up and down.

Well, Gabrielle concluded, she�s obviously done this before. Aphrodite probably has her cast in the same mold of the reluctant prisoner of her � warlord � fantasy�.a nice touch. Malita obviously has to be � coaxed �.

The Amazon Queen leaned forward and began nipping at his testicle sac, as Malita continued her movements, drawing Lenkis� in and out of her mouth. His excitement, fueled by watching The Bard�s earlier display, jetted his cum upwards into his fiancee�s mouth. She moved back, allowing Gabrielle to join her in licking the precious liquid. Gabrielle sopped a few droplets, then looked at the woman she desired. She placed a hand behind her head and pulled her towards her to kiss her.

And met resistance.

Malita pulled her head sharply from The Bard�s grasp. Gabrielle�s face grew dark. This was taking coaxing a little too far, she decided. The blonde stood up and looked down on the helpless girl, a savage expression on her face, knowing full well the men were watching for her next move. She wasn�t about to lose the control, even if it was already ensured by Aphrodite�s magic. The Xena of old would never tolerate such behavior�.nor will � The Empress �.

For a moment, Gabrielle considered whipping the girl, but no whip was available. And it would ruin the illusion to ask for one from Aphrodite. She could have her gang-banged,�but she wanted to taste her first! In fact, she wanted to take her more than the men, than anything at this moment. She considered spanking her, but somehow that wouldn�t quite bring about the desired image of a woman in control. And her staff was out of the question.

Gabrielle gazed up at the branches of the tree she stood under. Satisfied, her stare turned to the three men, bidding them to come. The men ran over and stood by her

� That one. � She commanded, pointing to a large branch studded with smaller branches.

Camden reached up and broke one of the thinner, smaller branches. As he stripped it of the offshoots, Gabrielle turned to Hector and Persus.

� Get her on her feet!� She commanded.


XVII.

The two men moved to either side of Malita and pulled to her feet. Lenkis looked to them with apprehension, but he didn�t move.

Probably doesn�t like the odds, Gabrielle concluded silently, Or is he simply waiting for another show? Whichever, she didn�t intend to disappoint any of them.

Gabrielle stepped to Malita and ripped her blouse off. The woman�s shocked expression went unnoticed by The Bard, who stared at her captive�s breasts, desire in her eyes. It took all her effort not to seize them in her hands, suckle the nipples to her mouth. But this show had another scenario.

Gabrielle noted a tiny star-shaped gem hanging by a small silver chain around the girl�s throat. The Bard touched it with a look of mock admiration, then quickly pulled Malita�s skirt�s loose, causing it to pool at her feet. The woman now stood naked before her captor and Gabrielle�s lust-filled eyes drank in every inch of her body.

� Bend her over! �

The two men obeyed, forcing her to bend at the waist. Gabrielle stepped around them, bringing the lush globes of the woman�s ass into view. She licked her lips, resisting the urge to drop to her knees and plunge her tongue into the woman�s anal orifice. Not yet.

Camden handed her the stripped branch, which she whipped through the air. The sharp snap told her that it was perfect for her purpose. Without a word, Gabrielle began to strike at the woman�s buttocks, causing her to scream at each stroke.

� Shut her up! �

At Gabrielle�s bidding, Persus closed a hand over Malita�s mouth. Gabrielle struck her again and again, causing thin red marks on her ass. Two of the marks began to bleed. After what seemed a interminable length of time, Gabrielle stopped, her breathing coming in rapid bursts. The punishment had aroused The Bard to no end and she stepped to her prisoner, looking down on her handiwork. Without a word, she dropped the branch and touched the two bleeding wounds. Malita bucked in her captors� arms. Gabrielle smiled and pressed her fingers harder against the wounds, causing Malita to scream against Persus� hand.


XVIII.

The Bard brought her bloody fingers to her mouth and sucked them cleaned. She then dropped her knees and licked the wounds clean, moving her tongue gently around her captive�s buttocks. Her right hand crept between Malita�s legs, her fingers nestling into the fleshy folds. Malita bucked again, but Gabrielle maintained her pressure, rubbing against the woman�s nub. As she maintained the rhythm, Gabrielle moved her tongue to Malita�s anus and circled the rim. It was like a shock. Instead of moving away, Malita moved back against the invading tongue and fingers. Her body quivered at the invasion, as Gabrielle inserted two fingers into the woman�s vagina. Gabrielle could feel the juices flowing inside Malita. She licked her open wounds one more time, then stepped around to face her.

The blonde looked into the eyes of her prisoner, the woman�s mouth still covered by Persus� hand. She expected fear or loathing waiting for her. She found something else.

There was no fear or pain. Her eyes almost seemed to be mocking the girl from Potedia.

She�s enjoying this, The Bard realized, the bitch is loving every minute of it!

Furious, Gabrielle seized Malita out of the grasp of the two men by her hair and pulled her towards her, forcing her to her knees. Malita�s face expressed fear, but Gabrielle could see the excitement in her eyes, the anticipation.

� Eat me, whore! �

With that, Gabrielle pushed Malita�s face into her crotch. The village girl attempted to back away, but Gabrielle knew she was only doing so to impress the others. Twisting the captive�s hair again, Gabrielle jerked her face upwards to lock eyes with her.

� Lick it, cunt! �

Gabrielle could see the pleasure in Malita�s eyes at her insults, as she began to lap at The Bard�s clit. Her hands grasped Gabrielle�s buttocks and pulled her treasure closer to her mouth, the intensity of her action increasing. Gabrielle�s breathing began to spurt out in short, frenzied bursts, her eyes closing in her passion. Her hips began to quiver, as Malita began to dig her nails into her captor�s flesh.

Lenkis began to move towards the pair, as did Persus, each man holding his cock to offer to the women before them. Persus touched Gabrielle on her shoulder.


XIX.

The reaction was immediate and savage. Gabrielle�s eyes flew open and her face became enraged, She batted Persus� hand away.

� Get back! � She growled, � She�s mine! �

Both men, taken aback by her reaction, exchanged baffled looks. Camden, his eyes focused on Gabrielle�s shivering body, gestured for them to move back.

� Leave them alone. �

The men took a few steps and took in the spectacle before them. None of them had seen women making love to each other, much less in a savage frenzy. Malita was lost in the delirium of her ministrations, as well Gabrielle in the throes of her growing orgasm, her hair and breasts bouncing to Malita�s furious tongue thrashing and the sharp nails against her buttocks.

Gabrielle closed her eyes, letting her mind take her to another place. In the heat of her passion, she found herself in the center of the Amazon village. It was night and the Amazon Queen was high on a dais, a woman kneeled in front of her, lapping at her crotch. A fire from a pit burned brightly behind her, illuminating the area.

All the Amazons were watching them�Ephiny�.Solari�Melosa. Even Velesca was there, her eyes filled with hunger, instead of hate. Like Gabrielle, the tribe was nude, touching themselves and each other, licking biting, clawing�each waiting their turn for a chance to be with the Queen�.her!

Gabrielle laughed in her mind. I�m having a fantasy within a spell. As her hips began to quiver, she looked down at the woman lapping at her in this dream.

It was Xena. But she wasn�t the dominant warrior she knew. Her demeanor was uncertain, her eyes reflecting her fear, her submissive manner. She was Gabrielle�s slave. Her frightened expression quietly pleaded for guidance on how to best please her mistress.

The revelation jolted Gabrielle back to reality. Her body�s shaking was intensifying. As tears welled in her eyes, she threw back her head and opened her mouth, emitting a silent scream that soon vocalized into a loud animal cry, sending her flesh quaking in ecstasy.


XX.

It took a few minutes for Gabrielle to regain her composure, brushing the teardrops from her face. The men stood in silence, their faces flushed from the spectacle, awaiting her next command. The Bard ignored them, seizing Malita�s hair and pulling her back from her vagina. Brushing the honeyed fluid from her mouth against Gabrielle�s pubic hair, Malita smiled wickedly up at her mistress.

Gabrielle met her smile with a animal smirk of her own. She released the girl�s hair and looked to Persus and Hector.

� Hold her down! �

The two men moved forward, each taking one of Malita�s arms. Gabrielle gazed to Lenkis, his eyes hooded from the lust that her exhibition had aroused in him. His cock was at full erection. Gabrielle licked her lips ever so slightly at the treasure being offered her, then looked down at Malita, who was lying on the ground on her back, Persus and Hector on their knees on either side of her. Gabrielle dropped to her knees between Malita�s spread legs and slithered her body up across her prisoner, mashing their breasts together, as they came face to face.

There was no fear, no laughter in her eyes now, only desperate want. Gabrielle kissed her brutally, her tongue thrusting deep into the woman�s mouth. Malita�s tongue dueled with Gabrielle�s with equal passion. Gabrielle broke the kiss and the two women gazed at each other with blatant hunger. Gabrielle�s left hand snaked between their bodies, rubbing against Malita�s cunt. The woman bucked against Gabrielle�s fingers in return.

With a look from The Bard, Persus and Hector released Malita, but stayed on their knees on either side of the women, stroking their growing erections. Gabrielle thrust three fingers into Malita, matching her bucking with her own. Her right hand seized Malita�s hair and pulled her ear closer to The Bard�s lips.

� Your lover is watching us�.These men are watching us! � She hissed, � When I�m done, I�m going to give you to them! You�d like that, wouldn�t you!? �

The answer lay in Malita�s eyes, which gleamed with delight. With disdain, Gabrielle spit on Malita�s mouth and released her lover�s head. As she seized the woman�s right breast, squeezing it roughly, biting at the nipple, she didn�t notice the village girl licking her spit from her lips with a smile.


XXI.

The Bard squeezed Malita�s breasts harder, her captive yelled, but pushed her self harder against the imprisoning fingers. Gabrielle snarled insults at the woman, calling her whore, slut, and cunt, among other names. Malita grunted out her agreement at every one with a passion-filled smile, her eyes glazed over with ecstasy. Her finger trailed down to Gabrielle�s pussy and thrust into her, matching her captor�s frenzy. It was followed by two more fingers into the Bard�s orifice. The two women beat against each other, the sweat glistening on their bodies. The Amazon Queen then slowed her motions, trying to draw out the moment of climax in her partner. She moved down her captive�s body, biting at her nipples, licking her sweat, using her free hand to claw at her lover�s thighs. The action took Gabrielle�s love hole from Malita�s reach, causing her fingers to scratch, then seize one of Gabrielle�s breasts, her nails digging into the pliant flesh.

Gabrielle stopped, enjoying the pain and pleasure she was receiving. She then bit at Malita�s arm, causing her to yelp and release her prize. Gabrielle continued moving her head, until she was level with Malita�s pussy, where she continued thrusting her fingers in and out, augmenting her action with her tongue playing on the women�s clit. From the corner of her eye, she spotted sperm droplets raining onto Malita�s stomach and breasts. With a look of disgust, Gabrielle lifted her face to lock eyes on Hector, who still cradled his deflating cock in his left hand. He smiled an apology, but Gabrielle ignored the gesture, returning to the task at hand. In a few moments, Malita cried out at the intensity of the thrusts, as her orgasm swept over her.

� GAAABBBRRRIIEEELLLLLLEEEEE!!!!!!! �

As her bucking subsided to small quivering, Gabrielle removed her fingers, licking them clean of Malita�s juices. Gabrielle then put her face into Malita�s bush and began licking the juices flowing forth. As she did, she noticed that Malita�s hands had closed on the erections on either side of her, stroking them to the delight of Persus and Hector.

Gabrielle suddenly felt fingers at her upraised buttocks. She quivered, as she felt her buttocks being pulled apart and a tongue circling the rim of her anus. The tongue withdrew, to be replaced by a digit. Gabrielle stiffened at the invader, which brought a moan from her throat, but continued to minister to Malita. The finger moved in and out and The Bard tried to move her ass in rhythm to it. As she did, she felt another pair of hands move her legs apart and a head slide up between her legs. Gabrielle stopped her ministrations to look down between her legs. Camden�s face was buried in her pussy, licking at her nub. Both of his hands were on her thighs. The Bard realized that the finger probing her anus belonged to Lenkus.


XXII.

By the Gods! She thought incredulously, I practically rape his fianc�, humiliated her, bent her to my will�..and he�s only thinking about fucking me!

Gabrielle was overwhelmed. She could smell the desire from this man, who lusted after her even more than the woman he was betrothed to.

Looking back at Malita. Gabrielle was welcomed by the sight of Hector�s ass. The youth had sat over Malita�s shoulders, allowing the lust-driven woman to suck his cock. She looked to Persus and moved off Malita, taking her two lovers with her. Persus moved eagerly to take her place, but stopped short at a commanding glance by Gabrielle.

Looking down on Malita�s body, her eyes smoldering as the woman�s movements intensified under her new lover, Gabrielle wished the men were gone, so she could have the girl all to herself. If she only had the ivory dildo, she mused, the toy that she and Xena had purchased on their way back from the Land of Chin, The Bard would strap it on and spend the rest of the day fucking the girl senseless. But it in was Xena�s saddlebags.

Knowing this fantasy was not to be, Gabrielle gave a nod to Persus, who lost no time in climbing atop Malita. Taking his erection in hand, he thrust himself deep into her body, hearing her scream in delight around Hector�s cock. As the boy proceed to pump into Malita�s prone body, Gabrielle could not help but notice that Lenkis� attention was solely on The Bard. Malita�s legs crossed over Persus� waist, her heels kicking into his buttocks to make him thrust deeper. Gabrielle�s eyes filled with envy, wishing she was in Persus� place.

Turning away reluctantly, she led Lenkis and Camden over to the blanket, which the couple had set out for their rendezvous. Gabrielle noticed the small wine sack and several oranges laid out. She pushed the objects aside and pushed Lenkis down on his back. As he lay there, looking up at her with a lustful smile, his erection in hand, Gabrielle ignored him. She picked up one of the oranges and squeezed it with her left hand, dripping the juice of the fingers of her right hand.

Repeating the process again, she then moved the wet, sticky fingers to her ass. She began to grind her digits into her rectum, causing her to do a dance, as she lubricated her anal orifice. Looking at Camden with smoldering eyes, she knew the purpose of her dance was not lost on him. He picked up the wine sac, poured a small amount in his palm, and began to rub it on his cock.

XXIII.

Smiling, Gabrielle turned her attention back to Lenkis. Withdrawing her fingers from her rectum, she dropped her knees between his legs and took his erection in hand. The Bard�s eyes widened, as she realized that Lenkis had the largest erection of the men. Her mouth watered at the sight of it. She leaned forward and licked the head of his cock. He attempted to force it into her mouth before she was ready, but she batted his hands away, giving him a stern glance. Slowly, she enveloped the organ into her mouth, taking the length down her throat, until her lips circled the base. Lenkis groaned with pleasure, as The Bard moved her head slowly up and down, sucking to get what seminal fluid there was.

She brought the cock out of her mouth, marveling as it glistened with her saliva. She glanced towards him and said, � Don�t cum in me. Let me know when you�re ready. �

He simply grinned at her, his impatience and disregard evident on his face. With an expression of disdain, she squeezed his cock hard, causing him to yelp.

� Understand!? �

Lenkis nodded. Gabrielle realized that her resentment of him stemmed from his relationship to Malita and her desire to be with her, instead of them, but she wanted�needed to be filled with his cock, the largest of the group. She didn�t look at him, as she mounted the man, taking the mammoth organ in hand and positioning it at the lips of her vagina. Lenkis thrust up against Gabrielle, plunging deep into her pussy. Gabrielle screamed at his savage entry, but was too consumed by the delight the plummeting erection was giving her. The two began a rapid rhythm, almost a feral battle. As their passion mounted, The Bard looked to Camden.

� What are you waiting for!? � She snarled, her eyes alight with lustful anticipation.

Camden moved forward, moving his body over Gabrielle, as the woman leaned herself forward over Lenkis� chest. His cock in his right hand, he steadied himself with the other hand on her gyrating buttocks.

� Hurry! HURRY! � Gabrielle breathed, her passion now totally out of control. She knew this act might rip her apart, but she didn�t care. Only the mounting waves of rapture ruled her soul.

Camden came up behind her, as The Bard slowed her motions to a stop. Lenkis pushed back, but Gabrielle placed both hands on his shoulders and squeezed hard, her harsh glare motioning him to slow to a stop. As Lenkis obliged, Camden placed his cock against her rectum and thrust forward.


XXIV.

BY THE GODS! Gabrielle�s mind screamed in delight.

The pain shot through her, as the two cocks started beating into her in opposing rhythm. Gabrielle, her hands on Lenkis�s shoulders, began pushing back at the double penetration with equal force. Camden�s hands snaked forward and grasped her breasts, squeezing them tightly, as he pounded deeper and deeper into her anus, his hot breath blowing hard on her back.

TheircocksthiercoscksinsidemeinsidemesobigsobigZeusitfeelssogoodso
hotdeeperdeeper deeperdeeperdon�tstopdon�tstopdeeperdeeperharderharderHARDER
HARDERFUCKMEF --UCKMEFUCKMEEEEEEEE!!!!!

Gabrielle�s thoughts, her fantasy, her control, all were lost as she pounded herself against the men. She lost all track of time and presence, enveloped as she was in the flood of pleasure coursing through her body. She tried to squeeze her muscles around both invading members, causing the men to grunt and yelp. Sweat glistened on their flesh, as the trio forced all the passion they had into this one glorious act.

XneaIloveyouXenaXenaMakemecummakemecumMAKEMECUM
I�MCUMMINGI�MCUMMING I�MCUMMMMMIIIINNNGGGGG!!!!!!

Gabrielle screamed, a loud animal scream, as her body shook in orgasm against the two men. She almost passed out from the gratification, but she forced herself to churn again and again against her partners.

Camden was the first. With a yell, he emptied himself deep in her bowels. She pushed back to receive his gift, grunting with delight at his thrusts. Camden kissed her shoulders, squeezing her breasts one final time, as his cock deflated and he moved away from the pair in exhaustion.

Gabrielle placed her hands on Lenkis� chest and pushed herself to a sitting position, as their furious combat continued. She felt her back and thighs begin to ache at the effort of riding the monstrous appendage. She seized his shoulders and rolled them over, Gabrielle now looking up at this man she despised and could not have enough of.

� Fuck me, you son of a bacche! Fuck me! FUCK ME! �


XXV.

Gabrielle slapped him, hard. For a moment, they locked startled expressions. Then Lenkis� face twisted in to a bestial countenance and he began to pound into the blonde with twice the fury. Gabrielle hissed and spat at him, digging her nails into flesh, causing him to retaliate by biting into her shoulders and breasts, bringing cries of pain and joy from the woman. A second orgasm tore through Gabrielle�s soul and she screamed her joy even louder than before.

The Bard could feel his cum rising, his body tensing, but he was making no effort to dislodge himself. Gabrielle began to yell and pound against his head and chest, but her orgasms had left her too weak. Lenkis, lost in his furious passion, continued his maddening rhythm.

� CAMDEN! � She screamed.

Lenkis ignored her, his focus concentrated only on his own frenetic pounding, but Camden, mustering his strength, moved forward and seized Lenkis by the waist, pulling him away from The Bard. His cock popped free and, within a moment, erupted jets of cum that sprayed across the Bard�s body. Gabrielle shivered, as the liquid sprayed over her, but collapsed in complete exhaustion, closing her eyes.

She didn�t know how long she was unconscious, but she awoke, as a gentle hand touched her, then two. Gabrielle opened her eyes to see Camden kneeling beside her, the concern evident on his face. She saw that one hand was his and followed to see Malita kneeling on the other side of her. Gabrielle had noted that her expression was even more anxious than Camden�s. Gently, she pulled Malita closer and kissed her warmly. They both sighed, as their lips parted.

Craning her head, Gabrielle could see Hector and Persus standing near the collapsed Lenkis. They looked at her and smiled that she was awake and well. Camden moved away and picked up the wine sac, offering it to The Bard, but Gabrielle smiled and shook her head.

Gabrielle reached out her arm and cuddled Malita closer to her. As she felt the woman�s body stretch beside her, her head softly lying against The Bard�s breast, Gabrielle fell into a deep sleep.

Heated words awoke her. She slowly opened her eyes and took in her surroundings. She was lying against the tree trunk, the picnic blanket wrapped around her. By her feet were clothes and staff. She looked around. Camden, Persus, and Hector were gone.


XXVI.

Malita and Lenkis were a few yards distant in what looked like a earnest discussion. He was dressed only in his pants and shoes. Malita wore her skirt and his shirt to replace the garment Gabrielle had ripped. The man noticed that Gabrielle was awake, which alerted Malita. She started to move towards her, but Lenkis laid a restraining hand on her arm. Casting it off, the woman hurriedly moved to the tree and dropped by The Bard�s side.

� How do you feel? �

� Raw. Happy, � She said with a small smile, � The others? �

� They went back to Tarsus. Camden wanted to stay and watch over you. We were concerned. �

Malita punctuated her remark by glancing back at Lenkis.

� He�s afraid there�s going to be trouble with your friend, Xena, after she learns what he�, � She started.

� I don�t plan to tell her, � Gabrielle offered, � We all got��� carried away. �

� But he�s like that�a lot,� Malita countered, � Selfish, sometimes arrogant. �

� I could tell, � The Bard agreed, � I was just concerned about getting pregnant. �

� As long as you�re all right, � Malita said in a soft tone.

� I don�t understand, � Gabrielle whispered, � I hurt you,�� humiliated you�?�

Malita touched the Amazon Queen�s lips gently and said, � It�s all right. �

�But I don�t understand�and I want to. �

� Malita!�


XXVII.

She tossed a sour look at Lenkis, then turned back to The Bard. The women exchanged a gaze of understanding and something more. Impulsively, Malita removed her pendant and attached it around The Bard�s neck. Gabrielle reached to remove it, but Malita�s hands covered her in a gentle restrain and a soft squeeze.

� Malita! � came Lenkis� impatient voice again.

Malita ignored him and said, � There is only one inn in Tarsus and I work there. �

She then leaned forward and whispered three words into the Gabrielle�s ear, bringing a smile to The Bard�s face. She then kissed Gabrielle passionately, before breaking off and rejoining her fianc�e. He impatiently took her hand and led her towards the trees, but he didn�t notice the sad glances she stole back to her lover under the tree.

Gabrielle rousted herself up to her feet and stretched. She felt the pendant against her throat and touched it gently. Sadly, she shook off her reverie and dressed. She could feel the soreness in her legs, her anus, her vagina, her throat. As she finished lacing her bra, she tossed the blanket aside, since it was the property of Lenkis, with contempt .Noting she had left her boots at her camp, she picked up her staff and set off into the woods.

She reached her campsite by mid-afternoon. Her boots and knapsack were still by her blanket, untouched. The river still flowed nearby, the warm breeze playing off it. Gabrielle looked around.

� Aphrodite! APHRODITE! �

There was no reply. Feeling hot and dirty from the hike back, She tossed aside her staff, stripped and walked back into the river. The current flowed around her, the water much cooler than the wind blowing around her. She stopped walking at a point where the water flowed through her legs, the current cooling the raw feelings in her pussy and rectum. The wind blew across her flesh above the waterline, causing her to close her eyes and tilt her head back to absorb the heat swirling around her. After a few moments, she looked own to see her naked reflection staring up from the water�s surface.

Now I know, She thought, I let my repression go and this is the result. I could blame Aphrodite, but I could have also walked away from the whole thing at the beginning. Maybe no one was hurt�almost�and I met the most extraordinary woman�next to Xena�in my life. Was it worth it?


XXVIII.

Zeus, yes! Every moment.

Thanks to the Goddess of Love, I experienced a intensity of myself I never knew I had. I am not the � goody two-shoes � that I thought I was or that others would have me appear to be. I love Xena more than anything, but I centered so much on being this beacon of light that my desires, the deepest ones, got lost inside myself. Funny� a beacon of light in the shadow of someone else. And what a pure beacon! When Xena was attracted to Ulysses, and Rafe, and half a dozen other men on their journeys, I repressed my feelings and encouraged her to pursue the relationships�.encouraged HER! Even when I knew what that would mean to me. Yes, I married Perdicus, but I was young and didn�t realize what Xena and I were to each other at the time. But, even after that, she still pursued others! For all I know, she�s on her back somewhere with the men in her patrol, satisfying their �.!

Gabrielle dashed her hand angrily against her reflection and walked towards the shore.

I am not being fair to her, but she hasn�t been fair to me. I am not going to feel guilty�why should I!? I was under Aphrodite�s spell. I can�t be blamed for that. After all, a � beacon of light � could not have dominated these people as she did, couldn�t have harmed Malita��Zeus, I�m getting excited just thinking about her! What�s wrong with me!?

Was it love or lust? When she met Xena, she was enraptured with the hero worship of a village girl. She didn�t know what love was, even when she impulsively married Perdicus. He was an anchor to her past, a return to the simpler times that she missed from the more violent times she spent with the Warrior Princess. It was only when she and Xena realized their feelings for each other, that those times became less important than being with her lover.

But Malita? She brought out more from within Gabrielle than being with Camden and the others ever could, perhaps even with Xena. It wasn�t like the love she shared with the Warrior Princess. Her bond with Malita was more feral. The Bard longed to be with her again, to match her passion, to dominate her completely. It was more than love, more than lust. It was empowerment.

But would she find her again? Or was it part of Aphrodite�s spell that they never see each other again? Gabrielle sighed��she could not forget that last lingering kiss.


XXIX.

These thoughts whirled in her mind, as she stepped up onto the grass. The Amazon Queen suddenly stopped short at the sight before her, a disbelieving smile crossed her face.

Aphrodite lay on her stomach atop Gabrielle�s blanket. Instead of her usual lingerie, she wore a pink thong bikini and glass sunglasses. She rolled over and looked up at the approaching Bard.

� How come every time I see you, you�re naked and wet? � She inquired with a smile, � Must be happy to see me! �

Gabrielle sat down beside the Goddess, as she rolled over to look up at the wet blonde.

� Thank you. �

� You�re welcome�� For what? �

� You know. �

� Duuuhhhhhhh! � The Deity replied � If I knew, would I have this like totally blank look on my face? �

� Aphrodite, don�t be coy. You were masterminding that whole�.�

Gabrielle stopped short at Aphrodite�s baffled expression.

� You weren�t�.You didn�t��.? �

� Not me, sweetie � The Goddess replied, � When you took off to do your goody-goody deed of the day, I flew to the beach for some sun, sand,�and recreational activities. Why? What happened? �

Gabrielle looked away to hide her surprise. If it wasn�t Aphrodite�s doing, then it was all her! SHE had dominated them, excited them�.no magic, just the force of her own sexual nature.

And Malita! She was real�her feelings, her reactions, all of it.


XXX.

Realization crossed Aphrodite�s face, as she asked, � Gabrielle�..you didn�t �..you know? �

� None of your business! � She snapped.

Aphrodite gave her a disgruntled look. She then grabbed one of the Bard�s boots and flung it a few feet from Gabrielle. Gabrielle gave her a glance of annoyance and leaned forward on her knees to retrieve it. As she did, Aphrodite leaned over and poked a finger into Gabrielle�s vagina, causing the Bard to yelp. As she whirled in a fury around towards the Deity, Aphrodite inserted the finger into her mouth and cleaned it between her lips with a smile.

: Kinda of sore, eh? I guess you have been busy. �

Gabrielle sat back down beside Aphrodite, her expression displaying her temptation to hit the female god with her boot. With a shrug of resignation, she set it aside.

� The thing is�I thought it was something you were behind it�a spell�like that time you turned Joxer into a hero. �

� Oh, honey, I wish I had thought of it! � Aphrodite laughed, � I would have joined in! So�how was it? �

� It was�..the best. It was also scary. I took control�.then lost it. I was like Xena was, when she was a warlord. I dominated the men��

� The�.MEN!? �

� And I whipped this woman with a branch. She wanted me to humiliate her��

� AND I MISSED IT!? OOOOHHHH!!!!! � The Divinity screamed, � And to think I took you for a wuss! Well, baby doll, anything that happened, happened because of what�s in you. Magic had nothing to do with it,�except the magic of your own passion. �


XXXI.

Gabrielle looked down at the grass, embarrassed and ashamed at her revelation. Aphrodite put her arms around The Bard from behind and hugged her.

� You found out that you�re not purer than pure. So what? Xena won�t go back to what she was, but she�ll never be perfect, either. She�ll always be somewhere in between�.mortal. Same as you. Same desires. Same passions�..Well, maybe a bit more extreme in your case. �

The two women laughed. Impulsively, Aphrodite closed her hands over The Bard�s breasts and squeezed them gently. Gabrielle looked at Aphrodite with appreciative eyes.

� Why don�t you tell me more about how you humiliated this woman? � The Goddess requested in a seductive tone.

� Why don�t I show you? � came the breathy reply.

As Gabrielle enveloped the She-god in her arms, Aphrodite proclaimed, � Baby, you�re a hottie! �

� Gabrielle? GABRIELLE!? �

The bard shook her head at the voice and looked up. It was twilight, but she could still recognize the tall figure standing over her.

� Xena! �

� Sorry to wake you, � The woman warrior stated, � I just got back from the patrol. �

Gabrielle sat up, as Xena led Argo down to the water�s edge for a drink. Gabrielle realized that she was fully dressed, down to her boots. She looked around, but nothing was different from the morning. Her staff and knapsack lay beside the blanket she was sitting on, undisturbed. There was no sign of Aphrodite. Was the whole thing a dream? Did she take a swim, get dressed, then doze off waiting for Xena�s return?


XXXII.

� How did the patrol go? � She asked, as she stood up.

� Fine, � Xena replied, � The Romans passed across the border with no trouble. Let�s hope they slice each other up back in Rome and not here. �

The Warrior looked at Gabrielle with expression of concern, as she asked, � How about you? I mean, with Phlanegus? �

� It�s better now. I realized that I did my best. I can live with it now. �

� But do you forgive me? �

The Bard circled her arms around Xena�s waist and held for a moment, her head resting against her lover�s chest, as she said, � You�..WE did what was necessary to stop Ceasar. Nothing to forgive. �

Gabrielle looked up into her lover�s eyes and said, � You know, from the moment I met you, I wanted to be like you�the hero�.the decisive one�even the Conqueror. �

Xena�s eyes widened, but Gabrielle continued before she could speak.

� But I learned that I have to be my own person, my own individual. I can�t be a image.�

� I never wanted anything more for you, Gabrielle. �

� I know, � The Bard sighed, � Maybe it�s time for me to find that person. �

� Any suggestions how? � Xena asked, � I could use some answers myself. �

� Well, we learned a lot on our trip to Chin, � Gabrielle remarked, � Maybe travel? India, perhaps? Or Egypt? Maybe visit Cleopatra? �

� Maybe, � Xena agreed, � We could use some time away from Greece. Let Hercules handle the next crisis. �

The Amazon Queen hugged her tighter, then cradled her head again against the warrior�s chest.


XXXIII.

� Something to think about, anyway, � She sighed.

They held each for a long moment, then Xena broke the embrace, moving towards Argo.

� How about a hot meal and a bed tonight? � She offered, as she stroked the horse�s mane.

� What? �, Gabrielle yelped, not sure if Xena was talking to her or the animal.

� There�s a village not far from here, � Xena replied, � I was thinking of a real meal, a room with a fireplace and a bathtub of hot water to scrub the dirt of the patrol off me. And a soft bed, instead of the ground. �

� A village? �

� Yeah�..it�s called Tarsus. �

� Tarsus? � Gabrielle replied slowly, her body tensing at the word.

Xena turned towards The Bard and her eyes settled on Gabrielle�s throat. A curious expression crossed her face.

� That�s new, � She observed.

� What? � Gabrielle asked, looking behind her.

Xena stepped to her comrade and pushed her hair back from the blonde�s throat, revealing a small star-shaped gem on a tiny chain.

� That�s beautiful, � The warrior smiled, � Where did you get that? �

Gabrielle touched the object at her throat and looked at Xena with a confused expression.

� This? Oh, this! A friend gave it to me. It�s kind of a long story. �

� Well, tell me at the inn in Tarsus, � Xena suggested in a weary tone, � My stomach�s growling. �

As Xena moved to Argo�s head to grab the reins, Gabrielle bent down to retrieve her blanket, staff, and sack. As she packed the blanket away, she realized that she was almost shaking. She steadied herself, hoping that the warrior didn�t notice her tension.


XXXIV.

� Come on, Gabrielle! �

� Right behind you �.

Gabrielle rose to her feet, to see Xena leading her horse down the shore. The Bard looked at her with sad eyes, unable to anticipate what this visit to Tarsus will bring.

As she fell in behind Xena, Gabrielle remembered Malita�s last words, whispered to her before their final kiss.

I am yours.

Touching the stone around her throat, Gabrielle soon found herself walking alongside the Warrior Princess.

Her journey of self discovery was about to begin.

To be continued???????????? ;)


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