Escapade
by
J. Covington
WARNING: While not sexually explicit, this story does contain
mature
themes including a romantic involvement between two adult women.
If this
offends you please do not read any further. If it doesn't and
you want
to read a really funny story, this is the right place.
The characters of Xena, Gabrielle and Argo are owned by MCA/Universal
and no copyright infringement is intended.
NOTE by the author:
With permission from M. Pappas, the author of Ares' Game, I have
written
this intermediate story in a trilogy. I am not a writer, nor do
I want
to be. However, I adore these characters so much that I couldn't
resist
getting my two dinar's worth in somewhere. I admit that I threw
in a
little bit of everything I wanted to see. Thanks to M. for the
editing
and I am pleased to share that we will join efforts in writing
the last
story of the trilogy to be entitled "Secrets Past".
We've already begun
that journey and I am having an awesome time with it.
Hope to keep surprising myself,
J. Covington
"She's about this tall," Xena levels her hand mid-chin,
"and has reddish
blonde hair to below her shoulders." The old man standing
in the
deserted shop looks at Xena blankly. "She carries a staff."
Still no
response. "She doesn't pause for a breath between sentences
much."
"Ahh, yes!" The old man says finally showing recognition
at Xena's
descriptions of the young bard. "She was in here earlier
I think. Or
yesterday. I get the two mixed up." Xena could see this was
not going to
garner her the whereabouts of her friend any time soon. "No...
lets see,
I'm sure it was today. The girl was talking about her friend that
didn't
like to shop. Uh, that must be you." The man looks Xena up
and down with
a slight wrinkling of his nose.
"Yeah, that's me," Xena answered dryly. "Can you
tell me which way she
went when she left?" Xena sighed while the man paused, searching
his
memory. She and Gabrielle had arrived that morning in the mid-sized
village. Gabrielle had declared her intention to shop to her heart's
content, promising to meet Xena later at the tavern for a meal.
When she
didn't show up at the agreed time, the warrior went looking for
her.
Just as she was about to give up on the old man and move to the
next
shop, the man swung around to the counter behind him, picked up
an
object, and then turned to offer it to her. "She really liked
this. Said
she couldn't afford it but I could tell she would have bought
it for
herself if she could. You want to get your friend a gift?"
The old man
looked at Xena with a sly grin as he hoped to make a sale before
she
left.
Xena stared at the unusual piece of jewelry held before her. She
knew
the man was just trying to make a living and could care less about
helping her find her friend, but the bracelet he held out to her
was
exquisite. Xena knew that Gabrielle would have picked just this
very
thing for herself. "How much?" she heard herself ask
despite her
impatience at locating Gabrielle and getting out of this town
and back
on the road.
The shopkeeper smiled and quoted a price that brought Xena's eyebrow
up
to maximum attention. "Of course if you think she's not deserving
of
such a gift..." he turned back to return the bracelet to
it's place.
"I'll pay half. Take it or not," Xena offered. The old
man turned
slowly, looking her up and down again as if trying to decide if
she was
good enough to buy anything in his shop. "Fine, I'll just
be going
then," Xena began as she turned to leave.
"Wait! All right, I'll take it," the man muttered as
he wrapped the
bracelet in a soft cloth and handed it to Xena. Xena smiled as
she paid
the man the agreed amount of dinars. She certainly had not planned
to
buy anything but something about the beauty of the bracelet and
his
clever ploy about Gabrielle wishing she could buy it for herself
changed
her mind. Besides, the man had to make a living didn't he?
"By the way, miss," the man offered Xena on her way
out. "The young lady
you asked about went up the street that way about a half hour
ago," he
pointed to a long row of shops. He smiled broadly showing gapped
teeth
and with a twinkle in his eye went back to his chair in the corner.
"Thanks," Xena smiled as she shook her head. Crossing
the street, the
gift disappeared into a drawstring pouch at Xena's waist. Finding
the
bard was turning into quite an afternoon. Xena hoped they would
still
have enough money left to buy dinner at the tavern before leaving
town.
Just ahead in the crowd, a strawberry blonde head appeared between
bodies for a moment. Xena was glad for her height as it gave her
a
vantage point to recognize the hair which belonged to her best
friend.
Long strides brought her around the corner and she stopped suddenly.
Where was she? Gabrielle had disappeared just as suddenly as she
had
appeared. Xena looked up and down the side street beginning to
get
exasperated with her quest. Gabrielle had managed to waste half
the day
shopping and hadn't shown up at the tavern when Xena had told
her to
meet her there. Not that this was too unusual. But for some
unexplainable reason, Xena wanted to get out of town and set up
camp
before dark. It was just a feeling, still....
"Thanks, no I don't want any. I've got to hurry to meet my
friend. I'm
late you see and she gets kinda upset when I do this - OOPS!"
Gabrielle
backs into Xena and freezes. She knows it's her from the feel
of that
distinctive armor against her back and the smell of Xena's leathers.
"Uh
oh," the young woman turned and slowly looked up into flashing
blue eyes
that normally steal her breath away for other unexplainable reasons.
"Xena! Hi! I was just coming to meet you. I guess I lost
track of the
time, you know."
Xena looked down at her young friend a moment longer realizing
it will
make her start squirming. Serves her right! "Uh huh. Lets
go."
The two women turned up the street heading for the tavern at the
end.
"I'm absolutely starving!" Gabrielle offered as they
reached their
destination.
Xena turned to look at Gabrielle with a feigned look of surprise.
"No
kidding?"
Gabrielle starts, "No...really, I'm not kidding I could eat
a," suddenly
stopping at Xena's transparent smile, "Hey!" Xena strides
across the
room to sit at a defensive location against the wall allowing
a clear
view of the door. Gabrielle followed after a moment but found
her path a
gauntlet of leering bar patrons each with something special to
say to
her on her way by. Dodging hands, a few well directed lips and
something
she couldn't even identify she sat opposite Xena at the table
with a
sigh of relief. "Thanks for clearing a path, Xena,"
Gabrielle starts
with slight irritation. "You could have waited for me. For
a minute
there, I thought I wasn't gonna clear that last set of hands."
Just as Xena was about to tell Gabrielle to learn some new moves,
the
barmaid appeared to take their order. "There's fresh mutton
and some day
old loaves of bread if you're interested," the woman offered
in a
listless voice.
Gabrielle, smiling up at the tired looking barmaid, starts out
enthusiastically "That sounds great! Do you have any fruit?
How 'bout
nutbread? My friend loves nutbread." Xena rolled her eyes
towards the
ceiling. "Dessert. Yeah, that would be even better. What
do you have?"
The woman looked back down at Gabrielle, "There's fresh mutton
and some
day old loaves of bread."
"Oh...okay then. That sounds great, right Xena?" Gabrielle
looked back
at Xena for confirmation before continuing.
"Yeah, fine. Bring me some wine and water for her,"
looking back at
Gabrielle.
"Hey, what if I want some wine too?" Gabrielle took
exception to Xena's
drink order. Xena rolled her eyes upwards. Gabrielle added, "Or
not."
The barmaid looked at the dark haired warrior woman, assumed she
was in
charge and then left to fill their order.
Xena sat back when the meal arrived and quietly ate as she absently
listened to Gabrielle talk about all the wonderful things she
saw that
afternoon in the village. The sound of Gabrielle's voice always
made her
feel warm inside although few could tell that from her outside
demeanor.
The depth of her feelings for this young woman often frightened
the
warrior and she was not used to being afraid. However, she admitted
to
herself that she wouldn't trade a single moment of their time
together.
Especially after expressing those feelings to Gabrielle a few
weeks ago
when Ares' plan had failed to separate them permanently and a
new
awareness had entered their relationship. Each had agreed it was
best to
keep their relationship as normal as possible while they adjusted
to the
possibilities that each other's spoken and unspoken admission
of love
for each other held. Now feeling relaxed from decent food and
the wine
she almost smiled as Gabrielle spoke of the bracelet she had seen
in the
old man's shop earlier.
The tavern was full of patrons and getting louder by the time
they
finished their meal. Seeing the barmaid was busy with a group
of drunken
men shouting on the opposite side of the room, Xena stood saying,
"I'm
going to get some more wine. I'll be back." Gabrielle smiled.
The
warrior was certainly not much for frivolous words but she knew
that
Xena's heart held all the words she could ever need. She had heard
those
words herself from the warrior a few short weeks ago. Still not
sure of
where it would lead but feeling that they would find the path
meant for
them regardless, Gabrielle could hardly believe that a farm girl
from
Poteidaia held this warrior's heart. Her warrior. Somehow that
sounded
right. It carried with it a responsibility that she wasn't always
sure
how to handle. But she would defend that heart with every ounce
of her
soul.
Xena turned from the bar with her mug and had started back towards
their
table when she spotted a man approaching Gabrielle from behind.
Stopping
abruptly, with muscles tensed, adrenaline beginning to surge while
she
prepared to show the fellow an aerial view of the far side of
the room.
Gabrielle turned to look up at the man who has spoken to her from
behind
and jumped up so suddenly that she knocked her chair over backwards.
Then she threw her arms around the man in fierce hug. Xena blinked,
frozen in place for a moment. What the...?
"Tomaius! What are you doing here? I thought you were still
in Athens,"
Gabrielle's words rush out at the joy of seeing someone from her
short
time spent in Athens at the Academy of Performing Bards. Tomaius
returned her hug smiling warmly.
"Gabrielle, I can't believe my luck running into you here!"
The young
man was taller than Gabrielle but a little shorter than Xena.
His eyes
were a beautiful shade of violet, their brightness giving the
effect of
being very striking on an otherwise average face. Xena took a
breath and
tried to relax her coiled muscles as she approached the table.
Seeing her friend approaching, Gabrielle smiled and reached for
Xena's
arm. "Xena, this is Tomaius. We were at the Academy at the
same time.
Tomaius, this is my friend, Xena."
Tomaius looked up at Xena, seeing a cautionary look from the blue
eyes
staring back at him. "Nice to meet you Xena. I see Gabrielle
is well
taken care of. I was afraid she might be alone." The young
man sized up
the warrior in front of him with a little trepidation.
"Tomaius. What brings you to Dorian," Xena shook the
proffered hand with
a grip that startled Tomaius. Xena, motioning for him to sit down
on the
opposite side of the table, pulled up a chair to sit beside Gabrielle.
A
strategic move that Tomaius noticed but wasn't sure meant anything
other
than caution for someone unknown to the warrior. And a warrior
she
definitely is, Tomaius thought to himself. Maybe this wasn't such
a good
idea.
"Yeah, Tom," adds Gabrielle. "Why aren't you in
Athens? Did you already
finish your studies?"
"You could say that Gabrielle. I've been traveling around
now for the
past couple of months trying to earn a living with my stories."
The man
decided to lean back and tried to look relaxed ignoring the two
blue
spears of light aimed in his direction. "Not an easy thing
to do,"
Tomaius laughed, watching Gabrielle and wondering if Xena planned
to sit
there all night.
Gabrielle was oblivious to the undertone going on around her and
started
asking questions about the Academy and other people they had both
known
there. Xena eventually decided that he must have gotten the message
to
tread lightly and decided to extricate herself from this conversation.
"I'm going to check on Argo," Xena said. Looking at
Tomaius added, "I'll
be back."
Walking out into the early evening air, Xena didn't even pause
to enjoy
the sunset. Damn. I wanted to be out of here and making camp by
now she
thought to herself. Now Gabrielle will insist on staying at the
inn. I
wasn't ready for that. It's different in the countryside. Lots
to
concentrate on. The fire, Argo, weapon maintenance. Now it will
be just
four walls, a bed and Gabrielle. Normally not one to complain
about
that, they hadn't stayed at an inn since before the last Ares
incident.
It's not that Xena didn't think she could deal with the situation
but
she didn't like pushing her own limits of control. At least not
where
Gabrielle was concerned. There would be no escaping Gabrielle's
endless
questions and observations about everything happening around them
and
Xena didn't feel like trying to act like she was interested in
anything
going on around them.
"Oh well, it's too late now."
"So Gabrielle, how have things been going for you? And Xena,
of course,"
Tomaius asked.
Gabrielle became thoughtful for a moment, trying to verbalize
in her
mind what traveling with Xena was like. She finally settled on,
"Oh, you
know, save a town here, save a town there. What about you? Have
you been
enjoying your time on the road? How about stories, I'll bet you
have
some great ones! At the Academy you always had some of the most
creative
tales anyone had ever heard."
"Sometimes I really miss the big city, and the Academy. Those
were
pretty fun times compared to the hardships of life traveling around
trying to earn your dinner and keep," Tomaius said, sitting
back again
to study the fine looking young woman before him. "You've
really changed
Gabrielle." At Gabrielle's raised eyebrows he held up a hand.
"No, I
mean that in a good way. You seemed kinda young and innocent at
the
Academy. Oh, you were enthusiastic enough for all of us, but nothing
quite like you seem now." Tomaius smiled as he tilted his
head a little
and pretended to study Gabrielle. "You look...I don't know.
More in
control or something."
Gabrielle smiled back, secretly thrilled that her new found confidence
showed so clearly to someone who knew her from her time at the
school
for bards. If only he knew how out of control emotionally she
sometimes
felt lately. "Thanks, Tom. I've been working on that,"
she said with
honesty. Now to change the subject fast, before he starts telling
me how
my eyes shine like the stars... I've seen that look on a man's
face
before, but right now I don't think I would enjoy it as much.
Especially
with Xena due to appear any time. Oh Gods, Xena! Gabrielle twisted
around in her chair to check the tavern's entrance for signs of
the
warrior woman. The fates are with me so far, she thought, turning
back
to a smiling Tomaius.
The room was now filled to capacity and it was becoming difficult
to
hear over the din of the crowd. Tomaius leaned forward so Gabrielle
could hear him better as he asked, "Are you up for a performance
tonight?"
It took Gabrielle a moment to realize he was talking about the
crowd and
performing as a bard. Where is my mind lately, she thought to
herself,
then to Tom, "As I recall you were the most competitive bard
in Athens!"
"True...I can't resist a competition. So how about it? Shall
we let the
crowd decide who is the best bard?" Tom smiled dangerously,
feeling
confident he could defeat Gabrielle easily. "Of course, we
could make it
interesting...," he added with a slight leer.
"Hmm. Now that does sound like you, Tom. But really I shouldn't.
Xena
will be back any minute and will probably want to get going,"
Gabrielle
sighed.
"You're not afraid of a little competition, are you? I seem
to remember
a young woman at school who would never back down from a challenge,"
Tomaius offered, knowing he had her with that one.
A twinkle appeared in light blue eyes as Gabrielle considered
the
proposition. Xena would kill her but then Xena never backed down
from a
challenge either. She forgot all about stretching Xena's patience
earlier in the day. "Okay, what are the stakes?"
Xena finished checking on Argo, satisfied she had been fed and
watered
properly. She purposely had stayed away from the two at the tavern
to
give them time to catch up. Now she was resigned to having to
return and
face chit chat for who knows how long. Thinking about the young
man,
Xena wondered how good of friends he and Gabrielle had been at
school.
Apparently good enough but not in a serious fashion. Xena was
certain
Gabrielle would have mentioned Tomaius before if there had been
a
romance. Of course, what Gabrielle did on her own was her business.
Like
Hades, Xena thought.
Walking back to the tavern, Xena thought about all that had happened
since she met Gabrielle. Things had certainly never been boring.
The one
thing she could always depend on from her friend was a never ending
supply of surprises.
Tomaius looked up just as Xena entered the room. She seemed to
be in no
hurry to get back to their table, first heading towards the bar.
"Hey,
I've got it. You and Xena are best friends, right? And she's what
you
might call, uh, stoic. You follow? This is the wager. I will stand
up
before everyone here and declare you the greatest bard who ever
lived,
IF you can achieve one tiny little thing during your story."
Gabrielle's attention peaked as she waited for the other shoe
to drop.
"And that is?"
"You have to get the warrior princess of few words to say
she loves you.
After all, you are best friends, right?" Tomaius said, feeling
his
victory before the competition even started.
"Oh great, I have to get Xena to say something she would
never say in
front of a crowd," Gabrielle shot back with a feeling of
impending doom.
"That's really clever, Tom. What about you? What do you think
you can
get Xena to do?"
Gabrielle was stalling as she considered running as fast as she
could
out the front door. Feeling suddenly dry mouthed, she took a long
drink
hoping not to choke from the challenge.
Tomaius, stroking his chin thoughtfully, offers, "How about
I get her to
wink at me." Water suddenly spews across the table at him
as Gabrielle
chokes on her drink. "Oh right, like that's going to happen!
Uh, sorry
about that, Tom."
Tom begins to dry himself as best as he can. "So is it a
deal?"
"Wait a minute. How come mine is so much harder? That doesn't
seem
fair."
Tom spies Xena heading towards the table with drink in hand. "Hey,
you
know her, I don't. Do you really think she's going to wink at
me?"
"Are you about ready to leave, Gabrielle?" Xena asks
as she arrives at
their table. Then speaking to Tomaius, "Hope you two had
a chance to
catch up. It was nice to meet you, Tomaius." Xena looked
back at
Gabrielle expecting her to say her good-byes so they could be
on their
way.
"Actually, Xena, we were just thinking how nice it would
be to hear one
of each other's stories. It's been so long since I've gotten to
listen
to another bard perform. Not that you aren't interesting to listen
to,
of course," Gabrielle supplied quickly. Yeah, right. If you
call about
five sentences at one time a story.
"Mm Hmm. It's getting late. How long will this take?"
Xena knew how much
interaction with other bards meant to Gabrielle and it wasn't
like they
ran into many during their travels. Perhaps one story wouldn't
hurt.
Gabrielle impulsively stood up and hugged the warrior. "Thanks,
Xena! It
won't be that long."
Xena, a bit surprised and a little embarrassed at the gesture
in a room
full of people, stepped back quickly and said, "Go ahead
then. Give them
a good one, Gabrielle." Smiling, she quickly sat back down
at the table,
her back against the wall. Tomaius sat at the table next to her,
careful
not to get too close. He still wasn't sure if she felt him to
be a
threat. He wasn't taking any chances either.
After briefly speaking with the proprietor of the tavern, Gabrielle
walked to the center of the room, stepped up onto a sturdy bench
and
began her story. It began like most of Gabrielle's stories about
her and
Xena's adventures. Xena smiled. How sweet to have chosen one of
our
escapades to treat her audience with instead of one of the many
standards she does so well. Xena's thoughts turned to the pouch
at her
side and the special surprise she knew the bard would appreciate
if for
no other reason than the person who purchased it for her.
Maybe later tonight would be a good time to present it to her...
Tom sat spellbound by the bard before him. He never expected her
to be
this good! What a story, he thought, turning to look at the warrior
beside him. Xena seemed lost in thought, not really even hearing
the
story. How can she keep Gabrielle on the road with her and not
let her
pursue her incredible talent as a bard? Gabrielle was getting
to the
crux of her story, acting out the parts of everyone but Xena.
Tom
noticed she only described Xena's words and actions, being careful
not
to imitate her.
Not realizing how much time had passed, Xena's thought's abruptly
focused on the present as she caught a thread of the story. Gabrielle
was speaking as the voice of Ares. '"She? What do you mean
'she'?!?"'
The room began to shrink in Xena's mind. Like a long tunnel suddenly
carrying Gabrielle towards her narrowing her vision to just the
bard and
her captivating story. Their story. Ares' Game, Gabrielle had
called it.
Writing it down in the short weeks past as she recovered from
the minor
wounds she endured in the battle. By the Gods! Why is she doing
this?
She felt Tomaius' eyes on her and she glanced at him, narrowing
her
eyes. Something was going on here, she suspected. What could he
have
done to prompt this story from Gabrielle?
Gabrielle continued her story as she stepped off her platform.
Hardly a
sound was made by anyone in the room so enraptured were they by
the tale
being woven before them. "'Then Xena dropped her sword at
Ares' feet,
the anger drained from her blue eyes and when she spoke, her voice
was
filled with resignation, tinged with regret. 'This game is finished,
Ares, but you haven't won. You'll never beat me again. I thought
that I
loved you once - but I realized that it was only because of the
power
that you gave me. I understand now what it really means - because
for a
brief moment I saw it in her eyes as she ran across that field
to save
me. If I never see her look at me that way again, I know that
it was
enough and that I am willing to spend the rest of eternity in
Tartarus
just to give her a chance to live'. Xena then dropped to one knee
and
continued.
'So end this game and kill me now but let her live.'"
Xena sat at the table and realized she could not move. Not one
muscle.
Was this shock? Where is the air in the room? Gabrielle had been
slowly
approaching as she almost reached the end of her story. Now standing
before Xena across the table, Gabrielle looked into painfully
blue eyes
that shone with tears that would never fall. Not here. Not now.
Gods,
Gabrielle thought, have I hurt her so? The people waited for the
bard to
finish the story. In her best Ares' voice she finished, "'I
do not
understand you, Xena. How can you be such a fool to be willing
to give
up your life for that of a bard?'"
Gabrielle's audience held their breath. Everyone's attention was
on the
warrior. Xena, watched the young woman standing before her expectantly
waiting for an answer. Gabrielle's eyes were filled with an emotion
she
hadn't seen since her own experience in Autolycus' body. Those
suddenly
bright blue eyes were pleading with her. The silence stretched
until
Xena thought that time had ceased to exist. Then, Xena did the
only
thing she could. She answered. "Because I love her."
The room erupted in applause and shouts as Gabrielle was carried
away
with the crowd congratulating her on her story of the defeat of
Ares.
Xena's eyes never broke contact with those of the bard's until
a wall of
people enveloped Gabrielle on the other side of the room.
Suddenly her attention was taken back to the man sitting next
to her.
Tomaius was shaking his head, muttering "I knew there was
more to it
than "best friends". How could I have been so arrogant.
Stupid! Stupid!
When will I learn not to judge people so quickly. She is twice
the bard
that I am."
Xena simply looked at Tomaius and replied, "Yes, she is."
Then she stood
and made her way towards the bard who had captured her heart.
She wanted
an explanation but that would have to wait.
It took almost a half of an hour to tear Gabrielle away from her
admirers and even then the owner of the tavern tried to convince
them to
stay, even going so far as to supply a comfortable room for the
night in
exchange for the bard's story.
Xena only wanted to escape this town and it's attentions. Tomaius
had
disappeared so Gabrielle went willingly, not being able to collect
her
wager. Nor really needing to now.
They retrieved Argo and Xena practically dragged Gabrielle onto
the
horse's back. Galloping out of the village, Xena turned Argo towards
an
area Xena knew was a safe campsite. Gabrielle kept quiet, hanging
on to
Xena's waist as if her life depended on it. Maybe it did, she
thought
briefly. About two hours later Xena reached her destination. Argo
was
tired and Gabrielle thought she might never ride again.
Xena jumped down first but did not turn to help the bard. Gabrielle's
heart sank. Dismounting as carefully as she could from Argo's
back she
stepped back, waiting. No words or eye contact forthcoming, Xena
lead
Argo to an area with plentiful tall grass, and began to remove
her
saddle and tack. Deciding it best to start gathering firewood,
Gabrielle
began searching the area for dry timber. This proved difficult
for her
in the dark. The moon was hidden behind gathering clouds which
seemed
prophetic to the young woman. If only she would talk to me, yell
at me,
anything!
Gabrielle's thoughts turned back to the day past. It was as pleasant
a
day as she had enjoyed recently. The shopping was a nice break
from
their daily drudgery. So she was late meeting Xena. So what? Is
that a
crime? The meal was average, Xena not offering much in the way
of
conversation, but Gabrielle knew that was not her way. That really
didn't bother her. Seeing Tomaius was quite a surprise, but it
was very
nice. He was talkative, of course, being a bard himself. Sometimes
she
really missed that in her life. Until she thought of Xena and
how much
she felt Xena needed her in her life. And how much she wanted
to be in
Xena's life. They each had something to give to each other. Xena's
strength, determination, honesty and commitment to values that
she had
so lost during her warlord days. Gabrielle's humor, compassion,
tenderness and inner strength that had the ability to cut through
so
many defenses. Together they seemed to each make up a half of
a whole
being. Apart, they searched for each other.
Approaching the camp again, Gabrielle place her armload of wood
on the
ground and began preparing a fire. Xena had finished with Argo
and their
supplies were laid out upon the ground. Sitting on a large rock,
Xena
started inspecting her weapons.
How like her, Gabrielle thought. Making me suffer her silence
and
coldness without explanation as she concentrates on a mundane
task.
Well, I've had just about enough she decided.
Turning to face her friend Gabrielle began, "Listen, Xena,
I don't know
why you're so upset but I want you to know-" Xena cut off
her
explanation with an upheld hand. Gabrielle stopped her speech,
waiting
in silence. Bright blue eyes swung upwards until locking with
pale blue
ones.
"Why?" Xena whispered.
Oh Gods! I have hurt her. Surely she didn't think I told the story
to
embarrass her. How do I get myself into these situations? I'm
not
letting her get away with this attitude thing this time.
"How dare you!"
Xena sat back as if she had just been slapped. What in Hades...?
Walking back and forth in front of the stunned warrior Gabrielle
continued. "Don't you dare act this way with me. Not this
time. I did
not do anything wrong. I'm not some little girl you can expect
to jump
through hoops to please you. I'm a woman who has a mind and heart
of her
own."
Blinking slowly to adjust to the sight of this incredible woman,
eyes
flashing, her red-gold hair shining with a halo of firelight behind
her,
Xena was frozen. Was this her Gabrielle? Xena had never seen Gabrielle
look so beautiful.
Suddenly, the bard stopped pacing and faced Xena. "That was
my heart on
display tonight, not just yours! And it was because I didn't care
if
everyone knew it. I wanted everyone to know it. What is so awful
about
that?"
"Gabrielle...," Xena began but was cut off by the young
woman. She was
just getting started.
At the sound of her own name on Xena's lips she almost caved in.
There
was nothing more powerful to the young bard than the particular
way the
warrior said her name. "Don't you say a word until I'm finished.
That
should be easy enough for you."
Continuing her pacing she picked up her original thought. "I
don't know
if you've noticed or not but on at least three occasions I have
expressed my feelings for you while never hearing those words
from you.
I know, I know, you show how you feel instead, but you know how
important words are for me. And maybe on those occasions I didn't
know
just how deeply I meant those words. Except when I had lost you.
So when
you finally tell me you love me, the way you really meant to,
it was
just the slightest big deal to me, okay? I'm a little new at this."
Xena nodded, understanding what her friend was saying. She also
knew
that Gabrielle wasn't always comfortable with the intensity of
what was
felt between them. But she knew her friend well enough to know
that
Gabrielle would never run away from those feelings.
"You know I loved Perdicus or I wouldn't have married him.
But on some
level that was different. I can't even compare it to this and
I wouldn't
want to try. Please don't expect me to." Gabrielle stopped
again.
Walking up to the woman sitting so patiently as she listened,
Gabrielle
was glad Xena had to look up at her for a change. Reaching out
a hand to
brush the warrior's hair back from her face, she looked down into
molten
blue eyes that she loved so dearly. "Xena, I love you so
much and I just
wanted to show it for once."
Xena caught the young woman's hand in hers and brought it to her
lips.
"Thank you, Gabrielle." The unusual gesture from her
friend made
Gabrielle pause.
Gabrielle's lopsided smile was warm as she looked down at her
warrior's
face. Then surprising both herself and Xena she framed the beautiful
woman's face in her hands, and slowly, as if to accentuate the
deliberation of her actions, brought her face a breath away from
Xena's.
Pausing a moment to look into those incredible blue eyes that
never
faltered, Gabrielle tilted her head just a bit and brought her
lips to
Xena's.
Xena thought she would die from the taste of those lips on hers.
Feather
soft, but firm. Just as she was about to bring her arms up to
embrace
her love, a sound approaching filtered through her haze catching
her
attention. No. It can't be! Someone was coming. On horseback.
Gabrielle, hearing the sound as well, broke the exquisite contact
and
stepped back as Xena reached for her weapons instead of her original
goal. The fire in those eyes caught her own and Gabrielle silently
prayed for the rider that would arrive in a few moments.
Never before had Xena felt so strongly this overwhelming urge
to
throttle someone. And Xena had throttled the best of them in her
time.
Gabrielle wanted to laugh but felt it more prudent to grab her
staff and
stand beside Xena, waiting for the mystery guest to arrive. Gods,
her
knees felt weak thinking about that kiss and what may have followed
if
not for the interruption. She wasn't sure whether to thank the
intruder
or curse him. Was that really me? The feeling she was experiencing
was
still so intense that she decided a closer examination of what
it might
portend would take some time.
A few moments later the horseman appeared through the trees, bringing
his mount to a halt just short of the fire's light. It appeared
to be a
man, wearing a traveling cloak, hood covering his face. Dismounting,
the
man began walking towards the fire and the two women. Just as
Xena was
preparing to launch herself through the air, the man lowered his
hood.
"Tomaius!" exclaimed Gabrielle. Xena did not lower her
sword. Not
trusting the approaching young man she stepped in front of the
bard at
her side.
"Stop right there," Xena commanded. Gabrielle took Xena's
free arm and
tried to pull her back.
"It's okay, Xena. Tom wouldn't try to hurt us," Gabrielle
began, looking
towards the man waiting. "Would you, Tom?"
"Of course not, Gabrielle," Tomaius said with a smile.
Then to Xena, "I
wouldn't be that stupid. Or I might end up just a little bit,
uh, dead."
"You've got that right," Xena replied. "What do
you want?" her eyes
narrowed as she waited for an explanation of his ill-timed arrival.
Tomaius held up a hand and shook his head. "I just wanted
to find
Gabrielle to repay my debt," he said.
Xena looked at Gabrielle and saw the bard wince. "What debt?"
the
warrior said to Tom, glancing at a suddenly skittish Gabrielle.
"Tom, that's okay. You don't owe me anything." Oh Gods,
why did he have
to do this now, thought Gabrielle. Xena brought her attention
back to
their visitor. Still standing a little behind Xena, Gabrielle
began
waving her hands frantically, trying to indicate to Tom to not
say
anymore about it in front of the warrior. Tomaius ignored her.
"We made a bet at the tavern that during our stories we could
each get
you to do something out of character. You know, for fun."
"And what were you supposed to get me to do, Tom?" Xena
asked as she
assimilated this information. She had suspected that something
he had
done had prompted the bard's story tonight, but this confirmation
disappointed her. Was she just a pawn in a game? Is that what
this was
all about? She didn't like being used, by anyone, especially the
woman
she loved. There had to be more to it than that. Xena didn't think
Gabrielle had the guile necessary to purposely hurt her. Give
her a
chance. All may not be as it appears.
"If Gabrielle hadn't astounded the crowd with her story,
I was going to
get you to wink at me," Tomaius supplied, shaking his head.
"A little
weak compared, I know. But given a chance, I think I could have
done
it."
The warrior narrowed her eyes at the young man, something she
found
herself doing often. "You're not my type," Xena replied
with a raised
eyebrow.
"Apparently. Gabrielle's story proved that," he replied
with a sneer. At
that statement from Tom, Xena took a menacing step forward. Tom
stepped
back.
"Watch what you say, little man. You can say anything you
like about me,
but if I hear one word intended to hurt Gabrielle you'll be wearing
a
new sword in a very uncomfortable place." Xena, seeing her
point made,
continued. "So I assume it was Gabrielle's job to get me
to say how I
feel about her."
"Xena," Gabrielle touched her arm again. "It's
really not what you
think," she tried to get Xena to listen to her. Xena ignored
her, still
looking at Tomaius. "So what was the wager?"
"Whoever got you to do or say what we agreed on, the loser
would stand
up in front of everyone and declare them the greatest bard who
ever
lived," Tom stated.
"I see," was all that Xena had to say. Turning to Gabrielle,
she spoke
quietly. "Congratulations, Gabrielle. You're the greatest
bard who ever
lived."
Then as she turned and walked away, "I'm going to check on
Argo."
"Xena!" Gabrielle called out as she tried to follow.
"Not now, Gabrielle," was Xena's reply. "Stay with
Tomaius and enjoy
your victory." Xena continued on into the shadows.
Tomaius joined the distressed bard. "Hey, what's with her?"
he asked.
Gabrielle turned an slapped him on the arm. "You are such
an idiot!
Gods, men are so dumb sometimes. What are you doing way out here
anyway?
Don't you even try to tell me it's because of that stupid bet!"
Tomaius looked at her blankly. "Listen, I just wanted to
talk to you
again. You know, you really are the best bard I've ever heard.
Why do
you stay with that warrior woman when you have such tremendous
talent?
I've heard the stories about the Warrior Princess, and they aren't
very
flattering. She's a ruthless killer for Zeus' sake." Tom
waved a hand in
the direction Xena left them. "I can't imagine what you would
find
attractive about that. I think you're just confused. You have
a gentle
soul, Gabrielle. You should be telling stories for a living!"
"Are you really that stupid?" Gabrielle asked. I thought
I was the
naEFve one. "You don't even know Xena. Didn't you listen
to my story.
That was the truth. Xena would give her life for mine. Probably
even for
you, if necessary. How dare you tell me what is best for me. Look,
it's
really none of your business. I do what I want to do. Not what
anyone
else wants me to. Thank you for your vote of confidence but I
really
don't need it. Now just get out of here, okay?" Gabrielle
had decided
she had enough. "I really mean it, Tom."
"Okay... I'll go. I still don't understand, though. Why do
you stay with
her, when you could be with anyone you want?"
"Is it so hard for you to accept that I am with the one I
want? Oh,
forget it. Who I spend my life with is no concern of yours anyway.
Now
just leave, please."
"I still think you're wasting your life on that-"
"Watch it, Tom."
"uh, warrior," he finished. Gathering his mount he pulled
himself into
the saddle. "I hope I see you again, Gabrielle." Tomaius
rode off the
way he had come.
Not if I can help it, she thought. Briefly thinking of going after
Xena,
Gabrielle decided she would probably just stumble around in the
dark,
getting nowhere. Better to stay at camp and wait for her to come
back.
She kept busy, placing their bedrolls and checking supplies. The
fire
needed her attention so she tended to it, wishing Xena would return
so
she could explain.
An hour passed and she became worried. Trying to calm herself,
she knew
Xena wouldn't have just left her here indefinitely. She would
be back.
Gabrielle was tired from the evenings events. She lay on her bedroll,
looking up at the stars and recalling the night they both lay
describing
their possible shapes and laughing. Gabrielle had been trying
all day to
take Xena by surprise and get through her defenses with her staff.
Without much success, she smiled to herself. Okay, without any
success.
Until that night as they looked up at the stars, totally relaxed.
Gabrielle knew it was now or never and struck Xena quickly in
the face
with her staff. She never expected Xena not to block the staff.
The
whack of the wood was so loud she couldn't believe she'd done
it. Did
Xena really let her hit her, or was it just that she trusted her
so much
that she didn't expect it then? Gabrielle knew she would never
find out.
Gods, tonight she had hit Xena in the face again, figuratively.
Thinking about her reasons for the story she told tonight, she
knew it
wasn't just goading from Tomaius. She wanted to hear those words
again
from Xena. When she had spoken them the first time, Gabrielle
had lain
mortally wounded on the battlefield, protecting Xena. Gabrielle
hadn't
heard the words until later when Xena was describing the events
to her.
It was also the only time she had heard them. It really was selfish
of
her, she knew, to want to hear them in front of everyone. It was
a big
step, not only for Xena but for herself. What she had told Xena
earlier
had been the truth about wanting to show Xena what she meant to
her in
front of other people, in her own way. Gabrielle slowly drifted
off to
sleep.
What a nice dream, Gabrielle thought as she smiled. A feather
soft touch
on her cheek. Warm hands gently touching her shoulders. A small
shake.
Was someone saying something? "Mmrff?" she replied.
A firmer shake.
"Hey, not so hard!"
"Get up, Gabrielle. It's time to go."
Xena's voice! She's back! Gabrielle's eyes popped open. "Xena!"
"Who did you expect," came Xena's sardonic reply.
"Oh, Xena. I was so worried!" Gabrielle sat up quickly,
then wish she
hadn't. She needed to stretch first.
"Umm Hmm. I can tell," the warrior said. Then pointing
out, "That's
probably why you were sleeping so fitfully."
"Hey, I really was worried. I just fell asleep waiting for
you to come
back."
"Whatever. Now get your stuff together. I want to get going."
Xena
turned and busied herself with Argo's saddle.
Gabrielle decided right then that this was not going to be a smooth
day.
She still wanted to explain about the wager with Tomaius but knew
that
now was obviously not a good time. Gathering her bedroll, she
handed it
to Xena to add to Argo's load. The rest of the supplies had already
been
dealt with by Xena.
"Um, Xena?"
"Yeah?" Xena was about to step into the stirrup to mount
Argo.
Gabrielle asked quietly, "Aren't we going to eat first?"
"You can have some jerky if you want. Anything else will
have to wait.
It's late. If we make good time to Legosa, we can eat there about
mid-day."
"Umm, okay... I guess." Traveling on an empty stomach
didn't suit the
young bard. Food was normally top priority on her list. She wished
she
had something besides jerky to fill the void her stomach was announcing
even at that thought.
They set out on the road to Legosa, north of Dorian. Gabrielle
walked
with her staff as usual while Xena rode quietly, but alert to
everything
happening around them. A little rough at times, the road slowed
Gabrielle down once or twice while Xena rode ahead then waited
impatiently for her to catch up.
Several times the young bard tried to engage Xena in conversation
about
their surroundings or the city that they were heading towards,
but the
warrior remained distant, not saying much. Gabrielle finally gave
up.
Fine, if she wants to act that way, it's her loss.
Eventually, the silence got to be too much for the young woman.
"You
know, Xena, eventually you'll have to say something to me besides
'hurry
up, you're too slow, let's go, or I'm waiting.'" Gabrielle
paraphrased.
Xena almost smiled but a sound caught her attention.
"Be quiet," she said to Gabrielle, sitting very still
in the saddle as
she listened for the sound again.
"Oh great. A new one to add to the list." Gabrielle
said but then
noticed that Xena was in 'defense mode' and she quieted. She looked
up
at Xena with a question in her eyes.
"Someone's coming," was Xena's answer to that look.
"On foot."
Sure enough, a woman came into view just then, walking from the
direction they had been heading. Seeing Xena and her companion,
the
woman shouted something and began to run towards them.
Stopping when she reached them, the woman looked at Gabrielle
curiously.
Breathlessly she asked, "Are you the famous bard known as
Gabrielle?"
Gabrielle looked up at Xena with raised eyebrows, then turned
back to
the woman. "I wouldn't exactly say famous but, yes, I guess
that's me.
Do I know you?"
"Oh no, miss. My name is Cordelia. I'm from Thymic, just
down the road a
bit." Looking up at Xena, she asked Gabrielle, "Is this
your traveling
partner, the...warrior woman?" Then pulling Gabrielle aside,
"I'll bet
she's great protection on the road." The woman winked.
Gabrielle shrugged then started to answer, "Actually....the
truth be
known, sometimes she's a real pain in the-"
"Huh, hmm. Excuse me ladies," Xena interrupted sarcastically,
"I hate to
break up this nice little chat but could you tell us what it is
that you
want?"
Sighing, Gabrielle spoke conspiratorially to Cordelia, "Don't
mind her.
She's just grumpy today. Must have eaten too much nutbread last
night.
So, what can we do for you, Cordelia?"
"My village received news this morning of your presence in
Dorian this
evening past. We heard of your adventures. The great bard, Gabrielle
and
her traveling companion...uh," Cordelia cocked her head towards
the
woman on horseback while addressing Gabrielle, "I'm sorry.
What's her
name?"
Oh, this is too good to pass up. Gabrielle could barely contain
her
laughter as she tried to answer Cordelia. "Xena is her name.
But is that
really important, Cordelia?"
The woman looked up at Xena, wrinkling her nose. "I don't
think so.
Anyway, the thing is that my village needs your help. We had news
of the
story that you told last night at Hassius' tavern. Anyone who
could make
a fool of Ares like that is bound to be able to take care of Korbakus
for us."
"Korbakus?" Xena asked, tired of listening to this woman
and being
treated like a servant. Oh, Gabrielle was really enjoying this,
Xena
thought.
"Yes, uh, Xena wasn't it?"
Xena nodded. "So what is the problem?" Xena was tired
and hungry and
wished she had allowed them breakfast this morning. She would
never
admit that to Gabrielle of course.
Turning back to Gabrielle as if she was in charge, the woman told
them
of the Oracle of Thymic, Ademenia. A few weeks earlier a man named
Korbakus sought the wisdom of the Oracle. Unfortunately, Ademenia
had
only bad news for the man. More than a little disturbed, Korbakus
vowed
that if the Oracles' visions for himself came true, he would seek
out
Ademenia and kill her. Talk about killing the messenger who brings
bad
news! Two days ago, Korbakus came into town looking for the Oracle.
Almost every prophecy the Oracle had given him had come true,
except for
the final one, his death. Feeling it was only a matter of time
before it
did, Korbakus began to tear the village apart. The village had
done
their best to protect the Oracle, hiding her at different places
but
soon there would be no stopping the angry recipient of bad news.
"Please help us, Gabrielle. Our village would be so grateful,"
Cordelia
promised. "Oh, and you will bring 'her', right?" Cordelia
asked glancing
sideways at Xena. "Korbakus is a big fellow and fights better
than
anyone in our poor village. I'm sure your warrior could be useful."
Gabrielle took Cordelia by the arm, steering her away from a seething
Xena. "Cordelia," Gabrielle spoke conspiratorially,
"could you excuse us
a moment? I need to speak to my warrior. You know, to discuss
plans,
strategies, that kinda thing." Cordelia nodded and walked
ahead just out
of earshot.
"So what is your plan, 'O Great One?' Am I actually to be
allowed to
accompany you on this escapade?" Xena raised that expressive
eyebrow.
That gesture was one of Gabrielle's favorites but she didn't have
time
to enjoy watching Xena right now. Cordelia was waiting. "Oh
c'mon, Xena.
You've should have seen your face when she called you 'my warrior'.
Now
you know how I usually feel," she laughed, then walked up
to Argo and
put her hand on Xena's leg. Xena looked down at Gabrielle and
thought
about how beautiful the young woman had become. Considering Gabrielle's
comment, Xena wished she could express to her how important she
really
was to her. Not just because of their friendship but in so many
other
ways. Xena knew she could depend on Gabrielle with her life. And
she had
countless times...
Gabrielle was talking to her. "Hmm?" Xena asked, bringing
herself back
to the present.
"I asked you what you were thinking?" the young woman
said tilting her
head back and to the side.
"I'll tell you later. I promise. Right now it looks like
we've got
follow this woman and see if we can help. This had better not
take long.
Oracles have a way of making one uncomfortable." Xena urged
Argo into a
walk.
Gabrielle turned and trotted to catch up. "Why is that?"
"They always want to tell you things you don't really want
to know,
"Xena prophesied. "Just ask Korbakus."
About an hour later, the trio walked into the village of Thymic.
There
was no sign of Korbakus. Good, the warrior thought. Maybe we can
get
something to eat first. I could eat a...Gods, I'm beginning to
sound
like Gabrielle!
Confirming that all was calm for the moment, Cordelia led the
bard and
her warrior to the tavern. The town was smaller than Xena expected
considering they had a resident Oracle. Still, as long as it had
some
place decent to eat and drink, Xena was mollified.
Strolling to her 'usual' table at the back of the Boar's Inn as
the
tavern was named, Xena was struck by the similarity to their
surroundings just the night before. Remembering the bard's tale
of their
conquering love for each other, and the temporary defeat of Ares,
she
wondered if Gabrielle was thinking the same thing.
Cordelia spoke to the proprietor of the tavern and inn, proclaiming
that
the great traveling bard, Gabrielle and her companion had arrived
to rid
them of the revenge seeking Korbakus. Then asking the owner to
bring the
two women anything they needed she returned to tell them that
she was
leaving to get word to the people hiding Ademenia that help had
arrived.
Cordelia promised to return.
Food and wine appeared shortly at their table and both ate ravenously.
"I didn't think I was gonna make it," Gabrielle said
between bites of
mutton.
"Me either," Xena admitted.
The young woman smiled. She noticed there weren't many people
around,
probably from fear of Korbakus, and suddenly decided to broach
the
subject of her public display the night before while the opportunity
presented itself. Stretching her hand across the table placing
it on top
of Xena's, Gabrielle whispered, "I'm sorry."
The warrior looked into Gabrielle's light blue eyes. "You
shouldn't be.
It wasn't fair of me not to give you another chance to explain.
I do
believe what you said last night. It just happened that way."
Xena sat
back. "I wish you would have told me about the wager, though.
I would
have listened, Gabrielle."
"The way Tom made it sound later, I guess I wasn't sure how
to explain
what happened. I'd like to now," Gabrielle's voice raised
in a question.
At Xena's sigh and nod she continued. "I really didn't tell
the story
just because of his silly bet. In fact, when I first started,
I hadn't
even planned to tell that story at all. But standing up there,
looking
at you across the room, something just told me it was time to
express to
whomever would listen just how I feel about you. I have to admit,
I was
pretty scared. "
Leaning forward in her chair Xena prodded, "It probably didn't
hurt to
know that you could get me to say those words on command. Am I
right?"
"Let's just say that I hope the next time, and there will
be a next
time, we won't have an audience." Squeezing Xena's hand,
Gabrielle
released her and happily finished her meal.
Xena had no time to consider that comment because Cordelia rushed
inside
the tavern door and motioned to them. "Great, your humble
servant has
arrived," Xena noted with a wry smile.
They rose and met the woman at the door. "Korbakus is back!
He'll be
here any minute," Cordelia spoke to Xena. "Ademenia
told me to tell you
to be watchful of the 'golden treasure'. She said you would know
what it
meant. Also, Korbakus will be ready for you. Do not use your weapons.
You will die if you do. If you die the one who calls death 'friend'
will
seek revenge on many. Ademenia's prophecy to Korbakus said that
you
would be the instrument of his death. He will know what is to
happen and
only you can change it."
"I can hardly wait," Xena rolled her eyes.
"Do you know what she meant, Xena?" Gabrielle asked,
concern on her
face.
"No, but I'm sure we'll find out soon. I hear him coming
now." Xena
looked out the door and saw a large man carrying a broadsword
about
three buildings down the street. "Gabrielle," she began
but the bard cut
her off.
"No way, Xena. I'm not staying behind. She said you couldn't
use your
weapons. That you would die if you did. Not that even that slows
you
down too much, but what if you need me? I'm not staying here.
Where you
go, I go."
"There's no time to argue. Stay out of the way. Understand?"
her concern
for her friend gave her voice an edge.
Gabrielle took a deep breath then nodded her compliance. Xena
stepped
out onto the street. That was way too easy, she thought. Something
else
to worry about. Casually walking to the center of the street,
she waited
for Korbakus to notice her. A few moments later, the huge man
looked up
from the peasant he was terrorizing to see the warrior standing,
sword
sheathed, waiting.
"So, the mighty Warrior Princess has arrived! Let me welcome
you, Xena,"
Korbakus spat. "I thought you'd be bigger by the stories
they tell. You
don't frighten me."
"Men...that's what they all say," Xena replied calmly,
waiting for an
opening. The large man closed the distance between them, bringing
his
sword around to strike at her midsection. Xena jumped back at
the last
moment and spun into a kick, striking him in face. He staggered
a step,
then turned and laughed. "Nice try, precious," Korbakus
sneered.
"Oh please, we hardly know each other." Xena kicked
a foot into the
man's knee, causing him to stumble for a moment. Recovering quickly,
Korbakus brought his sword around faster than she anticipated
and she
received a small gash on her upper arm from the tip of the blade.
He was
quick for so large a man. Before he could strike again, she launched
into a flip over his head, landing on the rim of the village well.
He
turned and taunted, "Why don't you use your sword, Xena.
Are you afraid
I'll knock it out of your hand and have to kill you with it?"
"What sweet words. Are you sure you're not a poet, Korbakus?"
She began
her war cry as she flew through the air again, landing behind
the large
man and throwing her weight into a two fisted swing at his head,
"Aiyiyiyiyiyiyi!" It was a glancing blow as he leaned
back, then brought
the hilt of his sword up, catching Xena's chin and snapping her
head
back. She tasted blood, but gave no indication of any pain. Her
arm shot
out, connecting with Korbakus' forearm, the other arm following
suit
only to be blocked again by Korbakus. He knows my every move.
She back
tracked to rethink her attack.
"You aren't running already, are you?" The big man gave
her a feral
grin.
Xena walked around him, ignoring the pain in her head, as she
planned
her next move. Catching a glimpse of blonde hair, she stopped.
Gods, no.
I knew you wouldn't stay put. Xena's vision was just a bit blurry
from
the head injury but she could see her. Gabrielle was crouching
just
behind the water well, staff in hand. Korbakus seemed oblivious
to the
young woman's presence. Xena hoped it would stay that way.
Hoping to keep Korbakus focused on just her, she taunted him,
"What's
the matter? Tired of the chase already?"
"Just to make it fair, Xena, since it looks like you've been
warned,
I'll even the odds for you." He threw his sword down and
waited.
Gabrielle saw this as her opportunity to catch him off guard and
she
stood ready for the attack. A few steps later she reached him
and swung
her staff at the back of his knees. If she could just get him
off
balance she knew it would give Xena her chance. He knew it was
coming.
He turned, blocking the staff and grabbing the small woman by
the arm
and twisting it behind her back. "Gabrielle!" Xena yelled
too late. With
his other arm around her neck, he held off the warrior with a
menacing
promise. "Try it and I'll break her neck!" The hot sun
beat down upon
them in the street. Gabrielle's blonde hair shown with golden
light, a
halo around her in relief to the dark thug behind her. Be watchful
of
the 'golden treasure'. It was Gabrielle! Xena watched Gabrielle's
eyes
as the bard looked down at her staff which lay just within reach
at her
own feet. Be watchful...
"Now you're mine, warrior. You'll do anything to protect
the little one,
everyone is talking about it." Korbakus taunted Xena. Xena
casually
glanced at Gabrielle's foot, inching underneath the staff. "She's
not
bad to look at of course. I might even enjoy her myself later."
He
picked up a handful of the red-gold hair and inhaled it's scent.
A cold mask came over Xena's face. "Although, I don't know
what you see
in such a skinny piece of -" Korbakus never finished his
statement as
Gabrielle flipped the staff with her foot in an upwards arc towards
Xena
with all the strength she had. As it sailed through the air, Korbakus'
grip slackened on the bard, his attention on Xena, and she twisted
out
of his hold, watching as Xena caught her staff. Then falling to
the
ground, Gabrielle waited as the staff was launched like a spear
towards
the chest of the large, very surprised man. Striking him, the
force
drove him the step back necessary to cause him to crash into the
wall of
the water well and as he lost his balance completely, he fell
inside the
well to his death.
Xena rushed to Gabrielle, helping her up. "Are you alright?"
she asked,
checking her for injuries.
"I'm fine, Xena. Really. Thank the Gods that worked! And
you didn't have
to use your weapons like the oracle said. You used mine!"
Xena shook her head. Cordelia ran out to them as well as some
of the
other villagers that had been watching the confrontation. "You
did it
Gabrielle! You saved Ademenia and our village! The stories we've
heard
are true, you are strong of heart, with the courage of a hundred
men."
Gabrielle looked at Xena helplessly. What a bunch of idiots! "Um,
I
think a hundred is a bit overstated and well, I did have some
help you
know. Xena kept him busy."
"Oh, yes... of course. Hurray to you too, uh...Xena."
Xena took Gabrielle's arm and pulled her aside. "Can we go
now? I have a
splitting headache and she's not making it any better."
"Sure. Hey, let me look after that cut he gave you,"
Gabrielle pulled
Xena after her inside the The Wild Boar.
Half the town began to fill the tavern, thanking the bard and
trying to
get her to tell a story. The unexpected adulation was even getting
on
the young woman's nerves now. "I hate to say this, Xena,"
Gabrielle
whispered, "but this place is weird!" Not feeling much
like delivering a
performance after the day's events, Gabrielle breathed a sigh
of relief
when a woman of obvious influence persuaded the crowd to leave
them
alone for the time being. Turning to the relieved pair she introduced
herself.
"I am Ademenia. I apologize for our behavior. We don't get
many famous
travelers through here. Please accept our gratitude for your help.
I
especially need to thank you for it was my life that you saved."
The
woman smiled warmly, reminding Xena of her own mother many years
ago.
"You must stay in Thymic tonight. It is late now and we would
like to
make you comfortable. A room is being readied for you here at
the Inn.
Just ask and a meal will be brought to you when you desire."
"You don't have to convince me!" Gabrielle offered.
Looking up at the
tall woman standing next to her she asked, "what do you think,
Xena?"
"I guess it wouldn't hurt. Actually, a bath might be a good
idea as
well."
Ademenia waved a hand to a woman who had been quietly standing
behind
her as if awaiting orders. The woman bowed her head, then left
to
prepare a bath for them. "As you wish. If there is anything
that you
need, just ask the girl. Her name is Kiala and she will stay to
ensure
you of privacy. Tell her of anything you need and she will bring
it to
you. I am especially pleased you are here, Xena. I need to speak
to you
before you leave us." Xena looked at Gabrielle and arched
her eyebrow,
communicating the thought I told you so. "Now, I shall leave
you two
until tomorrow. Relax and enjoy your stay." The woman left
the tavern
and Gabrielle couldn't help feeling like Ademenia had put off
telling
Xena something important.
"Well, I don't know about you but I'm tired and could use
a bath too.
Especially after being handled by that goon out there," Gabrielle
wrinkled her nose in distaste as she flipped her red-gold hair
over her
shoulder, remembering his hands lifting it earlier.
Xena replied, "You could have been handled a lot worse. I
told you not
to interfere. Why did you sneak out there?," her voice rose
in agitation
remembering the sight of Gabrielle with Korbakus' arm around her
neck.
"You could have been killed and I may not have been able
to stop him
from breaking your neck!"
Looking up at the beautiful, fierce blue-eyed woman that she called
friend, Gabrielle couldn't help but think back to an answer she
herself
sought only the night before. Gabrielle's voice was strong and
carried a
bit when she proclaimed, "Because I love you."
A hush fell around them as the remaining people turned in their
direction. Gabrielle could swear she saw a blush rising on Xena's
face.
"I don't think you said that loud enough for Argo to hear,
Gabrielle,"
the warrior's voice was quiet.
Gabrielle took a deep breath and opened her mouth to repeat her
statement but Xena quickly put her hand over the young woman's
mouth.
"That's okay. You can tell her tomorrow. I'm ready for that
bath now.
Let's go." She headed for the stairs, Gabrielle followed,
trying not to
laugh.
At the top of the stairs, Kiala met them and escorted them to
their
room. "When you are hungry," the quiet woman stated,
"call my name and I
will bring your meal."
"Thank you, Kiala."
"It is nothing, Xena. I would do anything for you. You saved
my mother's
life today. I hope you will listen to her," the shy woman
bowed her head
and turned to leave, closing the door behind her.
Xena stood there a moment, thinking. "Hmm. I wonder what
that's
about...," she began as she turned away from the door. Xena's
breath
caught in her throat as she saw Gabrielle standing with one foot
in the
bath, her clothes in a pile at her feet. Quickly pulling her eyes
away,
she walked over to the small table beside the bed, removed her
weapons
and laid them on the table.
The warrior had seen her friend many times in the nude, but lately
the
prospect of dealing with those images was daunting. Xena was in
love
with the young woman and as painful as it was, she would ignore
those
feeling unless they were fully shared. Pain was no stranger to
the
statuesque warrior. Her blue eyes shone with it many times. At
times her
friend would notice and ask her what was wrong and she could only
say
that it was nothing and change the subject. Lately she had noticed
that
when this would happen, Gabrielle would make it a point to hug
her or
touch her arm to let her know she was there for her if she needed
her.
If she only knew how much she really did need her. Why don't you
tell
her that, a voice whispered inside her mind. She's not ready to
hear it,
she replied. I think you just can't accept the fact that someone
could
return and even match those feelings. You don't trust anyone,
even the
one you love more than your life.
"Ohh, Xena. This bath is perfect," Gabrielle said innocently
as she
immersed herself in the water. "I hope you don't mind, but
I couldn't
wait!"
"Not at all. In fact, now that I think about it, maybe I'd
better go
check on Argo."
"Whoa. Wait a minute. You're not going anywhere. Argo is
fine and you
know it. Would you just settle down. You're always running off
to check
on her. No wonder Argo and I don't always get along," Gabrielle
blew the
hair off her forehead as she leaned back in the water.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Xena asked, walking
over to the window
and pretending to be absorbed in the view outside.
"Nothing. Gee, don't bite my head off. I just mean that you
always seem
to disappear when something is bothering you. Am I bothering you,
Xena?"
By the Gods, Xena thought, if you make me stay here while you
take a
leisurely bath I will definitely be bothered. "What? Oh no,
of course
not. I just worry about Argo. That's all. Are you going to be
in there
long?" she asked.
Gabrielle considered the question. "I don't know. The water
is perfect.
And I feel so good."
I know.
"I wouldn't mind sharing, I think the tubs big enough."
Gabrielle
offered.
Xena sat on the end of the bed and fell backwards. "That's
okay. I think
I'll pass," she replied in a strangled voice. Yeah, pass
out is more
likely.
"Suit yourself." Water splashed as the young woman washed.
"Uh, Xena?"
"Yeah?"
"Could you hand me the soap on the table?"
Oh Gods, no! Who could be doing this to me? Aphrodite, maybe?
"Xena?" Gabrielle repeated.
"Hmm? Oh, sorry." Xena stood carefully, walked over
to the table and
picked up the soap. Taking a deep breath, she turned and walked
over to
the tub handing the soap to Gabrielle but not looking at her.
"Here."
"Thanks. Are you okay? You look kinda strange." Gabrielle
asked with
concern.
"Actually, I still have a headache. I think I'll lie down
awhile." Quick
thinking, Xena, she told herself.
She began removing her arm bracers, then sat back down on the
edge of
the bed as she unfastened her armor. "I could help you with
that," she
heard Gabrielle tell her.
"No, that's okay. I've got it." Yeah, right. I've got
to get my mind on
something else. "Are you hungry yet?" she asked her
bathing friend.
"Um, don't laugh but not yet. How 'bout you?"
Oh, I'm starving. "No, me either," was all Xena could
come up with.
Xena finished removing her boots. Laying back on the bed she heard
Gabrielle ask, "You aren't going to sleep in you leathers,
are you?"
"What difference does it make?"
The sound of water caught her attention and she knew Gabrielle
had just
stepped out of the tub. "Well, it makes a difference to me.
Why don't
you take the bath now. I'll get fresh water for you if you want."
The
young woman picked up their pack and pulled out a shift to slip
over her
head. At Xena's lack of response she added, "No offense,
but you really
could use it."
Xena sighed. In for a dinar... "You're right. This water
will be fine
though."
"Great! I think I'll ask Kiala if she could find something
comfortable
for you to sleep in, I know that would make you feel better."
Not to
mention how much nicer to smell.
"Fine," the now exhausted woman replied.
Gabrielle opened the door and spotted Kiala sitting in a chair
at the
end of the hall. "I'll be right back, Xena," she called
over her
shoulder.
Removing her leathers and stepping into the still warm bath, Xena
decided that the fates must either really love her or hate her.
Sitting
down, she began to wash as she thought about the past two days.
She
leaned back and closed her eyes. What a luxury to have a bath
in the
room. Not many Inns even in Athens had that amenity. The water
was warm
and soothing as the tension began to ease from her shoulders.
In the
back of her mind, she heard the door open and assumed it was Gabrielle.
Keeping her eyes closed, she wanted to enjoy a few more minutes
in the
bath. Lightly, fingers began to massage her shoulders. She opened
her
eyes expecting to see blue ones above her and was surprised to
see the
brown ones of Kiala. Xena had never been self conscious about
her own
body and she wasn't now. She was however, curious.
"Kiala? What are you doing here?" Xena sat up and waited
for her to
answer.
"I brought you something to wear, as Gabrielle asked."
"Where is Gabrielle?"
"I found a robe for her and she went to the kitchen to see
if there was
anything for your headache."
"I see. Thank you for bringing the night clothes, Kiala,"
Xena began to
wash the slight wound she had received from her fight earlier,
expecting
Kiala to leave now. Instead the young woman kneeled beside the
tub. Xena
supposed that the girl was a couple of years younger than Gabrielle.
Wondering why she hadn't left and becoming a little uncomfortable
with
her sitting there she bluntly asked, "What?"
"I am sorry, Xena. It is only that I wish to talk with you,"
the young
woman hung her head.
"Couldn't we talk tomorrow? It's late, don't you want to
go home. We'll
be all right tonight. I'm sure your mother would understand if
you
didn't stay." Xena finished her ministrations to the cut
on her arm.
"I have offended you." The girl looked terrified. Xena
thought, I don't
have time for this.
"No, Kiala. You haven't done anything to upset me."
Yet. "What is it you
wanted to talk to me about?" Xena stood in the bath and reached
for a
drying cloth.
"I will not leave tonight. It is my mother's wish that I
stay to watch
over you and Gabrielle. I will not intrude, I promise. I need
to ask you
something before I leave you."
"Yes?" Xena began drying herself off, stepping out of
the tub.
"Promise that you will not speak of this to anyone, except
your friend,
of course," Kiala asked.
"Sure, Kiala. What is it?"
"I am like my mother in many ways. We have not spoken of
it, but I have
the dreams as my mother does. She had hoped they would not plague
me as
they do her. I have seen you many times in those dreams."
"I see," Xena replied. What I don't need right now is
my future read.
"Do not worry, I have not seen your future. Only mother knows
what will
happen for you there. I have seen you throughout my life. Even
as a
small child, I dreamt of you. For a long time, I did not know
who you
were. Just that some awful thing had driven you to cause much
pain to
many. Especially yourself."
Xena winced. How unfair for such a young child to witness her
past as a
ruthless warlord.
"I believe what I see is happening to you at the same time
that I see
it. It is hard to explain. Last night I saw you sitting in a tavern
in a
village not far from here. Your friend was telling a story about
you to
the people. It was a special moment. Your friend loves you very
much,
doesn't she?" Kiala looked up at Xena with wonder in her
eyes.
"Yes. I believe she does."
"And you love her also?" Kiala asked, almost shyly.
"With all my heart. I would have no heart without her."
Kiala stepped closer to Xena and wrapped her arms around her.
"Never let
her go, Xena. But after you hear my mother's words tomorrow remember,
there are others who love you too!"
The door opened and Gabrielle walked happily into the room, carrying
a
tray of snacks and wine. "Hey, Xena , look what I brou-"
Gabrielle
looked up and stopped suddenly. "Yikes!" she exclaimed,
almost knocking
over the wine. Kiala jumped back and ran from the room. "Xena?
What in
Tartarus is going on?"
A very naked Xena merely shrugged as she walked over to the bed
and
picked up the clothes Kiala had brought for her to wear. Pulling
the
beautiful night dress over her head, she sat down on the bed and
waited
for the pending explosion. She didn't have to wait long.
Gabrielle sat the tray down on the bed and turned to close the
door. "I
did not see what I just saw," she began. "What was Kiala
doing here? And
why were you two, uh.... well, you know."
"No, Gabrielle. I don't know." Xena calmly began to
pick at the food on
the tray.
"Don't you give me that. You were naked! And that... that
girl was all
over you." Gabrielle stood in front of Xena, feet apart and
her hands on
her hips.
"I wouldn't say that. It was just a hug, Gabrielle. Why are
you so
upset?"
Gabrielle's eyes flashed a warning. "Why am I...? Look, Xena.
That girl
is too young to be throwing herself at someone like...uh, well
what I
mean is... oh, you know what I mean."
"Are you saying I'm too old to be interested in someone as
young as
she?" Xena smiled now, thinking this was not what she had
imagined the
night to hold.
"It's not that you're too old, Xena. But she is certainly
too young for
you!"
Xena lay back on the bed and replied, "I think you were right
the first
time. I'm just too old."
Gabrielle got the feeling she had really misunderstood something
but
couldn't stop herself from continuing. "I thought you were
much more
interested in a slightly more mature, nurturing person who happens
to
care about you very much." Feeling a little calmer now that
she had a
chance to blow off some steam, she plucked a grape from the tray
and
held it to Xena's lips. Yes, she must have just misunderstood.
My Xena
would never do something like I thought she was doing. Huh?
Taking the grape from her love's fingers, Xena chewed thoughtfully
a
moment. "Hmm. I don't know. There's a lot to be said for
the energy of
the young."
Punching Xena's shoulder, Gabrielle said, "Oh stop. You are
no more
interested in that girl than I am. Although, I would love to have
hands
like hers," she observed.
"Yes, the backrub was nice."
"What?!? Oh, you. Stop joking around."
Xena smiled her brightest as she popped another grape in her mouth.
"Who's joking!"
"Oh, great. Now I am going to have to watch you like a hawk.
So what was
all that about, anyway," Gabrielle asked as she began to
eat the snacks
she had brought Xena.
Xena retold most of what Kiala had told her. Gabrielle sat back
when she
was finished and said, "How sad for her. She has felt this
connection to
you all her life, never knowing you. No wonder she's in love with
you."
"What? That's ridiculous," Xena shook her head.
"Oh really. Well it's pretty obvious to me. I know that look,
Xena. If
I'm not careful I could be old news. At the very least she has
a crush.
You can be pretty dazzling, you know."
"Yeah, right. Actually, I'm kinda fond of my 'old news'.
As you pointed
out I'm too old to train someone so young." Gabrielle coughed
on her
fig. "I am rather curious about what her mother has to tell
me." Sitting
up, Xena began to stretch contentedly. "I've had enough of
this. Thanks
for bringing it up, it was just right."
Gabrielle stood up also, picking up the tray and setting it on
the table
across the room. "Sure, no problem. So are you ready for
bed?"
"Yeah."
Pulling the bedcovers back and then climbing into bed, Gabrielle
waited
for Xena to extinguish the lamp. Darkness enveloped the room and
she
felt Xena's weight on the other side of the bed as she got in
under the
covers. They lay quietly for a while, each alone with their thoughts.
Just as Xena was beginning to believe that her chattering friend
had
been replaced by a look alike, Gabrielle whispered, "Xena?"
"Hmm?"
"Can I ask you something?"
"I don't know. Can you?"
"Hey, be serious, okay." Gabrielle snuggled closer to
Xena's back and
laid her hand on Xena's arm. Xena's nerves were standing at attention
now and she carefully replied, "Okay. What do you want to
know?"
"You didn't really find Kiala attractive, did you?"
Gabrielle's voice
was husky now.
Xena was silent a moment, thinking how to answer without laughing.
Gabrielle began to worry. "No, Gabrielle. I really didn't.
I did feel
sad for her. I'm sorry she had to see as a child what terrible
things I
did back then."
The young woman beside her was quiet for a few minutes. "Xena?"
Sigh. "Yeah?"
The unexpected happened. A small voice asked, "Will you kiss
me,
please."
Xena tensed. Oh Gods! "What did you say?"
Gabrielle's hand gently stroked her arm absently. "I know
you heard me,
Xena. You have the most amazing hearing of anyone I've ever heard
of."
Xena turned slowly until she faced those blue eyes just visible
in the
moonlight shining through the window. "Why? I thought we
agreed we
would..." Xena paused as Gabrielle placed a finger on her
lips. "Shut up
and just do it, Xena," Gabrielle requested.
Xena raised herself up on her forearm and looked down at the lovely
young woman she cared for more than life. How could she refuse
her
anything? Xena lifted her hand and brushed back a pale wisp of
hair from
Gabrielle's face. Gabrielle caught her hand and pulled it around
her
slender waist. "Please," she whispered. That did it.
Lowering her head,
Xena brushed her lips over Gabrielle's very lightly. Not satisfied,
the
young woman raised her head to meet Xena's wanting firmer contact.
Xena
pulled back just out of reach. "Xena!" Gabrielle growled.
Xena's white
teeth flashed in the most gorgeous smile the young woman had ever
seen.
"Not so fast, little one. There's method to this madness,"
Xena
promised. "Not if I die first," was Gabrielle's reply.
"We wouldn't want
that," Xena purred.
This time there was no hesitation as Xena's lips met hers. Gabrielle
thought that all the air in the room had just disappeared. Even
without
it, all she could focus on was the woman above her and what she
was
doing to her mouth. Gabrielle tried to raise her arms to hold
on to Xena
but she realized she had lost control of every muscle. I feel
like a rag
doll! Okay, a rag doll with an exploding heart. Xena caressed
the lips
beneath hers with a tenderness that held more than a hint of the
passion
she was feeling. Gabrielle had never felt anything as powerful
as the
sensation flowing through her now. Why do I suddenly feel like
a virgin,
Gabrielle thought. Slowly, the contact diminished as Xena raised
her
head again. Looking down into glassy blue eyes she asked, "Is
that what
you wanted?"
"Uh, huh," was all Gabrielle could get out.
"Good. Now go to sleep, tomorrow we travel." Xena rolled
over and tried
to act for all the world as if nothing just happened.
"Oh Gods! Am I still alive?" Gabrielle asked, finally
coming back around
from her dizzying experience. "What are all those funny colored
lights
dancing around the room?"
"You'll live, Gabrielle. Close your eyes and go to sleep."
"Sleep? Are you crazy? I don't think I'll ever sleep again..."
Xena awoke the next morning before Apollo began his journey across
the
sky. Carefully she lifted the arm holding her and eased out of
bed.
Gabrielle stirred and grabbed Xena's pillow, pulling it close
to her
then drifting back off. Xena smiled enjoying watching the young
bard
while she slept. Then she dressed in her leathers, armor and weapons.
Pulling her boots on she quietly left to check on Argo.
Gabrielle gradually awoke about an hour later when the sun's light
flooded the room. "Xena?" she mumbled drowsily. Sitting
up to see the
warrior was gone, she smiled and lay back down, remembering the
kiss
from the night before. Holy Zeus! Stretching, she decided to get
dressed
and look for the woman of many skills. Ha! She thought, that was
one
skill that could be pretty darn handy.
After dressing, she opened the door and stepped out into the hallway.
Kiala still sat in the chair at the end of the hall. The girl
looked up
when she heard Gabrielle. Avoiding her eyes she said, "Good
morning,
Gabrielle."
Gabrielle practically skipped down the hall. "Hello, Kiala!
Have I told
you what beautiful hands you have?"
Kiala looked at her, puzzled. "No, miss. Thank you, I mean.
Can I get
you anything."
"How about a six foot warrior dressed in leather?" Gabrielle
laughed at
the shocked look Kiala gave her. "I mean, have you seen Xena?"
"She is at the stables, I believe."
"Of course. I'll just go and find her. Do you think we could
eat
breakfast when we get back?"
"I will see to it, Gabrielle," the slender young woman
bowed her head.
"You know, you really should stop doing that. It seems so
subservient.
Take pride in yourself girl! You're really quite nice looking
when you
aren't trying to blend into the background. Go with it!"
Gabrielle waved
as she ran down the stairs to look for the one who had stolen
her heart.
Xena was brushing down Argo after their brief ride in the countryside.
Gabrielle stuck her head around the door of the stable. "There
you are!"
she laughed. Xena looked up and smiled. "Here I am,"
she returned.
Walking up to the much taller woman she took hold of Xena's arm.
"Gabrielle. I can't brush Argo if you hold on to me."
"I love the way you say my name," she revealed. "Did
you know that?"
"Gab.... Okaaay. Feeling a little unwound today are we?"
Xena arched her
eyebrow.
"And it drives me crazy when you do that."
"What?"
"The eyebrow thingy," Gabrielle said as if it was obvious.
"Have you been drinking?" Xena tilted her head.
"Naw. I just feel.... I don't know. Really good today."
Gabrielle
laughed out loud.
"Do you think you could feel really good over there, "
Xena nodded at
the other side of the room, " while I finish this?"
"Oh, sure." Walking over to a pile of hay, Gabrielle
sat down and waited
for Xena to finish Argo's brushing. "So, you two took a ride
this
morning?"
"Mmm Hmm."
"I would have liked to have come along," the bard offered.
"Gabrielle, you don't like to ride," Xena pointed out.
"Maybe I could get used to it. As long as I had you to hold
on to, of
course."
Xena smiled. Ah, I see. "I'm sorry I didn't wake you to ask
if you
wanted to go. I just assumed you would rather sleep. We didn't
stay out
long anyway." Xena finished with Argo, then fed her an apple.
"That's okay. I just missed you when I woke up." Gabrielle
stood up and
walked over to Xena with a spring in her step. She felt the need
to
touch her again, not believing how delighted she felt just being
alive,
here with someone she loved.
"Maybe you should wake up earlier," Xena suggested.
"Hmm. Maybe I would if I had good reason," Gabrielle
wiggled her
eyebrows suggestively.
Xena laughed. "Oh, please! This is going to take some getting
used to my
love."
Gabrielle's face lit up like a bonfire.
"What?" Xena asked.
The young woman stepped back, amazement in her eyes. "You
called me your
'love'," she repeated.
Oops. "Did I?" Xena commented as she patted Argo's neck.
"Yes. I don't think I could miss that. It's true, isn't it,"
she said
with surprise.
"What's true?"
Gabrielle hugged herself. "This is what it feels like to
be in love,"
she stated.
"I suppose so, especially if you're even willing to get up
early for
me," Xena laughed.
"Have you been feeling this...this, I don't know, sense of
euphoria?
Gods! How do you stay so calm all the time?" Gabrielle held
her hands
out in supplication.
Xena tried not to smile as she approached her friend and put her
hands
on Gabrielle's shoulders. "You've been in love before. Didn't
it feel
like this?"
Gabrielle looked up at her with amazement. "I thought I had
been in love
before. But it never felt like this. Nothing has ever felt like
this.
Have you felt like this before? I know you loved Marcus. And Hercules.
There must have been others you felt this way about. You were
engaged
twice that I know of. And of course, Solan's father..."
Xena took Gabrielle's hand and led her over to a bench on the
far side
of the stable. Sitting down with her, Xena began, "I have
been lucky to
have known many people who have brought me their love. And I have
loved
them as well. Each person was special in their own way and for
different
reasons. So, yes, I have loved before and been loved in return.
Was it
better? Stronger? No. It was different. What I feel for you is
just as
strong as I have ever felt for anyone in my life. It wouldn't
be fair to
compare that to the feelings I had then. You told me a short while
ago
that you couldn't compare how you felt about Perdicus to how you
feel
about me. I understand that, Gabrielle. I know you loved him.
There is
nothing wrong with that. You should be happy you experienced that
with
someone you care about who returned those feelings. Not everyone
is so
lucky."
Gabrielle looked into Xena's eyes and understood. "I am so
lucky to have
found you, Xena." Gabrielle reached up and kissed Xena's
cheek.
"I'll bet you're hungry. Let's go eat."
"Now that's the Warrior Princess, talking. I'm used to that."
Smiling,
they both stood up and began the walk back to the Inn.
Kiala was waiting for them. She led them to a table and brought
their
food. "If you need anything else, just ask," the woman
said. She looked
at Gabrielle and was careful not to bow her head. Gabrielle winked
her
approval.
They ate slowly, savoring each bite, knowing they would be traveling
all
day. Conversation was sparse but that didn't bother either woman.
Suddenly, Xena felt something against her leg. A foot! Gabrielle
looked
across the table at her innocently. Xena ignored her and took
a long
drink from her mug. "So have you ever been with a woman before,"
Gabrielle asked. Xena spewed her drink all over herself. The few
people
eating their breakfast looked over briefly and assumed she had
swallowed
wrong then turned back to their food. "Gabrielle," Xena
growled.
"Did I say something wrong," Gabrielle looked perplexed.
"I was just
curious," she shrugged. "I would like to know if this
is new to both of
us." She continued eating as if nothing had happened.
"What brought that on?"
"You have to admit not just men are attracted to you. There
is bound to
have been a woman somewhere in that list of loves that was able
to catch
your attention. After all, a tall, dark, beautiful warrior dressed
in
leather with eyes the color of the sky on a summer day and hair
as dark
as night don't come along every day," the bard spoke as if
this was
something any idiot knew.
Looking around, self conscious, the warrior replied "I don't
think this
is a very good time to talk about this."
Finishing her meal, Gabrielle sat back and found herself agreeing.
"Okay, but I still want to know. Will you tell me later?"
Before Xena could answer Ademenia approached their table. "Good
morning,
ladies! I hope you had a good evening. Kiala says you both rested
well."
"Yes, thank you. You're daughter took very good care of us,"
Xena stood.
Looking at Gabrielle as if to say, aren't you through yet? Sighing,
Gabrielle took a last bite and stood as well.
"Please, don't let me rush you," Ademenia cautioned.
"No, we're finished. Really," the bard looked at Xena
pointedly.
Ademenia motioned for them to follow her. Gabrielle met Kiala
at the
door of the Inn and took possession of their pack and her staff.
Walking
outside, Ademenia noted, "I know you're probably in a hurry
to leave. We
kept you longer than you had intended. What I have to say will
not take
long, Xena."
"I need to get Argo, you can tell us on the way, if you like."
Ademenia looked at Gabrielle, then back to Xena.
"What affects me, "Xena promised, "affects Gabrielle.
You can tell us
both."
"Very well. As you probably know, I have dreams that foretell
what is to
happen. As an Oracle this is not always pleasant, but I have no
way to
stop it. When I am able, I speak with those whose lives will be
changed
in these dreams. I do not judge them, I merely inform them as
was the
case with Korbakus. I do not always see all that is to happen.
Sometimes
only pieces of the past and future are what I see. Even then,
I do not
always fully understand the meaning of these images." They
reached the
stables and Xena began to prepare Argo.
"So what have you seen that will change Xena's life?"
Gabrielle asked.
Turning to face the younger woman, Ademenia took Gabrielle's chin
in her
hand, lifting her face. "You have already changed Xena's
life, my dear.
And you will do more than just change it...you are her redemption,"
she
whispered so only Gabrielle could hear her.
Eyes wide, the small woman looked into eyes that had seen more
than she
had ever thought possible. As if feeling she had said too much,
Ademenia
dropped her hand and turned back to Xena. "All that you are
now is
mainly what has happened in your life, as it is for each of us."
Xena finished with Argo, and faced the older woman. "And...?"
Xena
asked.
"All that you are is not what you have always believed."
Gabrielle spoke up, "What is that supposed to mean?"
Xena considered the statement. "Is what you are saying that
my past is
not what it seems to be?"
"Yes. Something is going to happen that will change your
life. It will
change everything you have known and believed. You will be forced
to
trust another, Xena, and that trust will need to be complete.
Something
you have never given anyone, not even your friend."
Ademenia turned to glance at Gabrielle with compassionate eyes.
"I don't
say that to cause you hurt, Gabrielle."
"I know." Gabrielle answered quietly.
"The key," The Oracle continued, turning back to Xena,
"is held by only
one."
Xena looked past Ademenia at Gabrielle.
The Oracle did not miss this and corrected, "No. It is not
your love. It
is the one whom death calls friend. That is all I can say."
Ademenia turned quickly and left them.
Gabrielle walked over to Xena and took her arm. "What was
that about?"
Xena was still thinking over the words. "I don't know. I'm
not sure I
want to know. Lets go, Gabrielle."
Leading Argo out of the stable, they began their interrupted journey
to
Legosa. A few hours later, with Xena riding and Gabrielle following
on
foot, the bard was just finishing a story to amuse her warrior.
Xena
threw her head back and laughed. Bringing Argo to a stop, she
jumped
down and faced the smiling girl. "Where did you hear that?
I didn't even
know you knew what that was!"
Gabrielle was pleased she had surprised Xena. "Hey, I get
around."
"Yeah, I'll bet," Xena cuffed her on the side of the
head.
"Oh, you. I'm not as innocent as I seem. I fell in love with
you, didn't
I?" Gabrielle stopped when Xena's face became solemn. "Did
I say
something wrong?"
"No. You don't have any regrets do you, Gabrielle."
Xena focused on the
rocks below their feet as if they held all the answers in the
world.
"Of course, not. How come I'm the only one that knows how
sensitive you
are?" she teased, pulling Xena's hand into her own.
Xena looked at their joined hands and replied, "Sensitivity
doesn't
extend a warrior's life."
"Maybe it's about time it did," the young woman offered
quietly.
Suddenly remembering what was in the pouch at her side, Xena pulled
her
hand out of Gabrielle's grasp and reached for the gift. "Close
your
eyes," she requested. "And hold out your hands."
"How unusual. Is this going to get kinky?"
"No, silly." Xena smiled as she unwrapped the bracelet.
She lay the gift
in Gabrielle's outstretched hands, then suddenly nervous said,
"Okay.
Open them."
Gabrielle looked down at the beautiful bracelet she had seen in
the shop
in Dorian. "Oh, Xena! How did you know?" The young woman
jumped into
Xena's arms, her own arm's around the warrior's neck, her feet
dangling.
Hugging her back, Xena said, "I take it you like it."
Letting the joyous woman slide back down to the ground, slowly
to enjoy
the sensation, Xena watched Gabrielle's face as she looked at
the
bracelet. "I can't believe this! It's perfect."
"I'm glad you like it, Gabrielle." Xena helped her fasten
it around her
wrist.
"Come here, you." Sliding her arm up, Gabrielle grabbed
the back of
Xena's neck, forcing her head down. The kiss was unexpected but
lasted
long enough to drive Xena's pulse up a notch.
"Uh, maybe we'd better get moving. I don't like standing
out here in the
open like this," Xena scanned the area to see if anyone was
around.
"Oh, right. Sorry, I didn't think about that," Gabrielle
apologized.
They both began walking again, lost in their own thoughts.
"So, when do you think we'll visit Ephiny and the tribe again?"
Gabrielle asked.
"Hmm? I don't know... why?" Xena replied absently.
The excited young woman looked up at the vision walking beside
her. "Oh,
come on. You know how I am. I'll hardly be able to wait for the
ceremony!"
Xena stopped. "What are you talking about?"
Gabrielle kept walking, not noticing that she was leaving the
tall woman
behind. "Do you think they'll be surprised...?" she
stopped talking when
she realized no one was there. Turning around she saw Xena standing
in
the road with a strange look on her face. "What is it? Do
you hear
someone?" her eyes scanned the trees around them.
"No. Gabrielle, what are you thinking?" Xena asked slowly.
The bard walked back to her, "What do you mean?"
"You're talking about an Amazon ceremony, aren't you,"
Xena stated.
"Of course I am. Isn't that what happens? I mean, the Amazons
aren't
known for their relationships with men and they are very traditional
in
their ceremonies. As far as I know, the joining ceremony is only
for
Amazons. I am Amazon with my right of caste, and you are treated
and
accepted as Amazon. Wouldn't that be where we would have the....oops."
Gabrielle suddenly realized she was the only one with that thought.
"I
guess I jumped ahead a little bit, huh."
"You could say that."
Gabrielle hung her head. "I'm sorry, Xena. I guess I misunderstood.
I
thought your gift was something other than friend to friend."
Shaking
her head she continued, "this isn't as simple as I thought
it would be."
Xena was at a loss. She never expected Gabrielle to think they
were
ready for something as ritual as the Amazon joining ceremony.
Apparently, the young woman had a different opinion.
An uncomfortable silence stretched between them. The day was just
beginning to warm up and time was slipping past. Finally, Xena
put her
free arm around the shorter woman's shoulders and began leading
Argo
after them. Taking a few steps up the road, Xena carefully explained.
"It's not that I don't want that for us, Gabrielle. I just
didn't think
we were ready for it. The ritual is a very serious thing. This
is new
for you. Don't you want some time to get used to what is happening?"
"Are you afraid, Xena?" Gabrielle suddenly realized
the warrior was just
as vulnerable as any woman.
Xena looked into her young love's eyes. "I could never be
afraid of
spending my life with you."
"Then I don't see the problem," Gabrielle pointed out.
"I will tell you
this, sweet woman. I was a virgin until I married and I don't
see why
this would be any different."
That did it. "You mean...?" Xena questioned.
With a smug look on her face Gabrielle replied, "That is
exactly what I
mean."
Stopping again and considering the situation, the frustrated warrior
cried, "By the Gods, you are a stubborn woman."
"Mmmm Hmmm." On that note, Gabrielle the Great defeated
Xena, Warrior
Princess.
***
Preview of "Secrets Past"
Third story of the Trilogy
Xena and Gabrielle travel to the Amazons to receive the rite of
joining.
Ares' has other plans. Hades' must once again foil the God of
War's
plans to eliminate Gabrielle and reclaim Xena as his Queen. Xena
must
also deal with a secret from her past that will change what she
has
believed her life to be.
Secret's
Past
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