Gabrielle Lost
by Mary E. Terrell

Disclaimer: The characters Xena, Gabrielle, Argo and others from Xena Warrior Princess are the property of MCA/Universal and Reniassance Pictures. No copyright infringement was intended. All other characters and this story are my creation. Summer 1997.

The early morning sun shone down on a well worn and dusty path. Two women appeared leading a horse. The taller of the two was dressed in dark brown leather, trimmed with brass armaments that swirled in an intricate pattern. Her hair was equally dark and long and it framed a serious face. Her tanned skin made the blue of her eyes that much more striking. On her back she carried a custom made sword in it's scabbard. A large gold and silver hoop, her prized chakrum, hung within easy reach on her right hip. She seemed not to notice anything around her, but in reality she was very aware of her surroundings, catching every sound on the wind.

Xena was about a head taller than her companion. Gabrielle's clothing, a short belted brown skirt that stopped just above her knee and a cropped dark green top, indicated that she was an Amazon. She carried a long stick loosely in her right hand, that some might think was a walking stick, but it was actually a weapon. She had a cheerful face and her green eyes shone brightly. Her red golden hair seemed to match her sunny disposition. Most people were unaware of the fact and probably never would have guessed that she was queen of the Amazons. It wasn't something that they wanted known. Xena attracted enough attention on her own as an ex-warlord with countless enemies always coming after her. She was simply considered an amazon and a bard.

"I still can't believe that Lila is getting married." said Gabrielle. "She's so young."

Her companion started to say something, but thought better of it. There was no need to remind the bard of how young she herself had been when she had married. That was a subject that the warrior knew was best to stay away from since Gabrielle had been made a widow they day after she wed. The bard should be happy for her sister, instead of mourning her own misfortune.

Gabrielle had noticed the lack of response, which in itself was not unusual. Xena never had much to say. But she knew what the warrior was thinking, because she had had the same thought.

"I know. I'm not much older than her and I got married. Married one day and widowed the next." said the bard with a touch of sadness.

Xena stopped and put a hand on her friend's arm. "Gabrielle. You don't have to do this. Lila even said so in her letter. I'm sure she would understand."

The young woman sighed. "No. I do have to do this. I want to be there for my sister. I think it would be good for me to be there." She continued down the path, Xena followed along beside her. "Besides it would be good to go home for a happy occasion instead of a sad one."

Gabrielle decided to change the subject and began to tell Xena a story from her childhood. She told how she had managed to convince Lila into joining her on an adventure on Gabrielle's pony Tympany. The bard loved to see the smiles and hear the laughter from her normally stoic friend. It was rare that Xena showed much emotion other than anger. And Gabrielle knew she was one of the few people to see the warrior this way.

They reached the outskirts of the village, Lorus, just as Gabrielle finished her third story. There were many stands erected in the square and the area was decorated as if a festival was taking place. But there were very few people around.

"I thought that Lorus had one of the biggest festivals going on about now," said Gabrielle. "This place is practically deserted. And I don't remember hearing anything about trouble in this area lately."

Xena was about to answer her friend, when they heard a familiar voice call out to them. "XENA! GABRIELLE!" The man who had called to them stood a little taller than the bard and was a bit portly with graying hair and beard. He was dressed in turquoise and purple robes.

"Salmoneous." said the warrior in a flat tone.
"Boy am I glad to see you two ladies." he said.

"Why?" asked Gabrielle. "Got another beauty pageant coming up that you want us to participate in?"

"Huh?" said Salmoneous. He shook his head. "I could use the help of a warrior... I mean Lorus could use the help of a warrior."

"Kind of figured that," said Xena. "So what's been going on here anyway?"

"Well," said her friend. "There have been raiders attacking the town every day of the festival so far. This is the fifth day and there are seven more to go. But at this rate..."

"The fifth day could be the last." the warrior finished for him.
"Exactly."

"So in that case," said Xena as she put her arm on Salmoneous's shoulders. "You had better introduce me to the town leaders if I am going to help them out."

"No problem." said the businessman. "So what brings you two ladies out this way?"

"We're headed to my home village, Poteidaia." said Gabrielle. "My sister is getting married."

"Married!" said Salmoneous. "Say when we finish with this, I could show you some really great things I have that would make perfect wedding gifts. Of course I will give you a special rate and it will be the highest quality of merchandise." He glanced nervously at the warrior walking beside him. "Only the best for the best friend of Xena."

"It better be." said Xena.

"Ummm, here we are." he stopped them in front of three men who had been talking. They looked up when they noticed him and his companions. "Andrew, Giles, Myron. These are my friends Xena and Gabrielle."

"The warrior princess?" asked Giles.

"Some people call me that. I prefer to think of myself as a problem solver." answered the warrior.

"Great!" said Myron. "Then can you help us to stop these raiders."
"That's what I'm here for." she said.

"Thank you. We really appreciate it." said Andrew. "We had just been considering ending the festival if they attacked again."

"If anyone can stop the raiders," said Salmoneous. "Xena can."
"Well we are most grateful for the help." said Myron.

"Are you sure I can't interest you in something for the bride and groom?" asked Salmoneous.

"Yes I'm sure." said Gabrielle. "I already have a gift for them. But I appreciate your offer."

"Gabrielle." said Xena. "Why don't you go ahead and go on to Poteidaia? I'm sure I can handle these raiders by myself and you would have a chance to spend more time with your family."

"Actually I was thinking the same thing." answered the bard. "This way too you won't have to sit around while mother and Lila catch me up on the latest town gossip. Of course I could fill you in when you get there." She grinned up at the warrior.

Xena rolled her eyes. "Oh yeah I'll be looking forward to it." Then she turned serious again. " I know you can take care of yourself, but be careful on your way home."

Gabrielle nodded. "I will. And I know that you can look out for yourself too, so you be careful too." She gave the warrior an impulsive hug before turning and heading out of the village. Xena watched her go. Not far along the path Gabrielle turned around and waved at her friends. The warrior smiled and returned the gesture. Finally she turned to Salmoneous. "So show me where your both is. It may be a good place to watch out for those raiders."

"Right this way."

Gabrielle hummed a tune as she walked along the road to Poteidaia. She was trying her best to remain aware of her surroundings as Xena taught her, but it wasn't easy. Her mind kept drifting to the thoughts about her sister's upcoming nuptials. She also thought about Xena and the raiders that she would be facing. Or was right at that moment. She knew Xena was a very good fighter and usually had no problems dealing with her opponents, but she couldn't help worrying somewhat. After all Gabrielle knew that her friend had died twice. The second time had been especially hard on the bard. And getting Xena back had been difficult.

Being preoccupied, the bard hadn't realized she was being watched. Before she knew what was happening, she felt a sharp pain on the back of her head. The blow sent her to the ground. In fall, she hit her head against a small rock. Gabrielle was dimly aware of her attacker before slipping into darkness.

Lila looked out of her bedroom window. This would be her home for only a few more days. Then she would be in her new home with her husband. She turned and looked at the room she grew up in, the one she had shared with Gabrielle. She would soon be sharing it with her again until the wedding. And with that warrior she supposed.

She had been envious of Xena, when Gabrielle had first returned home. In some ways she still was. And as she thought about it, she realized she was also envious of her older sister. Gabrielle had taken a chance after Xena had rescued their village from slavers and followed the warrior to Amphipolous. Lila had expected Gabrielle to return, either on her own or by force from the formidable ex-warlord within a few days of her departure. But as those few days went past and even more, she had come to realize that Gabrielle would most likely never return to Poteidaia to stay.

Lila still couldn't believe that her sister was traveling around Greece with a reformed warlord. She had been amazed when she read letters from Gabrielle that mentioned all the places she had been-Athens, Troy, and Corinth. The different people she had met-Queen Helen, Sisyphus, and Hercules. She had even seen several of the gods-Hades, Ares, Aphrodite, even Poseidon and Zeus. Not only had she met a lot of different people, she had become an Amazon princess and later queen. Lila shook her head. Only Gabrielle could leave home and in two years time see more than most people in their village did in their lifetimes.

As a farming village, Poteidaia was fairly quiet place. Most warlords didn't pay any attention to it. Draco had been the first that Lila had ever remembered taking in interest in the area. Or more precisely the women in the village that he planned to sell as slaves. But Xena had stopped him and her sister had made up her mind to follow the warrior. Lila had thought that Gabrielle was crazy for doing this, but nothing could deter her older sibling once she made up her mind.

Lila heard her mother calling out for her. She sighed. More relatives had arrived that she needed to greet. She wished that Gabrielle would hurry up and get here. Lila looked around the room again and headed for the living room where her parents and other family members had gathered.

To say the raiders were surprised is an understatement. They never stood a chance against Xena, who had dispatched with them quickly. Andrew, Giles, and Myron had gathered around the warrior once the raiders had been led away.

"Thank you again for your help, Xena," said Andrew
"Won't you stay and enjoy our hospitality?" added Giles.

"Thanks for the offer, but I'm supposed to join my friend in Poteidaia." answered the warrior.

"Well," said Myron. "Perhaps the two of you can stop through here on your way back out of the area."

"I'll keep that in mind." She knew that Gabrielle would probably be excited at the possibility of being in Lorus for at least part of their festival. She mounted Argo and turned to head out of the village.

Devon squinted into the midday sun, and wondered again how much further it was to where he was to meet his brother. It had been almost a year since he'd seen him last, when his brother had shown up almost two moons ago. He had told Devon that he was getting closer to making Devon's dreams as well as his own come true. Devon hoped that it meant his brother had found a healer for him to apprentice with, but with Tyrone, he was never sure.

Tyrone had gotten into a great deal of trouble in the past which had caused their parents a great deal of sadness. Devon realized that was part of why he had decided to become a healer. He wanted his parents to be proud of him and in a way, make up for some of the things his brother had done.

As he rode along, he spotted a body in the near distance. He urged his chestnut mare to a faster pace. He practically fell from the saddle to reach the young woman's side. Devon gently but firmly placed his fingers on her neck and was relieved to find a pulse. He carefully checked for broken bones before turning her over. There was a gash in her left temple and blood covered much of that side of her face.

Devon returned to his horse and retrieved the bag that held his sparse healing supplies. He also took his waterskin before turning back to his patient.As he began to treat her injuries, Devon wondered if the young woman was an Amazon. He had heard stories about them, but had never seen any before. He carefully wiped the blood from her face, and then pressed a cloth, with a small amount of the alcohol he carried with him, to the cut. Devon noticed the staff nearby. If she was an Amazon, he wondered how or who might have been able to take her down. When he wrapped a bandage around her head, he noticed a knot on the back. Obviously she had been ambushed, never having the time to properly defend herself. Just as he secured the cloth on her head, the Amazon moaned. *Good.* He thought. *She's waking up.*

Slowly the young woman opened her eyes and tried to sit up. She winced and reached for her head. Devon gently pushed her back down. "Just lie still for a few moments." he said soothingly.

"Wha...what happened?" she asked.

"Ah...apparently you were ambushed." The young woman was more than a little puzzled and Devon could see a hint of fear in her green eyes.

"Who are you?"
"My name is Devon." he said.
"I'm...." she stopped, a slight frown appearing on her face.
"What?" he asked. Devon noticed the fear growing stronger in her face.
"I don't know who I am." she said as tears welled up in her eyes.

"Shhh." said Devon. "It's okay. With two nasty bumps on your head, it's no wonder you don't know who you are." The Amazon only cried more. Devon mentally kicked himself for that one. That wasn't how meant to say it and he told her that. "Don't worry. I'm sure you will remember soon." She calmed down a bit when he said this.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." he lied. He hoped he was convincing enough. Truthfully he didn't know when or if she would regain her memory. "I think you should have some water." He eased her into a sitting position and handed her the waterskin.

The Amazon slowly tilted her head back a little to take a drink. She was afraid that any stronger movement would only make the pounding in her head worse. "Thank you." she said when she finished. "For the water and the bandages." She lightly touched the cloth on her head.

"You're welcome." he said. "It's what I do, or at least what I want to do. Well since you don't know who you are or where your from, you might as well come with me."

The Amazon hesitated, "I...I don't know."

"Well where else are you going to go?" asked Devon. "You at least need a place to go until you're better. "

"All right," agreed the Amazon. "I guess that it would better than just sitting out here in the open."

"Right." said Devon. He gently helped her to her feet, and then turned for the horse.
"Ah, do I have to ride the horse?" she asked.
"What you don't...hey I think you just remembered something there." he said.

"You're right. I just suddenly realized that, ah I'm not to crazy about riding." the Amazon said.

"Well it is quiet a ways to where I was meeting my brother, and I think it would be best if you rode with me. Don't worry, Cora is a gentle horse." He rubbed the animal's nose.

"Um, all right." She picked up the staff that lay nearby. "I guess this is mine."

"Yeah I think it is." Devon mounted the horse and reached down to help the Amazon. "I think I can find a way to secure that." He took the staff, and noticed that it looked like it could be separated into sections. Devon carefully eased it apart and placed in his saddle bag. He reached again to help the young woman up. Once she was in place behind him, Devon nudged the horse back onto the road.

Xena had been riding for a while. She had expected to have caught up with Gabrielle by now. But she had seen no signs of the bard anywhere along the way. *Maybe she's making better time than I thought*. Suddenly she remembered what Gabrielle had told her about one of her last trips home. She had caught a ride from an elderly traveler. *Maybe she ran into him again.*

To her surprise, she spotted a wagon just ahead and the driver seemed to fit the description the bard had given of the man. She spurred Argo on until she caught up to the wagon, moving up even with the driver.

"Excuse me." said the warrior. "I'm looking for a friend of mine."
The man looked at her. "Your that Xena Princess person, aren't you?"

"Well actually some call me the warrior princess." answered Xena. She was about to ask about Gabrielle, when he interrupted.

"Oh yes. Yes. I remember a chatty young woman who told me about meeting this Xena person. So you're a friend of hers eh? How's that young one of hers? What did she have anyway, a boy or girl?"

Xena was confused for a moment until she remembered that Gabrielle had told her that she had tried a lot of different ways to get a ride. All were unsuccessful until she tied her blankets around her and made it look like she was pregnant. “Uh. A boy." answered Xena remembering the baby the two women had found and given to King Gregor.

"A boy. What's his name?"
"Umm. Gabriel." said the warrior.
"Gabriel. Now that's a fine name. So you said you were looking for her?" said the man.
Xena was a little surprised he had even heard what she had said earlier. "Yes."
"Well I h'aint seen her." said the man. "She's not traveln' round with that young un is she?"
"No." said Xena. "She left him with his father."
"Strange, I thought she said the father died."

Xena hesitated a moment. Now what was it that Gabrielle had told this man? Then it came to her. The bard must have told him about Talus or Perdicas. She guessed that it really didn't matter which young man the story was about.

"I mean, she left him with his father's family. She was on the way to Poteidaia for a wedding."

"Oh." said the man. "Well any way, I h'ain't seen her."

"Thanks anyway." said Xena. She urged Argo into a trot. *Where are you Gabrielle? I asked you to be careful. I hope you're with your family. Safe and sound.*

Strife looked down from his perch on a tree limb at the group of young people gathered in the clearing. He had brought them together for some fun. He had great hopes for some of them.

He looked up as a young man came riding into view. This one was not part of his chosen group. The boy didn't really belong, but he had been unable to convince his brother to leave him behind. Strife noticed that there was someone with the young man and he was not happy when he recognized who it was.

*Well there goes my fun. If she's here, Xena won't be far behind.* Strife knew that he didn't dare mess with the warrior princess since she was favored by his uncle Ares, the god of war.

"Devon," shouted a young man. He stood taller than most of the group, but he was not the biggest. Still he seemed to be the one in charge of this group. "Why did you bring her here? And who is she?" He glared at the Amazon as she slid of the back of the horse.

"I found her injured on the side of the road..." said Devon, but his brother interrupted. "You should have just left her there."

"I couldn't." Devon insisted. "She's had a blow to the head and doesn't even know who she is."

"You still should have left her. Somebody else could have taken care of her." Tyrone was angry. Dealing with his younger brother was going to be bad enough, but to have to deal with someone who had no idea who they were? *Well at least she is an Amazon. Hopefully she can remember how to take care of herself in a fight.* Tyrone brought his anger under control. The last thing he wanted was for his brother to leave. He figured that he would probably need his brother's knowledge of healing. That was why he had asked him to come. "All right. She can stay. But she's your responsibility. You can figure out where she's going to sleep. And keep her out of our way."

"Thank you, brother." said Devon. "She won't be any trouble at all." He turned and took the young woman by the arm. "You can use my tent. That is if I have one. And I'll sleep under the stars."

"Yes you have a tent," called out his brother. "It's right over there."

Devon and the Amazon headed in the direction Tyrone indicated. "I want to check your bandages and then I think you should get some rest." said the young man.

The Amazon agreed. "I hope that will help my headache and my memory."

*Hmmm.* Thought Strife. *So the brat can't remember who she is. I wonder if that's really true, or if it's just part of some setup.* The god decided to stay around to see what was really going on with the bard.

Strife stood nearby as the healer checked the bandages on the young woman's head. Neither of them could see him, though.

"Well," said Devon. "The cut has stopped bleeding. It doesn't look as bad as I first thought it was. I think it will heal without stitches." He took some powder from a pouch and gave it to the Amazon. "This should help with the pain."

"Thank you." she sighed. "I wish that it would help me remember."

"Well maybe you will after a nap." He stood up to leave. "I'll be close by if you need me.”

"Thanks," said the young woman as she lay back on the cot and closed her eyes. *Gods help me.* Thought the Amazon.

*Ha.* thought Strife. *That's my cue. * *YES. I am here to help.* The young woman sat up quickly on the cot, then grabbed her head as the swift motion sent a new wave of pain through it. *Don't be afraid. The gods will help you.* She realized that she was hearing the voice inside her head.

*Oh thank you. I...I can't remember who I am. I don't even know my name.*
*Your name is Gabrie....* Strife stopped. *No sense telling her her whole name.*
*Gabrie?* the young woman questioned. *Yes.* he answered.
*Can you help me remember anything else?*

Strife hesitated. *I'm sorry that's all I can tell you at the moment. I will have to find if it is all right to tell you more.*

*Oh* said Gabrie disappointed. *Well a name is better than nothing. Certainly can't go around being called hey you.*

|

Strife gritted his teeth. *She may not be able to remember who she is, but she's still annoying.*

*I have to go now.* He said. *I will try to come back to you later."

*Thank you* said Gabrie. And suddenly the voice in her head was gone. She wondered if maybe she had just imagined the whole thing.

"Gabrie." she said aloud. "Not bad, I guess. Could be worse I suppose." Gabrie lay back down on the cot and finally drifted off to sleep.

Ares sat with his feet propped on a table before him. He was trying to figure out another plan to win back his favorite warrior, Xena, when his nephew burst in. Both gods were about six feet in height and wore black leather. They both also had dark curly hair. But while Strife had the appearance of being clean shaven, his uncle had a mustache and goatee. The younger god was lean and lanky, but Ares was fairly muscular. He looked every bit the part of the station he held as the god of war.

"Uncle Ares." said Strife.
Ares didn't answer. He just sat there staring at nothing.
"Uncle Ares." Strife said again. "I've got interesting news."
Still no response.
Strife continued. "Xena's pesky little friend has lost her memory."
This time the god of war answered. "So."
"So I thought we could use this to get Xena back."
"What do you mean we? And how would this be of any use?"
"Umm okay. It will help you get Xena back. And Umm..."

"Wait." said Ares. "This might work. It could lead to Xena's return. If the brat can't remember, then we'll just help her out."

"Huh?" said Strife. "Why would we want to do that?"

"Just wait and see." answered his uncle. Ares called out for the god of dreams "Morpheaus."

"Yes." a voice replied.

"A certain young woman, that you are acquainted with has lost her memory. Xena's little friend, the one who was to have been sacrificed to you."

"Ah yes. Gabrielle. And why would this be important to me?"
"Well," replied Ares, " I thought we could do her a favor and help her remember."
"Why would I want to do that?"
"When I tell you, I'm sure that you will be more than happy to." answered Ares.

Gabrie lay on the cot. She hoped that Devon was right. That sleep might help restore her memory. She closed her eyes and quickly drifted off . Nightmare images invaded her sleep. All of them centered around a woman warrior with long dark hair. The cold look in the woman's blue eyes as she ordered someone to kill them all. Her smashing Gabrie across the face. Her chilling voice as she described killing Gabrie's husband, Perdicas. And the image of the murder itself. Over and over again there were images of the warrior in battle, killing people.

When Gabrie awoke, Devon was kneeling by the cot. "Are you all right?"

Gabrie was shaking. "Yeah. I was just having bad dreams." Devon handed her a waterskin and she took a long drink from it before handing it back to him.

"Well," he said. "Supper is almost ready. Do you want to try and eat something?"
"I guess so," answered Gabrie.
"Come on then," said Devon and he helped her to her feet.
"Oh, I know my name now." said Gabrie.
"You mean you're starting to remember?" he asked.
"No. Actually a god told me my name." she answered. "Gabrie."
Devon was a little surprised. "Do you know which god it was? Was it Artemis?"
"He didn't say who he was." she replied.
"Huh. So it if it wasn't Artemis, I wonder who it was." he said.

"Well whoever he was," said Gabrie, "He did say that he might try to help me remember more."

"And did he?" Devon was more than a little puzzled by this anonymous god.

"Not unless he was the one who gave me the bad dreams." she said. "I do remember something from that."

"What?"

"I was married. But he was murdered by some warrior woman." She shivered remembering the dream she had just had about that.

"Oh. I'm sorry." said Devon. He decided to change the subject. "Come on let's go eat."

"Sounds like a good idea." agreed Gabrie.

"I still can't believe she's coming to my wedding." said Lila. "After what happened to Perdicas..."

"You thought it would be too painful." finished her mother. "You're right it will be. But you know Gabrielle."

"Yes. " answered Lila. "You know I offered to wait a few years, but she insisted that I go ahead when I was ready and not to worry about her."

"Well I hope she makes it on time. The wedding is day after tomorrow." Lila glanced out the window and spotted Xena approaching on horseback. "She's here."

The two women hurried out the door to greet Gabrielle. As Xena drew closer, they realized that she was alone. "Where's Gabrielle?" they asked.

"You mean she isn't here?" the warrior asked.
"No." said Lila. "Don't you know where she is?"

"There was trouble in a village that we stopped at. She decided to come on ahead while I took care of it. It didn't take very long and I had hoped to catch up to her, but I didn't see her anywhere along the road." Xena fought to keep the fear out of her voice and off of her face. The last thing she needed was for Gabrielle's family to become distraught. "Maybe she stopped somewhere along the way, and I just missed her. I go and look for her." Xena turned Argo back to the road and headed back out of the village.

As Gabrie and Devon walked over to where the others had gathered around the fire, she told him about the nightmares she had had. "Wow!" he said, "Those sound like some pretty intense dreams."

"They were. I just hope I don't have them again." said Gabrie. "I also wish I knew more about that woman warrior. There was something very familiar about her."

"Well don't try so hard, and maybe you'll remember who she is." said Devon. "By the way, how does your head feel?"

"Oh it's much better." she answered.
"Good."

When they reached the fire, the others around it stopped talking. Tyrone walked over to them. "So I take it you are feeling better?"

"Yes I am. And I know what my name is. Gabrie." she replied.

"Gabrie. Well Gabrie before we eat, I would like to see if you really know how to use this staff." He held it out to her. "Or if you just use it for a walking stick."

Gabrie ignored the last comment as she felt the weight of the weapon in her hand. She studied it a moment as she moved away from the fire. Slowly she began to twirl the staff, first in simple patterns. As she increased her speed, the movements became more complex.

Tyrone liked what he saw, but decided he wanted to test her against opponents. He motioned to a few of his friends to attack the Amazon. Gabrie easily managed to disarm the first two opponents and take them down. But as the third approached, a vision appeared in her mind. A man wearing a white shirt, with black trousers, vest and helmet approached her with his sword drawn. She fought with him, but he managed to get through her defenses. He struck her in the left shoulder, and hit her with a glancing blow to her right temple. Somehow she managed to disable him, before he could finish her off. Gabrie remembered falling to the ground at almost the same instant he did.

Gabrie blinked her eyes. Her last opponent was on the ground, bleeding. Somehow without realizing it, she had repeated the movements she had used to bring down that soldier on the man now before her.

The others came racing over. "What did you do to him?" Devon had to push them away from the fallen man. He checked him carefully. The man was still alive. He motioned to one of the others standing around. "Help me get him to his tent.."

Gabrie dropped her staff and ran off for the nearby woods.

Xena wasn't sure how far along the road to Lorus she had gone. It was nearly dark as she brought Argo to a stop. She scanned the area, her concern over her missing friend growing. Images of Gabrielle in the Thesselian healing temple arose in her mind. She tried to shrug herself out of it, but her worry for the bard was too strong. In her mind she could see Gabrielle with blood on her face, clothes and arms. She heard her telling Ephiny in a weak voice that she wanted her to take her rite of caste as the Amazon Princess. Saw her having convulsions while Xena tried to restrain her. The sudden silence as she took her last breath. Xena remembered how hard it had been to finally revive Gabrielle.

Xena wiped the tears from her face as she forced those memories away. NO. Gabrielle was fine. She had to be. She dismounted from her horse, wanting to give the mare a rest. She knew she needed one as well, but was unwilling because she was loosing precious time in her search for Gabrielle. Xena retrieved a waterskin from the saddle and took a long drink. Argo's snort caught her attention. The horse was upset about something. She glanced at the ground in front of the mare. Her heart lurched as she realized what had caused Argo's distress. Xena knelt down and studied the rocks and ground, stained with blood which had dried earlier in the day. Gabrielle?

The warrior rose swiftly and scanned the area. This time she was more thorough, but she could detect no signs that a body had been dragged from the area. She knelt again and examined the footprints. None indicated any signs of additional weight as if carrying something or someone. She found the set that she had been looking for. Gabrielle must have been awake when she was taken from here. But to where?

The sun had set and the sky had darkened by the time Gabrie finally stopped running. More memories came to her about the attack. She was in some kind of temple and someone was treating her injuries. She couldn't see the person's face, but her voice was familiar and soothing. Standing next to the healer was an Amazon with curly blonde hair. She had a bandage around her head and her belly was swelled with the late stages of pregnancy. Ephiny. Next to her was a young man with light brown wavy hair wearing white robes. Dem something or other.

Gabrie also remembered being in a beautiful meadow and seeing her grandmother and Uncle Marose. There was also a young man, who like Dem had light brown wavy hair. Talus. When he smiled at her she could see dimples in his cheeks. She spoke to them before feeling herself being pulled away. Talus had called out to her, but she couldn't hear what he said.

Then she was back in the temple, hearing that voice again telling her she was all right. Gabrie was disturbed by the fact that she could recognize the voice, but was unable to see who this woman was.

Realizing that she was only vaguely familiar with the area, she decided to sit down and wait for the moon to rise. She hoped that the man that she had just fought was all right. She hadn't meant to hurt anyone, but the memory of the other attack had distracted her. *Better learn to focus more on what's going on when I'm fighting.* Gabrie thought. It occurred to her that she had heard that before from someone. She closed her eyes and leaned against a tree. Thinking that it would probably be like that for some time to come.

Xena was still a long way from Poteidaia, when the last of the sunlight faded from the sky. She hoped that when she returned to the village that Gabrielle would be there with her family.

The warrior was afraid that any of her countless enemies might have grabbed the bard. There was even a possibility that Gabrielle had been taken by her own enemies. At one time, Xena couldn't imagine that someone like Gabrielle could have enemies, but that had changed during their travels. There was a possibility that even an Amazon might have abducted the bard. She knew that Velasca probably wasn't the only one who might have resented the fact that an outsider had taken the mask of the queen. But most of them had accepted Gabrielle as their ruler.

*Amazons* thought Xena. *That's it.* She was too far away from the village to seek help from Ephiny, but she knew of someone who could be there in an instant. Xena didn't think too much of the gods, but she thought that Artemis would help her in her search. Since Artemis was the patron goddess of the Amazons and Gabrielle was their queen.

Xena knew that Artemis, like the other gods, preferred that any mortal wishing an audience with them bring a sacrifice to their temple. But the warrior didn't have time for any of that.

"Artemis," the warrior called out, "Goddess of the Amazons. I seek your help in finding your Amazon Queen, Gabrielle."

She didn't have to wait long until the goddess appeared before her in a brilliant flash of light.

"What is this about my queen?" demanded Artemis.

"She is missing and I believe someone has hurt her. I..." Xena hesitated. "I was hoping that you would help me find her."

Artemis raised her eyebrow at that. "You are asking my help? Xena, Warrior Princess, who despises all gods, would seek help from one?"

Xena looked away for a moment and then back to the goddess. "You're a god. You must know that I would do anything for Gabrielle..."

"Including asking for help from a god." finished Artemis.
"Well except maybe Ares." said Xena.

"Yes. I suppose not." said Artemis. "I know what he thinks of her. I rather like the idea that my queen can irritate the god of war." Xena remained silent as the goddess closed her eyes and concentrated on seeking out the thoughts of her queen. But she could not locate Gabrielle anywhere. "I cannot find her. " She tried again. Still no Gabrielle. Artemis didn't like to think about the obvious possibility that her queen was now dead. She looked to Xena, "I will go to see Hades." She said quietly. The goddess of the Amazons disappeared, but without the usual sparkle that marked a god's departure.

Xena sank to the ground her face in her hands.

Artemis paced in her uncle's throne room, waiting for the god of the underworld to appear. Persephone had told her that he was very busy, but the goddess would not leave until she had found out where Gabrielle's body could be found. Even though she had been born an outsider to the Amazon Nation, her rite of caste as Amazon Princess and then accepting the mask of Queen entitled her to a proper Amazon funeral. And Artemis couldn't locate her without the help of Hades.

Finally a door creaked open and her uncle appeared. Hades was wearing his customary black armor and red and black cape. He smiled when he saw his niece, but then noticed the sadness on her lovely face. "What is it Artemis?"

"Uncle I need your help. Seems my newest queen has already crossed over and I need to know where to find her body." the goddess said quietly, her head bowed.

"What are you talking about? Gabrielle isn't here."
Artemis’ head shot up. "What do you mean she isn't here?"

"Just what I said. She's not in the Elysian Fields and she isn't waiting to go there. And she is definitely not in Tartarus." said Hades.

"Then why can't I hear her thoughts?" she demanded.
"I don't know." he answered.
"Could you help me find her? I need to know where she is."

Hades could see how much locating Gabrielle meant to his niece. He, like most of the other gods were quiet fond of the young woman. All of the gods had a soft spot for bards. After all they loved to hear stories about themselves. Ares would be the only one who didn't like this particular bard. Hades wondered if maybe his nephew had something to do with Artemis’ inability to locate her queen. Well they would find out soon enough he thought.

Ares was enjoying this. He had brought out just enough of Gabrielle's memory for her to use the staff. The god was pleased to find the encounter she had had while in Thessaly. He knew that would help in his plans.

Sooner or later though, Artemis would find out about what he had been up to. Ares hoped that he would have Xena back under his influence by that time. After that happened he most likely wouldn't have anymore use for the brat.

Ares remembered how Gabrielle had acted after he lost his sword and with it his powers. He thought about how she and that goof Joxer had shown up in the castle that Sisyphus was using to trick warlords so that he could have Ares powers. The bard had seemed quiet comfortable with a sword in her hand. He wondered how much Xena had taught her about using one. Ares decided to give Tyrone the idea to test her on that the next morning.

Xena could tell from the sounds of the animals in the forest that dawn was not far away. The warrior had stayed awake all night thinking of Gabrielle and remembering all of things the two of them had been through together. She felt completely drained because her emotions had gone from sadness and loss, to happiness with some memories, to anger thinking of how someone had taken her best friend away.

Argo had stayed close by during the night, trying to offer some comfort to her mistress. Despite the fact that Gabrielle and the horse hadn't gotten along to well in the beginning, Xena knew that Argo would miss her too.

The warrior sighed as the first rays of light crossed the sky. She knew that she had to return to Poteidaia and tell Gabrielle's family the news. Xena was dreading that. It was supposed to be a happy occasion with Lila's wedding. Instead the family would be mourning the loss of a daughter and sister.

Finally Xena stood and mounted Argo. She edged the mare gently on to the trail. She was in no hurry to get back to the village.

Gabrie awoke with a start. Without meaning to she had fallen asleep in the woods. And now that the sun was rising, she headed back to the camp. She needed to find out how the man she had hurt last night was doing. If her faulty memory was correct, she hadn't done enough damage to kill him.

She didn't get much rest during the night. Between worrying about the injured man, about her lost memories, and the nightmares she had had, Gabrie had been lucky to get any sleep at all.

Even now her nightmares were effecting her. Over and over again in her head she heard the sounds of men chanting Xena, Xena, Xena. Gabrie had no idea who this Xena was, but from her nightmares she knew the woman was dangerous. She had a feeling that she would run into the warrior soon.

Devon was relieved when he saw Gabrie heading for the camp. He had been worried about her when he had learned that she had ran off the night before. Only his concern over his patient and his brother's insistence had kept him from searching for her.

Gabrie saw him waiting for her, and headed straight for him. "How's..?" She felt bad because she didn't even know the young man's name. But she hadn't been introduced to anyone other than Tyrone the day before.

"Leonis is fine. He's pretty bruised and his arm is broken, but he will be okay." He answered.

"That...that's good. I'm glad." she said. "I didn't mean for that to happen. It's just that I started to remember being attacked. In that I attack I was seriously hurt before I could stop the soldier from trying to kill me."

Devon was shocked. "Wow. Remind me never to get on your bad side."

Gabrie smiled at that. "I don't think that's going to happen. You're the only friend I have right now."

Devon guided her back toward the fire. "Well I'm sure that you're hungry. You didn't even get to have dinner last night."

As if speaking for the young Amazon, Gabrie's stomach growled. They both laughed at that. "Your right. Breakfast sounds like a very good idea."

Gabrie had expected the others to be very upset with her, but they paid very little attention to her and Devon when they arrived back in the camp.

Tyrone watched his brother and Gabrie return. When he had first seen her, he wasn't too sure of her capabilities in a fight, despite the fact that she dressed as an Amazon and even carried one of their weapons. But after he saw what she did to Leonis, he was impressed. He decided he might be able to use her in his plans after all. She would certainly be needed since one man was injured and he knew that Devon wasn't really prepared for any kind of confrontation. Besides someone needed to be there for Leonis.

He would give the Amazon a chance to eat before telling her what he and the others were going to do. Tyrone also didn't want his brother to have any idea of what was really happening until much later. If Devon knew that his brother planned on raiding a nearby village, he would get in the way or even leave. Tyrone needed his healing skills though for his group, even if they were limited. He knew that Devon had more knowledge about that sort of thing than anybody else in the camp.

Tyrone turned to check on the preparations of his people. He wanted to be under way as soon as possible. Once the raid was over, they would probably have to move on out of the area. He was pleased to see that everyone was just about ready. Now all they had to do was wait for the Amazon.

Gabrie was apprehensive as the group approached the village. Tyrone had told her that they had learned that there was trouble there and they were going to defend the villagers. She wasn't sure why, but she had the feeling that he was lying to her. Still she had decided to go along with them. He had given her a sword before they left camp. When she held it, she had brief flashes about learning how to use it. She had heard the voice again, but Gabrie still couldn't see who was talking to her.

The village was bustling with activity. The people there seemed to be preparing for some sort of celebration. Gabrie thought that was odd. If these villagers were in danger, why would they be putting on a festival or whatever it was.

Tyrone had said that they should enter the town quietly. Sneaking into hiding places, and waiting for his signal. Gabrie had just gotten into her position, when she saw the dark warrior enter some distance away from her.

Xena had finally reached Poteidaia. She stopped Argo and looked to see if she could spot Gabrielle's family through the crowds before dismounting. Lila had almost reached her when there was a commotion.

Several figures dressed in black from head to toe had appeared in the streets. They started grabbing at anything of value. Xena had noticed though, that one had stood back watching her.

"Yiyiyiyiyi." The warrior vaulted high into the air, over the heads of the people that had been closest to her and landed near one of the raiders. The others had turned when she yelled and pushed their way toward her through the stunned crowd. They quickly fell at her feet.

Gabrie had stood back watching the warrior in action. Then as Tyrone and the others had fallen, she had flashes of her nightmares. This time with the images, was the memory of standing before this person with a sword in her own hand. For some reason she hadn't killed this monster, and Gabrie had somehow managed to survive.

*That won't happen again* She thought. This time she would send the warrior to Tartarus where she belonged. Even if that meant that she had to share Charon's boat with her.

As the last attacker dropped to the ground, Xena looked back at the one who had stood watching. The raider pulled off her mask, and Lila gasped. Xena looked at the young woman in surprise. "Gabrielle?” The bard hesitated and glared at the warrior. "You killed my husband."

Xena started at the icy sound of her friends voice. "Come on Gabrielle, you know I didn't kill Perdicas. Callisto did."

But the young woman shook her head. "No I saw you do it. Heard you telling me how you stabbed him and felt his blood on your hands. You're going to pay for that."

For the first time, Xena realized that the bard had a sword strapped to her back. The young woman pulled it and started for the warrior. She swung the weapon at Xena's head, and the warrior had no choice but to draw her own weapon to block the deadly swing. Gabrielle didn't let up in her attack. She moved again to strike at Xena, and again the warrior blocked her. The bard continued the assault on her friend, the warrior blocking every strike, but never returning the attack.

Suddenly the warrior flipped over her friend's head. Gabrielle had expected the move, and tracked with her. She swung again at the warrior, but at the last second Xena brought up her sword to block.

Behind Gabrielle, Xena spotted Ares leaning against a tree. She realized he must have something to do with her friends strange behavior. She had to end this before she hurt Gabrielle. Or her friend actually managed to hurt her. As the bard swung at her again, Xena brought her boot up and caught her friend at the wrist. The young woman yelped in pain as the sword flew from her grasp. She didn't see that the warrior had followed up the move with a fist to her stomach. The bard dropped to the ground struggling for breath. "Sorry Gabrielle." Xena whispered. The warrior turned an icy glare at the god of war. "You're behind this." It was a statement, not a question.

"Why yes, I believe I am." smirked Ares.
"What did you do to her?" demanded Xena.

"Oh nothing," said Ares. "The little brat had lost her memory. I just helped her find it again."

Ares made no comment at that.
"Give her back all of her memory, and not your version of it."

"Oh I could do that." said Ares. "But only if you will agree to become my warrior again."

"Not a chance and you know it."

"Oh come now, Xena. If you returned to me you wouldn't be breaking your promise to her. She doesn't even remember it."

"No. But I do. And she will again soon."

"Not if I have anything to do with it." said Ares. He watched Xena for a moment. "All right. If you won't be my warrior, she will. She maybe annoying but she has come along way with her fighting skills thanks to you. And if I can't have my favorite warrior, then I will take her pupil."

"I don't think so brother.” said Artemis as she appeared standing between the god of war and Xena and Gabrielle. "Memory or not, Gabrielle is the queen of my Amazons and she will not serve you." She waved a hand at the young woman on the ground, and her breathing returned to normal.

"Looks like your latest scheme is over with, Ares.” said Xena.

"Yes I suppose it is." he agreed. "But I will win you back." He glared at his sister and considered throwing a burst of his powers at her and the bard, but he heard a voice behind him.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." said Hades.
Ares called at to the warrior as he disappeared. "Until next time Xena."

Gabrielle sat up slowly and for the first time realized that the pain in her head was gone. She also noticed that her memory had returned. The bard looked up to see Xena standing near her, concern showing in her blue eyes. Beside the warrior was an Amazon that she didn't immediately recognize.

"Xena!"
"Gabrielle?" Xena still wasn't sure about her friend's memory.

"Don't worry." said Artemis. "I took care of that. Gabrielle should remember everything about herself and her friends now."

The bard gasped "Artemis?"
The goddess smiled at the young queen. "Yes."

"Wow!" said Gabrielle as she stood up to meet the patron goddess of the Amazons. "I am honored to meet you." She curtsied before Artemis.

Artemis smiled again. "And I am glad to finally meet my new queen of the Amazons. Since you are safe again, I must be going." The goddess transformed herself into a falcon and flew away.

”Wow!" said Gabrielle again. She was surprised when Xena grabbed her in a big hug.

"It's good to have you back again." said the warrior. "I was so worried about you."

By this time, the Gabrielle's family had gathered around the two women. They each hugged the bard.

Some of the villagers gathered up the raiders and led them away. And the bard turned back to her friend. "There are two more of them back at the camp." She filled Xena in on what had happened the night before when she had fought Leonis.

"Come on. We’ll go back to the camp and get them." The warrior whistled for Argo. And the two of them rode back to Tyrone's camp.

Devon was carrying more water to the tent where Leonis was sleeping, when he noticed someone approaching on horseback. The rider stopped and dismounted, followed by Gabrie. He remembered the descriptions she had given him of the warrior from her nightmares and realized that this woman was that warrior. What he couldn't figure out was why Gabrie was with her. "Gabrie?"

The Amazon smiled at him. "It's Gabrielle actually. And this is my best friend Xena."
"Best friend?" He was more confused then ever.

"Ah..it's a long story. I'll explain everything later." answered Gabrielle. "For now I’ll just tell you that I got my memory back."

"How's Leonis?" asked Xena.

Devon was a little startled by the warrior's interest in his patient. "Um...he's fine. He's resting right now."

"Well," said Xena. "We need to get him back to Poteidaia and you too."

"Uh. No Problem." He wasn't about to argue with the warrior. "What happened to Tyrone and the others?"

"Xena's what happened to them," replied Gabrielle. "They've been taken into custody back in my home village."

Devon wasn't sure what to say about that. He had been afraid that his brother would get caught or worse.

"Come on," said Gabrielle "We should be getting on back there ourselves."

Devon nodded. He helped them fix a wagon that was in the camp to his horse and then carry Leonis to it. He followed the two women back to Poteidaia.

Once Leonis had been settled into a hut with a guard outside, Devon had expected that he would be placed with his brother. But Xena had arranged for him to remain in the hut with Leonis to continue to look after his patient. Gabrielle had convinced the authorities that he wasn't really one of the raiders and that once Leonis was better, Devon would be allowed to leave.

Gabrielle had returned to the hut to talk with Devon. She sat down close to him in Leonis’ room. "So what are you going to do when you are able to leave here?"

Devon sighed. "Go home I guess."
"Do you still want to be a healer?" the bard asked.
"Yeah I guess. But I don't know of anyone I can apprentice with." he answered.

"Well," said Gabrielle, "It just so happens that I do know of someone. His name is Hippocrates and he has just recently opened a school and clinic in Athens. If you want, Xena and I can let him know about you. I'm sure he's still taking in students."

Devon's blue eyes lit up at that. "Really?"
"Sure." said Gabrielle. "I can give a special recommendation since you treated me."

He looked over to his patient, whom he realized had heard some of their conversation. Leonis nodded his agreement.

"Thank you, Gabrie." He grinned at her. “I mean Gabrielle. I appreciate that."

"No problem." replied the bard. "Now if you will excuse me, I have to get ready for my sister's wedding."

Gabrielle looked around the gathered guests for her friend. Just as she expected, Xena was no where to be found. She left the crowds and headed for the stables. The bard knew that the warrior was most likely taking care of Argo.

Sure enough, Xena was there brushing down the mare. She didn't look up as the bard approached. "Having a good time?"

"Yeah," answered her friend. "Just wanted to get away for a while. Everybody keeps fussing over me."

"Well they don't really get to see you all that much." replied Xena. "And you did disappear for a while."

"Yeah." agreed Gabrielle. "But my disappearing wasn't really my fault. And you're right I don't come home all that often." She sighed.

"If you want," said Xena, "We could stay here a few more days."

"Are you sure?" asked the bard. "I know that you'd probably would rather be on the road...."

"True. But I know that it would make you and your family happy if you got to spend a little more time with them." answered the warrior.

"Okay." she said. "I'll go tell them we'll be staying for a while." She gave Argo an apple before heading back out of the stable.

The sun had barely risen in the sky as Xena placed the saddle on Argo. Staying on a couple of days after the wedding had been a good idea. The warrior knew it was what the family needed after Gabrielle's disappearance and return. They weren't as used to having gods interfering directly with their lives as the bard was. Xena still wished that wasn't the case, but Ares still couldn't seem to get the message that she was never returning to her old ways.

The warrior led the mare out of the barn and over to the front of Gabrielle's family's home. Just as she was securing the reins to a post, the bard came out of the door. Xena was more than a little surprised, since the bard tended to linger in bed most mornings. She smiled at her friend. "About ready to go?"

"Yeah." replied Gabrielle. "But mother insisted on fixing us a lunch to take with us, as well as making us breakfast. She's also made sure that we have some food to take with us."

Xena was about to say something when they heard Gabrielle's mother calling for them inside the house. She grinned at the bard and the two went inside.

"Oh." moaned Gabrielle. "I don't know if I'll be able to go very far." Her mother had insisted on stuffing them, convinced that they were probably not eating enough on the road.

"Well I guess you could ride with me." said Xena.

"No. It's probably best that I walk this off. I don't think I will have room for that huge lunch she made for us." sighed the bard.

"Uh-huh," agreed the warrior. "Can we talk about something else."

"Anything." said Gabrielle. "I hope that Hippocrates will take Devon as one of his students."

"I don't see why not." answered Xena. "He does seem to do good work."

"Yeah he does." replied the bard, remembering her own injuries. "Well I'll be happy for him getting a chance to fulfill his dream. Not many people get the chance to do that." Thinking about all that she had been through, she smiled. "I know I'm glad to have a chance to live out my dreams. So how about a story?"

The warrior raised her eyebrow and grinned. "Only if it's another one about you as a kid and not one about me."

"Hmph." said Gabrielle. "Oh all right." And she began telling a story about how a couple of ducklings had once decided that Lila was their mother. It was nice to be able to hear Xena laugh after having those nightmares about her friend. And she went into another story as the two continued their journey.