Love Never Fails

Love Never Fails
Part I
by J. Covington
Edited by Little Bear (Rahr)

Sitting at the back of the tavern for once waiting for Xena to show up,
Gabrielle tried her best to blend into the background. At first, no one
noticed her. Few people had been enjoying their meal or ale when she had
arrived. That was three hours ago! Now she knew how Xena always felt
when she was late... not that she was going to let her know that.

A group of unsavory looking men had entered the bar about a half hour
past. As they managed to drink their way to a sound level that was most
uncomfortable, they became bolder. They laughed and cursed and shoved
the rest of the patrons about. Where are you, Xena?

Gabrielle had been reminiscing about the past few weeks since she and
Xena had undergone the Amazon joining ritual. Time had passed quickly
but not quite as she had expected. In fact, it had been almost nothing
like she expected.

Xena was a creature of habit. Gabrielle could live with that. What she
couldn't resign herself to was being ignored. Oh, she wasn't completely
ignored, of course. After all, they both had discovered how well they
met each other's needs. Although she and Xena had shared a special bond
early in their relationship, Gabrielle had never imagined being so close
to someone that you could do or say anything and not think a thing about
it. They were both definitely in love, but as she had discovered, Xena
defies all laws of gravity, convention and... well, love.

Xena was as inflexible as ever. Hoping for more tender moments than were
possible, the bard was disappointed when Xena simply promised they'd
have more private time later. Now that she had experienced the passion
that Xena held under the surface, she could not imagine not being
touched by those tender passions on a very regular basis. The young
woman was just trying to think of a way to reach those passions again
very soon when the noise of the drinking men interrupted her musings.

Hmmph. As it was, Xena was three hours late! The bard was having to
suffer through the antics of the disgusting men across the room. Xena
had been sent a message from Tricessia, an old friend who needed her
help to run off a group of bandits intent on stealing her prime
waterside property away from her. The warrior had insisted on going
alone, promising it wouldn't take long and instructing her friend when
to meet her at the tavern in Rytal.

Jarred back to the moment by a booted foot on the bench next to her,
Gabrielle looked up into dark, menacing eyes that promised he would not
go away easily.

Taking a gulp, she went over her options. One, Xena was gods knew where
so she would have to handle this herself. Okay, fine. Deal with it.
Second, obviously, fear was not an option if she was going to talk her
way out of whatever he wanted. An what he wanted she could easily guess
as he slid his eyes over her body. That look only made Gabrielle feel
like she wanted a bath to wash away the filth of his stare. There was no
time be disgusted. She would try talking first, then pick up the quarter
staff next to her if she could reach it in time. Calm, Gabrielle.
Remember...Act, don't react. Charm the man into leaving you alone...

"What's your name, girl?" Mister Boot asked.

"Who, me?" she squeaked unintentionally.

"That's who I'm lookin' at, ain't it?"

"Um, well, why don't you tell me your name first. After all, we haven't
had proper introductions."

Bending his knee to lean closer over the bard he warned, "We ain't gonna
need introductions in a minute." His intentions became crystal clear as
he eyed her breasts while practically drooling on the floor. Gabrielle
struggled to come up with something to get his mind off... well, her.

She smiled a little brighter and began, "Have we met before? Because I
swear you look just like someone I talked to last week with my best
friend, you know, Xena, the Warrior Princess? Are you a brother
perhaps?" She watched his face, hoping the sound of the Warrior
Princess' name would at least make him think twice.

"I guess you're gonna tell me you're the story tellin' little girl that
travels with that has been piece of trash."

Without another thought, Gabrielle reached down and grabbed the back of
the man's boot sitting next to her and pulled with all her might. The
stranger, taken off balance, fell solidly while taking a chair with him
as he landed with a thud on his back. Gabrielle snatched her staff and
bag, jumping up quickly. She paused just a moment looking down at the
surprised face of her menacing adversary. "I'm not a little girl," she
informed him as she attempted to make a hasty exit. Two men blocked the
the door. Yikes! He's got friends then. Lovely.

Backing up carefully, her staff at the ready, she dropped her bag and
scanned the room to distinguish who was enemy and who was interested
bystander. As she waited for someone to make a move, she thought of
Xena. Now I'm really ticked, warrior mine. I haven't even gotten to eat
yet!

Mister Boot approached from her back side, rubbing the swelling knot on
his head where it hit the floor. Trying to keep all three of the men
that appeared to be in cahoots in her line of sight, she decided to try
one more time to talk them out of harming her. "Listen, guys, you don't
really want to do this. I'm really not worth it, I promise. In fact,
most people think I'm rather annoying... Why don't you just let me leave
and I won't even mention it to Xena."

"You think you can just embarrass me in front of my friends, then walk
outta here?" Mister Boot spat.

"Uh, well... yes, actually. I did. See? Isn't that annoying..."

The man launched himself towards her and she braced her feet wide apart
and swung her staff, striking him in the side of the head. The force of
the blow was enough to knock him sideways and over the nearby bar.
Spinning back around to face the two men at the door, they broke apart
and began walking in different directions around her.

The man behind her moved first and in anticipation of this she dropped
to one knee and jammed her staff to his midsection with a loud 'whump'.
He crumpled to the floor, deprived of breath. Gabrielle stood, tucking
her staff under one arm, balancing herself with her other arm held away
from her body. The remaining man began to grab his sword for a rush at
her and she prepared for her favorite and best practiced maneuver. As
the man held his sword in front of him, he sprang towards her. Waiting
until the last possible moment to move, she gracefully sidestepped him
and the sword, spinning around as he passed. Gabrielle ducked low with
her quarter staff and struck him behind his knees, sending him painfully
skidding across the floor. Mister Boot had climbed back on top of the
bar and was preparing to launch himself at the bard. Seeing him,
Gabrielle turned towards the unguarded door and was about to make her
escape when the door opened suddenly. There was no mistaking the
silhouette that filled the doorway. Finally!

"Where in Zeus' name have you been?!" the bard yelled at Xena.

Raising an eyebrow, the warrior took in the situation. "Trouble?" she
asked.

The man on top of the bar felt his chin drop and quickly jumped down to
retrieve his pride. The two others pulled themselves up and scrambled
backwards to join their comrade. The Warrior Princess had arrived. No
wonder the redhead kicked our butts, thought Mister Boot.

Gabrielle put one hand on her hip and turned to face the men. "Uh, no.
We were just playing, weren't we boys?"

The three looked at Xena filling the doorway with her commanding
presence and nodded their agreement quickly, mumbling things like,
"..playing... having fun... taught us a lesson..." They shuffled off as
Xena walked the rest of the way into the room. The other patrons
continued on as if nothing had happened. Thank you all for your support,
the bard shook her head.

Gabrielle curled her hand around Xena's elbow and pulled her over to
where she had been sitting. The tall woman sat against the wall while
the younger one took the chair across from her. "I've been waiting for
you for three hours, Xena. What happened?"

Giving her loving, but agitated friend as small smile, Xena said, "I
know you get bored easily, Gabrielle, but you really mustn't hurt the
locals. It's not only bad manners, it's my job."

Gabrielle rolled her eyes. "Right, I'll try to remember that, even
though I was having so much fun," she added sarcastically.

The warrior shrugged. "Hey, I made it. Although it looked like you had
things under control." Xena reached over to the bard's hand lying on the
table and squeezed it all too briefly.

Gabrielle blinked. "Yeah... I guess I did," she noted proudly, just
realizing how well she had handled herself. They ordered their food and
drink, then sat talking about what had happened while they had been
apart the day and a half.

After swallowing a large bite of chicken, Gabrielle asked, "So how long
have you known Tricessia?"

Xena paused a moment before answering. "A while," she evaded.

Gabrielle looked thoughtful for a moment. "What do you mean, 'a while'?
Did you know her when you were... you know. A warlord? How well did you
know her?"

Xena sighed and decided the young woman was not going to give up.
"Gabrielle, why don't you just ask what it is you want to know?"

Trying to act casual, the bard carefully arranged the remaining food on
her plate. "What do you mean?"

"You want to know if I've slept with her."

"Gods, Xena!" the young woman looked around nervously. "This isn't
really the time or the place for this conversation." Satisfying herself
that no one was listening, she continued, "But since you brought it up,
have you?"

Silence.

"Uh, Xena?"

"You're right, Gabrielle. This isn't the time or the place."

"Oh." A long pause ensued. Then, "I see." Somehow, the young woman had
expected that answer but was disappointed to hear it anyhow.

"Finish eating. We'll talk about it later."

You bet your chakram, we'll talk about it...

They finished their meal, each lost in their own thoughts.

No wonder she didn't want me to go with her...

She probably thinks that's why I didn't take her with me...

I wonder what this woman looks like...

I still can't believe how much Cessi had changed...

Well, this warrior is mine and she's not getting away so easy next
time...

She probably won't let me out of her sight next time...

Leaving the tavern, the pair gathered supplies for their continuing
journey. It was late afternoon when they left the village. Walking
alongside each other companionably, Argo in tow, Gabrielle finally
voiced her thoughts. "So is she beautiful? Is she married now? Tell me
why those men were trying to drive her out of her home."

"That didn't take long," Xena mused. "Gabrielle, I knew her a very long
time ago. It's no big deal. She owns a lot of land along a prime section
of waterway. Someone wanted her property to use for a raiding camp. The
location is strategically ideal. The water would care for a lot of
horses and men. I just... convinced them to move on to a new place, far
away."

Gabrielle smiled up at her lover. "I'll bet." Stopping suddenly, she
said, "You didn't answer my question. Is she beautiful and married?"

Xena stopped, turned and bent down to kiss the lips of the woman she
loved. "She isn't married and no one is as beautiful as you are."

Gabrielle's face lit up. "Hmm. Good answer... no hesitation, either. I
like that. Okay, so is she still in love with you?"

Throwing her hands up in the air, Xena shook her head and began walking
again. "Why would you think that?"

Running to catch up, Gabrielle said honestly, "That's easy. Because if
it were me, I know I still would be. You would not be easy to get over,
believe me."

Xena raised both eyebrows, "You surprise me sometimes. No, I don't think
she's in love with me and even if she were, it wouldn't matter, now
would it. Can we just drop this now?"

Still feeling a little miffed over Xena's lateness at the tavern,
Gabrielle didn't feel like letting it drop. She eyed the warrior and
decided now was as good a time as any to press the subject. "Is she the
only other woman you... uh... you know, had an affair with?"

"Gabrielle...," Xena began, then stopped as she put her thoughts into
words she thought the bard would accept. "I never claimed to have had
high morals before I met you. I used a lot of people to get what I
wanted or needed. I'm not proud of it now, but I can't keep apologizing
to you for it either. Just let it go."

Feeling somewhat dissatisfied with that answer, Gabrielle decided
nonetheless that it would be a wise thing to do as Xena asked and let it
go. For the moment anyway. "I really did miss you, Xena. We haven't been
apart for a long time. I missed being able to hear your voice and see
your smile." The young woman never had difficulty expressing her
feelings once she knew they were reciprocated. Even before that, she was
able to reach through Xena's defenses with her warm loving words and
touches. Gabrielle knew that had made Xena uncomfortable for a long time
but she never asked her to stop. That gave the young bard the hope she
needed that some day the warrior would give her heart to her and let her
embrace it with all of the love she held for this Xena.

Xena spotted a familiar sight ahead and headed for it. "C'mon, let's set
up camp a little early. I think I know a place not far away."

Gabrielle was pleased to hear it. "Sure, sounds great. What's the
occasion?" Xena walked ahead, looked back and with a crooked smile
answered, "Because maybe I missed you too."

The bard's grin was brilliant as she practically skipped past the
warrior, ready to arrive at their destination. They made camp with the
ease and expertise of seasoned travelers who had spent a lot of time
together. It was too early to start a fire, so they decided to bathe in
the nearby lake, before needing a fire to warm by.

"We can wait until morning for fish, I've got plenty of things to put a
stew together tonight," Gabrielle pointed out, happily. Xena only nodded
her agreement. They undressed and sank into the cool water. "Do you want
me to wash your hair?" the younger woman asked the warrior.

"No. It's fine. I washed it last night."

Hmm. She was at Tricessia's last night. "Oh... okay. Just thought I'd
ask." Swimming out to deeper water, Gabrielle ducked under the water for
a moment, then surfaced, pushing her hair and the water back from her
face as she treaded water. Xena stayed in the shallow water, finishing
her washing. What happened to 'maybe I missed you too'? Gabrielle
decided she may as well get out and dress since there didn't appear to
be romance in the air.

Xena was already dressing when she got out and reached for her own
clothes. Just as she finished tugging her green top into place, Xena
said quietly, "Come here." Hmmm. Maybe I was wrong about the romance
thing...

Gabrielle smiled and walked over, expecting the warrior to take her into
her arms. Instead, when she got close enough, Xena grabbed her by the
arm, pushing her down behind a large rock.

"Xena!" the surprised bard exclaimed.

"Shh. There's someone out there. Stay down." Xena disappeared into the
trees. Gabrielle waited, trying to keep her breathing slow and calm.
Finally, a man appeared through the trees, looking around as if he knew
they were here. A second later, he was on his knees with Xena standing
behind him, forcing his arm behind his back in a painful grip. The man
cried out and Xena suddenly released him. Turning him around, the
warrior asked, "Rythicles? What are you doing here?"

Sensing it was all right to stand up now, Gabrielle approached the two
figures.

"Xena! Cessi sent me to find you. The men came back and took the land.
They killed Amonius and burned the house. We barely escaped."

"They killed Amonius?" Xena repeated her voice low and menacing.

"Yes, Xena."

"Where is Cessi now?" Xena narrowed her eyes, planning ahead.

The old man pointed in the same direction they had traveled from
earlier. "She's at the village just up the road. She told me to bring
you to her if I found you."

Nodding, she looked at Gabrielle. "Let's get our things, we're leaving."
Quickly they packed up and headed back to the village with Rythicles.
Xena and the man talked quietly on the way. Gabrielle was left to wonder
who Amonius was and why he was killed. Xena's eyes had gone completely
dark when she had heard those words from the old man.

A couple of hours later, they arrived back at the tavern the women had
eaten at earlier in the day. In the back corner of the room sat a woman,
a cloak pulled around her with her face hidden by a hood. Xena went over
to her immediately. They embraced and Gabrielle attempted to get a look
at her face. Tricessia sat back down and Xena took Gabrielle's arm,
pulling her down to sit next to her on the bench across from the hooded
woman. "Cessi, this is Gabrielle," Xena introduced her. Slowly, the
woman lowered her hood and Gabrielle's breath caught in her throat.

Even the words of a bard couldn't describe the beauty of that face. She
briefly thought of Helen and the battle of Troy but at the moment she
couldn't remember her face. This woman was older than Xena, that much
was clear, but not more than ten years Gabrielle guessed. Blinking, she
heard the woman speak to her.

"Gabrielle." By the Gods! She says my name just like Xena... "Xena has
told me so much about you. I'm sorry we had to meet under these
circumstances."

Trying not to stare but feeling like she was failing miserably,
Gabrielle replied, "It's nice to meet you. I'm sorry to hear what
happened." Cessia nodded, then looked back at Xena. "He was no older
than she. I can't believe this has happened."

Xena took the woman's hands in her own and tried to reassure her. "I was
certain they had moved on. I should have stayed longer. I'm sorry,
Cessi."

"I would have given them anything they wanted if they would have spared
my son. Now, I've lost everything and his death is more than I can
bear." Tears fell from her eyes as she strove to hold them back. Xena
moved around the table to hold the distraught woman. Gabrielle finally
realized the depth of Cessia's loss. And she had been mad at Xena for
being late to meet her!

"I'll leave in the morning, Cessi. I'll do everything I can to get your
land back. I know right now that doesn't matter much to you, but it's
the only thing I can do. Gabrielle will stay with you." Xena looked at
the bard briefly but did not wait for her acknowledgement. "Let's find
us a room for tonight."

They managed to get two rooms upstairs, next to each other. Xena stayed
with Cessia while Gabrielle brought food up to the room that she assumed
would be shared by Cessia and Rythicles. At her knock, Xena opened the
door, stepping aside for to bring in the tray. Rythicles was nowhere to
be seen. Noticing Gabrielle's questioning look, Xena explained, "Cessi
sent him home to his own family." Gabrielle nodded her understanding.

They ate what they could, but Cessia refused anything. This upset Xena
visibly but she did not say anything or force her to eat. After they had
finished, the bard took the tray back down to the tavern. She wondered
about what Xena's plans were. Obviously, she was going back after the
men who had killed Cessia's son but she had been 'told' to stay with the
mysterious woman from Xena's past. How was Xena going to deal with the
raiders alone?

Gabrielle did not doubt Xena's capabilities. Far from it, in fact, but
she knew how dangerous it would be and did not like staying behind.
However, if Xena told her to stay, she meant it. At least I'll get to
hold her tonight before she takes off to be the warrior that she is and
that I love.

Knocking at the door once again, she heard Xena tell her to come in.
Cradling a weeping Cessia, Xena told Gabrielle to go on to bed. She
promised to join her in a little while. "I'll wait up for you," the bard
reciprocated.

A few hours later, Xena still hadn't come to bed and Gabrielle began to
wonder what happened to her. Closing her eyes, she dreamt of their
incredible night together after their joining ceremony with the Amazons.
She imagined Xena with her arms around her, whispering words of love to
her as she had that night. She could almost hear the warrior. "I'm
leaving now. C'mon, wake up." Huh? Opening her eyes, Gabrielle saw her
warrior leaning over her, her hand on her shoulder, still nudging her
into consciousness. Those aren't the words that I had in mind...

"Gabrielle. Wake up. I've got to go."

"Okay...okay. I'm awake." Struggling to sit up, she noticed Xena had
never come to bed. "Have you been up all night?" she asked, concerned.

"No. I got a little sleep. Cessi was too upset to be alone."

"Oh."

Xena stood and gathered what she would need to take with her. "I want
you to take care of her while I'm gone. I feel like it's my fault this
happened. Keep a close eye on her, I don't know what she might do."

Sitting back down on the bed, Xena looked in Gabrielle's eyes to be sure
she understood. "You love her very much," Gabrielle noted quietly, then
added a little brighter, "don't you."

"She was a good friend even when I wasn't. I owe her."

"You know I'll do my best to take care of her, Xena. Please be
careful... if anything happens to you, Hades will wish he'd never heard
of me!" Gabrielle tried to lighten the moment. "When should you be
back?"

"As soon as I can," Xena replied, closing the distance between them.
Holding Gabrielle tight, she hugged and kissed her, long and slow to
show how much she really preferred to stay. "If I'm not back in two
days, take Cessi to Rythicles' family. Wait for me there." Xena paused
and took a deep breath. "If I don't show up, Gabrielle... go back home
to Ephiny and the tribe. Don't look for me, do you understand?"

Blinking, the bard responded, "I can't promise that I won't look for
you. Don't ask me do that, Xena. If it were me, you wouldn't rest until
you found me. You know that's true."

Xena tried to look stern. "Don't, Gabrielle. For me. If anything
happens, just go back home or I'll be worrying about you no matter where
I am, even with Hades."

Xena picked up what she needed and before she could turn to leave,
Gabrielle stood up and embraced her one more time. "You'll come back to
me," she whispered with confidence. "You won't have anyone to bore you
with stories!" Her moist eyes belied her words and tone. "One more kiss,
Xena?"

Xena kissed the young woman as if it were their last and then turned and
strode out the door.

Gabrielle got up, dressed and went to check on Cessia. She was awake
when she knocked.

"Come in, Gabrielle," she called out.

"Good morning," the bard offered quietly. "I hope you got some rest last
night." Even as tired and emotionally drawn as she undoubtedly was,
Cessia was as strikingly beautiful as the night before.

"I'm sorry that I kept Xena from you last night. I just... needed
someone strong to lean on."

The young woman smiled, reassuring the older woman. "I understand. You
couldn't have picked a stronger friend."

Inviting the bard to sit on the bed, she commented, "Xena loves you very
much."

A little uncomfortable, not knowing what the warrior had told Cessia,
Gabrielle confirmed her feelings. "I love Xena, very much, also."

Cessia smiled. "I understand the two of you just went through some sort
of Amazon ritual to prove that love. Congratulations."

Feeling a bit awkward, Gabrielle returned her smile faintly. "Thank you.
Xena must have told you that," she added surprise in her voice.

"Yes. And about how you became Queen of the Amazon Nation. I think she's
very proud of you. And so she should be. But then you know how hard it
is to get her to shut up sometimes, isn't it."

"What? But Xena doesn't even hardly talk... Oh. Right. I get it. That's
funny," Gabrielle laughed. She kind of liked this woman. It was
certainly easy enough to see why Xena would have been in love with her.
She was breathtaking, humorous and witty. Thank the Gods Xena chose me
for her own.

Shaking her head sadly, Cessia commented. "My son thought the world of
Xena. Even back then when he was so young and she was feared by
everyone. She was always kind and loving to him even though..." Cessia
caught Gabrielle's eyes and apologized. "I'm sorry, Gabrielle. Those are
probably memories you'd rather not hear." The bard shrugged,
noncommittal to the prospect.

"How about something to eat? Xena would kill me if I didn't see that you
ate..."

"I suppose so, but it's difficult. Nothing sounds good. I just can't
believe my son is gone. My life will never be the same..." Tears spilled
over and Gabrielle held Cessia's hand trying to help her through it.

"It's okay if you want to talk about it. I don't mind," Gabrielle
offered. Cessia cried softly for a few more minutes. "I would like to
tell you, Gabrielle. My husband died long before I met Xena. Amonius was
just a boy when she came to us. Her army wanted to camp in the very spot
those men have claimed as their own. Surprisingly, instead of just
killing or running us and the workers off, Xena gave me a choice. Either
let them use the land for a temporary camp, or she would take it from me
and leave us nothing. There were many people who helped us work the
land. Xena did not want any more confrontations. Her army needed rest,
supplies and help with their wounded. They had been in many battles and
needed to regroup. She herself was wounded at the time, although she
never showed the pain she was in. I could see that I had no choice, so I
agreed to help her army."

Gabrielle was thoughtful, wondering what Xena would have been like then.
The one time she had really seen her take charge of an army bent on
survival, it had not been a pleasant experience. Xena had almost lost
her own humanity in the struggle. The dark experiences that Xena rarely
spoke of were always in the back of her mind, where she tried to keep
them hidden. But they were a part of her, a part that she could never
leave behind.

"For two months, they camped on my land, treating us practically as
slaves, but allowing my workers, my son and I to survive. I was...
attractive to them, I suppose and they constantly fought over me.
Somehow I barely managed to avoid being... molested. But I would have
done anything to protect my son. Then, sometime after the first week, I
was sent to Xena's command tent. She told me I was a distraction to her
men. She knew they had begun to fight over me. She said she didn't know
if she would be able to keep them from taking me. She didn't know why
she didn't just let them. Then, she offered to allow me and my son to
stay with her. I admit that even before the offer I was somewhat
fascinated by her. She was so... I'm not sure how to describe it.
Mesmerizing, I suppose. She was always kind to Amonius, as if she
remembered someone from her own past that she was fond of. I could tell
she was attracted to me herself, although she never said so. Xena never
did say how she really felt."

Gabrielle nodded, understanding the warrior better than anyone.

"I consented to stay with her as long as we were under her protection. I
knew what she was offering and what was expected of me. For some reason,
that didn't frighten me. What I didn't realize was that I would fall in
love with her. But I did, and I wasn't sure how to deal with it.
Eventually, when she found out, she became very angry. I didn't
understand why at the time. Xena would not allow herself any weakness.
She told me I was a fool and that she was just using me. She had me
taken outside and she whipped me in front of her men. I still have the
scars."

Gabrielle drew in her breath sharply. Xena?

"I think she was trying to show her army and maybe herself that she
would not allow anyone to get that close to her. Even a woman. She never
allowed a man the same intimacy unless it was for gain for her army.
Taking a woman for a lover was not as threatening to her image with her
men. A man they might show respect to, but a woman... was just to be
used. They could identify with that. This exhibition of cruelty
convinced them she hadn't "gone soft". She was very careful after that
to show no emotion towards me in front of anyone. Amonius never knew
what happened but he sensed there was something different. She still
treated him well and never let him see what was going on. We still...
were together, she insisted on that. She would not allow anyone to think
that I had any say in the matter. What she did couldn't kill the love I
had for her. I can't even explain it. It was like I knew exactly what
she was doing and forgave her the pain she caused anyway. At night,
our... time together was almost desperate. Alone, she could be so...
caring. Very different from the Warrior Princess. Not at all like the
warlord her men saw. I knew Xena was trying to run from something. Her
feelings, I suppose. In any case, eventually it was time for them to
move on. Before she left, she did promise me one thing, I suppose out of
guilt for what she had done. If I ever needed her help, I was to send a
message to her and she would come. I finally sent that message when the
raiders came to take the land my family had left me. The land that my
son and I farmed. Amonius was happy to be a farmer. Xena had told him
how she wished she could be a farmer. Amonius thought she was the wisest
person in the world. He had no desire to run off and seek adventure."

Gabrielle didn't know what to say. "My husband was a farmer," the bard
noted before she realized it.

"Your husband? I thought..."

"It's a long story. We were only married one day before he was killed.
But I had known him most of my life, we were from the same village.
Actually, I'd rather not talk about it," she evaded.

"I see. I'm sorry for your loss after so brief a time. You are so young
to have lost so much," Cessia squeezed the bard's hand.

"Thank you, but as it happens, I ended up finding something else I
needed maybe even more..."

"Of course. Regardless of our past history, Xena is a remarkable woman.
She has changed so much. That darkness is hidden well." Cessia paused,
as if trying to decide to say something she hadn't planned. "Gabrielle,
I still love Xena. I guess I always have. When she came back to help me,
I didn't know about you at first. I made it clear to Xena that she was
welcome to stay with me. I told her how I felt. I guess you could say I
pressed her into an uncomfortable situation."

Gabrielle was quiet. She had sensed there was something more to Cessia's
feelings for her warrior. "I think I know what she said."

Cessia smiled. "Yes. I'm sure you do know. For the first time, I heard
her speak those words of love for someone. Only that someone wasn't me.
It was you. When she speaks about you there is a light in her eyes. I'm
sure that's why she left rather quickly. She should not feel guilty. I'm
the one that should."

"No. You didn't know. I can't exactly blame you. Xena is...
extraordinary," Gabrielle smiled at the much older woman.

"Yes, she is. I've never met anyone with the... ability to be so many
things. Just when you think you know her, you find out something
different about her that you never would have guessed. She hides her
true feelings well." Cessia lay back on the pillow. "But then, I'm sure
this is not new information for you."

"What, that Xena has many skills, as she says, or that she is so afraid
to say the words that show her heart? No, that isn't new to me."

"Xena told me you've been traveling together for a couple of years. Was
it a difficult adjustment for you?"

Gabrielle grew serious. "It wasn't difficult. I wanted... no, I needed
to get out and do some growing up. Being a bard was always what I wanted
anyway, so it was the best thing for me. Traveling, that is. The
experiences and information you get that way are invaluable to good
storytelling. I don't really feel like I have to follow Xena, in fact, I
don't think I do. Sometimes, even I forget that I'm my own person. She
never forgets it. It's really very simple. I love her, and I want to be
with her. I help whenever I can. Maybe I just want to believe this but I
think she depends on me."

Cessia was thoughtful, looking at the strong young woman that stole the
Warrior Princess' heart. "I do believe Xena has finally met her match!"

They both laughed, very comfortable for the first time in their mutual
understanding. The rest of that day, Gabrielle considered Cessia's words
about Xena and what had happened so long ago. She knew Xena had been a
feared warlord but she always thought of her army as committing the
atrocities at her command. She never truly realized the cruelty she must
have inflicted personally on occasion. How had she made it to where she
was now? Gabrielle knew that Hercules had been the motivating part of
that desire for redemption. But, did she herself have the biggest role
in Xena's struggle to discover her own humanity again. Hades seemed to
think so. Ademenia prophesied as much. Was it Xena's own desire to love
someone completely and be loved in return? Perhaps her own words were
more true than she realized. "...I think she depends on me."

Spotting another sentry, Xena glided through the brush and into the
trees, melding with the surrounding forestry. It was almost nightfall
and she had gotten closer to the camp without detection. Those men
weren't going to be too happy when they discovered their horses were
missing. Slipping through the growing darkness, she disabled the man on
her path to the encampment. Hopefully, it wouldn't take long to take
care of Criantius and convince them to leave for far-off territories.
Xena was concerned about Cessia and Gabrielle. Amonius' death had shaken
the warrior as well. She thought of her own son, Solan, and wished there
was some way she could have protected the Cessia's son.

If only she had stayed to be sure the raiders wouldn't return. She had
been in hurry to meet Gabrielle. And to escape Cessia. Now, her guilt
was tearing her apart inside. Xena felt she owed the older woman a debt.
Without the woman's love and support so many years ago, her own heart
may have been completely consumed by the madness that she had become. So
sick with hate was Xena, she had forgotten what it felt like to be
loved, and to love in return. Cessi gave her that, even though Xena was
cruel, not believing what she offered was without price. So cruel, in
fact, Cessi still bore the scars from the whipping Xena herself carried
out, in front of her men.

A movement to her left caught her attention. A flickering light was
stretching its way across the void of inky blackness that had fallen
over the forest. The camp! Moving quickly now, the warrior made her way
stealthily to the edge of the raiders' encampment. Xena understood these
men and how they worked. At one time she was these men. Spotting the
tent she was looking for, she wound her way to the back of it, listening
for any sound inside. Hearing none, she took her dagger and split the
material, allowing her to squeeze inside. She spotted the perfect place
to wait for Criantius.

Before long, the man entered the tent with two of his lieutenants. Xena
did not know them. I must be getting old. These are practically boys.
She listened as they began discussing what to do in case Xena returned.
Xena had to smile. She appreciated that people were constantly
underestimating her. So much the better. Briefly thinking of Hades, she
wondered if he had planned it that way. She had managed to accept Hades'
explanation that he was her father, too many times he had intervened on
her behalf for her not to believe it. However, she still couldn't
embrace his interference in her life whenever he chose.

The two underlings finally left and Xena seized the opportunity to
surprise their leader. A few minutes later, Criantius was revealing to
her his men's raiding pattern in the area. One group had left that
morning, heading for Rytal. Xena cursed, then released the blood flow in
his neck which she had blocked using her pressure technique. Xena turned
to leave quickly, and heard Criantius call out for the guards. Pulling
the dagger he kept hidden, Criantiuis threw it at her back. Anticipating
the move, she turned and caught the dagger now pointed at her heart.
Before she could stop herself, she threw the dagger back at the
surprised man. Blinking, he did not catch it. Men began running into the
tent's entrance, but she was already gone. Their leader was already
dead.

Cessia put down her spoon and told the bard, "That's it, I'm afraid."

Gabrielle took the woman's bowl from her hands. "Hmm. Not bad... not
bad. Better than earlier." The bard had gotten Cessia to eat for the
first time all day. It was just getting dark outside and she was worried
about Xena.

"I'll be sure to tell Xena that you fed me." Hearing no response from
the talkative young woman, Cessia offered, "I'm sure she's all right,
Gabrielle. I know you're worried."

"I can't help it. But I'm sure you're right, she'll be fine."

There was a cacophony of sound from outside the inn. Gabrielle went to
the window to look out onto the street. Armed men were pouring into the
village, attacking anyone in their way. Raiders! "Something's wrong.
Cessia, the raiders have come, we've got to get out of here. C'mon, stay
with me," Gabrielle took Cessia's arm and grabbed her staff on the way
out the door.

They ran down the stairs and through the kitchen where Gabrielle knew
there was a door away from the street to the outside. They hurried
outside, trying to get to the edge of the village and beyond before they
could be caught. A man spotted them as they passed the last house. He
yelled something at them as he waved his sword and gave chase.

Gabrielle ran as fast as she could while helping Cessia keep up. She
knew the older woman was not going to make it. Her decision made, she
stopped suddenly and turned to face the onslaught. She managed to get in
several blows with her quarter staff before he was able to grab the
staff and wrench it out of her hands. "Cessia, run!" the bard called out
as she tried to fend off her attacker. Unsure of what to do, Cessia
hesitated, knowing she would be of no help to Gabrielle. "I'll find
Xena," she promised and headed into the woods. It was the last thing
Gabrielle heard as a blow to the side of her head was delivered by her
own staff, knocking her unconsious.

Xena pushed Argo to her limits. Taking a shortcut off the road, she knew
she was exhausting her faithful mount but she could not spare the time
to rest her. She may already be too late. A coldness gripped her heart
as she thought about her love and the danger she was in. She shook
herself and refused to believe that she was hurt... or worse. No, that
thought would not be allowed to live as long as Xena breathed. Even if
she had to go to Hades on her knees, she would not live without
Gabrielle. Argo flew over the rocky terrain trying to carry her master
to Rytal as fast as Pegasus. Forgive me, Argo. I'm coming, Gabrielle.

The young woman awoke to a bright light. She opened her eyes, then
wished she hadn't. A throbbing in her brain told her she was not going
to enjoy the sensation of being conscious. Looking at the sky overhead,
she felt her body shake, causing even more pain in her head. Wait a
minute... She looked over to the side and realized that she was lying in
a wagon with three other people that was traveling down a poor road.
Trying to raise her head, the pain increased significantly. Okay,
okay... I'm not supposed to move yet. I get it already. Closing her
eyes, she thought about where she was. Hmmm. That's funny. I don't
remember taking a trip. In fact, I don't think I remember... anything.
Opening her eyes suddenly, fear gripped her. What...?

Ignoring the pain, she struggled to sit up and look around. The others
with her gave no indication of being interested in her situation.
Looking around, there were men on horseback in front of and behind the
wagon. There were other wagons as well, carrying stores of food and
assorted items that appeared to have been hastily loaded. Raiders? That
must be it... "Excuse me," the young woman began, speaking to the woman
closest to her. "Could you tell me what happened?"

The other woman looked at her with glassy eyes. "They took us. They
burned Rytal and took everything of value. We're to be slaves."

Slaves? "Do you know who I am?"

The woman replied, "I don't know. You aren't from my village."

Hmm. So I'd been traveling, perhaps. "But you don't know my name? I
can't seem to remember it myself..."

"I'm sorry. I don't know... it looks like you got hit in the head. Maybe
that's why you can't remember."

The man driving the wagon leaned back. "Shut up back there! Or I'll take
the whip to ya."

"Hey, give us a break, bad breath. I'm just trying to figure out who I
am!" the young woman answered back. The gap toothed driver lifted his
arm to strike the impudent redhead, and she shrank back suddenly. "Okay!
No sound...no problem." He turned back around with a growl.

Terrific. Not only can't I remember who I am and what's going on, I'm
stuck with a fugitive from hygiene.

Xena pulled up on Argo's reins when she saw someone ahead of her.
Cessia? Argo was breathing heavily. The dawn had broken just a few
minutes before. Jumping off the horse before she had even stopped, Xena
ran to the woman. "Cessia, are you all right? Where's Gabrielle?" She
held the woman by the upper arms, waiting for her answer.

"Xena, we were trying to escape. I couldn't run fast enough, Gabrielle
told me to run while she tried to... stop the man chasing us. They were
fighting when I made it to the woods. She didn't make it."

"What? What do you mean? She's dead?" Xena was shaking, trying to
control her emotions.

"I don't know, Xena. She didn't follow." Cessia was exhausted and she
did not want to bring bad news to the woman in front of her. She herself
feared that Gabrielle had been killed by the raider.

"Stay here," Xena ordered and jumped back on Argo, kicking her into a
run towards the village. She saw the smoke a few miles later. The
village had been burned. Her heart was beating so fast she thought it
would surely kill her. At the edge of the village, she jumped off Argo.
"Gabrielle!" she yelled as loud as she could. The sound could be heard
echoing off the surrounding trees. She scanned the area, her eyes
falling on a familiar object. The quarter staff lay on the ground fifty
paces away. Running over to it, Xena picked it up seeing the blood on
one end and screamed, "Nooo!" Falling to the ground, she lost control.
For several minutes, she knelt, head down, trying to calm herself. She
hadn't found her body, so she might still be alive. She had to get
herself together. If she was alive, this wasn't going to help her.

Taking the staff, she mounted Argo again and searched what was left of
the village. There was no sign of the bard. Turning back, she headed to
where she had left Cessia. The older woman waited, knowing Xena would
return. Hoping she had not found the body of the beautiful young woman.

As the warrior approached, Cessia jumped to her feet. "Xena?"

"No sign of her. I found her staff. They must have taken her with some
of the others. She would be considered 'prime' slave material." Wearily,
Xena dismounted and tried to think of what to do. "I've got to catch
them. They are probably only halfway back to camp by now with the
supplies they took. That will slow them down. I killed their leader but
they won't know it until they return. As long as they don't know who
Gabrielle is, she might have a chance until I get to her."

"What will you do?"

"I will find her. And I will get her back, no matter what I have to do.
There's others they've taken as well. I'll have to figure out how to get
them all back safely." Xena patted Argo's neck, knowing how exhausted
she was. She had managed to get her some water at the village but she
needed rest. Rest she couldn't afford. "Cessia. I want you to take Argo
and go to Rythicles. She'll need some rest first. Take it slow, she's
been driven too hard."

"But Xena, I need to help you and Gabrielle," Cessia replied.

"No. There's nothing you can do right now. I've got to move fast. Argo
can't make it anymore. I need you to take care of her and yourself. I'll
be back to get you at Rythicles'. Do this for me."

Cessia took her hand a cupped the cheek of the warrior. "Xena, I would
do anything for you, you know that. You know how much I love you still,
even if you won't acknowledge it. That's all right. I know how you feel,
that it isn't the same for you. You have the love you've always needed
in Gabrielle. You must go. I will wait for you both."

Xena nodded, then turned and ran through the forest.

After a few hours of jostling around in the raider's wagon, Gabrielle
was ready to arrive anywhere. The knot on the side of her head felt like
a tomato and she imagined she looked some what comical. That is, she
tried to imagine what she looked like, but the picture was fuzzy.

The others in the wagon were somehow disabled as well. There must have
been others that were forced to walk. She could see faces through the
spaces between the raiders' horses occasionally. Their progress was
slow, which did not seem to make the leader of the raiding party very
happy. The mystery of her identity concerned her much more than his
yelling. She obviously didn't belong with these people. She wore much
different clothes. Her appearance, as best she could tell, was unlike
their own. Where do I come from? Why do I feel like there is something
very important missing?

One of the wagons carrying supplies lost a wheel, its contents spilling
out the back as the driver attempted to halt the horses. Everyone
stopped. The wheel was recovered and an attempt to put it back on was
made. The horses were rested and the men were allowed water before
beginning again. They were given nothing.

The delay only irritated the leader even more. "Criantius will have my
head if we don't make it back by sundown," the man said to another on
horseback. Gabrielle assumed this Criantius was the warlord in charge of
the raiders. How did I get myself into this? Who would even care what
happened to me?

A few more hours passed and Gabrielle began to feel like they were
getting close to their destination. The leader relaxed a bit, obviously
relieved they were going to make it. Criantius must not be very
forgiving.

A sentry hailed them. The leader spoke with him, then looked a bit
stunned. Cursing, he ordered the rest of them men to follow the sentry
and gave them orders for the placement of the supplies. As they arrived
at camp, the villagers and Gabrielle were herded together. A dark man
with a beard came out of what Gabrielle assumed was Criantius' tent.
Looks like the hygiene problem is more extensive than I thought...

The scarred man looked everyone over, commenting to the leader of the
raiders that brought them in. Gabrielle did her best to hide behind one
of the men in the group. Too late. The man spotted her and narrowed his
eyes. "Bring her over here," he commanded, pointing at the bard. Rough
hands grabbed her and pulled her over in front of the bearded one. "You
look familiar... that red hair. I know you from somewhere."

"Really? Could you tell me where that was, 'cause I don't seem to
remember myself," Gabrielle was honest.

"Shut up, girl," the large man ordered. Looking her up and down, he
stroked his beard. "Guess it don't matter much. You're on your way
somewhere else anyways... I swear I've seen you before. What's your
name?"

"Uh... you see, it's like this. I don't seem to remember my name. I was
hoping you did."

The man looked at her and laughed. "Is that right? Well, sorry I haven't
been much help. I reckon it's a good thing you don't remember, then. You
get a fresh new life starting right now. Take her to my tent," he
ordered and walked over to inspect the supplies the men had brought
back.

Watching Gabrielle being hauled inside the tent made Xena cringe. After
climbing a tree near the camp for a view of what was going on, she saw
the scene between the new leader and Gabrielle. She was still too far
away to hear what was said, but his decision to have her taken to his
tent was quite clear.

Exhausted from trying to catch up to the raiders, she wish she had made
it in time to prevent them from joining with the other raiders at their
camp. There was too many of them now to take on alone in an up-front
fight. She noted the extra guards placed behind the tent as well. The
rest of the villagers were forced inside another tent that was guarded
heavily. Xena needed to distract as many raiders as possible. But how?
There wouldn't be much time after the new leader decided to indulge
himself with Gabrielle. He was just returning to the tent as she made a
decision.

There were at least fifty men milling about, including the guards. Xena
climbed down from her post. She strolled into camp as if she did so
everyday. Surprised, the men just watched her for a moment. Then someone
yelled that it was Xena, and they quickly closed around her. She did not
draw her sword, she just waited, patiently. No one got too close, much
to her amusement, and someone called for a guard to tell Stephanus that
the Warrior Princess was in camp. The guard returned and told her to
follow him. As she expected, she was escorted to the tent by several men
with their weapons drawn. Once inside, she quickly looked around for
Gabrielle. In the corner she caught a glimpse of the familiar red hair.
Stephanus walked around the table to face her. "What d'you want, Xena.
You've already killed Criantius. Did me a favor, actually. That's why
you aren't dead already."

"Oh, is that why? Funny, I thought it was because you're worried."

The big man laughed nervously. "Worried? About you? I haven't given you
any reason to cause me worry." It was obvious to Xena that he feared her
more than he was trying to let on. Perfect.

"You sacked a village today. Made off with quite a bit of supplies, not
to mention a number of villagers for the slave market."

"So? You've sacked a few villages in your time, so I've heard. We have
to survive too. If you're still riled up about the lady's land we're
borrowing, I wouldn't. She decided to move on."

Xena tried to move around a little, edging closer to where Gabrielle was
located. She casually turned in her direction and caught the young
woman's eyes. Gabrielle just looked at her, showing no recognition.
Good, that's it. Don't let them know who you are. Turning back she said,
"Oh? I take it there was some convincing involved."

Gabrielle watched the warrior woman talk to the bearded man. She was
fascinated by the woman. She looked so... familiar. The beautiful dark
hair, those blue eyes... Why did she feel like she knew her? How could
she? This was obviously someone of great importance to have been treated
as well as she was. Even she could see the leader was afraid of her. The
man had said the warrior had killed the previous leader. Who is this
Xena?

When the warrior turned in her direction again, she tried to concentrate
on what was being said. "... this girl."

The bearded man looked at her. He narrowed his eyes. "Why should I? She
belongs to me. I guess I didn't hear about your preference for girls."

Xena stepped close to Stephanus, causing him to back up. "Watch it. You
don't want to make me angry. You don't even need to know why I want her.
All you need to know is that I'll keep my promise. I, at least have a
sense of honor, unlike Criantius."

Considering Xena's words, Stephanus made a decision. "I don't like it,
but okay. It's a deal." They grasped forearms and a deal was struck.

Walking over to the young woman, Xena held out her hand to her. "C'mon,
we're leaving."

Confused, but happy to be leaving, Gabrielle said, "Uh...okay."

The guards let them pass and two men escorted them to the edge of camp.
When they were out of sight and earshot, Xena turned to Gabrielle,
taking her in her arms and holding her. The young woman was surprised
and stood very still, trying to figure out what was going on.

"I'm so glad you're all right. You have no idea how worried I was when I
couldn't find you. We only have until morning to come up with something
to get those people out of there."

Pulling back, Gabrielle looked up at the imposing woman. "You were
worried... about me? Why?"

Shaking her head, Xena touched the bards face, gently probing where the
swelling was noticeable. "Why do you think, silly. I really don't want
to play "how does Xena feel" right now. Is your head all right? It's a
good thing they didn't know who you were or I wouldn't have been able to
pull that off. Oh yeah, I sent Cessia with Argo back to Rythicles. They
have your staff."

"Argo? Cessia? I have a staff?" Gabrielle batted Xena's hand away from
her face. This woman was making her a little breathless and she wasn't
sure why.

"Hey, what is it with you? Are you okay? Come here," Xena pulled her
back to her and kissed her quickly. Gabrielle didn't move for a second,
surprise mingling with pleasure. Then she pushed against the warrior,
breaking their contact.

"Gabrielle?"

Looking up at her blankly, the young woman said, "Is that my name? Why
did you kiss me? Are we...?"

Xena was stunned. "You don't know your name? Or who I am?"

Gabrielle looked down at her feet. "I'm sorry. I just can't seem to
remember anything." She shifted her weight from one foot to the other.
Looking up brightly she offered, "You do look very familiar to me,
though. That's good, isn't it?"

"That I look familiar? Gabrielle, we're lovers. We've been joined by the
Amazons. You're the Queen of the Amazons. I should look a lot more than
'familiar' to you," Xena spoke a bit harshly, her patience thin.

"Lovers?" A mental picture formed in her mind and she blinked rapidly.
That was not an unpleasant thought. "What do you mean joined... is that
like, uh... married?"

Pulling the young woman back into her arms, Xena replied, "Yes. That's
exactly what it means."

Gabrielle looked up at her and blinked. "Oh." Being held by the tall
woman was making her feel dizzy. She decided to blame her wound for
that. "I'm a Queen?"

"By right of caste, yes. Ephiny rules as Queen only in your absence."

"How do I know you're not just making this up for your own purposes?"

Xena narrowed her eyes, looking deep into the blue-green ones of her
love. She lowered her head and kissed Gabrielle with all the tenderness
she could gather. Gabrielle was captured by the sweetness of that kiss.
She was seduced by it as well. Bringing her arms up she held on to the
warrior. If this was her destiny then she was ready to surrender to it
right now. Xena sensed the capitulation and pulled her even closer,
stroking her lower back and over the curves below. Finally, Xena slowly
lifted her head and watched the expression on the bard's face.
Gabrielle's eyes were still closed and as they popped open a moment
later, they spoke volumes.

"No," she breathed. "I guess you aren't making that up."

"I'm sorry, Gabrielle. I know this must be difficult for you but I'm not
about to let you forget our feelings for each other. Anything but that."

Gabrielle closed her eyes again. "Um, do you think we could... continue
on our way. I'm about to become one big wet spot in the road here."

Xena laughed softly. "Sure. I guess it'll take you a little while to get
used to that again."

They walked on for a while lost in thought until Xena decided to take a
path into the woods to find a comfortable spot for them to get some
rest. She guided to them to a place beside a pool the river had made.
There was moss on the ground that would make a comfortable place to
sleep. Darkness had fallen as they walked through the trees. Gabrielle
looked at Xena, waiting for instructions on what to do.

"We'll sleep here. I'll have to be back at their camp before daybreak if
I'm going to free those people. I doubt that Stephanus really trusts me
not to keep my word about leaving them alone."

"Okay. What are you going to do? There's at least fifty men in that
camp. How are you going to get them out of there without help?"

"You've forgotten about my many skills. If I plan it right, I can reduce
those numbers easily. I can probably handle about twenty at one time so
I just have to create a diversion to occupy the rest."

Gabrielle looked at the warrior as if she had been the one to have lost
her mind. "Twenty men at one time? Are you crazy? You'll be killed." She
didn't like that thought at all.

Xena smiled. "No I won't. I've handled a lot worse than that before.
Besides, I have a lot to live for." She looked pointedly at Gabrielle.
"If I'm lucky, the villagers will be rested also and may be able to help
once I get them free."

"I see... you are pretty good at this warrior thing, huh," Gabrielle
noted. Xena shrugged. "Is that why those men were so afraid of you and
let me go with you without a fight. The Warrior Princess has a
reputation for handling herself in any situation?"

Lying back on the moss, Xena was thoughtful. "I guess you could say
that. Listen, I know right now you don't remember anything about me or
my past so I'll warn you now. I was a warlord once. It wasn't so very
long ago that my army was terrorizing people just like those villagers.
Ares' had me in his grasp. I was bloodthirsty and willing to do anything
to defeat whoever got in my way. Eventually somebody did get in my
way... Hercules. Only I didn't defeat him. He convinced me that my life
was wrong and that I could seek redemption for my soul if I began to
fight for the right things. When I left that life behind, I began a
journey much more difficult. Trying to change wasn't easy. It still
isn't sometimes. I don't always make the right decisions, but you've
always helped me to see what path I need to follow."

"How did we meet?" Gabrielle asked.

"A little more than two years ago, I was traveling near Potadeia, your
village. Some slave traders had just raided the village. You were with
your family and some of the other women who had been captured. I rescued
you and the others and drove off the slavers. When I left, you followed
me. You wanted some adventure in your life. I couldn't seem to get rid
of you. I guess I didn't really want to. I needed a friend very badly,
but I didn't think I deserved one. You didn't give up on me. We grew to
be very good friends."

Gabrielle plucked at the moss underneath where she sat beside the
reclining warrior. "Hmm. That seems to make sense. I can't explain it
but you do seem... I don't know. A part of my life somehow. So how did
we... uh, you know. Fall in love."

Xena sat up and took the young woman's hand in hers. "It seems so
strange, talking about this. I don't know, Gabrielle. I can only tell
you that my feelings were clear to me a long time ago. I would do
anything to keep you safe." Thinking briefly about Gabrielle's marriage
she knew she shouldn't leave that out even though it was painful for her
to talk about. Xena explained about the childhood sweetheart Gabrielle
had married and Callisto's plot for revenge. Gabrielle seemed surprised
by her decision to marry the farmer- turned-soldier.

"I married him, just like that. He just shows up, tells me he loves me
and I marry him? And you let me, even though you had feelings for me
yourself?"

Xena felt trapped. She hadn't expected to have to explain herself. "I
told you then that I just wanted you to be happy. No matter if it meant
marrying him or staying with me. It... wasn't the right time to tell you
how I felt. I didn't want to make you choose. I was willing to give you
up if it would make you happy."

Gabrielle looked incredulous. "What a bunch of, uh... manure. I think
you should have told me. Choosing who I wanted to be with was my
decision. Not yours. Maybe If I'd known how you felt I would have chosen
differently. That poor man may have been spared if you had."

Xena's head snapped up. "Don't you think I know that? How do you think I
feel? I didn't want to see him dead. I just didn't want to lose you. I
feel like his death was my fault. I caused you pain and couldn't even
explain how I felt." Standing up, she walked a few paces away not
wanting Gabrielle to see the pain on her face.

"I see. I think I have this figured out. You have some kind of problem
expressing how you really feel, don't you."

Xena turned around and looked at her. "I... do we have to talk about
this now? We've got to get some rest."

Gabrielle felt like this was important. If this amazing woman cared
about her so much, especially going so far as to 'marry' her, why could
she not just say so. Not knowing what her future held, since her past
was a blank page being filled in by the warrior, she bluntly asked, "Do
you love me?"

Xena knelt beside her on one knee. Looking into curious eyes, she
answered. "With all my heart. But since you don't even remember who I
am, I don't know what's going to happen or even if your memory will
return. I don't want to lose you, but what if you no longer feel the
same for me? I will never force you into something you don't want,
Gabrielle. "

Touching that beautiful face with her fingers, Gabrielle acknowledged
those fears. "I can't promise anything, uh, Xena. I wish I could say
that it was going to be all right, but I don't know. I don't know how I
feel right now. It's so strange, not to know who I am, who you are. I'm
rather frightened by it all. I've no idea what my future holds, but at
least I can see I have a very good friend who is willing to help me face
it."

"Always."

Lying back on the ground, Gabrielle closed her eyes. Xena lay back down
beside her. Taking the young woman's hand in hers she whispered, "Get
some sleep, my love. We'll face it in the morning."

A few hours later, Gabrielle awoke at the touch of Xena's hand on her
shoulder. "It's time. Wait here for us. I'll try not to be long, but it
depends on them. A few hours anyway."

"Can't I help you? I'm not sure I want to be alone. I feel kind of lost
anyway."

"So you still don't remember anything," Xena sounded disappointed. "It's
best that you stay here. I can't concentrate when I'm worried about
you." Touching the knot on the young woman's head gently, she offered,
"It doesn't look as swollen today. You need to get some more rest."

"I will. Be careful," Gabrielle told her.

Xena nodded and left through the trees. Lying back down, Gabrielle
thought about the warrior and everything she had been told. She could
not deny an immense attraction to this woman but she had no idea why she
felt that way. The way Xena described herself, her past, it wasn't like
anything Gabrielle could imagine embracing. But there is something...
when she touches me, I almost can hear ... Shaking herself, she thought
about where the woman was heading. What if something goes wrong? She
might not ever see her again. That thought was not very welcome. I could
follow her, maybe I could help. She doesn't have to know. Sitting up and
looking around, she knew which direction Xena had gone. She told you to
wait here, a voice cautioned. So? We're married, aren't we? I have a
right to follow her if I choose. Hey, I'm an Amazon Queen. I could help.
She stood up and headed in the same direction as the warrior. How does
she walk through all this in the dark?

Stumbling around, she managed to make it in the approximate direction
Xena was heading. She hoped the warrior didn't hear her.

Xena was too busy to worry about Gabrielle at the moment. Just at the
edge of the camp, she was making plans. The men were mostly sleeping.
Stephanus' tent was heavily guarded, she noticed with a wry smile. The
tent the villager's were in was lightly guarded. If she could warn them,
it would make things go a little smoother in the confusion she was going
to cause. Making her way behind the tent, she was surprised by a man
just walking around the edge of the tent. Eyes wide, he opened his mouth
to yell for help when she grabbed the chakram at her side and let it
sail into his chest. The words never made it out of his mouth. Xena
closed her eyes a moment. Sorry. Cutting an opening in the tent she
slipped inside. The villagers were asleep, except for a young woman near
where she entered. The girl looked at Xena. "Are you here to help us?
You took that other girl away, didn't you?"

"Yes. Wake the others as quietly as possible. I'm not going to be able
to get all of you out of here this way but some of the women can come
with me now."

The girl nodded and began to wake everyone, telling them to be very
quiet and that the warrior woman they had seen earlier had returned to
help them. Xena explained to the group what she was going to do and what
they were to do when she signaled them. Taking a small group of the
women, she helped them out the back of the tent into the woods. Telling
them to stay there and not move until she returned, she positioned
herself so that she could see the front of the camp again. Taking her
chakram, she aimed at the ropes of the largest troop tent. If she could
bring it down it would keep them out of the way long enough to take care
of the others.

Gabrielle could see the camp now. She had almost stumbled onto a
sleeping sentry. At least, she assumed he'd been sleeping. Giving him
wide berth she continued around him until she reached the trees at the
edge of the village. She looked for Xena and the others, but couldn't
see them. Where is she? A glint of light across the way caught her
attention. She could just see the round metal thing Xena carried. What
is she going to do with that? A moment later, the chakram flew through
the air, cutting through the ropes holding up one of the tents. It
bounced off a nearby wagon and returned to Xena's outstretched hand.
Wow! How did she do that? As the material fell on it's occupants, men
were yelling in confusion. Xena drew her sword and ran into the camp,
giving a hair raising cry. Gabrielle blinked. Oh my.

The first three men to greet her fell to the side as she kicked, punched
and sliced her way through them. Taking out the guards at the villager's
tent, she opened the flap and the villagers ran out and began to pick up
anything they could use as weapons. Men were running everywhere. The
fallen tent was being cut open by the men inside. Stephanus and his men
were coming out of their tent when they spotted Xena and drew their own
weapons. A couple of archers that had been on guard at the camp's
perimeter started shooting arrows near her. Gabrielle held her breath.
Xena caught two arrows just before they reached her, then dropping them
quickly, caught another aimed at her heart. Gabrielle thought she was
going to faint.

Springing into several backflips, Xena landed near Stephanus and his
lieutenants. Her eyes were wild with the excitement of the battle. They
rushed at her at one time. She twirled her blade as they approached. She
landed a kick in one direction while parrying the sword in front of her.
Spinning, she knocked down another man and returned in time to block the
sword again. She thrust with her own sword and ran the man through
cleanly. He fell to the ground. The men looked at her and retreated. She
shook her head and motioned for them to come back, smiling at them.
She's playing with them, Gabrielle thought in amazement. The men looked
at each other and turned and ran. Just as Xena was turning her head to
check on the villagers, an arrow was speeding her way. She tried to
twist to catch it but the angle was too much. It hit her in the
shoulder, the tip tearing through her flesh and out through the front.
Gabrielle was already running towards her, ignoring everything going on
around her. The villagers were managing to hold their own with the few
raiders left to put up a fight. Most had deserted when their leaders
ran. No one noticed that Xena was injured except for the woman rushing
to her. The archer had already abandoned the battle as well.

"Xena!" Gabrielle yelled as she got close to the warrior. Xena looked up
and saw her running towards her. She stumbled a bit, but did not fall.

"What are you... I told you to wait for me," Xena struggled to get the
words out.

"Shut up and let me help you!" Gabrielle scolded her. "You're hurt and
I'm not sure what to do but I'll get someone who does."

Reaching up to grab the arrow shaft sticking out of her shoulder, Xena
broke the wood, removing the tip. "Get someone to pull this out the
back," she said with gritted teeth. One of the village men ran over and
Gabrielle told him what Xena said to do. He held her opposite shoulder
and quickly removed the remaining arrow shaft. Xena sucked in her breath
and groaned. Gabrielle reached for her before she could fall. "I'm all
right. Get me some wine from the supplies," she told the man. Gabrielle
kept her arm around Xena's waist, trying to lend support. The man
returned quickly with a wine skin. Drinking some, Xena then poured the
wine over her wound. "'Kay. It didn't hit bone, so I'll be all..." she
fainted before she could finish.

Love Never Fails, Part 2

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