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


Xena could hear a voice speaking. She opened her eyes and a face
appeared over her. "Gabrielle?"

"I'm right, here. No. Don't try to sit up. You need to take it easy."
The young woman pushed her back down when she tried to sit up. "It's a
good thing the village healer was one of those captured."

"Where are we? What happened?"

"We're at Rythicles'. I remembered you telling me his name and that we
knew him and the woman named Cessia. I found out where he lived and the
healer helped me get you here. Fortunately it wasn't too far on the
other side of the river. You must have been exhausted after all that
happened. It's been a whole day since you went to free the villagers."

Xena closed her eyes again, remembering being hit by the arrow. "Yeah, I
guess I was. Is everyone all right?"

Gabrielle smiled. "Yes, the villager's took care of the rest of those
men. They scattered all over the place. The people were very grateful to
you. Said to tell you so and that they would rebuild their village."

"I'm glad to hear it. How are you doing?"

Looking down, Gabrielle replied, "I still don't remember it all. I'm
sorry."

"As long as you're all right, it's not important," Xena lied. She wished
this nightmare would be over and her other Gabrielle were back.

There was a knock at the door and at Gabrielle's welcome, Cessia entered
the room. She sat down beside the bed and smiled at Xena. "Hello. Are
you feeling better?"

Xena looked back at Gabrielle and said, "I guess so."

Cessia did not miss the meaning of that look. "Gabrielle, could I speak
to Xena alone, please?"

"Of course." Gabrielle left, closing the door behind her.

"You're giving up, aren't you?" Cessia told her. Xena looked away. "That
doesn't sound like you. Give her some time."

"Cessi, she doesn't even remember me. Nothing we've been through. I'm
right back where I started. She doesn't love me... she doesn't even know
me."

Cessia looked at Xena and patiently told her what she thought. "You
know, Gabrielle loved you very much. She hasn't changed. Just her
perception of who she is has. I can't see how a love like the one you
two share could just disappear, Xena. I know you. You'll want to be
honorable. You won't push her. But what if that's what she needs? She's
scared right now. You're the only thing she has and she doesn't know how
to deal with you. If you start acting like someone you're not, that will
only confuse things more."

Xena sighed, not knowing what to say.

"Tell me this, Xena. Are you willing to give her up? Is that how you'll
prove your love to her?"

Thinking back to the words Gabrielle had said when she told her about
her marriage, Xena knew how upset Gabrielle seemed that she had not told
her how she felt about her. She realized she was at the same cross
roads.

Patting the warrior's hand, she said, "You think about that, you idiot.
Now come on and get up. You need to eat and I'm not going to baby you
like that young woman out there."

Xena laughed and got up slowly to get redressed. Heading into the main
room, Cessia told the warrior to sit at the table while she brought her
some food. A light touch at her good shoulder gave away Gabrielle's
location. Leaning over to whisper in her ear, the bard lamented, "She's
quite a general. Are you okay?"

The feel of the young woman's breath against her ear made Xena draw in
her own breath. Gods, what this woman does to me. She took a moment,
then replied, "I'm fine. Stop worrying."

Sitting next to Xena at the table, Gabrielle couldn't seem to take her
eyes off the warrior. She remembered everything she saw Xena do at the
raider's camp, including a few frightening displays of violence. Why did
she suspect that the warrior was much more tender in her personal
dealings than anyone knew. Xena grew uncomfortable under the woman's
observation.

"What?" Xena asked sharply.

Gabrielle jumped slightly. "I'm sorry. I was just thinking... I've been
reading some of the scrolls I suppose I must have written."

"And?"

Sighing the young woman noted, "I just find it all so amazing.
Especially all the things you've done... things we've been through
together."

"Hmm. Yeah, I guess it would seem kinda strange." Xena looked up as
Cessia brought a plate to her, setting it down and saying, "Eat it while
it's hot.

"Thanks, Cessi," the warrior smiled. She was so hungry, she ought to put
Gabrielle to shame tonight. The stew was delicious and she told Cessi as
much. Xena was still aware of Gabrielle's glances and wondered what it
was she couldn't seem to bring herself to say.

Xena got her answer shortly. "So, what do you plan to do now?" the bard
asked.

Xena caught her breath. Gabrielle had said that as if she were not a
part of those plans. "I haven't thought about it."

"Oh."

Xena put down her spoon. "I guess I'll keep heading south to the sea.
There's been rumors of trouble there."

Gabrielle laid her hand on top of Xena's. "But you're injured! You need
to rest before any more... fighting."

Xena smiled. How protective she sounded. Could Cessi be right? Knowing
full well that she would be fine as she was, she fabricated a story on
the spot. "I suppose you're right. I could always go back to the Amazon
tribe to rest and recover. It isn't so far away."

Cessi coughed discretely, trying not to laugh. An arrow doesn't even
slow down the Warrior Princess.

"Really?" Gabrielle asked. "That sounds perfect. Do you think I would
still be welcome there? I mean... you know, since I can't seem to
remember them."

Ah ha. This might just work. "I don't see why not. You're still their
Queen, regardless."

"When do you plan to leave?"

Xena looked over at the quietly observant Cessia who nodded her approval
of the plan. "Right away."

"Yikes! I'd better get some stuff together for the journey. We'll need
to eat, after all. Oh, uh... maybe you always hunt for food or
something. Would you rather..." Gabrielle hadn't thought about what she
would need. She had only hoped the warrior would include her considering
the turn of events. But why wouldn't she. The were joined, she had said.
Surely she wouldn't just up and leave without her.

Cessia spoke up. "I think it would be a good idea to bring along a few
things. I'm sure Xena won't possibly be able to hunt for anything, being
in so much pain and all."

Cessi got the 'look' from piercing blue eyes. I'm going to kill you,
Cessi.

Cessia looked right back at her. No you're not.

"C'mon, little one. I'll help you with what you need." The two women
left to gather what was needed.


The morning was half past when Xena and Gabrielle said goodbye to
Cessia. Rythicles was in the fields working along side his family.
Cessia told the couple that she had decided to rebuild her home with the
help of her friends and that they would be welcome there anytime.
Embracing Xena for such a long time that Xena saw Gabrielle raise her
eyebrows, Cessia finally allowed them to leave. They headed off with
Argo towards the Amazon Nation. Xena walked beside the young woman, not
feeling like riding yet.

"How's your shoulder doing?" Gabrielle asked with concern.

Xena wished she would feel guilty about allowing Gabrielle think her
injury was worse than it really was, but for some twisted reason she
didn't. "Uh, the pain is worse than I thought it would be." Gods! Why am
I lying to her? This is so stupid.

"Really? Maybe we should have waited before leaving. Do you want me to
check your bandage?"

I want you to check a lot more than my bandage. "No! No, it's fine. Just
sore." When was the last time we loved? It's been too long.

Gabrielle touched her arm. "I'll rub it for you later."

Just come and take me now, Hades. I'm not going to live through this.
Choosing not to reply Xena stopped and mounted Argo's back, deciding the
ride might help assuage the sudden longing she felt.

Walking along side the large mare, Gabrielle asked, "How long will it
take us to et there?"

"Hmm? Only a couple of days if we don't have any surprises." Xena
thought about the many journeys that they had made together.

"Surprises? What do you mean by that?" Gabrielle looked up at her.

"Oh, you never know who's going to show up and either ask for your help
or just want to kill you."

Gabrielle looked stricken. "And we live like this? Everyday?"

"Umm Hmm."

Looking around her and picking up her staff a little, Gabrielle began to
envision all kinds of terrors on the road ahead. Good thing I travel
with a warrior like Xena. "So when were we there last?"

"When we were joined. A little over three weeks ago."

The bard looked surprised. "That soon? I thought..."

Xena noticed her expression change to confusion. "You thought what?"

"I guess I just assumed we'd been... together like that for longer. I
suppose we've been lovers a long time, huh."

Xena smiled, pleased she had thought so. "No, Gabrielle. We waited for
the ceremony, just like you insisted."

"I did that? Good for me. I guess you don't make all of the decisions,
then."

It was Xena's turn to be surprised. "Is that what you think? That I
decide everything for us?"

"Well, yeah. I mean you are the Warrior Princess. Hey, does that outrank
an Amazon Queen?"

Xena shook her head. "Funny, that isn't the first time you've asked me
that."

"Really? It did sound kinda familiar..."

Xena stopped Argo. "Gabrielle, are you remembering something?"

Gabrielle shielded her eyes from the sun as she looked up at the
warrior. "I dunno. I mean, sometimes I get the feeling I've done or said
something before but I don't know where or when. It's weird. Lots of
little things, really. Like... uh, for some reason I like the way you
say my name. Okay, that's not exactly true. I love the way you say my
name. You never shorten it and call me Gab or Gabby and it just has a
certain tone to it that only you can say. It's really sweet. Uh, the
point is, I'm sure I've told you that before."

"Yes. You've told me that on several occasions. Most of them were...
private. The first time was when you discovered you were in love with
me. The next time was when you were slightly drunk at our joining
celebration feast."

"Well, I guess I'm glad I didn't keep it to myself. You remember lots of
things, don't you?"

"About you? I will never forget anything about you," the warrior
promised. "Although there have been several times when you were really
annoying that I wouldn't mind forgetting."

The bard laughed. "Oh, really... well, I'm glad I can't remember those."

They both laughed, then settled into a companionable silence.

That night at camp after Xena finished with Argo's brush down, she
spread her blanket out on the ground. Sitting on her blanket, which was
several feet away from Gabrielle's, she opened the precious pouch she
carried with her. Pulling out the silver comb inside, she ran it through
her long dark hair, remembering the moment her love had given it to her.
What an incredible night that had been. Xena wasn't sure how she had
imagined it would be when they finally made love. It far surpassed her
expectations. Gabrielle had been both shy and tentative and then bold
and demanding. The combination in her young companion was exhilarating
to Xena. Giving up control of her body to those demands as well as her
emotions was very moving. She had looked into Gabrielle's love filled
eyes and spoke the words written on her own heart. Those words had made
the young woman so happy... just those few simple words. Xena hadn't
spoken them since.

"That's very beautiful."

Shaken out of her reverie, Xena asked, "What?"

Gabrielle pointed at what Xena held in her hands. "Your comb. It's
beautiful."

"Oh. Yes, it is. You gave it to me at our ceremony."

"I did? Wow. I must really have great taste." Gabrielle said with pride.

"I've always thought so."

Playing with her ring, Gabrielle noted, "You must have given me this
then. The pattern matches your... uh, metal thing."

"Chakram. Yes, it was my gift. My... uh, father had it made for you."

"Your father? Where is he?"

Xena considered for a moment telling Gabrielle that the god of the
underworld was her father but decided it might be too overwhelming for
her. It still was for her at times. "Oh, believe me, he's around here
somewhere. He keeps a pretty close eye on us."

"I see. Maybe I can meet him sometime."

"Don't hope for that too soon. Usually when he shows up, there's
trouble. He does have a fondness for you, though."

"That's nice."

Finishing with the comb, she returned it to it's pouch and then the
warrior stretched out on her blanket.

Gabrielle put away the supplies she had used to cook with. She lay down
on her blanket, looking up at the stars overhead. She had so many
questions for the warrior near her. Assuming they were so close that she
could ask her anything, she decided she shouldn't feel embarrassed to
ask those very personal questions that had been on her mind. If they
were married, they must be used to talking about everything anyway.
Besides, how was she supposed to figure things out if she didn't ask?

"Xena?"

"Yeah?"

"What's it like?"

"What do you mean?"

"Us."

Xena wasn't sure how to answer her. "I'm not sure I understand what you
want to know."

"What I mean is... I was just curious about... um, how often are we...
you know."

Turning her head to look over at the nervous young woman, she replied,
"No, I don't know. How often are we what?"

"Intimate."

"Let me get this straight. You want to know how many times we've made
love." Gabrielle nodded. "You seem awfully interested in our... physical
relationship. Why?" the warrior asked.

"Well, I don't know. I have a right to ask that don't I? After all,
we're supposed to be joined or whatever. It just seems strange to me
that you haven't even tried to kiss me since you found out about my
memory problem. You look to me like the kind of person who enjoys, uh...
a lot of physical activity on a pretty regular basis. I assumed we both
enjoyed that activity quite a bit. You're not exactly old and ugly. In
fact, you're probably the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. Including
your friend back there. I would have guessed you were the forceful type,
but maybe I shouldn't base this on looks and 'many skills' alone."

"Gabrielle, you know you've always had a marvelous way with words. Now,
I don't know how many times it's been since it still always feels like
the first time to me, but you're right about our, uh, enjoyment of each
other. As far as to why I haven't kissed you, and I might note that you
sounded disappointed that I hadn't, I thought it might upset you too
much considering that you don't even remember who I am."

"So do you want to?"

"What? Kiss you? Of course I do, but I know it wouldn't stop there. I'm
not about to take what isn't mine to have."

"That's very noble of you. So what if I were to offer, uh... myself to
you? What would you do then?" Gabrielle watched Xena's face carefully.
Did she not want me?

"I'd take a very cold swim."


They arrived at the Amazon Territory late the next afternoon.
Fortunately, there were no surprises to delay them and they had made
good time. Xena had instructed Gabrielle how to greet and behave with
the Amazons until they could speak privately with Ephiny. There was no
reason to get everyone upset about Gabrielle's mishap until then.

Before long, several sentries responded to their presence. They were
greeted warmly by the women. Asking to see Ephiny, they were escorted by
one of the women to the village. Ephiny was surprised to see them but
delighted none the less. She hugged Gabrielle and even pushed playfully
at Xena. The warrior was not used to such a show of affection from the
Amazon and raised her eyebrow but accepted the gesture in kind.

Asking to speak to her privately, the trio entered the Queen's hut. Xena
remembered their time there, and the nights of passion spent with the
young woman at her side. If only she could remember.

Ephiny was very curious about what they had to say. She looked at
Gabrielle, expecting her to begin speaking but it was Xena's voice she
heard instead. Shifting her attention to the tall, dark warrior, she
listened to her words.

"Ephiny, Gabrielle had a mishap a few days ago while I was off helping a
friend."

"Oh no! Are you all right?" Ephiny noticed the now light bruise beside
the bard's temple.

"I'm fine. Really, I am. I just seem to have... uh, difficulty
remembering things." Gabrielle admitted.

"Remembering things? Like what?" Ephiny asked, concerned for her friend.

"Oh, like who I am. Who Xena is. The Amazons, that sort of thing."

Ephiny looked at Xena, stunned. Looking back at her sister Amazon, in
fact, her Queen, Ephiny asked, "You mean, you don't remember anything?
Not even Xena?"

Gabrielle shifted her weight nervously. "Uh, yeah. I know it sounds
kinda strange, but after I got hit in the head with my staff - oh yeah,
we'll explain that later - I just couldn't seem to put things together.
Xena filled me in on most things and I've been reading some of, uh, my
scrolls. Although sometimes tiny little things pop into my head and I
don't know where they're from."

Ephiny took Gabrielle's hand and sat with her on the edge of the bed.
"I'm so sorry, Gabrielle. What can we do?" Before the bard could answer,
Ephiny stood up and walked over to Xena. Unexpectedly, she put her arms
around her. "Xena, this must be so hard for you. We'll do whatever we
can."

Xena was touched by the Amazon's concern and returned her embrace
briefly. She had never noticed the Amazon's tendency for touching
before. This was the second time Ephiny had hugged her in this very
room. But then, before Gabrielle and her joining, she had not been
accepted as a member of the tribe. Ephiny and Gabrielle had always been
very close and Xena knew that she was upset by this news. "Thank you,
Ephiny. You're a good friend and I appreciate your concern."

Sitting back down next the Amazon Queen, Ephiny offered to tell her what
she needed to know at present. Gabrielle was relieved by the offer. "I'm
sorry to be such a bother. I know what an honor it is that I hold and I
wouldn't want to disappoint anyone here. I'm hoping that something will
eventually trigger those memories for me and then I'll be back to where
I left off, I suppose."

"I think it best if we don't mention the, um, situation to anyone else.
We don't want to show any weakness to those few who might try to take
advantage of it. I'll be sure you are familiar with everything you need
to know to carry on."

"Great. Let's get started then."

Ephiny looked back at Xena. "Uh, do you want to help, or would you
rather..."

Xena held her hands flat up in front of herself. "No, not me. I'm sure I
can find something else to do. You two just have a nice long chat. I'll
come back later."

As Xena turned to leave, Ephiny felt she had to ask a question. "Xena?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm sorry to be so blunt, since I don't know how this is affecting, uh,
your relationship, but are you going to stay here tonight with
Gabrielle? If you don't it will look strange."

Gabrielle spoke for her. "Of course she's staying with me. We're joined,
aren't we?"

Xena smiled. "She doesn't seem to have a problem with that, Ephiny. It's
all she talks about." Turning to leave she heard Gabrielle tell Ephiny
"Why would that be a problem? Apparently we're lovers anyway. I don't
understand why everyone..." her voice faded as Xena left the hut.

Taking a walk through the village, Xena spoke to several women who
greeted her. Xena was treated with a great deal of respect, not only
because of her standing as a warrior but because she was the Queen's
lover. Xena had to chuckle over that. Reduced to a plaything. The humor
was lost on everyone else but Xena found it to be hilarious. So did
Gabrielle, when she was herself. Many times she had teased the warrior
about her status. Promising to have her tied over an anthill if she
displeased her, the Queen commanded her to do her bidding in those rare
moments of playful ecstasy. Oh, how the warrior missed those moments.
Gabrielle had the imagination of a bard and occasionally enjoyed
exploring scenarios that gave her the power and control in their
lovemaking. Xena was all too happy to oblige her. Being commanded by the
diminutive strawberry blonde was actually quite pleasant.

As she passed a small group of women on the outskirts of the village,
sitting around a fire and enjoying a mug of ale, she was invited to join
them. Deciding that she wasn't needed elsewhere, Xena accepted the
offer. The ale would be good after their short journey.

Back at the Queen's hut, Ephiny was detailing anything the Queen would
need to know if questioned or if she was needed to perform whatever task
was at hand. Invaluable as well, was her observation on Gabrielle and
Xena's personal interaction that she had been witness to on occasion.
This information would be very helpful when dealing with the warrior in
front of the other Amazon's.

"So, what do you mean by 'romantic overtures'?" the bard asked her new
and old friend.

"Well, I can tell you this, I've never seen so much flirting by two
people in my life. I've seen a lot of women who have a strong love for
each other that never act like they can't live without either touching,
talking about touching or threatening to touch each other at every
opportunity. It's very exhausting. Not to mention your jealousy when
Xena's obvious attractions are shall we say solicited by some of the
other women who wouldn't mind experiencing those attractions first hand,
so to speak." Ephiny filled her in on the conversation she witnessed at
their joining announcement and the celebration feast after the ceremony.


"I actually told her I would have her staked out over and anthill?"
Gabrielle was amazed by her obvious impudence. "Wow, I really know how
to live dangerously, don't I?" Ephiny laughed and continued with the
details of her life that only she could deliver from an outsider's point
of view. Gabrielle listened to every word.

Much later, Xena still sat with the other women drinking her ale,
pleasantly loose feeling and relaxed. She had lost track of the time but
didn't seem to care. The conversation around the fire had been pretty
general for a while. But as they all imbibed more ale, things got a
little more personal. One of the woman offered to rub her shoulders, and
Xena couldn't think of a reason why she shouldn't. Taking care to avoid
her injury, which the others were very impressed with, the young woman
stood behind her and removed her armor. Working the kinks out of her
back, she worked magic on the tense muscles of the warrior's back. Xena
was enjoying the attention, but really in an impersonal way. She didn't
really consider the overtones that might be present. She really didn't
feel like thinking at the moment.

Leaning a little closer so that her ample bosom rested against the
warrior's back, the Amazon whispered in her ear, "Is there anything I
can get for you, Xena?"

"Hmm? Oh, no. I'm fine. This ale is really good." Is she doing that on
purpose?

Several others rolled their eyes at their friends blatant attempt to
attract the warrior. If Queen Gabrielle finds out what she's doing, they
each thought, I wouldn't want to be her. One of the woman asked her,
"Does Queen Gabrielle mind you being off by yourself like this. If I
were her, I'd be jealous."

Before Xena could answer, Gabrielle stepped into the firelight. "She
does and I am."

The women reacted quickly. Standing in honor of her presence, they
apologized for keeping Xena too long. Gabrielle walked over to Xena and
stood very close to the young woman with her hands on the warrior's
shoulders. Looking in her eyes she said, "Back off, sister. If she needs
a back rub, I'll be the one to give her one." The young woman ducked her
head and quickly moved back around fire where she had been sitting
before. "Sit... please," Gabrielle instructed everyone. The women sat
back down while Gabrielle placed her hands possessively on Xena's bare
shoulders. That ought to mark my territory.

"I wondered where you were, love," she spoke to the warrior.

Xena was amused by her behavior but decided to play fair, for now. "I'm
sorry, Gabrielle. I didn't think I was needed yet. You had so much to
talk about with Ephiny." Looking up into those blue-green eyes she saw a
spark of mischief.

Speaking softly, but making sure everyone could hear them she said, "You
are always needed, Xena." Gabrielle gathered the dark main of hair in
her hands and moved it in front of the warrior. The she began to rub
Xena's shoulders. The other's seemed mesmerized my this simple act.
Aware of their attention, Gabrielle asked, "So, what else did I
interrupt? What were you talking about?"

One woman spoke up, "We were just asking about where you two had been
and how Xena got the arrow injury. It's so unlike her to miss something
like that."

Gabrielle shuddered, remembering that incident. "Yes. She was exhausted
though and there quite a few of those arrows being shot around her."
Gabrielle gently smoothed the wound with her hand in a loving gesture.
Xena was beginning to get confused. She sounded so much like herself
right now. It would be nice to just sit here and drink her ale and word
play with her Gabrielle.

"I can believe those men running from her. I wouldn't want to face her
in battle."

Another added her opinion. "They were lucky they escaped with their
lives. Xena is the fiercest Amazon in the Nation. Everyone knows the
Warrior Princess and what she can do to an enemy."

Xena sighed, for once tired of the talk about battle and her stature.
"Yeah, I'm a real terror all right. Is there any more of that ale?" A
woman jumped up to fill her mug.

Xena blinked at Gabrielle's next words. "Oh, you poor baby. You must be
in a lot of pain to be drinking so much." Reaching around her, she
hugged her from behind, letting her hands dangle in front of those
dangerous breasts.

Feeling way too good from the ale and her suddenly clingy companion to
put up a fuss, Xena decided to let her rip. "Oh, I've got a pain all
right, but it isn't in my shoulder."

Gabrielle raised her eyebrows. Ooh. Good one warrior. But I'm not a bard
for nothing. "Oh really. That's not what you said last night when I took
you on the ground. As I recall, your exact words were, 'the pain is
killing me, can you please take my mind off of it'. I believe I did."

Xena raised her own eyebrow. So that's the way it's gonna be, huh.
"True. You took my mind off the pain. Not to mention what you did to a
few other parts of my anatomy."

Aware of their spell bound audience, but enjoying every second of their
exchange, Gabrielle decided to go in for the figurative kill. "It's so
hard to believe that has never happened to you before. I guess I just
got lucky."

Xena closed her eyes and counted to ten. "Lady, you get lucky every
night."

Ouch. That one cost me. Time to make my escape, warrior in tow. "Well,
then. I'm feeling like having a game right now. Think I could drag you
away from your friends to come and play?" Gabrielle bent down and
captured the warrior's lips in a long, wet kiss that was returned
equally.

The Amazons closed their mouths and tried their best to look unaffected
by the display of lust by their Queen and her lover. They failed
miserably.

Finishing the kiss, Gabrielle bent down and retrieved Xena's armor,
handing it to a woman sitting a few feet away. "See this gets back to my
hut in the morning," she instructed. Taking Xena's hand, she pulled the
slightly tipsy warrior into a standing position and put her arm around
her waist. "Let's go, Lucky." They walked back to their hut, laughing
about the scene they had just participated in.

Xena was still smiling when they passed the two guards at the Queen's
hut. The ale had been especially good and free flowing. So were her
emotions at the moment. "That was fun," she revealed. Gabrielle looked
at her a bit oddly.

Dropping her arm from around her waist, the bard whirled around, fire in
her eyes. "What do you think you were doing out there?"

"Whadda ya mean? I was just relaxing..."

"And making a fool out of me."

Xena straightened although she only wanted to lay down and let the ale
soothe her to sleep. "What? What makes you say that?"

"Oh, come on, Xena. When I got there, some pretty, scantily clad Amazon
was hanging on your back! She was thinking about rubbing a lot more than
your back, sweetheart." Gabrielle pointed her finger at the heavy lidded
woman.

"She was just being nice. I think. Hey, it was just a back rub. You
sound jealous."

Gabrielle turned around so Xena wouldn't see the hurt in her eyes. She
didn't care about their past or lack of it at the moment. It made her
hopping mad to see Xena with that woman and she didn't care why. "Oh
sure, just a back rub with the Queen's beautiful lover. In front of
twenty others! Don't you think they were all wondering why you were
getting drunk and allowing someone to touch you like that? They must
think I can't keep you, uh, satisfied." Turning back to face the warrior
again she emphasized, "And the one thing I am clear about is that I've
been able to make you very happy, or you would never have married me in
the first place!"

"Hmm. So are you gonna make me very happy tonight?" Xena reached for the
young woman but she eluded her grasp.

"Wait a minute, I'm not through yelling at you yet. Besides, you're
drunk and I don't find that so appealing."

"Hey, I'm not drunk. I just feel... nice. C'mere. Don't you want to feel
nice too?"

Gabrielle ducked beneath her arm and moved to the other side of the
room. Xena turned to face her again, her legs against the edge of the
pillow covered pallet on the floor. Gabrielle reiterated her stand on
this issue. "I will not be made a fool of in front of these women,
Xena."

Xena sobered slightly. "Well, if that's what I did, I really didn't mean
it. This hasn't been easy for me either, you know," she pouted as best
as the warrior could manage it.

Gabrielle softened. She'd forgotten about what it must be like for Xena.
She must be feeling more than just a little frustrated in more ways than
one. Walking back over to stand in front of the tall woman she said, "I
know that. Tell me this. Were you really enjoying what that young woman
was doing to you without even thinking about me?"

Xena considered this. "Is this a trick question?"

Gabrielle reached out a pushed her backwards onto the pallet. "Just
forget it."

"Okay. To be honest, I did enjoy it a little. But you weren't there and
even if you were, I doubt you would be showing me that sort of attention
anyway."

"Well, I guess you'll never know, now will you?" Gabrielle pointed out.
"Listen, I'm tired and just want to get some sleep, okay? Can we just go
to bed and think about this tomorrow?"

Xena patted the place next to her. "Sure."

Gabrielle rolled her eyes. "Not that kind of 'bed', you oversexed,
unappreciative, half drunk... warrior. You keep your hands to yourself
or I really will have you tied over an ant bed!"

Stalking over to the other side of the pallet, Gabrielle removed her
clothes and slipped on a cotton shift that was in her bag. Slipping
under the blanket, she turned away from the woman lying on top of the
blankets. "Goodnight," she said firmly. There was no answer. Well, you
don't have to act like that. Twisting to look at Xena she smiled when
she saw she was already asleep. You are something else, she thought and
lay back down to fall asleep.

Sometime during the night, Gabrielle gravitated into Xena's arms.
Without even knowing it she sought her safe haven. She dreamt of the
warrior and what she had said to her. Maybe she wasn't being fair to
Xena. Still, she shouldn't have accepted the invitation the young Amazon
woman was issuing in her own subtle way. Gabrielle told herself that if
she wanted to avoid a scene like that one again, she'd better start
acting like who she was supposed to be. Who she really wanted to be.
Xena's lover.

When she awoke, Xena was gone. Well, it looks like I'm not going to be
able to start on that just yet. As she got up to start her day, Ephiny
called on her. Mentioning that Xena was out riding Argo, she added that
she had heard about the campfire confrontation. Gabrielle winced. Great
news travels fast. "What are they saying?" she asked her friend.

"Different things. A few think there's something wrong between you two.
I don't think you want to hear why. Radavia in particular would like to
take advantage of that. She's the one with the magic fingers that did
their walking up one warrior's back last night. Some others think that
you must have had a 'little fight' that didn't amount to much. Most are
just waiting to see. What do you think?"

"I'm not sure. But I can promise you one thing, it won't happen again. I
can see why she needs someone to watch her."

Ephiny found this quite humorous. She laughed openly and told Gabrielle
a secret. "Gabrielle, everyone... I do mean everyone, watches Xena. She
can't walk through the village without every set of eyes glued to her
every move."

Gabrielle put her palms on her forehead. "Great, everybody is lusting
after my... uh, Xena. Why on earth did she pick me to marry when she
could have anyone?"

Ephiny became serious. "Are you telling me you don't know the answer to
that? Gabrielle, she loves you more than life. I've seen her totally
fall to pieces when she thought she had lost you. I don't think I've
ever seen anything to compare to that. Seeing her like that, I would
have been willing to spend the rest of my life trying to help her deal
with your loss."

Gabrielle blinked at that thought. "I am so confused, Ephiny. You see, I
finally know what I want. But I'm not sure what to do about it. I just
can't remember enough to know what I need to do... do you understand?"

The Amazon looked at her with sudden understanding. "We need to talk."


Xena wished she hadn't had so much ale the night before. She hadn't done
that in so long, she couldn't even remember the last time. Finishing
with Argo's grooming she stepped back into the sun. Ouch! That's bright
on these baby blues. Deciding it was time to head back into the village
and at least face her disgruntled Queen, she wished she would be sent
out on scouting duty. Or better yet, hunting. Maybe then she would at
least get to kill something.

Entering the Queen's hut without announcement she walked in just as
Gabrielle was bathing. Oh no. Anything but that...

Gabrielle looked up and said, "Hi. Have a nice ride?"

Xena looked away and replied, "Yeah."

"Are you in the mood for a bath?"

Suddenly I'm in the mood for something else wet... "Not yet. You go
ahead and finish. I might try a swim at the lake in a while." A nice
cold swim.

Wow, it works. Ephiny was right. She looks like she just swallowed a
rock. "Sounds like fun. Want to go fishing?"

"Not really." Unless I'm fishing for you.

Gabrielle stood up in the bath and paused before stepping out. Xena's
eyes followed every drop of water and it's path down her body. Across
those hips and in rivulets through the soft down of hair. She forgot to
breath and had to inhale suddenly. She felt like a fist had struck her
in the chest. The woman grew more beautiful every day. As she matured,
Gabrielle's figure became firmer here, softer there, a little more
roundness of breast, her thighs a delight to behold. Xena recalled a
time not very long ago when she would have been anything but frozen in
place by this vision. Now she was held in place by her wish for
Gabrielle to make her own choice.

After what seemed like an eternity, the Amazon Queen stepped out and
wrapped a large cloth around her body, absorbing the moisture Xena had
been so entranced with. "So what are your plans for today? Please don't
tell me you're ready to leave yet. I know I'm not."

"I hadn't thought about it. I suppose there's no hurry." Especially if I
get to watch you bathe everyday, at least until I die from wanting you.

"Great! Oh, we're doing the feast thing tonight, okay?" She dropped her
cloth and turned to dress as Xena sat down hard on the seat behind her.
She tried to speak but nothing came out. The sight of that back side was
better than she remembered. Much better.

"Xena? Did you hear me?" Gabrielle was smiling, feeling those blue eyes
glued to her body. She never thought she would be able to do this but
found it more than a little enjoyable.

"... yes." Cough. "What's the occasion?" Did I just swallow a rock?

"Just for fun. As Queen, I can do that, you know."

Xena was only slightly relieved when Gabrielle finished dressing. "Uh
huh. You always did like being Queen Gabrielle."

"Say, you wouldn't want to help the hunting party out with the food for
the feast, would you? Whoops. I forgot about your shoulder. How's it
doing? Want me to check on it for you?" She walked over and placed her
hand on Xena's upper chest, just below her wound. "I'll bet you have
lots of scars." Xena swallowed and just stood there. There is only so
much I can take, she thought.

"Gabrielle?"

"Hmm? What?" The young woman was intent on the task under her hand,
checking for infection in the quickly healing injury.

"Would it be okay with you if I kissed you?"

"Now?"

Xena nodded as she watched the expression on her face.

"I suppose that's okay."

That's all she needed to know as she captured those soft lips with her
own. Nibbling the bard's bottom lip she took her time on a journey of
those smooth velvety surfaces, ending where she began. Gabrielle had to
hold onto the warrior's arms to hold herself up. Xena was careful not to
put her own arms around the young woman. She was trying to hold herself
back which only excited Gabrielle more. Closing the space between them,
Gabrielle pressed herself against the warrior's breastplate. Xena could
take no more torture. She stepped back, leaving the bard tottering.
"Okay, that's enough. I'll go check on the hunting party. I could use
the, uh, exercise to work off some... tension." The warrior turned her
blue eyes away and walked out the door with determination.

"Okay. Bye." Gabrielle could hardly wait to see Ephiny and go over their
plan again.


The hunting party returned late in the afternoon. With Xena's help they
had more food than had ever been brought in for just the village alone.
Xena took great delight in using those many skills to meet the food
requirement. Whenever she thought about staying here with Gabrielle for
any length of time she knew she would grow bored of merely hunting for
food. She needed the excitement of traveling, taking on all those
mercenaries and warriors bent on harming others for their own gain. At
the same time, however, she also began to think of this as home. Their
home.

Ephiny stopped her before she could head back to the hut. "Xena. Could I
speak with you, please."

Curious, Xena nodded and followed the Amazon who ruled while Gabrielle
was away. Ephiny entered the hut she used when Gabrielle was Queen. Xena
followed, wanting to hear what she had to say. Ephiny rarely had
anything to say to her privately. "What is it?" Xena asked. Motioning
for her to sit at the table, Ephiny took a seat opposite her, the table
between them.

"There are a few among us who think Gabrielle is not herself. I have
tried to convince them otherwise but I've not had much luck. I was
hoping you could dispel this idea. We can't afford for anyone to know of
her memory loss. They might consider that a breech of the rite of caste.
She can't remember receiving the rite and so..."

"I see. Yes, that would be a problem if contested to the Council and
Nation. I was hoping by now that she would possibly remember more than
she has."

Ephiny took Xena's hand and stated, "I'm sorry, Xena. Only time will
tell if that is to happen. I know how hard it is for you. Honestly, I
think she loves you anyway, memory or not."

Xena was not used to talking to someone about things so personal. "I
hope you're right, Ephiny." She paused, as if afraid to ask more. Making
a decision, she asked, "Has she said anything to you... about me?"

The Amazon was surprised at the question but hid it well. Her plan
depended on this. Gabrielle would kill her if she knew. "She's nervous
about you, of course. I don't think she realizes just how deeply she has
felt about you for so long. Her body tells her one thing but her mind
isn't sure about it. She asked me a few things... about the physical
needs of someone like you. I could only tell her what I knew or thought,
of course. She was upset about what happened last night. Seeing you with
someone else did more than just hurt her pride. I think if she hadn't
controlled her temper she would have challenged the woman."

Xena sighed and dropped her head.

Ephiny tried not to smile. "Who knows? Maybe that's just what she needs.
A real challenge to her right to you. If she was that upset, it seems
pretty obvious to me how she feels about you, memory or not."

"What am I supposed to do about it?"

"It isn't that hard to figure out, Xena. Love never fails to amaze me.
You've seen how she acts when anyone gets within touching distance of
you. Not that I blame her." Ephiny looked a little embarrassed at that
last statement. "Uh, not that you're my type or anything."

"Right. Ephiny, I hate playing these games. It just isn't like me. I
don't know if I can..."

"We are talking about Gabrielle, right?"

That silenced the warrior. Shaking her head she told the Amazon, "I hope
you're right. If not, I know where to find you," she promised.

Ephiny shivered a little, knowing she would keep that promise. This plan
had to work!



The women gathered for the feast in the meeting area of the village. The
food had been prepared carefully and wine and ale flowed for everyone.
In her hut, Gabrielle waited for Xena to put in an appearance. Where is
she? Finally, the warrior walked in through the doorway. "Are you ready
yet?" she asked impatiently.

"Me? I was waiting for you!"

"Oh. Well, I'm here so let's go."

Gabrielle rolled her eyes but followed the tall woman out of the hut.
"Did anyone ever tell you that you don't have a way with words?" She
practically had to run to keep up with the warrior's long strides. "Hey,
slow down, princess."

Xena slowed for her companion. "Sorry."

"Yeah, well, what's new..." she groused.

They took their places and the feast began with words of devotion
offered to the patron goddess of the Amazons, Artemis. Music played off
and on as everyone ate. Queen Gabrielle sat close to Xena's side and
playfully offered her food, held above her head. Xena reached up and
took the smiling woman's arm, lowering the food to her mouth. Everyone
laughed. Gabrielle discovered how much she enjoyed playing with her
warrior. She could get to love this. In fact, she already had come to
love one thing in particular.

Xena looked at her sideways when Gabrielle slipped her arm around her
waist as she drank her wine. What was she up to, she wondered. She
leaned over and kissed the wine drenched lips of the bard. Gabrielle
smiled at her. "What was that for?"

"I was thirsty," Xena replied simply.

"You have a mug too, silly."

Xena wrinkled her nose. "Much too conventional," she said,
conspiratorially.

Gabrielle had a sudden thought. "Why does a frying pan come to mind?"

Looking at her carefully, Xena asked, "Do you remember the frying pan?"

"I'm not sure. Something about being mad at you over it though."

Xena nodded. "Yup. That'd be the frying pan incident all right. That's
great, Gabrielle," she whispered. "Maybe those memories are starting to
come back."

"Well, I certainly wish the really good ones would!" she revealed.

"Good ones? Hmm. Maybe we should help them along, what do you think?"
Xena wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. Gabrielle tilted her head and
said, "Only if you mean it, warrior woman."

Filling her mug with more wine, Xena drank deeply of the strong liquid.
"I only say what I mean, Gabrielle."

"You know, the way you say my name makes me feel like I'm something
pretty special. Why is that?"

Xena appeared to consider this. "Maybe 'cause I used to know someone
else named Gabrielle?"

Gabrielle was not amused. "And this other Gabrielle, is she the one you
think of when you look at me?"

Somehow that wasn't what she meant. "Sometimes. But less each day."

Returning her attention to her food, Gabrielle let that go. If things
went as planned, it wouldn't really matter anymore.

After the meal, they watched the women dance and drank their wine
slowly. Gabrielle got up to dance and Xena couldn't help but smile. She
wasn't the most rhythmic dancer in the world, but she tired very hard.
Her efforts were rewarded by her warrior when she returned. "I don't
know how they do that so well," Gabrielle commented. Xena looked at the
other women and shrugged. "Some people just have the ability to move
their bodies to music."

"I'll bet you have that 'skill', huh," Gabrielle teased her.

"I've been known to entertain with a dance on occasion." Seeing the look
in the bard's eyes she quickly stated, "But not tonight, so don't ask
me."

Reaching over to grasp a strand of dark hair, Gabrielle got Xena's
attention immediately. "Promise me a private performance later?" she
asked as she tugged on the tresses.

"As long as it's private, sure."

"You're so right. I didn't think about the frenzy bound to be caused by
such a display in front of everyone."

Xena tilted her head back and laughed. "You say the funniest things
sometimes."

"Are we okay, now?" Gabrielle asked seriously.

"What do you mean? I feel fine."

"That's not what I meant, you idiot." Gabrielle punched her in the
shoulder, then wish she hadn't. She forgot about the arrow injury. "Oh,
I'm sorry, Xena. I forgot! Are you okay?"

Xena let her fuss a minute then requested, "I'll forgive you if you kiss
me, 'O mighty Queen Gabrielle."

"That's it? Just a kiss. And to think you could have had all of me," the
happy young woman teased. She decided to make this one count. "C'mere
woman."

Xena obliged her and Gabrielle took Xena's face in her hands. Those
closest to them stopped and watched, enthralled at the lover's display.
Xena expected a quick kiss, or even a sloppy kiss. What she didn't
expect was the infinite care which Gabrielle took to ever so slowly
brush her lips against first her eyelids, then her cheekbones, on to her
earlobe. That one almost got her. Then she traveled down her neck to the
tender spot below her jaw. Xena clenched her fists trying not to reach
out take her in her arms. Finally, those feather soft lips closed on her
own lips. Gabrielle kept her eyes open and watched the expression on
Xena's face. She was mesmerized. When she straightened, Xena asked,
"That was one kiss?"

Gabrielle pointed out that it was an ensemble and she hated to break
them up. Xena readily agreed that she had made the right choice. The
feast continued for several hours as they ate again, drank, and were
entertained by more dancing and music. Fortunately, no one asked for a
story from Gabrielle. Ephiny finally returned from a turn at sentry and
joined them where they sat. "Did I miss much?"

"Naw. Just the naked dancing and we made love in front of everyone."

Ephiny didn't laugh. She looked at them and said, "It's been done
before."

Gabrielle thought this was hysterical and fell over onto Xena laughing
so hard she had tears in her eyes. "Maybe I had better leave the talking
to Xena." She looked at Ephiny and they both simultaneously said, "Not!"
This caused even more laughter as the two women found their own language
to explore. Things the Warrior Princess would not be caught dead doing,
they named their secret language. Xena felt a little left out, even
though she was the subject of their silliness. Deciding to answer the
call of nature and stretch her legs, she excused herself from their
presence for a temporary respite from the unwelcome attention.

After she was finished, she walked just beyond the village and looked up
at the stars. She could hear the merriment in the background, but needed
a moment alone to think. She thought about the past week and the choices
she had made. She was tired of second guessing herself. She knew what
she wanted. She wanted Gabrielle. It didn't matter anymore if Gabrielle
remembered their past or not. Only that the bard wanted their future to
be together.

Hearing a sound, Xena whirled around prepared to defend herself. She
relaxed her stance when she saw that it was only Radavia. "That's not a
wise thing to do."

"Sorry, I was just enjoying the view with you standing in the moonlight.
I didn't want to disturb you. Tired of the party already?"

Xena shook her head. "No, I just wanted a minute away. What are you
doing out here, looking for a back rub victim?"

The very attractive younger woman flipped her dark hair over one
shoulder. "Depends." She walked up to the taller warrior and stopped
just short of touching her. "Am I going to face the Queen's wrath again
if I touch you?" She traced a finger along the forearm hanging at Xena's
side.

"I don't really think it's the Queen you have to worry about."

A short distance away, Gabrielle had gone to find Xena. She witnessed
the exchange quietly. What was going on?

"Well, I won't tell, if you don't." The woman raised herself on the
balls of her feet and kissed Xena. Not responding, Xena let her finish
then asked, "Was that what you wanted?"

"Actually, I can think of more things than that to do with you.
Interested?"

"No." Xena tried to walk past her but the woman caught her arm, stopping
her.

"I can promise you much more than she can offer and I wouldn't mind
keeping it quiet."

Xena narrowed her blue eyes. "Get your hand off me before you lose it.
Here's some advice for you, and I'll only tell you once so pay
attention. Don't ask for something that isn't free to be offered. And
make sure the one you ask is interested. I'm not free and I'm not
interested." Xena could not believe she could have thought for one
moment about using this young woman to make Gabrielle jealous.

"You seemed interested last night," Radavia pointed out.

"No. I accepted a back rub. Period. Anything beyond that is in your
imagination."

"I could tell the Queen otherwise."

"Fine. Be my guest. Gabrielle is perfectly able to make up her own mind.
Now, get out of my way or shall we engage in something you won't find so
pleasant?"

The woman turned away and Xena walked back into the village. Gabrielle
made a decision. Approaching the spurned Amazon, she said, "We need to
talk Radavia."

To her credit, Radavia apologized profusely for delaying the warrior.
Gabrielle wasn't interested in her excuses. "First of all, let me tell
you that I can understand your preoccupation with my warrior. I know
just how magnificent she is, after all." Gabrielle raised both eyebrows
for emphasis. "Now, let me make myself perfectly clear. If you ever
touch her again, even look twice at her and I find out about it, and I
assure you I will, I will see to it that you are banished from this
tribe and the surrounding territory. You see, that's the woman I love
and she's not available to anyone but me. Now, you're a nice enough
looking person, so maybe if you just work on this personality flaw with
wanting what you can't have you might just find someone of your own that
loves you for who you are, and not what you can do for them." The Queen,
turned and left the Amazon with a confused look on her face.

Xena was looking for her in the village. Gabrielle caught her attention
with a wave. They met halfway. "There you are," Xena said.

"Here I am," Gabrielle replied. A sharp memory surfaced of Xena brushing
down Argo in a stable. The bard shook her head.

"What's the matter?" Xena asked, concern on her face.

"Oh nothing. Just one of those pesky memories popping up without
explanation." The shorter woman took the warrior's arm and they walked
back to the slowly dispersing group at the village center. Ephiny had
finished with her meal and was about to retire to her hut herself.

"Goodnight, ladies. I'm ready to call it a night."

They said their goodnights and walked on to their own hut. Stopping
outside, Gabrielle had a word with her guards. When she entered, Xena
asked her what that was about. She shrugged and said she didn't think
she would need them tonight.

"Are you tired? You had some wine and I know that makes you want to
sleep.

Gabrielle closed her eyes. "Uh huh. I'd really like a bath after all
that food and wine getting all over everything but I'll pass on it
tonight." She started to remove her clothes as she readied for sleep.
"Xena?"

The warrior had removed her own clothes and was just climbing into the
bed. "What?"

"I thought I should tell you that I saw you with Radavia tonight."

Xena cursed. "Listen, nothing happened. I told her to get lost..."

Gabrielle smiled. "I know. After you got through and left I gave her a
warning that I don't think she'll soon forget. It's good to be the
Queen," she smiled.

"I'm glad you understand that I didn't invite that attention."

"Hey, I couldn't really blame her. I mean, look at you... you're the
perfect woman."

"Hardly perfect, Gabrielle. I'm just like everyone else, except that my
father is the god of the underworld. That's just a small point really
though."

"What?!"

Xena's eyes grew wide. "Oops. I forgot that you don't know that. Well, I
guess you were going to find out again anyway."

"Hades is your father?" the bard was incredulous.

"According to him, he is. I believe him."

Looking at the ring on her finger, Gabrielle noted, "So my ring was made
by Hades?"

Xena laughed. "Of course not, Gabrielle." The young woman looked
relieved. "Your ring was made by Hephestus, just like my chakram. Hades
just told him to make it so I could give it to you."

Gabrielle felt a little dizzy. "When had you planned to tell me this?
About Hades, I mean."

"I don't know. I guess I didn't think about it."

"Your father is a god. Ohmygosh, that means you're half goddess!"
Gabrielle put her palms beside her face.

"Just don't think about it. I don't." Xena advised sagely.

"Riigghht. That ought to be a snap." She shook her head and picked up
her hair brush. A few minutes later, Gabrielle put the brush down and
slipped into bed beside the warrior.

Xena turned on her side, away from the bard and tried to concentrate on
anything but the warmth at her back. When Gabrielle was comfortable
enough to pursue their relationship outside of their word wars, she
hoped she would let her know. This abstinence was making her insane.

"Xena?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you think we were meant to be together? Or do you think it was just
an accident they brought us together?"

Xena turned her head towards the inquisitive bard. "I don't know. I'm
not about to second guess the fates again. All I care about is that
we're still together."

Gabrielle put her arms around the warrior and hugged her. "Me too.
You're not so scary, you know. At first I wasn't sure why you could
possibly want me. There are so many who take great delight in your 'many
skills'. For some reason, you chose me to delight. Am I lucky or what?"

Xena laughed. "I'm glad you're so pleased. Now can we get some sleep?"

"Sleep? But I thought..."

Sighing, Xena asked, "You thought what?"

Running her hand lightly up the warrior's arm, Gabrielle paused to make
soft circles with her finger tips just inside Xena's elbow. Xena loved
that touch more than she could express. "I just thought that maybe we
were in agreement about what we both wanted from each other. Of course,
if you really don't want me..."

Xena was leaning over her before she even noticed she had moved. "Did
that bump on your head totally make you crazy?" she asked. Taking her
hand and placing it on Gabrielle's midriff, the aroused warrior was
about to give a lesson in the dangers of taunting a woman in love. A
lesson she should have given a long time ago. A bard needed words, she
had been told by the young woman on their joining night. She was about
to get more words from this warrior than she was prepared for. "Close
your eyes, Gabrielle." Dutifully, she closed them. Xena picked up one of
Gabrielle's hands and placed it over her heart. "Can you feel that?" she
asked the young woman.

"Your heart? Yes."

"Do you know why it's beating so fast?"

"Why?" Gabrielle asked breathlessly.

"Because I'm so close to you. You take my breath away. Did you know
that? I'm more afraid of you than anyone I've ever met in battle."

"Me?" Gabrielle was amazed.

"You have power over me. Absolute power. Ares' was nothing compared to
you." Slowly Xena began to stroke the abdominal muscles of the young
woman, making her aware of her touch slowly. She leaned close to the
face below her, continuing to talk to her, her voice just above a
whisper. "I've had people fall on their knees and beg me for their
lives. I know exactly how they feel." Lightly, she brushed her lips
across the trembling ones below hers. "Do you have any idea what I want
to do with you? How I feel when I touch you here." Gabrielle caught her
breath sharply as she felt Xena's hand between her thighs. Another kiss,
this time deepening before she broke the contact. Her hand continued a
slow, wet torture of it's own. Gabrielle was being seduced by someone
she wanted more than she could imagine. She was well aware of that
seduction, but she felt treasured by it.

"When I look at you, I see what my life is supposed to have. Hope,
happiness... love. The darkness inside me can't compare to the light you
bring to my heart. Gabrielle... I love the way your name sounds too. It
was made for my mouth." Xena stroked the inside of one tender thigh as
she allowed Gabrielle to catch her breath. Bringing her body closer to
that of the young woman's she lay her head on Gabrielle's breast. "I
would give you anything within my power." Taking small nibbles of the
exposed flesh above the material of her night shirt, Xena continued.
"All you have to do is ask." Slipping her hand beneath the blanket
covering them, Xena boldly stroked the slick heated flesh that was ready
for her touch. Gabrielle whimpered. "What do you want, Gabrielle? Tell
me."

"I... I just... want you."

Xena raised her head and looked into the eyes of her love. The passion
she saw reflected there made her decision for her. "You already have me,
my love." Xena knew her own heart. It belonged to this woman clutching
her shoulders. There was no longer any pain, her injury practically a
memory. Adjusting her body to allow her to slip inside her love they
began a journey to a release so strong, Gabrielle could not hold back
anything. Beginning soft kisses to the exposed neck of the stimulated
bard, Xena never stopped speaking. "Did you know that sometimes when
you're sleeping, I lie awake and watch you, trying to memorize
everything about you. I don't want to forget you for a moment." The
warrior's kisses roamed lower as Gabrielle listened to her words. The
young woman was flooded with emotion, and physical expression of her
joy. Xena continued to caress her lightly as she calmed from her fall
above the world.

Memories began to flood Gabrielle's mind as she held on to her
passionate warrior. She listened to Xena bear her heart... her soul.
"Listen to me, Gabrielle. Hear my words and never forget," Xena
implored.

"I will. Xena... I think I can..." she tried to tell her of the things
that were clamoring in her mind. Memories that demanded attention. Xena
would not let her finish.

"Shh. It's my turn to talk." Carefully adjusting her position, Xena
removed her companion's damp night shirt. Wrapping the blanket around
them, she held Gabrielle in her arms, length to length. "I used to
wonder what it would be like to be so happy. I never thought I could
deserve it." Unable to resist, she took the young woman's mouth with
hers and rolled her on top of her own body. Holding her lower back
firmly, she caressed those sweet lips until Gabrielle felt a slow
melting begin again. When she was satisfied with her delighted
acceptance she urged the woman higher in her arms. Taking a rounded
breast in her mouth she tortured the erect flesh with her lips and
tongue. Gabrielle was aflame with desire for the love of this woman. The
warrior's hands pulled the young woman's hips firmly against her as she
assaulted her heightened senses.

"Xena, please..." she growled. Gabrielle wasn't sure how much more of
the passionate torture she could withstand before she let all control
slip away again. She felt the most tender exhaustion from Xena's
ministrations. But there was more to come and Gabrielle felt the effects
of that mouth was doing to her in other regions of her body. She felt
like she was melding into the warrior below her. Xena slowly pulled her
mouth away from the tempting flesh. "Sit up, my love," the warrior
requested. "I'm not sure I can," the bard said honestly. "But I'll try,"
she promised her. Straddling Xena's hips now, the warrior sat up and
faced Gabrielle.

"Look into my eyes. What do you see?" Xena implored.

Gabrielle lost herself in the blue depths before her. "I... I see...
your heart, Xena."

"What does it look like, Gabrielle?"

Gabrielle looked at her own reflection in those eyes and could not
answer. Xena answered for her. "You see yourself, don't you?" Xena
asked.

"Yes."

"That's because you are my heart. Whether you remember me or not, it
doesn't matter. I belong to you. As long as you want me, I'll never let
you go."

Gabrielle watched herself in those eyes. Then she brought her lips to
Xena's and with as much tenderness as she felt, she returned that
promise. When she finished, Xena asked her, "Do you still need the
words?"

"I only need what you are willing to give me. I'm very wealthy tonight,"
the bard said as she smiled at Xena.

With one hand on her back, she touched Gabrielle's lips with the long
fingers of her other hand. Slowly, she caressed their fullness as
Gabrielle watched her eyes. Gabrielle raised her arms and place them
around Xena's neck, stroking her long hair which hung down her back.
Xena slid her hand to the back of Gabrielle's neck and brought her face
close to hers. Looking into her eyes she spoke to her own soul. "I love
you. I'll say it a thousand times if it's what you need. Never give up
on me. I told you before, I'll always be here, even if you never
remember our time together."

Tears slipped down the bard's face as she listened to Xena say what was
hardest for her. "I know you do, Xena. I'm sorry. I tried to tell you
before."

"What?"

"I remember. Most everything, I think."

"You're kidding. When did that happen?" Xena's smile belied her
suspicious words.

"Just before when we made love and... uh, when I melted all over the
blanket!"

Hugging the woman close, Xena held Gabrielle for a long while, relieved
to have her back. A few moments later, Gabrielle realized that Xena was
crying. She was shocked and immediately concerned. "Xena! Are you all
right? Oh, your shoulder! Did I hurt you? I am so sorry, I didn't
mean..."

"No. Gabrielle, you didn't hurt my shoulder. It's fine."

"Then why are you crying? You don't cry..."

Xena wiped her face with her hand. "Everyone cries, Gabrielle. I'm not
actually immortal, ya know. I'm just glad you're back."

"Well, it looks to me like you were doing just fine anyway," she teased.
"It was only a matter of time. How could I forget the one person in my
life that makes me feel like this? I love you, you leather clad, tall,
dark and beautiful Amazon Warrior Princess. Is that clear?"

"Yes, ma'am."

They slept wrapped in each other's arms.








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