Xena went to see Hippocrates and gather the rest of their belongings. Gabrielle was still sound asleep but she didn’t want to be gone for long in case the bard woke up. A quick conversation with the healer let him know that there had been no physical change.

"What about her mental health, Xena?" The warrior looked up from the saddlebag she was packing and looked at Hippocrates.

"Her spirits were better yesterday. I hope it’s a sign that she’s coming out of her depression."

"Perhaps." The healer mused as he stroked his chin. "Xena, she needs you more than ever now."

"I know." Xena replied quietly as she tied the last strap on their saddlebags.

"Just remember that if you need anything my door is always open."

"Thank you, I will remember." She looked down at the floor, then back to the healer. "You did everything you could to help Gabrielle. I appreciate it and I owe you. If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask." It was a rare admission of gratitude and it’s significance wasn’t lost on the healer.

"She means everything to you." Hippocrates said quietly, almost hoping that the warrior didn’t hear him. Only a fool would delve into a former warlord’s feelings. Xena threw the bags across her shoulder and looked at him thoughtfully.

"She means everything to me because she is everything to me. I couldn’t survive without her. Thank you again for your help." She left quickly before she could say another personal thought. On the way back to the inn, Xena mentally cursed herself for revealing too much of her emotions to the healer. When it came to Gabrielle, there was no limit to Xena’s emotions. She would do whatever it took to keep the bard in her life, with or without her voice. On the way back to the inn, Xena stopped at a small merchandise cart and bought a quill, ink, and small roll of parchment.

Gabrielle’s dark mood settled in and took hold of the bard. It took all of Xena’s will not to throttle the young woman as the day wore on. She was angry that Xena had bought the writing materials. She had no desire to write anymore. Xena put the parchment, ink, and quill in front of the bard and practically begged her to write something down, anything. Gabrielle simply stared at the paper, refusing to pick up the quill.

"Gabrielle." Xena’s voice held enough anger to let the bard know that the warrior was near her breaking point. Shake. "Gabrielle, you have to write something. It’s the only way I can find out what you’re feeling." The blue-green eyes flared at her. Xena threw her hands up in frustration. "Fine, be that way." Xena stomped over to the bed and laid down, rubbing her temples. They sat there in silence for several heartbeats. Staring at the ceiling, Xena finally broke the deadly silence. "Gabrielle, please tell me what you’re feeling. I don’t know how to help you anymore."

Gabrielle looked over at her warrior. Xena’s eyes were misty and she watched as the warrior blinked several times to keep the tears from spilling out. There were so many words she wanted to say, so many things she needed to tell Xena. How could she tell the person she loved more than anything how she felt? ‘I can’t tell you, Xena, but I can show you.’ She thought to herself. Gabrielle couldn’t fight the feelings that were churning within her anymore. She rose and walked over to the bed. ‘It’s now or never.’ She laid down next to Xena and rested her head on the warrior’s shoulder. She felt Xena’s strong arm wrap around her back and hold her close. Yes, this was where she wanted to be. She reached up and put her hand on Xena’s cheek, stroking it lightly with her thumb. She watched the blue eyes close as Xena reacted to the soft touch. Gabrielle pulled herself up on one elbow to better watch the warrior’s face. ‘I love you, Xena.’ How she wished she could say the words aloud, to tell the proud warrior just how much she meant to her. She stopped moving her thumb and continued to gaze at Xena’s face.

Xena opened her eyes when she felt the fingers on her face stop moving. She felt her heart skip a beat when she looked into the blue-green depths of Gabrielle’s soul. There was an expression on Gabrielle’s face that Xena had never seen before on the young bard. Uncertain of how to react, she remained still. Whatever Gabrielle was thinking about, she had to be the one to make the first move. There was no way that Xena was going to jeopardize their friendship unless she was certain of the bard’s feelings. Gabrielle closed her eyes and leaned forward, placing a feather light kiss on the edge of Xena’s chin. Pulling her head back slightly, she gazed at her warrior. The look on Xena’s face encouraged the bard to continue. She kissed Xena on the chin again and felt the warrior’s body stiffen. Fearing that she may have gone too far, Gabrielle pulled away and laid on her back.

Xena’s body protested the sudden withdrawal of the bard’s lips. She rolled over and looked at Gabrielle, her face a mix of emotions. "Gabrielle…" Her voice was low and throaty. Xena brought her hand to the bard’s face and gently stroked the cheek with one strong finger. "Why didn’t you ever tell me?" Her finger traced the outline of Gabrielle’s mouth, reveling in the softness of the pink lips. There was no going back as Xena lowered her mouth to Gabrielle’s. The kiss was tentative, questioning. Xena needed to know that this was what Gabrielle truly wanted. She pulled back to gauge the bard’s reaction. She got her answer when she felt Gabrielle’s hand wrap behind her neck and pull her down for a more passionate kiss. Gabrielle’s kiss became more demanding as her confidence grew. Her tongue snaked out to taste the soft lips and was quickly met by the warrior’s own tongue. She demanded entry and Gabrielle complied, allowing the warrior to explore the insides of her mouth, to take whatever she wanted. Xena’s hands moved down to rub the bard’s shoulders, waist, arms, anywhere she could reach. Both women were gasping for breath when their lips reluctantly parted. Gabrielle looked up into the blue eyes that she loved. ‘I love you.’ Her silent lips formed the words that echoed over and over in her mind. Xena’s eyes misted. She heard the words as if Gabrielle had shouted them from the top of Mount Olympus.

"I love you too, Gabrielle." Gods, how she wanted this. She wanted to take Gabrielle to those private heights. Her mouth trailed down to taste the bard’s neck. The softness and warmth of Gabrielle made Xena heady with passion. She felt the bard’s body responding to her touch, her tongue. Xena’s fingers slipped in-between them and untied the laces to the Amazon’s shirt. Gabrielle smiled as she saw Xena’s reaction to the soft mounds being freed. "By the gods, you are beautiful." The warrior murmured as she let her hands roam over the bard’s breasts. Xena looked at Gabrielle’s face, watching her reactions. When Xena’s fingers closed around the pink nipples, Gabrielle arched her back and closed her eyes.

Xena wanted their lovemaking to be slow, gentle. Gabrielle wanted none of that. Her body was burning up with passion. The last thing she wanted was for Xena to be gentle. Again she couldn’t tell Xena what she wanted, but she could show her. Taking Xena’s hand in her own, the bard brought in down to rest between her legs. Xena involuntarily groaned when she felt the flood of dampness on Gabrielle’s breeches. Gabrielle arched her hips, pressing her sex against Xena’s hand, begging for fulfillment. "Gods, Gabrielle." Xena exclaimed as she pressed her fingers against the damp cloth. She quickly moved her hands to untie the Amazon skirt, then pulled down the breeches that blocked her way to the soft, damp center of Gabrielle’s sex. Separating their bodies for a moment, Xena quickly discarded her own clothing. She settled back on top of the bard, using her arms to support most of her weight. Gabrielle inhaled sharply when she felt Xena’s leg press between hers, parting them. She raised her own thigh, pressing it against Xena’s dark curls. She was rewarded with a soft groan from the warrior. Xena bent down and kissed and nibbled her way to Gabrielle’s breasts. Her mouth captured one and started to lick gently. Gabrielle intertwined her fingers into Xena’s hair and pressed down, encouraging more passion. Xena held back, unsure of just how much Gabrielle needed. There was no denying the urgency as Gabrielle’s body writhed beneath her. She sucked and nipped the tender bud as her fingers twirled through the soft blond curls between the bard’s legs. Gabrielle arched her hips impatiently, begging for more. Xena repositioned her body so she was on her side, supported on one elbow. Keeping her eyes focused on Gabrielle’s face, Xena slipped one finger between the folds, soaking it with the abundant fluids that Gabrielle’s body released. "So wet." Xena murmured as she brought another finger into play. Gabrielle tried to keep her eyes open, to watch Xena make love to her, but the feelings that the warrior was producing within her were too much. Xena ran her finger lightly over Gabrielle’s clit and watched with satisfaction as the bard’s body arched upward. "I take it you like that?" She teased. Gabrielle nodded her head rapidly as she brought her hand down to grip Xena’s wrist. ‘Please.’ The silent word formed on her lips.

Xena’s mouth explored Gabrielle’s upper body while her fingers explored the lower. She feasted on the bard’s generous mounds before taking Gabrielle’s mouth again. The bard had no control over her body anymore as she felt her crest approaching. She responded to Xena’s tongue with a fervor, trying to convey her impending climax. She didn’t need to worry, Xena was well aware of Gabrielle’s rising passion. The trickle of juices had now become a flood. Gabrielle’s grip on her wrist was like a vise. Suddenly Gabrielle wrenched her mouth free and threw her head back, her mouth open. Xena’s fingers became a blur as she moved them back and forth against the swollen clit. Gabrielle’s body arched, her eyes tightly shut, her fingers digging into Xena’s wrist. A blaze of color and lights danced before the bard’s closed eyes as her orgasm tore through her. After several heartbeats, her body finally slumped back down on the bed. Xena pulled her hand back from between the folds and rested it on the damp curls. Gabrielle released her death grip on the wrist and let her arm fall limply to the side. Xena waited until she saw the beautiful blue-green eyes open before she spoke. "I love you, Gabrielle." The bard mouthed her own reply as she brought her fingers up to caress Xena’s cheek.

"It doesn’t count!" Ares’ angry voice boomed through the room. Xena bolted off of the bed and positioned herself between the god and Gabrielle. The bard quickly leaned over and grabbed two shifts, handing one to the naked warrior.

"Ares." She spat. Realization hit her. "You’re the one responsible for Gabrielle losing her voice." She growled angrily. Gabrielle stood up next to Xena, her blue-green eyes burning with her own anger. Ooh, if only she could speak, boy would she give that overgrown god an earful. The bard’s eyes narrowed when the god broke out laughing.

"Oh, you stupid little mortal. Didn’t Xena ever tell you that a god can read thoughts?" He taunted.

‘Oh yeah? Well then read this, you pitiful excuse for a god. You’re nothing but an overgrown bully with power. You’re so stupid that you don’t even know when you’ve lost!’ Her hands clenched into fists as her mind hurled insults at the god. Xena watched the exchanged looks between the god and bard. She feared that in her anger, Gabrielle wouldn’t think about who she was talking to. Xena’s fears were realized then Ares shot his arm out and struck Gabrielle with his open hand. She fell backwards against the bed and slumped to the floor. Xena crouched down in front of her, checking the injury and trying to protect her from more of the god’s wrath.

"Even without a voice, you still have a sharp tongue, bard! If you weren’t under protection, I’d send you right into Hades’ arms for such disrespect!"

"But she is under protection, Ares." The room shimmered as Artemis appeared. "What made you think that you could strike my chosen and not have me know about it?" She gave him a cold stare before turning to look at Gabrielle. Xena moved back to allow the goddess to see the beginning signs of a huge bruise. She touched it lightly, causing the bruise to glow and disappear. Smiling softly at the bard, she said "My dear Gabrielle, you really should learn to control your temper." Casting a look at the warrior, she continued. "You really don’t need to learn ‘everything’ from Xena." Xena’s eyes narrowed at the insult, but she knew enough to keep her tongue, and her thoughts, quiet. Artemis turned her gaze back to her queen. "Gabrielle, it’s not really like you to be so quiet." Her immortal fingers glided to touch Gabrielle’s throat. Artemis rose and spun around, her face full of anger and fury. "Ares! How dare you touch my queen in such a manner! You take that spell off of her right this instant!" Xena wasn’t certain, but she could have sworn that Ares took a slight step backward under the Moon Goddess’ lash of words.

"Can’t do that." A smile crossed his lips. "You see, I have a bet going with Calliope, and I can’t remove the spell until one of us has won."

"You made a bet using MY CHOSEN?"

"A bet is a bet, Artemis. I can’t do anything about it now." He shrugged his shoulders as if to say ‘if I could, I would." Artemis took a step forward, looked upward, and yelled.

"Calliope! Aunt Calliope, get down here this instant!" Calliope materialized at the far side of the room. "What is the meaning of all this? Gabrielle is one of your bards. How could you involve yourself in a bet with him?" She pointed at Ares.

"Artemis, I had no choice. It was the only way I could think of to get her voice back. His plan would have worked otherwise."

"It did work." He corrected. "What they did doesn’t count. She didn’t tell her."

"Yes she did, Ares. You saw her lips move."

"Wait a minute." Artemis put her hands up to silence the bickering gods. "What are the two of you talking about?" Gabrielle nodded in agreement with Artemis.

"In order for Gabrielle to get her voice back, she had to tell Xena of her true feelings." Both mortals’ faces registered shock. Artemis rolled her eyes.

"Are you sure Aphrodite wasn’t involved in this? It doesn’t seem your style to play matchmaker, my dear aunt."

"I wasn’t trying to play matchmaker, Artemis. Ares made Gabrielle mute so he could win back Xena." Understanding, then anger, flashed in Xena’s eyes. "He figured that if Gabrielle couldn’t talk, then Xena would get tired of her and leave her." Gabrielle looked over at Xena, demanding reassurance.

"No matter what you do, Ares, I will never leave Gabrielle." Xena said firmly. She watched out of the corner of her eye as Gabrielle visibly relaxed.

"Besides, Ares, you lost. Gabrielle did tell her." Calliope said confidently.

"No, she didn’t. Her lips may have moved, but no words ever came out. It doesn’t count."

"It has to be in her own words, huh?" A thought was forming in the muse’s mind.

"That was the deal." He reminded. "No voice, no words. How ironic." He said dryly.

"But she did say it in her own words, Ares." Calliope reached into her cloak and pulled out the scrolls that Gabrielle had left upon the alter. "It’s all right here." She pulled out a piece of parchment. "This is a piece of Gabrielle’s journal writing. Do you want me to read it out loud?"

"Give me that!" He reached over and yanked the parchment from the muse’s hand. He glanced at it, quickly reading the words. His eyes grew wide at one passage in particular. Right there, in the bard’s own hand, were the words that spelled victory. "With everything in my heart, I love you, Xena of Amphipolis." It was a line from Gabrielle’s private journal. Gabrielle had given the muse all of her written work, completely forgetting that her private thoughts were on some of the parchment. She had written those words one night as she watched Xena go through her evening ritual of sharpening her sword. He crumpled the parchment into dust in his godly hand as he glared at Gabrielle. "You are very lucky, bard." He knew when he was defeated. Turning his head away in disgust, he pointed his finger at Gabrielle.

A burning sensation pierced through her throat. The pain brought her to her knees and she found herself instantly in Xena’s embrace. All air seemed to leave her lungs and for a moment, she couldn’t breathe. Spots started to dance before her eyes. Suddenly, the pressure released and she was able to take a breath.

"You didn’t have to be so harsh!" Artemis hissed.

"I never agreed to be gentle." He replied.

"But you did make another agreement, Ares." Calliope reminded.

"I remember!" He growled. "You are a cunning woman, Calliope." He nodded with respect. He really didn’t think the muse could outsmart him. "Artemis, no harm done." He nodded at the moon goddess, then disappeared.

"Xena?" Gabrielle’s voice was shaky, but there. "Xena!" Her face exploded with joy as she heard her own voice again.

"Gods, how I’ve missed that beautiful voice." Xena responded as she put her arms around Gabrielle.

"Oh Xena, I can talk, I can really talk!" Tears of happiness rolled down her face. "You wouldn’t believe all the things I want to tell you, all the things I want to say. I thought I would go mad! You don’t know how hard it is to think about something and not be able to say it and-."

"Gabrielle," Xena put her finger on the bard’s lip. "There’s plenty of time for talk. Right now," She helped Gabrielle to her feet and motioned toward the goddesses. "We still have company."

Artemis laughed. "It’s all right, Xena. I’m sure it’s been very hard on her."

"You can say that again." Gabrielle said. The goddess turned to face her.

"Gabrielle, why did you come to my temple?" The bard turned her gaze downward, guilt written plainly across her face. "Were you thinking of abdicating your throne?" Artemis’ tone had a touch of anger to it. Gabrielle looked at her fearfully.

"My goddess, I thought that I was of no use, that I couldn’t perform my duties."

"If I felt that you were no longer able, then I WOULD HAVE DONE SOMETHING ABOUT IT!" Her voice rumbled throughout the room, scaring Gabrielle. Xena moved in front of Gabrielle.

"You’re scaring her. Don’t you think she’s been through enough?" Xena was tired of the games the gods played with them.

"I’m sorry. I was only thinking of what was good for the Amazons." Gabrielle offered in her defense. It seemed to have struck the right cord. Artemis’ features softened.

"I believe you, Gabrielle. Your heart knows nothing other than goodness. I suggest that the next time you think about giving up your title that you consult with me."

"Yes goddess." The bard said reverently. Artemis smiled at the gesture.

"Well, I suppose this matter is settled. Xena, take care of her. Gabrielle, be good to yourself." With that the goddess disappeared.

Gabrielle looked at Calliope and began to cry, burying her face into Xena’s shoulder. The muse stepped closer, depositing the scrolls, quill, and ink onto the table. "My child, you thought that it was I who took your voice, now you know that it wasn’t true. I gave you the gift of prose and you use that gift wisely. You have always brought me joy with your tales, please continue." Her form shimmered, then was gone.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Xena asked when they were finally alone. "Talk to me, Gabrielle. I want to hear that beautiful voice again. I’ve missed it so much."

"I love you." Gabrielle followed the words with a brief kiss. "I had to tell you. I couldn’t bear the thought of not having ever told you." She held her finger to Xena’s lips. "Please. I haven’t been able to talk for almost a quarter-moon." A mischievous grin crossed her lips. "And now I have a captive audience. I could talk to you for candlemarks, but right now I want to do something else with my mouth." She brushed her fingers across Xena’s cheek. "I love you. I want to make love to you."

Her voice flowed through Xena’s ears, healing all the pain that the past quarter-moon had brought. How she longed to hear that soft voice again. Gabrielle’s fingers brushed her cheek. Xena brought her mouth down, claiming Gabrielle’s. Without breaking the kiss, she gently lowered them to the bed. "Talk to me, Gabrielle. Let me hear you."

"Oh, Xena. I’ve missed talking to you." Their eyes locked, each expressing their love. "I love you, Xena."

"I love you, Gabrielle. I do." Xena’s mouth claimed Gabrielle’s again. The bard moaned with pleasure when she felt the warrior’s tongue enter her mouth. Xena pulled her head back to look into the eyes of the woman she loved. "That’s nice." She murmured.

"What is?" She tried to pull Xena down for another kiss, but the warrior held back.

"Your moan. That’s nice." She placed a gentle kiss on the bard’s lips. She moved her mouth until it was close to the bard’s ear. "Gabrielle, I want you to moan for me. I want to make love to you and hear you." Xena’s throaty voice rekindled the fire within the bard. Her teeth locked around Gabrielle’s earlobe and gently nipped. "I’ve felt you react to my touches, now I want to hear you react to them." Her knee forced the bard’s legs apart. Gabrielle twisted her body and rolled on top of the warrior, straddling her hips.

"I will." The bard said with a promise in her voice. "But first things first." She reached down and pulled up her shift, tossing it unceremoniously onto the floor. She lifted herself to allow Xena to remove hers, then settled herself back down on the warrior’s stomach. Gabrielle closed her eyes and gasped audibly when she felt Xena’s hard abdomen press up against her. "That’s nice." Gabrielle said as she looked down at Xena. The warrior’s hands moved around to cup Gabrielle’s buttocks. The bard lowered herself until she was only a hairsbreadth away from Xena’s lips. "I love you, Xena."

"I love you." The warrior replied. The kiss was long and sensual, filled with moans of pleasure from both women. Gabrielle lifted her head up.

"Now I’m going to find out if I’m the right one." She said mischievously. Xena looked at her in puzzlement.

"You said that if it was with the right person that you could be vocal." She said playfully as her fingers closed around one dark nipple. Gabrielle was rewarded with a sharp intake of air from the warrior.

"Mmm?" Xena’s concentration was on the activity on her rapidly hardening nipple. "Gods, Gabrielle." Her hands squeezed the firm buttocks beneath them. "Feels good." She croaked. Words were quickly becoming more difficult for Xena.

"I guess I’ll just have to find out on my own." Gabrielle murmured as she brought her mouth down to feast on the hard nipple.

Xena was reduced to whimpers as Gabrielle’s bold hands and bolder mouth explored her body. Her hands led the way, touching every inch of skin she could find as she worked her way downward. She kissed Xena’s navel as her fingers brushed across the dark, damp curls. Her finger slipped in-between the folds and Xena let loose a deep groan. Gabrielle smiled against the hard abdomen. "Yes. I want to hear you, Xena. I want to hear what my touch does to you." She pressed her fingers forward, searching for the opening to Xena’s womanhood.

"Please…" Xena croaked. That was all the encouragement the bard needed. She entered with one finger, easily sliding in all the way. She closed her eyes to the sensation of warm wetness surrounding her finger. She pulled it back and added another. Xena’s hips arched in time with her moans as Gabrielle started to slowly stroke. Her fingers slid easily in and out of the well lubricated tunnel. "More…" Xena begged. Gabrielle closed her eyes in anticipation as she slid another finger deep inside. It wasn’t long before the bard was pumping her fingers in and out with a fury. Xena’s cries of pleasure increased as she rocked against the gentle fingers. Gabrielle felt the inner wall muscles grip and release her fingers, sending pulsing throbs into her own center. "Oh…oh Gabrielle…yes…oh…" Xena’s words fueled the fire between them, causing the Amazon to increase her pumping to match the increased thrusts from the warrior. Xena’s fingernails dug into the soft cheeks of Gabrielle’s ass as she neared her climax, but the bard didn’t feel it. Her mind was completely focused on the river of juices that flowed across her fingers. Xena’s back arched, lifting them both off of the bed. She screamed out her lover’s name as one final thrust sent her over. Gabrielle held on, her fingers deep inside, until she felt Xena relax. Reluctantly, she pulled her fingers out. Xena watched through half-closed lids as Gabrielle licked her fingers clean. Her enthusiasm told Xena that the next time she could expect to feel the bard’s soft mouth on her. She waited until Gabrielle was finished feasting before she spoke. "I take it you like?" Gabrielle took another lick of her fingers before answering.

"Mmm, this must be ambrosia." She moved up to kiss Xena. The warrior tasted herself on Gabrielle’s tongue as their mouths expressed their love. Gabrielle laid her head down on Xena’s shoulder. "You are loud." She teased, rewarded with a low chuckle.

"Was I? I was trying to control it." Her hand made lazy circles on the bard’s back.

"Yes you were." Gabrielle kissed the soft flesh beneath her. "I like it." She added softly. Before she could react, she was rolled onto her back, Xena’s body on top of her.

"Now it’s my turn to hear you."

Gabrielle looked at the sleeping form beside her. It was so rare that Xena slept later than her. She looked down with uninhibited gazes at the warrior’s naked body, clearly visible in the morning sunlight. Her eyes focused on the dark curls between Xena’s legs. Gabrielle let her fingers lazily run through the soft curls, delighting at the sensation.

"Don’t get me started." Xena said softly. "You wore me out last night."

"I couldn’t help it. I was enjoying myself. Besides, I didn’t hear you complaining." Gabrielle teased, her fingers still playing with the dark hair.

"Gabrielle." Xena chastised as she pulled the bard’s probing hand away from her apex. The bard frowned. "Later, I promise." She kissed Gabrielle’s hand before releasing it.

"Okay, but I’m going to hold you to that." Gabrielle said as she vaulted off the bed. "I’m going to go get us some breakfast. I’m starving."

"I’m sure you are." Xena chuckled. Her face got serious as she looked at Gabrielle.

"What?" Gabrielle said softly.

"I’m just so happy to hear you again. I’ve missed your voice. I’ve missed listening to you."

"Well just you wait." Gabrielle said as she scooted in for a quick kiss. "I hope you didn’t have any plans for today because after breakfast you and I are going to talk." She donned her shift and left to get breakfast. Xena rose and walked over to the basin to clean up.

Xena brought her hand down on Gabrielle’s back several times before she finally heard coughing. She moved around to see the tears rolling down Gabrielle’s cheeks as the bard fought to regain her breathing. "Thanks." Gabrielle said meekly.

"You’re welcome." A lopsided grin formed on Xena’s face. "Try to swallow before you put more in, okay?" She rose and went to her side of the table. Gabrielle quickly put another piece of food in her mouth.

"Sorry, mmh. I’m just so happy to be able to talk that I forget about everything else." She finally swallowed the food that was in her mouth.

"Well, I don’t want to keep saving you from choking. Take a minute to finish eating and then we’ll talk."

"Okay." Gabrielle mumbled as she took another piece of fruit. "Boy, Xena. This is going to make a hades of a story, won’t it?"

"Gabrielle." Xena arched her eyebrow. Gabrielle grinned sheepishly and quietly finished her fruit.

"So tell me, Gabrielle. What was it like not being able to tell me off every day?" Xena teased, opening the way for Gabrielle to express her feelings. Despite last night, there were still unresolved feelings from both of them about the recent events. Gabrielle thought about the question for a few moments before speaking.

"It was definitely a learning experience. I discovered things about myself that I didn’t know." She paused for a moment, then added. "I also learned some things about you, my big dumb warrior." Ignoring the arched eyebrow from the warrior, she continued. "When it first happened, you know, at the camp, I was scared. I didn’t know what had happened. I looked around, but you were nowhere in sight. I tried to call out for you, but no sounds came." She watched the emotion of pain flash briefly across Xena’s face. "It’s okay, Xena. You had no way of knowing." Gabrielle quickly reassured the warrior. "All I could think of was getting to you, that you would know what was wrong and take care of it," She lowered her eyes slightly. "take care of me." Xena reached out and put her hand on top of Gabrielle’s, giving a reassuring squeeze.

"That was good thinking, banging the fry pan against the rock." Gabrielle beamed at the compliment, her smile enough to earn one in return.

"Yeah, that was good thinking, wasn’t it?" Gabrielle seemed to ponder that one for a moment. "Pretty good, huh?"

"Pretty good." Xena said, her low voice raspy. Gabrielle blushed slightly.

"Not that, silly. I was talking about the fry pan."

"Oh, we’re back to that are we?" Xena sounded bored. "Yes, Gabrielle, that was good thinking on your part."

"Right." She beamed at her victory. "Anyway, at first, all I could think of was how scared I was. I was terrified that something would happen and I wouldn’t be able to let you know."

"Was that what the nightmares were about?" Xena asked softly. Gabrielle nodded.

"Yes. Those were pretty scary." She turned her gaze to the window, lost in thought for a moment. "That’s why I slept next to you each night." She returned her gaze to the warrior. "I needed to feel you. It was the only way I felt safe."

"It made me feel good too, Gabrielle." Xena admitted. "When I held you in my arms, it made me feel like I was protecting you, keeping you safe. That’s all I want to do, Gabrielle. All I want is to hold you and keep you safe." She quieted herself, amazed at the sudden release of emotions. Her silence spoke volumes to Gabrielle. It told the bard that there were more feelings than were spoken, and that Xena wasn’t ready to talk about them. Picking up the unspoken cue, Gabrielle continued.

"So anyway, where was I?"

"You were talking about why you kept sleeping with me." Xena reminded.

"Yeah, that was kinda fun." Gabrielle beamed at the memory of Xena’s hard body pressed up against her. "But it was still hard, you know, not being able to tell you what I was feeling."

"It was hard for me too. I tried to get you to tell me, but you wouldn’t. Gabrielle, why did you refuse to write down your feelings?" Xena refused to remember the hurtful note, the only thing that Gabrielle had written since the muteness.

"I’m sorry." The Amazon said softly, aware of what they both were thinking. "It was too hard for me. I felt I had done something wrong. There was so much that I wanted to say, but couldn’t. It was maddening. I lashed out at you, the one person who was trying to help me. You didn’t deserve my anger, Xena."

"It’s all right, Gabrielle. You take gruff from me that you don’t deserve sometimes. It’s the least I could do."

"You know what I learned about all this?"

"What?"

"I learned that there’s some things to be said for silence."

"You’re kidding." Xena said incredulously.

"No really. I found that I paid more attention to what was going on around me. I understood why you’re so quiet when we first enter a new place. You’re checking out the surroundings, not only with your eyes, but with your ears too. I didn’t know you did that. It must really bother you a lot that I jabber everytime we first enter a place." Xena’s eyes betrayed her thoughts as they flickered slightly. Gabrielle noticed, but chose not to mention it. She had gotten her answer. "Anyway, it was interesting."

"I learned some things about myself too." Xena admitted. Gabrielle stayed quiet, giving Xena the opportunity to share her feelings, something the warrior did rarely. "It must be hard for you…having to guess at what I’m feeling all the time. I never realized how difficult it is to not know how your feeling."

"I’ve gotten used to you, Xena. I can pretty much tell what you’re feeling most of the time." Gabrielle offered. Xena smiled her appreciation at the gesture. They talked quietly for several candlemarks, Gabrielle speaking most of the time. The warrior was all too glad to sit back and listen to the soothing sound of her best friend and lover’s voice. They stopped at sunset to make love, the sounds of their passion filling the room. After a quiet dinner, they spent the rest of the evening wrapped in each other’s arms. They spoke in low tones, each expressing their feelings for the other. Gabrielle fared much better than the normally stoic warrior, but was still pleased with the amount of feelings that the warrior did express. All the days of being the voice for both of them had worn off on Xena. She found that she was more forthcoming with her thoughts and feelings. Gabrielle took the time to listen, not constantly interrupting with her own thoughts. Sleep eventually overtook them, and morning found them still cradled in each other’s arms.

"So where are we headed next?" Gabrielle asked as Xena vaulted onto Argo.

"I thought we would head toward Poteidaia for a short vacation. You need some time to write your story and we need to drop some of our things off for storage, your scrolls, for one thing." Xena said, patting the overstuffed saddlebag. "Besides, I can’t wait to see the look on your sister Lila’s face when you tell her that you couldn’t utter a sound for almost a quarter-moon." Both women chuckled. Gabrielle grew thoughtful.

"Xena, do you think we should tell them about us?" She asked as she looked up at the magnificent figure on the horse.

"Gabrielle, that’s a personal decision that we both have to make." Xena leaned down to touch the bard’s chin. "I’m sure that Mother will be happy. She likes you." Gabrielle smiled at the image of Cyrene. She had been so nice to her the last time they had visited Amphipolis. "However, I don’t think that your family will be as glad." Xena thought back to the last time they were in Gabrielle’s home village. Her parents were cool toward the warrior. Xena could live with that. She understood that she wasn’t Gabrielle’s parents first choice for a traveling companion for their daughter. Gabrielle’s sister, Lila, was quite another matter. She didn’t like Xena one bit, and let the warrior know it in no uncertain terms.

"I’m sure their feelings have changed. Hey, I’ll bet by now they even like you." Gabrielle beamed at the thought, as ridiculous as it was. There was no way her family would ever be happy with their daughter traipsing around Greece accompanied by a former warlord.

"I’m sure." Xena said wryly. Both broke out into a short chuckle. "If I’m lucky, Lila won’t try to arrange for my hanging."

"She better not." Gabrielle summoned up her most commanding tone. "Or I’ll use my power as Queen of the Amazons to make her see the light." She moved her arms in a mock gesture of power. "Mess with my woman, will she?"

"Ooh, I love it when you’re possessive." Xena purred, sending the bard into a fit of laughter.

"Just remember that you’re mine." A lecherous smile played across Gabrielle’s lips. "If you need any reminding…" Her eyes turned toward the forest suggestively.

"I think I’ve unleashed a monster." Xena said, rolling her eyes. "Gabrielle, there are other things besides sex."

"I know." Gabrielle flashed a playful smile. "But I so enjoy listening to you." She grinned sheepishly. "My big loud warrior."

"Said the grain of sand to the desert." Xena retorted, causing the bard to blush furiously. Last night’s adventures caused Halla to pound furiously on the wall, shouting comments about other people trying to sleep.

"It’s not my fault. You stir my passions." She teasingly fingered the laces on her blouse.

"Gabrielle…" Xena growled. "You’ll pay for teasing me."

"Is that a promise?" Gabrielle teased back, running her fingertips suggestively across her nipples, forcing them to poke against her shirt. Xena unconsciously licked her lips, remembering the pleasure of feasting on the bard’s breasts only candlemarks before. A quick look around told her that the road was deserted. She jumped off of Argo and swept Gabrielle up in her arms.

"Tease me, will you?" She playfully threatened as she pressed Gabrielle up against a tree, her hands quickly slipping under the bard’s shirt.

"What about Poteidaia?" Gabrielle asked breathlessly as she felt Xena’s mouth against her neck.

"It’ll still be there, Gabrielle."

"I guess it will." The bard agreed.

THE END