Xena traveled aimlessly, not certain where to go. She found herself alone on the edge of a cliff, the rock face jutting out over the sea. She realized, ironically, that this was the same place where she had first decided to make a stand with Ulysses and help him regain control of Ithaca. The sea churned with activity as Poseidon rose from his watery bed.

"I warned you that I wouldn’t tolerate your meddling in my affairs, mortal!" The watery form of Poseidon rose from the sea, dwarfing the tall warrior. Xena made no effort to move out of the way when the large water hand reached for her. He picked her up in his grasp, holding her like a grown man would hold a kitten for inspection. The watery fingers crushed against her chest, squeezing the air out of her lungs. "It would be so easy for me to finish the task, mortal."

"If...you’re going to...kill me, then...do it." Xena said through gritted teeth as she struggled for breath. A confused look came over the god.

"Why don’t you fight me, mortal? Did you come here to die?" He moved his wrist, twisting her body within his grasp. She made no sound, her face unreadable. "Where’s your little friend, warrior? The one with the big mouth." There was a flicker in the blue eyes, but the expression remained neutral. "I hope she enjoyed the extra rocking I gave your little ship. Is she still green?" He chuckled at the memory of the little woman heaving over and over at the bow of the ship as he forced it to rock more and more. "Where is she? I wouldn’t want her to miss the fun of watching me kill you." When no answer came, the god became more angry. His grip increased. "Where is she?" He demanded.

"Don’t...know." Was all Xena could manage to squeak out. Bright colors and black spots started to dance before her eyes. She felt herself slipping into the darkness.

"That’s why you’re here, isn’t it?" With an angry grunt, the watery hand dissolved, causing the warrior to fall through the water and onto the sandy beach below and land with a thud. Poseidon moved his arm in a giant arc, forcing a wave taller than ten horses to crash upon the beach, the force enough to move her helpless body halfway across the beach. "Come back when you’re in a fighting mood, Xena. I want to kill you for the sport of it, not to ease your pitiful suffering." He pounded her with another wave for good measure, then dissolved into the sea again.

It took almost a full candlemark for the soaked and hurt woman to mount Argo. She felt her strength ebb from her body. Tying the reins around her wrist, she leaned forward and whispered into the horse’s ear. "Amazons." Argo nickered, then followed her mistress’ voice and headed for the Amazon territory. Every movement caused pain for Xena, but she knew there was no other choice.

Xena opened her eyes to see a familiar room surrounding her. She was in the palace, resting on the queen’s bed, Gabrielle’s bed. Shifting slightly, the movement caused a flare-up of pain, a low groan rising from her lips. "Easy now." Ephiny said gently.

"How?" Her words were mere whispers, her strength sapped.

"You were unconscious. Your horse brought you here." Ephiny held a waterskin to the warrior’s parched lips. Xena drank greedily, wincing as the movements ignited the pain. "Do you remember what happened?"

Xena licked her lips and tried to focus on the events. "I was on the beach. Poseidon grabbed me, tried to crush me, then tossed me on the ground." She shook her head in confusion of the god’s actions. "I thought he was going to kill me."

"Did you want him to?" Ephiny asked quickly.

"Of course not." Xena protested. "Why would I want to do that?"

"I can’t think of any other reason to invoke an angry god, especially one whose plans you had just so recently ruined. Perhaps you thought it would be easier that way."

"I don’t know why I went there. I just started riding, not paying any attention to the direction. The next thing I know, I’m on the cliff face, staring at the sea."

"Xena, what was it about Ulysses that attracted him to you?" Under normal circumstances, such a personal question directed at the warrior princess would be unheard of, but Ephiny knew the big dumb warrior needed to examine her feelings. The wounded warrior arched her eyebrow at the question. Ephiny maintained a firm look on her face, despite the withering gaze.

"I don’t know. I guess there were many things. His skill as a fighter, the gentleness of his words, the nobility of his quest to regain his homeland, no matter what the personal cost."

"Sounds a lot like Gabrielle."

"It’s not the same, Ephiny." Xena shot back angrily as she tried to sit up slightly. "He was a king trying to get back his homeland, his only love."

"And she’s a queen trying to get back her only love, the woman who holds her heart. I don’t see the difference."

"It’s not the same, Ephiny. Don’t turn my words around on me."

"It’s not? Think about it, Xena. You felt a need, something missing in your life. He came along, full of pleasant words and gentle smiles. You thought he could fill the need for you, not knowing that the answer was standing next to you the entire time." Ephiny stood up. "You need to rest. Think about what I said, Xena. It may have hurt to let Ulysses go, but how much more is it hurting to lose Gabrielle?" Ephiny knew she had hit a mark when she saw the warrior’s eyes close and her head sink back against the pillow. "Look into your heart and tell yourself which one you can’t live without, which one truly loves you, which one would lay down their life for you. Look deep, Xena. The truth is there, it’s just waiting for you to discover it."

The next morning found Xena saddling Argo, her things already packed and tied to the saddle. "Where do you think you’re going?" Ephiny said as she walked up next to the warrior.

"To find Gabrielle." She answered flatly as she gave one last tug on a strap.

"Xena, you can barely walk, much less ride."

"I heal quickly, Ephiny. I’ll be fine in a day or so."

"There’s no way to talk you out of this, is there?" Ephiny said with a touch of defeat in her voice. Xena didn’t answer, merely continued to finish her preparations. One last check of her supplies, then she led Argo out of the stable, the acting queen following.

Xena mounted Argo, then looked down at Ephiny. "Where am I headed, Ephiny?"

"Xena, you know she doesn’t..." She was cut off by the warrior.

"Where?"

"I can’t tell you." Ephiny tried to be firm, but her resolve was fading. Xena looked at the sky, then closed her eyes and asked again.

"Please tell me where she is, Ephiny." Xena said quietly, in a defeated tone. As much as it went against her grain to beg for information, this was too important to worry about that. All that was important was that she find Gabrielle. Ephiny looked at the ground as she made her decision.

"Go visit your mother." She said quietly.

"Ephiny," Xena waited until the Amazon met her gaze. "Thank you." Before the Amazon could answer, she urged Argo on, out through the gate.

The ride was hard on Xena. Every step that Argo took reverberated through her wounded ribs. Her torso and chest were still a deep purple from the bruising she took at Poseidon’s hand. By the third day, most of the pain was gone as well as most of the bruising. The sun was starting to set and she was still a good ten candlemarks from Amphipolis. Xena decided to ride half the remaining distance, then set up camp. She would be able to arrive at the village around mid-day.

Gabrielle didn’t feel like telling stories, and the innkeeper didn’t push it. She helped Cyrene clean the inn each day, then sat with the Amazons in the evening and learned more about the culture and traditions of her people. At night, she cried herself to sleep. The next morning, she would repeat the process. Gabrielle knew she should move on, start her new life alone, but something held her back. She didn’t want to leave Cyrene, the only connection she still had to Xena. One morning before Cyrene went to the market, the bard pulled her aside and informed her that they would be leaving the next day.

Xena arranged for a stall for Argo, then looked around. Spotting a portly man near a wagon of apples, she walked over. "Ariss." The man smiled.

"Xena, my dear. What brings you home?"

"I have to see mother, is she at the inn?"

"No. I just saw her in the market. Your friend, what’s her name, she’s here. Won’t tell any of her wonderful stories though."

"Thanks, Uncle." Xena turned and headed to the market area.

The market area was nothing more than several booths and wagons that filled one small street. It didn’t take long for her to spot the gray haired woman. Xena quickly made her way to her, stopping just behind her. "Mother."

Cyrene turned around. "Xena! You’ve come. I knew you would." She put her arms out and waited for her too tall daughter to bend over so she could give her a hug. Xena obliged, slightly uncomfortable with the public display, but this was her mother, after all.

"I want to see her." Xena said as they broke the embrace. Cyrene’s head lowered.

"She’s at the inn." The older woman said matter-of-factly.

"I can’t go there. Please just tell her that I’m here. If she wants to see me, she’ll know where to find me." Xena turned and walked away, quickly disappearing into the crowd.

Gabrielle looked up from wiping off a table when Cyrene entered. "Here, let me help you." She said as she removed the heavy bundles from the innkeeper. Vikki and Garnet moved over to help.

"Gabrielle, we need to talk." Cyrene said quietly. The bard stared at an empty mug sitting on the counter.

"She’s here, isn’t she?"

"Yes, child, she is."

"Why?"

"That’s something you have to ask her, Gabrielle. She won’t come here. She said you would know where to find her." Gabrielle said nothing, keeping her gaze focused on the mug. "Gabrielle, go talk to her. You know you want to."

"She doesn’t love me the way I need her to, Cyrene." Gabrielle said quietly.

"You don’t know that, Gabrielle. She’s here. She came to see you." Cyrene looked at the two Amazons. Vikki shook her head, she didn’t know what to say either. Finally the innkeeper walked over and put her hand on the bard’s. "I don’t know which one of you is more stubborn. Gabrielle, go see her. The fact that you came here instead of going to your own family tells me that you’re not ready to let go of her yet."

"What if she tells me that she really is in love with Ulysses?" Gabrielle’s finger was making small circles on the countertop. "I don’t know if I can handle that."

"Would she be here if she did? Actions speak louder than words, Gabrielle."

Gabrielle thanked both warriors for all of their assistance and support, granting them extra time for their vacation and promising to officially promote them to the royal guard once she returned to Amazonia. Vikki protested, saying that they deserved no special favors or rewards for escorting her. A quick reminder from the bard that a gift from the Queen is not something to be refused was all it took to quiet the blue-eyed Amazon. Eager to get on their way to resume their romantic vacation, Garnet and Vikki excused themselves to pack. Gabrielle rose, looked at Cyrene for support, then walked out the door.

Gabrielle entered the stable and walked straight over to Argo. She knew Xena was there, she felt her presence. She gave Argo a gentle pat on the neck, her gaze focused on the golden mare’s flanks. Xena watched her from across the stable, waiting for the bard to speak. Gabrielle crossed her arms and rested them on Argo’s back, burying her head between them. Her vision showed only the hay on the floor and the edge of the horse’s leg. A deafening silence filled the stable. The time had come.

"I missed you." Gabrielle said quietly, afraid her voice would break if she spoke any louder. There was no need to, Xena’s keen hearing picked up on both the words and the pain in the bard’s voice.

"You shouldn’t have left, Gabrielle. Do you have any idea how worried I was about you?" Xena did her best to keep her voice even, trying not to reveal the torrent of emotions that were running through her. When Gabrielle first entered the stable, it was all the warrior could do not to jump down out of the loft and take the bard in her arms, never letting go. The feeling was still there, coupled now with an increasing desire for intimacy with the woman who had been her constant companion and friend for so long. Thighs that once held baby fat now held supple, strong muscle formed by moons of walking. Xena never really took notice of the physical changes in Gabrielle over time until now. The person leaning on Argo was no longer a helpless girl from Potodeia, she was now a full grown woman whose shapely body commanded Xena’s attention. Xena let her eyes wander up the bard’s body. Defined, muscled calves gave way to equally muscled thighs. Her gaze settled on the parts covered by Gabrielle’s clothing, trying to remember what the bard looked like the last time they bathed or went swimming together. Xena felt a tightening in her lower abdomen as she envisioned the bard naked.

"I-I can’t go back to the way things were, Xena. It hurts too much." Gabrielle’s eyes never left the floor, but she was aware of Xena moving closer to her, almost right behind her now.

"I never meant to hurt you, Gabrielle. I’m sorry." Inches away now, Xena reached out to touch the bard’s shoulders. Gabrielle stiffened at the contact, but didn’t pull away. Her skin burned beneath the strong hands.

"Do you love him?" She closed her eyes as she asked the painful question. She felt Xena’s hands tense on her shoulders, then relax. Heartbeats passed as she waited for the answer.

"No, Gabrielle. He’s not the one I love." Xena said firmly.

"But on the ship, you said-"

"I said that I never would have felt the way I did if it wasn’t for you teaching me how to love. I never said I loved him." She paused, trying to find the right words to convey her thoughts without hurting the young woman more. "I cared about him, Gabrielle. I guess I still do. But I never would have been truly happy with him, you know that." She gently squeezed the bard’s shoulders, trying to give reassurance but also to confirm that Gabrielle really was there with her, that it wasn’t a dream.

"Are you happy..." She choked on the words as tears started to blur her vision.

"Turn around, Gabrielle. I need to see you, please?" Xena used her grip on the bard’s shoulders to turn her around. Her heart lurched at the sight of the tears she caused. Gabrielle kept her head lowered, her gaze now fixed on the warrior’s boots. Reaching out with one callused hand, Xena gently took Gabrielle’s chin and forced the blue-green eyes up to meet hers. "Gabrielle, I am very happy with you." Her thumb started to gently stroke the soft skin beneath it. "I didn’t realize how much I need you in my life."

"I need you in my life too, Xena." Gabrielle’s eyes flashed with determination. "But I can’t go back to being just friends." She said firmly, although her heart was begging her to take whatever she could get so long as Xena was with her. She reached up to capture the warrior’s hand. "I need you as a lover, Xena. I need to share my soul and my heart with you and have that love returned." She let go of Xena’s hand and brought her own up to caress the warrior’s cheek. "Can you give me that? Xena, can you share your soul with me?" Her fingers shakily traced the jawline from ear to chin, her heart pounding in her chest, as she waited for Xena’s answer. Wherever Gabrielle’s fingers touched, the warrior’s skin tingled.

Xena reached out and took Gabrielle’s hands in her own. "I’m not good with words, Gabrielle, you know that." She waited for the bard’s head to nod before continuing. "I’m also not good with feelings." Gabrielle smiled gently, encouraging her to go on. Xena swallowed. "All I know is that I can’t live without you in my life. I’ve never felt that way about anyone else before, not even Marcus. Being without you is killing me and all I want to do right now is take you in my arms and hold you forever." She forced herself to stare into those all-knowing blue-green eyes. "Gabrielle, I..." She started to falter, to let her walls build up. Her heart started racing, the emotions bubbling to the surface, no longer willing to be locked away. Taking courage from the love she saw in Gabrielle’s eyes, she found the inner strength to speak the only words that would ever matter to the woman of many words. "I love you."

Gabrielle closed her eyes as the beautiful words that she had only dreamed of hearing for so long reached her ears. Only Xena’s quick hands flying to her elbows for support kept her steady. Gabrielle opened her eyes, her vision blurred by tears. She opened her mouth to speak, but couldn’t find the words to express her emotions. Xena pulled her into a tight embrace as the emotional bard cried silent tears of joy. Holding her precious bundle against her, Xena reached up with one hand and gently stroked the honey hair. She breathed in the scent, so fresh and sweet compared to the rest of the stable. Xena’s eyes closed as she enjoyed the warmth and pleasurable weight against her.

"I never thought I would hear those words from you." Gabrielle murmured against her neck. The intoxicating smell of leather and Xena filled the bard’s nostrils. It was a scent that the young woman hoped she would never have to miss again. Unable or unwilling to resist, she parted her lips and tasted the skin of the woman she loved. Her desires fed her boldness as her lips traced the taut muscles of the warrior’s neck.

Xena’s heart raced when she felt the warm softness against her skin. She couldn’t remember when she last felt this way, almost dizzy with pleasure. Her head lolled to the side to allow the hungry bard’s mouth better access. Xena was unable to stop a sigh from escaping her lips.

The sigh fueled Gabrielle’s passion. She brought her hands up, slipping her fingers under the leather straps that stood between her and the skin she wanted to taste.

"Gab…Gabrielle." Xena’s normally low voice dropped to a whisper. Never before had her body reacted this way to a woman. Her respiration increased as Gabrielle’s teeth nipped softly on her shoulder. Xena turned her head and captured the nearby earlobe, sucking it gently while flicking her tongue against it. Gabrielle stopped her exploration and gave in to the luxurious sensation, moaning with desire and pleasure. Argo snorted, bringing both women to their senses. They separated and looked at each other, their thoughts plain on their faces.

"I have a room…" Gabrielle began.

Cyrene beamed when she saw Xena and Gabrielle walk in together. The haggard, worn down look that had come over the young chatterbox was gone, replaced with a glow of happiness. Xena looked at her mother’s expression and frowned, then followed Gabrielle up the stairs. The beaming smile didn’t leave the innkeepers’ face as she returned to polishing the bar.

Once inside the room, an awkwardness fell over them. Gabrielle chuckled at the odd sensation. "I’m nervous."

"I’m glad I’m not the only one." Xena replied. They were standing arm’s length apart from each other. Silence followed for several heartbeats.

"I love you." Gabrielle said softly as she took a step forward and placed her hand on Xena’s cheek. Strong arms wrapped around the bard’s back, pulling her closer as they gazed into each other’s eyes. Lips were drawn to each other by an unseen force, moving closer until their breaths mingled. Gabrielle’s fingers weaved their way into the raven hair until they reached the back of the warrior’s head. They kissed again and again, each woman reveling in the softness of the other’s lips. Gabrielle moaned and deepened the kiss, letting her passion and desire lead her beyond the realm of her experiences. Her tongue didn’t ask, it demanded entry into the warrior’s mouth. Xena surrendered to the bard’s passion, parting her lips and allowing the bard’s tongue to explore. Gabrielle reached up with her hand and cupped the warrior’s left breast, eliciting a deep, throaty groan from Xena. Breaking the kiss, Gabrielle smiled at her newfound power. "It seems, my dear warrior princess, that you prefer my kisses to-"

She was silenced by Xena’s finger on her lips as her other hand, which was still continuing it torturous exploration of the warrior’s left breast through the leather, was captured within the warrior’s strong grasp. "No." Xena said softly. "Don’t compare. Don’t cheapen this that way." Soft lips replaced the finger, the warrior now taking her fill of Gabrielle’s mouth. Releasing her hold on the bard’s hand, Xena decided that turnabout was fair play and wrapped her strong hands around Gabrielle’s breasts. Their tongues danced in tune with the ministrations of Xena’s hands. Unable to stand the material separating them anymore, the hands left the breasts and roughly tugged at the laces that held the shirt closed.

"Let me help." Gabrielle whispered as she broke the kiss long enough to step back and quickly remove the top, letting it fall to the floor. Her passion fully ignited, Xena reached out and pulled her close against her body. Gabrielle moaned at the contact of her hardening nipples against the soft leather. Xena’s leg pressed against her thighs, parting them the same time that her lips parted to take the warrior’s tongue into her mouth.

Xena guided them to the pallet, her mouth continuing to assault Gabrielle’s senses as the warrior’s hands reached down to cup her shapely rear. Using her strong arms to support the young woman, Xena lowered them gently to the bed. Gabrielle turned her head upward to allow access to her mouth. Xena didn't miss the invitation. She lowered her lips upon the younger woman. She parted Gabrielle's lips with her tongue. The bard reached up and put her hand on Xena's cheek. The kisses seemed to go on forever. They took turns exploring each other's mouths, losing themselves to the sensations. Gabrielle brought her hand down and cupped Xena's breast, causing a moan from the older woman. She rubbed her hand up and down against the leather, feeling the nipple hardening under her touch. She brought her forefinger and thumb together, lightly pinching the sensitive nipple through the dark material. Xena broke the kiss as she inhaled deeply, enjoying the pleasurable sensations. Gabrielle rolled out from under the warrior and stood up, holding out her hand. Xena allowed herself to be pulled up to a standing position. Gabrielle's mouth found hers as her hand returned to caress the hard nipple. With quick, purposeful movements, Gabrielle peeled Xena’s leathers off, letting them fall to the floor in a heap. With mouths interlocked, their hands now explored each other's bodies. Gabrielle cupped Xena's ass and pulled her closer, gasping when she felt the warm wetness against her taut abdomen. Xena unlaced the waistband of Gabrielle's skirt and worked it down over her hips. They separated long enough to remove the last of their clothing, throwing them with the rest of the crumpled clothes on the floor. Xena put her hands on Gabrielle's shoulders and pressed her down on the bed. She climbed on top of her and intertwined their legs. Xena propped herself up on her hands, looking down on Gabrielle.

"Gabrielle...I want tonight to be special." She rocked her hips, causing her mound to rub against Gabrielle's leg and her own leg to rub against the bard’s sex. Both women could feel the wetness of the other. Gabrielle pressed her leg upward, putting more pressure on Xena's sex. Xena's arms buckled as she brought her mouth down to kiss Gabrielle with more passion than before. Gabrielle's hands worked their way back to Xena's breasts. She rolled the nipples between her fingers, pinching firmly.

Xena moaned. She broke off the kiss and blazed a trail with her tongue down to Gabrielle's nipple. She licked it lightly, enjoying the softness. Gabrielle arched her back, pressing her breast harder against Xena's mouth. She responded by covering the nipple with her mouth, licking and sucking. Xena heard Gabrielle's moans and switched nipples, launching a new assault. Gabrielle's manipulation of Xena's nipples increased.

"Xena...it feels so good...mmm....that's nice..." Gabrielle sighed.

"That goes for me too." Xena replied as she brought her mouth off the rock hard nipple. Xena slid downward, too far for Gabrielle to continue her hold. Xena placed tiny kisses on her stomach as she worked her way down. Gabrielle spread her legs, welcoming Xena to explore her sex. Xena kissed the soft curls on Gabrielle's mound.

"Xena...please.." Gabrielle arched her hips. Xena slid her tongue in and up, covering it with Gabrielle's juices. She used her fingers to separate Gabrielle's folds. A hungry look came over Xena's face as she gazed at the soft, pink nub in front of her. She brought her mouth down, covering the sensitive center of Gabrielle's sex. Gabrielle cried out when Xena's tongue connected with her most private part. Her hips rose, pressing harder against Xena. Her tongue flicked lightly against the sensitive point, sending Gabrielle higher. Gabrielle reached down and put her hands on Xena's head, pressing her down. Xena refused to lick any harder. She wanted to make the younger woman wait. "Ohh...please...take me there...please....mmm...I can't stand it..." Gabrielle's moans increased as the fire between her legs grew. Xena waited until Gabrielle was on the edge of climax, then pressed down with her tongue. She licked and sucked with a passion, quickly sending Gabrielle to orgasm. With a shout, Gabrielle thrust her hips up as she pressed her hands down hard on Xena's head. Xena felt the young woman's body shake and felt the flood of juice coming from her hole. She continued to lick with her tongue, letting Gabrielle ride wave after wave of pleasure. Only when she heard the moans subside and felt the body still did she bring her mouth away, planting a small kiss on the outer lips. She crossed her arms on top of Gabrielle's hips and rested her chin on her hands.

"Mmm.." Gabrielle's eyes were still closed.

"I take it you enjoyed that?" Xena's smile was warm and gentle. Gabrielle slowly opened her eyes and stroked Xena's hair.

"Very much so. You are a wonderful lover."

"Well, I have to keep my bard happy." Xena leaned down and kissed the outer lips again. Instinctively, Gabrielle's hips shifted, pressing against the soft mouth.

"Hmm, are you ready for more?" Xena's fingers were lightly stroking the curls of Gabrielle's mound as her lips kissed the inner thighs slowly. She took her time, wanting to touch every inch of the soft flesh. Gabrielle felt renewed stirring within her loins. "Mmm...that's nice." Xena worked her way back up to Gabrielle's sex. She kissed the outer lips again.

"Gabrielle...I want you. I want to please you again." Xena said huskily as she continued to press her lips against the bard’s mound.

"Mmm...I want that too. But I want it to be mutual." She pressed her hand on Xena's forehead, stopping the kissing marathon. "I want you, Xena. I want to taste you. I want to love you and feel you loving me. I want us to both rise together." Despite her inexperience, Gabrielle had learned enough from her time with the Amazons to know how two women could love each other in bed and she knew what pleased her would probably also please her lover.

Xena kissed her way up the bard’s body until she reached her mouth. There she planted a series of dizzying kisses that left the young woman breathless before turning herself around, her hips above Gabrielle’s waiting mouth. She reached out with her tongue and licked up and down Xena's center. They settled into a rhythm, licking and sucking each other. In her position, Xena was most vulnerable to Gabrielle's inexperienced, but eager tongue. It wasn't long before her hips started bucking up and down, riding the warm soft muscle.

Xena's moans were muffled as she tried to continue pleasuring Gabrielle's sex. Every thrust from her tongue brought an equal thrust from Gabrielle's. Both women were finding it hard to concentrate. Xena felt her control slipping away under the continued ministrations of the bard’s tongue. She pressed down hard on Gabrielle's mouth as her climax neared. "Oh...mmm..." With a final shriek, Xena exploded, soaking Gabrielle's face. The young storyteller licked greedily, not wanting to miss a drop. Xena tried to move off of her, but Gabrielle wrapped her arms around her hips and held her, continuing to lick with a fervor. She returned to Xena's sensitive nub, causing the warrior’s hips to jump slightly. She licked lightly, then harder as she felt Xena rising again. Xena continued to explore Gabrielle's sex, alternating between licking the nub and probing the hole with her tongue. Soon, both women were on the verge. Xena cried out as a powerful orgasm enveloped her. She reached forward and slipped two fingers deep into the writhing woman beneath her. Gabrielle screamed and shuddered as her own orgasm hit. It was several heartbeats before Xena slid off her and laid on the bed. There was a long pause before either could speak. Xena moved up and laid next to her. She stroked Gabrielle's hair lovingly.

"How do you feel?" Xena said softly as she continued to gently caress the honey hair.

"Loved." All the pain and sorrow since running into the King of Ithaca was gone, replaced now with the soft, warm glow of knowing that she truly was part of Xena’s heart. Both women snuggled close, drifting off into contented sleep.

THE END