Standard Disclaimer - These characters, most of them, belong to Universal, and Renaissance Pictures, and whoever else has a stake in Xena: Warrior Princess. This is written just in fun, and no copyright infringement was intended.

Specific Story Disclaimers:

Violence –Why does anyone ever disclaim violence in a Xena story? Of course there's violence. Do you think we'd put out a story that consisted of pages and pages of Xena just.. .fishing.. or something? She is a Warrior Princess, not a Mary Kay consultant. (no insult intended - some of my best co workers are Mary Kay consultants, and I purchase from them regularly) And Gabrielle is no slouch with that staff, either. So, yes - there is violence.

Subtext - C'mon. Even the show has subtext. Heck, sometimes, it's not subtext. Sometimes, it's maintext. But anyway, this is an alternative fan fiction story. That means, it's based on the premise that Xena and Gabrielle are more than just best friends. If that's not your cup of mint tea, there are many, many talented bards out in the Xenaverse who post general fiction, that does not follow this premise. Go find them. Enjoy them.

This is, of course, PG13 level involvement here, no more.

So - having read this lovely disclaimer, if you then read the story and are shocked that Gabrielle and Xena are kissing each other, I can't help ya. If you're offended by it, send me your address, and I'll send you a bushel of citrus. We like to send that from here - we have to get rid of all of it somehow.

Any and all comments are always welcome. You can email them to:

mailto:merwolf@bellsouth.net

Promises Kept - Part 1

By Melissa Good

The sun beat down on an age old struggle, between animal and man, or to be precise, animal and woman. The stallion shook his shaggy head, snorting, and bucked a little, rising up off his two front feet and dropping down again as he warily watched his opponent, a tall, dark haired woman who was patiently circling him.

"C'mon." The woman coaxed, moving towards him with a springy, catlike stride. In her hand was a carrot, which she held out enticingly, letting the horse get the scent of it. "C'mon, big boy.. you know you want this."

His nostrils whuffled out, and he took a cautious step forward, not trusting the human, having had experience all his short life of their brutality. He was a two year old, but big, well over 16 hands high, and built for the plow, with a heavy chestnut coat and flaxen mane and tail, and white feathering along his well formed legs. He trotted off, suspicious.

But the woman was patient, and kept circling him, moving him closer, and closer into the corner of the corral , moving slowly, evenly, and still, with that carrot that was starting to smell pretty good to him.

He sniffed it. She moved a step closer, then halted, holding it out.

She smelled to him like the stable, bits of hay, and cloth, and sweat, nothing threatening. He moved a step closer, dancing with nervous hooves. Closer, and he could almost, if he stretched his neck, nibble the carrot.

He did. He waited for something to happen.

It didn't. The woman just kept standing there, holding the carrot out, quiet, relaxed…

Another step, and now he was chewing it, tasting the rough sweetness against his tongue as the hand not holding the carrot cautiously edged up and scratched just that one place under his jaw… ah…. He butted her in the chest when she stopped, getting the smell of her into his lungs, as those clever fingers scratched and rubbed in just the right places.

"Atta boy." Xena uttered gently. "Not so bad, huh?"

The horse snorted softly and searched for more carrots, finding one stuck in a pocket and nuzzling the fabric.

Xena laughed easily, and retrieved it, cupping it in her palm and letting him lip it up, feeling the tickle of his stiff whiskers against her skin. "Oh.. a smart one, I see." She stroked the animal across the neck, and down his chest, getting him used to her touch. "Good boy." She crooked her fingers and rubbed in gentle circles against the rough coat, watching the skin twitch under her fingers, and taking in a deep breath of the dusky fall air, full of ripe wheat, and horse, and thick grass underfoot. "You like that, huh?"

The horse nickered softly and stood still, captivated by her. Xena kept up her scratching, and leaned her other arm over the stallion's back as she took in the surrounding area in peaceful contentment. She'd built the corral they were standing in, and the next one over, where Argo's two colts were playing, kicking up their tiny heels and mock bucking their way around the perimeter, and this stallion was one of two horses she was currently breaking on behalf of a merchant from downriver, who'd heard of her talent with the beasts and made a special trip to deliver them.

That had made Josclyn very happy, and she'd caught him peeking at her from around the stable, hoping the merchant would go on his way and spread stories of her almost magical effect on nasty tempered horses.

Xena chuckled softly. "You know you just don't want to tangle with me, doncha?" She muttered to the horse, who was now contentedly pulling up mouthfuls of grass. "You're not a bad boy.. you just don't suffer idiots gladly, right?" The merchant was clueless about horses, and had picked up these two bargains.. unbroken two years olds, at rock bottom prices because no one could tame them sufficiently to get any use out of them.

The warrior shook her head in bemusement. They were just willful, and having grown up in the wild with no human hands around them… well, who could blame them? She sighed, and combed her fingers through the pale mane, ordering it idly as the horse stepped a few paces to get at a better patch of grass. "You get a break now, boy.. " She told the animal, who snorted softly. "A couple weeks of just lazing around here… but I'll be back, don't you worry."

She found she was looking forward to the trip, a relatively short one out to see their friend Jessan's new family, and stop by her soulmate's hometown for a little visit. In fact…she privately chuckled, she was probably looking forward to it more than Gabrielle was, since the visit to Potadeia was to provide some maternal bonding that the bard wasn't at all sure she wanted to develop at the moment.

"Hey!" A male voice interrupted her musing, and she glanced over toward the stable, where she spotted the tall figure of her brother, Toris approaching. Obligingly, she gave the horse a last pat, and ambled over to the fence, watching Toris as he stepped over some fence posts left from the building and came closer.

"Hey." Xena leaned against the wood. Toris was wearing one of his older tunics, which was covered with bits of thatch from the roof building he was currently occupied with. She had helped him raise the walls for his cozy new quarters two days ago, and she'd listened, completely amused, at Granella's and Gabrielle's decorating plans just that morning. "What's up?" She put her hands on the top railing and vaulted up to it, settling on top of the wood and hooking her boots on the next railing down.

"My roof." Her brother answered with a grin, reaching out and tugging on a bit of the leather padding that covered his sister's upper thighs. "Thanks.. by the way.. for all your help with the place."

The warrior gave him a relaxed smile back. "No problem." She rested her elbows on her knees and yawned a little, stretching her shoulders to settle the quilted working tunic she wore, which was tan fabric with leather inserts, calculated to protect the more sensitive areas of her body from an errant kick or bite. It was sleeveless, and came to her mid thigh, and she'd found it very comfortable to work in.

Toris, on the other hand, was wearing heavy trousers tucked into his boots, and a long sleeve shirt, to keep the bits of thatch from, as he put it, becoming permanently a part of his skin. He'd started trying to grow a beard, which was a constant source of teasing from his sister, and had grown his hair long enough for Granella to have managed to give him a tiny braid in the back. Xena reached up now and tugged on it playfully. "So…we gonna see you with Amazon feathers next?"

"Hah, hah." Toris replied dryly, as he leaned against the post. "You're leaving tomorrow, right?"

Xena eyed him. "You know we are." Her brow creased, then cleared, as she realized the reason for her brother's apparent discomfort. "Ah… tonight's the night, huh?"

Toris drummed his fingers against his thigh, and bit his lip. "Yeah." He finally said, looking at her sheepishly. "I'm kinda nervous."

The warrior made a face. "Well.. it's an unusual situation, gotta give you that, Tor… listen, if you're not comfortable with the whole thing, I'll talk to Gabrielle.. it can wait until we get back.. or whenever."

"No.. no.. that's not it." Her brother hastily put a hand out. "It's.. um… " He looked around. "I hope I can.. um..ah.."

Xena nodded. "Perform, is the word we used in my army."

He scowled at her. "It’s not funny."

One dark eyebrow raised at him. "I'm not laughing." She rubbed her chin with one hand. "Look…there's no pressure, Tor… just take it slow and easy.. " Truth to tell, she wasn't… really comfortable with the whole thing either, now that they'd come right down to it. Not that she didn't trust Toris… she did. But… A long sigh. "More than anything, just… " She paused. "Be gentle." This was her Gabrielle they were talking about. It irked her that the bard had been forced to look elsewhere for this one critical service.. not that she could help it, but.. Another long sigh.

"Gentle." Toris took in a deep breath, and let it out. "Right." He chewed his lip again. "I.. don't think you've got much to worry about in that area.. I'll be lucky if I can manage to sit up and not bite my tongue babbling." He confessed wryly. "Is there.. um… " He stopped, then started again. "Any advice.. I.. I mean… "

Xena laughed gently, and slapped him on the shoulder. "Toris.. take it easy, all right? Gabrielle is a very kind, and very loving person.. just keep that in mind, and don't get all frantic." Yeah… and you try to keep that in mind, too, right? A tiny wave of possessive jealousy reared its head, and nipped at her. "You're doing this as a very big favor for both of us, and I want you to know I really appreciate it."

"Yeah." The dark haired man exhaled. "I'm glad Gran's out with that hunting party… and that you guys'll be leaving for a while tomorrow.. give me a chance to get my composure back." He looked up with a sheepish grin. "Honestly, sis.. it's a big honor.. and I'm glad she asked me. .I'm just.. a little… um… "

"Nervous. " His sister provided, with a sympathetic quirk of the lips.

"Scared poopless." Toris corrected, with a tiny shrug. "I feel like a kid going out with his first girl." His hands found rough spots in the wooden railing and worried at them. "Has she ever…um… " He looked up and found his sister's eyes. "I mean with.. ah…"

"Once." Xena answered quietly. "Perdicas."

"Ah." Toris grunted softly. "And he.. uh… "

"Died, the next day. Yes." The warrior confirmed.

Her brother drummed his fingers against the wood. "And.. since then it's just been.. " He pointed to her, then waved his hand around in obvious discomfort. "I mean.. "

Xena felt a blush color her skin, much to her own annoyance. Gods… this is embarrassing… and from my brother. Gods. "Uh.. yeah.. I've.. been… mm… " She cleared her throat. "It."

"Yikes." Toris sighed.

"Huh?" Xena's brows contracted, and she stared at him in perplexity.

Toris scratched his head, and shuffled his feet, glancing all over the stockyard, up at the clouds, anywhere but Xena's tanned face. "Uh…" Finally he took a breath. "I never thought I'd be competing with you in this particular arena, sis." He got the sentence out in one gulp. "It's.. intimidating as Hades."

Xena paused, in startlement, then burst out laughing. "Toris.. we're not competing." She caught her breath after a minute. "It's… uh…. Different."

"Different?" He repeated, doubtfully.

"Well.. yeah.. I mean…when a man and a woman… " Xena felt the words skitter around, escaping her. "But.. I mean.. that's one thing, and then… " Her jaw worked a few times. "Hades, Toris.. it's just different, OK?"

He chewed on that. "How different?" Now his tone was curious, and more relaxed.

Xena hopped off the fence, and put her hands on her hips. "Didn't mother go over the birds and bees with you?" She growled.

He gazed at her. "No. Did she go over them with you?"

The warrior bit her lip. "No." She drummed her fingers on her upper thigh, collecting her thoughts. "She chickened out."

They looked at each other. "Look.. it's just different.. " Xena finally said, gruffly. "It's.. more of an equal sharing." She tried to ignore the flush of blood that heated her face. I can't believe I'm having this conversation. "Most of the time.. with a guy.. you gotta be limited by his…" Her lips twitched. "stamina."

Toris looked insulted. "Hey…that's not a limitation." He paused. "Is it?"

Xena raised a suggestive eyebrow at him.

"Oh, great." Toris grumbled. "Now I really feel intimidated." He shook his head sadly. "Well, I'll do the best I can." He shot a look at his sister. "She'd better not giggle at me."

Xena chuckled, and put a friendly arm around his shoulders, nudging him back towards the inn. "You know better… Gabrielle would never do that." She assured him. "Unless you do something to deserve it."

His head whipped around. "What?"

"Just kidding." Xena smiled. "She'll probably do her best to make you feel comfortable, Toris.. I know it's not really going to be easy.. not for you, and not for her.. she's been through a lot. "

Toris paced along in silence. "Is she really sure about this?"

Xena exhaled. "Yes." She paused. "But look…odds are… nothing's gonna happen this time, Toris.. we're gonna go out traveling again, and who knows.. right now she's pretty raw about what she thinks she wants in regard to children . Time could temper that."

Her brother put an arm around her waist. "How about you? How you feel about it?"

The warrior kicked a rock out of her path. "I…want her to be happy, more than anything else. " She replied, thoughtfully. "But I gotta admit… I get kinda exciting thinking about the whole thing."

Toris smiled. "I think you'll make a heck of a mother." He bumped her in rough teasing. "Or a heck of a father, for that matter." He informed her. "A kid couldn't ask for a better teacher for a whole range of useful skills."

Xena grinned at him. "Thanks." She gave him a gently mischievous look. "You do know Granella came to me to get anti nausea herbs before she left, right?"

"Yeah?" His brow furrowed, as they made their way into the kitchen, bumping each other through the narrow doorway. "Is she sick?"

Cyrene had turned as they entered, and now she and Xena exchanged mildly exasperated looks. "You're sure we're related?" The warrior asked, plaintively, pointing at her brother.

Their mother shook her head. "I think I dropped him on his head once to often as a child. It's a pity really.. he's quite good looking, otherwise."

Toris squawked. "Hey!" He wrested free of his sister's clutches. "I was only asking!" He gave Xena a grumpy look. "Well, is she?"

"Toris." Xena put her hands on his shoulders, and looked into eyes as blue as her own. "You're gonna be a daddy."

"Well." He shrugged. "Sure.. I guess.. eventually, I mean, that's what we've been talking about this who……" Silence. "A….d ddaddy?" He swallowed. "Nnow?"

Xena nodded. "Eeeyep.. unless I'm very much mistaken." She smiled at her brother.

"Wow.." A big grin split his face, and he wandered off towards the larger room of the inn, bumping into the doorframe on the way out. "Wow…." They heard his voice trail along behind him.

The warrior chuckled. "He's clueless."

Cyrene moved up next to her and gave her a hug. "You done for the day? You've been out there in that stockyard since before dawn."

Xena nodded a little. "Yeah.. I wanted to get some progress on that stallion.. before I take off and leave him to go wild for a month or so." She plucked at her tunic. "I'm gonna go wash off."

The innkeeper reached behind her, and lifted a thick rolled pastry from a tray, and handed it to her. "Here… you didn't get lunch." She watched her daughter take the offering and sniff it curiously. "Won't bite you… it's got lamb and greens in it."

Xena took a bite, and munched for a minute. "Hey.. " She swallowed. "That's good." She licked her lips. "Sage… a little anise… and pepper, right?"

Cyrene chuckled, and patted her side. "You're getting better at that…I'm going to pack a few for you two to take with you tomorrow. "

The warrior chuckled around a mouthful of the pastry. "That'll be welcome.. Gabrielle loves to snack while we're moving."

Her mother smirked. "I know."

The door opened, and Gabrielle peeked in. "Ah hah.. I thought I saw you head in here." The bard entered, carrying her staff. She was dressed in a short, white sleeveless top that was tied off below her ribcage, and a deep blue wraparound skirt that matched the short blue boots snugged around her muscular legs. She set the staff against the wall, and trotted over to where her partner was standing, lifting herself up with a hand resting on Xena's arm, and taking a bite of her pastry. "Mmmm." She waggled her eyebrows at Cyrene. "Gorfp!"

Xena bestowed an indulgent look on her. "How's your class doing?"

"Great." The bard swallowed and smiled happily. "They've almost got those spinning things down.. they're having trouble with that one kind of backwards one you taught me though.. " She picked up her staff, and started moving in a smooth fashion.

"Ah AH!!" Cyrene shook a finger at her. "Not in the kitchen!"

"Whoops." Gabrielle stilled her motion, and smiled sheepishly. "Sorry."

Xena stuffed the rest of her pastry in the bard's mouth and grabbed her shoulders, steering her towards the door. "C'mon…I hear a bath calling." She winked over her shoulder at her mother. "See ya later."

"Pofrrfm?" Gabrielle protested, but allowed herself to be prodded along. "Xrfhm!"

A soft wisp of steam rose over the tub, rich with the tangy, herbal scent of the soap that sent islands of lather over the surface of the water. Xena leaned back against the sloping side of the bath, and watched her soulmate creating more bubbles, which she sent drifting across to bump gently against the warrior's chest. "You know.. you've got my brother completely spooked." She commented, watching the beading water slide down the slope of Gabrielle's shoulders.

The bard looked up, surprised. "Me?" She blinked mist green eyes in puzzlement. "What did I do?" She slipped across the tub, and nestled her body against Xena's, sighing a little as their skins made contact. "I've been good today… I just worked on two trading agreements, and taught my staff class.. he wasn't even there.. I didn't hit him.. what'd I do?"

"About tonight." Xena mumbled, resting her cheek against the bard's damp hair, feeling Gabrielle's soapy hands starting a slow, gentle cleansing of her skin. "Had to talk to him about birds and bees."

Gabrielle let out a soft giggle. "Oh." She looked up. "Does that bother you.. I mean, us.. being together?"

Xena considered lying, then let out a breath. "Yeah." She answered honestly. "It's driving me nuts.. if it was anyone but my brother, he'd be a pile of pulverized chicken droppings by now."

The bard smiled against the tanned skin she was resting against. "Always nice to be appreciated." She finished scrubbing Xena's shoulders, and started to work her way down. "I've… really been thinking about the whole thing.. for a few days now." She concentrated on a spot of mud. "Xena, how do you get mud there?"

"Practice." The warrior answered. "So.. you thought about it, and??"

"Nothing." Gabrielle replied. "I just had to kind of get my brain to agree that I could do this.. and I think I have." She paused. "So.. did I hear you saying that you thought Granella was pregnant?"

Xena pulled her closer. "Yeah.. I think so.. I'm pretty sure."

"You… think she knows?" Gabrielle asked. "I mean.. she has to know, right?"

"Not necessarily." Xena considered. "Took me forever… I was never regular in my cycles.. so missing a couple wasn't unusual…but after I started getting sick a lot, and outgrowing my armor.. I kinda put it all together." She gave the bard a wry look. "I look back now and know just how damn clueless I was."

Gabrielle chuckled, and ran her hands over the warrior's body. "I have a hard time imagining you pregnant."

Xena shrugged a little. "Well… I carried really low.. and I never got that big… didn't really stop me from fighting until almost the end."

The bard stared at her, goggle eyed.

"Gabrielle, I was a warlord." Her partner reminded her mildly. "It wasn't comfortable.. but I did what I had to do.. you know?"

"Eek." Her soulmate squeaked. "Well, you're gonna have to coach me."

The warrior smiled, and cradled her gently. "Oh no… you're not gonna have to go through what I did…you.. " She touched a fingertip to the bard's nose. "Are gonna be the most pampered expectant mother in the history of Greece."

Gabrielle snorted. "Oh.. I don't think so… if you think I'm gonna spend my time lolling around in bed, you're.. ..oh." She tasted sage on Xena's lips, and felt the deep warmth of their connection surge through her. "Well…. " She laughed softly. "Maybe.. if you're lolling there with me."

Xena stroked her face softly. "I'll be right there with you… I promise."

"Mmm." Gabrielle sighed contentedly, swirling the water with one finger. "Except tonight, of course." She peeked a look up at her partner's face.

A wry look peeked back at her. "Well… if you.. um… " Xena winced. "If you want me to.. uh…I mean, I guess I could…"

Two fingers touched her lips, stilling her speech. "Please… Xena… if Toris is a nervous wreck now, imagine what that would do to him? He'd pass out."

Xena let out a relieved breath. "Yeah, you're right." She agreed quickly. "Of course.. he may anyway… " She continued thoughtfully, then sighed. "Well.. c'mon.. before we turn into a pair of dried grapes."

"Raisins." Gabrielle corrected immediately, kissing her. "I asked your mother to go with you to the merchant bazaar tonight… please don't tell her no."

Xena took a breath to protest.

"Xena.. please… I don't want to think about you being alone tonight.. it would really bother me." The bard pleaded gently. "Besides… you need to get something for us to give Jessan's babies." A large merchant train had arrived in Amphipolis the previous day, anxious to relieve the village of some of their summer profits. It was a nicely varied group, too…Gabrielle had virtuously avoided poking amongst their wares, preferring to allow her soulmate to make her own, usually well thought out, if occasionally eclectic choices. "Please?"

Xena nibbled her ear. "You know I can't resist you." She complained, but let a reluctant smile edge her lips. "All right…I'll do it." She growled. "But I won't enjoy it."

"Of course not." The bard murmured soothingly. "I know you'll hate every minute of it." She let Xena stand and lift her up, and she reached behind her to grab a soft towel to dry them both off with. She never let them part, as Xena took hold of the linen, and used her longer arms to good advantage while Gabrielle's hands explored her scented and warmed body. "Keep your eyes open for a nice piece of fabric in burgundy, ok?"

Xena was busy making very sure Gabrielle was completely dry all over. "Huh? Why?"

The bard paused a long moment, letting the racing tingles traveling up and down her rob her of speech. "B…because I…Gods, Xena… because I'm asking you to."

The warrior's lips traveled slowly down her partner's bare neck. "Asking me to do what?"

"To keep doing what you're doing." The bard whispered, hardly realizing it when she was gently lifted up and settled into the soft, fragrant linen that covered their bed.

"That's what I thought." Xena growled softly, right into her ear.

It was full dark as Xena stepped out onto the inn porch, leaning her weight against the wooden railing, and peering off towards the large field just north of the village, which had been cleared already, and now hosted a torchlit, noisy crowd who was gathering for some well earned fun. The merchants had set themselves up in a huge square, with a cluster of food and drink wagons in the middle, and already groups of villagers and visitors were strolling around, laughing and drinking.

Cyrene joined her, having removed her work apron, and smiled into the firelit darkness. "You ready?"

"Yep." Xena touched the pouch tied to her belt, and grinned. "You?" She straightened the embroidered fabric that covered her to mid thigh, in a deep, buttery gold and ran her hand through her long, dark hair to straighten it.

"Hmm…" Her mother stared a trifle doubtfully at the milling crowd. "Haven't indulged in this craziness in years… you better watch it, pickpockets aren't unusual there."

Xena lifted an eyebrow at her. "I think my reflexes are still good enough to keep my pockets intact, mother." She looked vaguely insulted.

The innkeeper gave her a little slap. "That's not what I meant, and you know it." She stepped off the porch. "Come on.. I know that little man with the sweet nuts is here."

That cheered the warrior up, and she followed, snapping her fingers for Ares, who was trotting around the perimeter of the crowd, sniffing suspiciously. The quarter moon didn't lend much light, but the merchant's area was well posted with torches, and the scent of burning pitch mingled with the enticing aromas of roasting meat, and baking.

The milling crowd swallowed them, and Xena heard genial greetings sent her way, to which she lifted a friendly hand in response. A whiff of grilled lamb and onions caught her attention, and she nudged her way towards the small stand, offering a coin and receiving a pair of skewers heavy with meat and grilled vegetables. She handed one to her mother, and started to nibble on her own contentedly.

A man was juggling, and she stopped to watch, as he deftly handled two torches and a round object, flipping them up and around with nonchalant skill. She felt a tug on her elbow, and let her mother steer her towards some brightly colored booths dripping with cloth. "Hey… I was watching him… " She protested.

"Uh huh… some things never change." Cyrene bumped her with an elbow. "How long would it be before you'd take those things out of his hands?"

Xena let a rakish grin twitch her lips. "Ok..ok.. " She dutifully examined the wares, running her fingers over it with a knowing touch. "Red.. red.. red… " She mumbled, ignoring her mother's chuckle "Ah." Her hands touched a bolt of deep, wine colored nubbly textured fabric. "That's it." She glanced at the weaver, who was standing with his hands tucked in his belt, watching her benignly. "How much?"

He ambled forward. "Well now, little lady.. "

Xena straightened up to her full height, and gave him her most severe Look.

He squeaked. "Sorry.. I'm uh… blind.. yes… um… it's dark.. and.. I'm blind.. and deaf.. and I have only one leg.."

The warrior couldn't help it. She started laughing, and leaned against the post. "You know someone named Salmoneus?" She asked, putting her hands on her hips.

"Ah.. yes!" The merchant rubbed his hands. "Yes.. yes… my good friend.. no. .my good cousin.. yes… good old Sal…is he a friend of yours?"

"No." Xena replied, straightfaced.

"The blackguard" The weaver immediately tisked. "He should be locked up."

The warrior started laughing again. "He's a friend.. yeah." She waved the fabric. "How much, and what's your name?"

"Elegenius." The man rubbed his hands together. "Five dinars, that is.. and it's lovely stuff."

Gabrielle would stand here for a candlemark and get him down to three. Xena considered, then fished a five dinar piece out of her pouch and flipped it to him. "There you go." She tuned out her mother's scandalized clucking.

"Ah… " He glanced at the coin, then folded his pudgy fingers around it. "And what's your name, o friend of my cousins?"

The torchlight glinted off even white teeth "Xena." The warrior answered casually.

His comically round jaw dropped, and his eyes widened. "Oh…duck farts." His hand flew up to cover his mouth. "He's described you so many ways… but he never warned me how lovely you are."

Xena wasn't expecting that, and she blushed, which was luckily hidden by the shifting torchlight. Her mother chortled softly. "Thanks." She managed to drawl. "I can just imagine his description otherwise." She tucked the fabric under one arm, and edged back out into the cool night air, resuming her studied attack on her lamb skewer as she waited for Cyrene to finish her dickering. The fabric felt warm under her arm, and she smiled quietly, thinking of how nice the stuff would look draped over her soulmate.

That edged her thoughts to what Gabrielle was doing, and she sighed, and forced her attention to the two painted ladies that were sashaying across the stubble covered ground, eyeing her lanky form with interest. She worried a bit of lamb off her skewer and chewed it, giving them both a direct stare back, aware of a tickling nudge of enjoyment at the frank admiration.

Not that she didn't get that from Gabrielle. She did… one look at the bard's eyes when they were turned her way delivered a jolt of flattering admiration every time. She suspected hers did the same in return, but this was… something different. She expected Gabrielle to find her attractive… even when she was covered in muck, and sweat, and in a grumpy mood. That was the magic of love, after all.. and she felt that way about her partner, regardless of how she looked, even in the fuzzy dishevelment of early morning.

Especially then, Xena sheepishly admitted to herself. But it was nice, once in a while to get that look from someone she didn't even know.

Like now, as the two women stopped, ostensibly to pick through a string of hanging leather purses, but letting their eyes flick to her in sly invitation. Ah well. The warrior cheered up a little. Nothing like a little ego stroking to improve a bad mood.

"Hey." Cyrene nudged her in the back. "I can't believe you just let him charge you that, Xena.. what were you thinking of?"

"Bargaining's not my department, mother." She drawled. "C'mon… I can smell those nuts from here. " She dropped her now empty skewer and licked her lips, sparing the two watching women a rakish grin as she moved off towards a noisy area just to the right.

Gabrielle felt as though a layer of absurdity had just drifted over her, as she sat quietly, leaning back in the comfortable chair in the small room at the back of the inn, watching Toris pace back and forth. "Y'know.. you look just like your sister when you do that." She commented wryly, as he turned, and gave her a familiar look over one shoulder.

He sat down quietly on the double pallet that Ephiny had used and propped his chin up on one hand. "I'm a little nervous."

The bard pulled her legs up onto the chair seat and crossed them. "That's ok.. I am too." She pushed her hair back behind her ear with one idle hand. "I'm not really sure where to start."

Toris exhaled noisily. "Wow… I feel better now.. I didn't know either." He glanced shyly up at her. "It’s not like there's a set of instructions for this kind of thing."

"Um…no." Gabrielle agreed. "Not exactly." Slowly she stood up, and walked over to the pallet, and sat down next to him, noting his jittery start. "Listen.. Toris, if this is going to weird you out.. we can wait… I don't want to push it."

He took a deep breath. "It's… I'm just kind of scared.. a little.. I guess.. .I don't want to hurt you or anything." He studied her face. "You want to do this, right?"

Gabrielle nodded. "I do.. but I also value your friendship.. and I don’t' want to mess that up, Toris…" She scooted back and a leaned against the wall, studying her booted feet. "That's what kept your sister and I apart for so long, I think."

"Really?" He turned and faced her, leaning onto one elbow and relaxing a little.

"Mm." Gabrielle nodded a little. "Her friendship was really important to me… and I think mine was to her. So.. we were scared to push things any further.. because we were both worried we'd lose some of what makes our friendship so special."

"Did you?" Toris asked, curiously.

"No." The bard shook her head. "She's still my best friend." She paused, thinking. "I think she always will be."

He plucked a bit of wool from the blanket. "When I first met you.. I couldn't understand what on earth you were doing hanging around with her… it didn't make any sense to me at all." A hand reached up and scratched the unfamiliar beard. "You were so different… but you reminded me a little of Lyceus.. so I though maybe Xena was just trying to…" He paused. "I don't know.. bring a little of him back."

Gabrielle slid down a bit, and leaned on her own elbow, putting their heads on a level. "I know she misses him."

Toris sighed. "I do too… he was a bright kid.. very full of love, and full of life." He paused, and swallowed. "And I've always been a little jealous of him… I know he and Xe were so much closer than either of them ever were to me." He looked up. "He always looked up to her.. when he died, gods… it hurt her so much."

The bard felt gentle tears slip from her eyes, as her mind flashed to a memory of the Fates' Temple. "I know."

"If he'd lived.. I think.. things would have been a lot different for Xe…it was like, without him looking up to her, she kind of lost touch with who she wanted to be." The dark haired man continued quietly. "I couldn't take his place." He almost stopped breathing as Gabrielle's fingers touched his hair, and slid through it in a comforting motion. "But I think you did."

Gabrielle accepted that. "For me… I.. never had anyone, ever… who cared about what I thought.. about who I wanted to be… who even took me seriously, until I met her.. and … I guess.. that gave me the strength to reach out, and take risks.. and challenge myself." She touched his cheek, feeling the prickly stubble under her fingers, and the nervous twitch of muscles just under the skin. "It's all right.. I won't hurt you." She smiled at him.

"Isn't that supposed to be my line?" Toris answered, faintly, daring to look up into the candlelit green eyes warmed to amber. The weeks of peace and rest had erased much of the strain from the bard's face, and returned to it a sense of the youthfulness he remembered from their first meeting. That had seemed several lifetimes ago, though, and the time hadn't removed the quiet shadows that still lurked behind that gentle gaze.

Those eyes held peace, though, and a quiet friendliness, and he found himself drawn to them in a way quite different from his attraction to Granella. His heart, pounding at her touch, slowly calmed.

"I was so mad at her…" Gabrielle smiled wistfully. "After we met you.. because she'd never told me she had a brother…I was hurt." She continued her gentle stroking, feeling him lean into her touch slightly. "And we didn't get off to the best start."

Now he smiled. "No… I guess not." His face moved into a familiar smile, and the bard traced the creases it caused in his skin. "We've all grown up a little in the last few years."

The bard sighed softly. "We have." She paused, thinking. "But.. even after everything… I still wouldn't have missed it for anything."

"Really?" Toris asked, gently.

"Really." Gabrielle answered with sureness. "It's been hard.. but I'd never have known her.. never have met you, and Cyrene.. and the Amazons.. never seen the places I've seen, done the things that I have… it's been such a gift, Toris.. so, no. I accept the bad parts… the good parts make it all worth it."

The dark haired man raised a hesitant hand, and laid his fingertips against the skin of her face, feeling its softness with a sense of almost wonder. "You're pretty special."

"No." Gabrielle curled her fingers around his. "I'm just an ordinary person… but I've been lucky enough to be put into extraordinary circumstances, and I have a very special guardian who sees me through them."

Toris smiled faintly, and concentrated on the warmth of her hands. "I'd say this qualifies as an extraordinary circumstance." He had to clear his throat when she turned her head and kissed his palm, sending a wild jolt of sensation through him. "And I don't care what you say, Gabrielle.. you are an extraordinary person." He edged forward, his body responding to her nearness, and forgot to worry about how he measured up when she leaned closer, and very gently, almost chastely, brushed her lips against his own.

"Thank you for this gift, Toris."

Gabrielle's breath warmed his cheek, and he closed his eyes, hardly realizing it when his fingers dropped to her shoulder, feeling the strong muscles that moved just under the soft skin. Be gentle, Xena had said.. but he knew, as the bard's hand smoothed the planes of his face, that there was no chance of him being anything but. Her sweet, trusting nature demanded it, and as he loosened the hold he'd been keeping on his reactions, knowing that dispersed his fear and scattered it, leaving behind only affection, and peace, and warmth.

A ring of laughing men drew Xena's attention, and she turned from where she was leaning against a trader's wagon and glanced over, taking a long swallow of cold ale from the mug in her hand. With the other hand, she juggled a few roasted nuts, coated in honey and cinnamon, and threw one up in the air, catching it neatly in her teeth and munching it. Cyrene was busy dickering with the pot merchant, and she'd already finished her shopping, selecting small, but beautifully carved horn handled daggers for Jessan's children.

Heh. She fingered the knives, which were exceptionally well made. Teach Gabrielle to send my butt shopping… I know she was thinking more along the lines of stuffed animals. The bard would, she knew, roll her eyes, and get that little look.. the tiny crinkle in her forehead and that little twitch to her lips… Xena smiled in pure reflex thinking about it.

Another round of laughter drew her attention, and she wandered over to the small group, peering over the nearest man's shoulder at a rough hewn table, where two men were arm wrestling. One was obviously a regular of the caravan.. he had the rough, weathered look of a trader, and with his shirt off showed huge, bulging muscles that marked him as a stockman. He was braced and straining against a village local, a young farm boy whose straight, pale hair hung into his eyes. Both men were pretty well matched in size, and Xena edged around to a more comfortable spot to watch as they shifted back and forth, trying to get the advantage over one another.

No no… Xena silently coached them. Gotta get the angle better.. cock your wrist you… With a low growl, the trader slid his weight to the right, and got the momentum, then slammed the farm boy's hand down onto the wood with a scrape of flesh.

Amateur. Xena sipped her ale and nibbled a nut.

"Argh… ye've got naught but little boys here." The trader scoffed, brushing the top of the table with his hand as though he could brush the farmboy away. "Pay up." Dinars changed hands, reluctantly passing from the villagers to the merchants, and Xena realized it was a setup.. to milk a few more profits from the places they visited. The man would challenge all comers, with his practice and size, pretty much guaranteed to win most of his bouts. "Anyone else? C'mon now.. double or nothing." The man looked around, chuckling good naturedly.

A smile of pure, feral joy crossed Xena's face for a bare instant, and she poked the nearest villager in the shoulder, and handed him her mug. "Hold this."

"Hu….oh!" The man recognized her, and stifled a greeting. "Sure." He took the mug, and cleared out of her way.

The trader looked up as she pushed her way through the crowd, and his brows rose.

"Mind if I give it a try?" Xena asked, in a deceptively innocent tone. She was peripherally aware of the glances passing behind her back, and the quickly hidden grins of the Amphipolitians.

He chuckled, giving her a long look. "Sure, pretty lady." He stood, and bowed her to a seat, admiring her lithe, graceful form. "I'll go easy on ye."

"Hey… Genus…" Josclyn leaned against the wagon. "Ten dinars if you beat er."

The man laughed. "Y've got too much ale in ye, Josc… but I'll take yer money." He flexed his hand, and set his elbow down, looking at her. "Now then, pretty lady.. we'll have this done.. and I'll buy ye a drink with me winnings, all right then?"

He should have known from the grip of the long, powerful hand that closed gently, so gently around his, or by the dangerous glint in those pale, piercing eyes. But he only saw a young, beautiful woman, taller than the average, but otherwise ordinary, and so he settled his grip, and gave her a nod.

He flexed his arm, and found his pressure matched, which surprised him, so he threw a bit more effort into it, startled when his hand couldn't move hers. Then he realized those shifting shadows across her arms were the torchlight outlining powerful muscles, and his brow creased. He took a stronger grip, and shoved, and his eyes bulged as not only didn't she move, she started pressing back, and his arm was forced tableward. "Hades cock's balls." He muttered, pushing against her thrust to no avail.

Xena grinned, and her eyes twinkled, as she shifted her weight and angled her wrist, slamming his hand against the wood. "Gotcha." Her voice purred across the table. "But I'll buy you a drink, all right?"

He stared at her, his jaw working. "Damn it all."

Josclyn chuckled, and pounded his shoulder. "Pay up, Genus.. it was fair and square, or would you like another shot?"

The man scowled at him, then looked at Xena, who flexed her hand, and let her brows rise in question. "Nah.. " He finally had to laugh sheepishly. "I know when I'm beat." The other merchants, grudgingly giving back their winnings to the smiling villagers, looked like they wanted to disagree, but remained silent.

Xena stood and accepted her mug back, noting it was now refilled. She took a sip, cheerfully basking in the admiration she felt as the conversation started buzzing again. "Nice timing." She muttered to Josclyn, who smirked quietly.

"Ah.. lass… I couldn't pass that up." The reeve laughed. "Not when I saw ye heading towards that great ox…was a good thing. They won a fair bit from us… Briarias was our last hope to get any of it back."

"You could have just come asked." Xena replied mildly, looking up as Josclyn's daughter, a young, ginger haired girl with striking gray eyes emerged from the crowd, shyly offering her a twist of fried dough sprinkled with cinnamon. That brought a surprised but happy look to the warrior's face. "Thanks Hetrine."

"Anytime, Xena." The girl replied softly. "You just won back my chance at a pony." She gave her father a stern look.

The warrior laughed at the look of consternation on the reeve's face. "What kinda pony you looking for Hetrine?" She bit into her dough with a grin. "Didn't know you liked riding."

The girl smiled at her. "I've been practicing.. but on our plow horse.. ugh." She twitched her robins' egg blue chemise. "Eleus has a filly he's wanting to part with.. she's not pretty, but she runs real nice."

Xena studied her with a practiced eye. "I know the one.. she's about the right size for you." They moved off a little ways, and the warrior put one booted foot up onto the yoke of the nearest wagon. "She's kinda spooky, though."

Hetrine folded her arms across her chest. "Yeah.. that's what papa said too.. " She sighed." I think she's just nervous.. Eleus has that dog.. and his favorite trick is to sneak up on the poor filly and bark at her when she doesn’t expect it."

"Mmm… " Xena considered that. "Probably true… listen, if you get her, and you need a hand with her training, let me know, ok?"

The girl gave her a dazzling smile. "Wow.. thanks… I didn't want to ask.. I know how busy you guys are. " She looked around. "Where is Gabrielle? I thought she'd be out here for sure."

Xena took a long sip of her drink. "She's.. taking care of some business." She answered vaguely.

Hetrine gave her a very curious look. "I see."

Xena sighed inwardly, making a mental bet with herself as to the direction of the rumor mill after that comment. "Some treaties came in from the Amazons, she had to study up on them." She provided drolly. "She takes that stuff pretty seriously."

"Oh… " The girl nodded. "Yeah.. I can see that.. " She glanced around. "So.. have you seen the fire eater? "

The warrior debated. Well, it was harmless enough.. Gabrielle did say to have some fun, right? "Nope.. have you?"

"A bunch of us were about to head over… come on." Hetrine motioned towards where a crowd was gathering. "I was trying to figure out how he does it.. it looks so dangerous."

Xena strolled along side her, finishing up her dough and taking another swallow of ale. "Not really." She commented. "It's all in the speed and technique."

The girl gave her a goggle eyed look. "Can you do that?"

The warrior waggled a hand. "Something like it." She looked around, feeling a bit reckless, then pulled a torch from its bracket. "Something like this, actually." She took a mouthful of ale, and with a quick motion, blew it towards the torch, lighting it on fire in a long, savage stream that impacted an unlit torch nearby, and set it aflame. Then she licked her lips, and put the torch back with a smirk. "Like it?"

"O… my gods." Hetrine giggled. "I can't believe you did that."

Xena chuckled, and nodded towards the fireeater, who had now combined his antics with the juggler in what looked like a particularly dangerous pairing.

The cool air circled round, and voices rose in greeting as she joined the crowd. She found herself tucked neatly between Hetrine and the miller's tall son, who gave her a bashful smile and ducked his dark curly head as they rubbed level shoulders. For a long moment, she indulged herself in imagining that Cortese had never happened, and that she was just another village girl, joining in a group of her friends, to watch two crazy guys play with fire and sharp implements.

That worked, she mused, feeling unexpectedly mellow. She'd managed to neatly segment the part of her that was desperately interested in what was happening with her soulmate into a small area that gnawed at itself, freeing the rest of her to simply absorb the night breeze, and indulge in the festival foods with cheerful abandon.

Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a dart competition, and then she saw the roped off ring where some guy half the size of Goliath was wrestling a hapless opponent.

Xena grinned. Maybe it wasn't going to be such a bad night after all.

The night air gently blew Gabrielle's hair back, as she slowly moved across the darkened courtyard, yawning a little, and keeping her head down, deep in thought. Toris had been…kind of cute, and embarrassed, and sweet all at once, and she thought they'd end up much better friends because of this. She'd found out some things about him that she hadn't expected, and she thought maybe he'd found out some things about her.

On an emotional level, it never touched anything close to what it was like with Xena.. but then, she hadn't expected it to. But it hadn't been unpleasant, and she'd even gotten Toris to laugh afterward, and relax, and not feel so damn selfconcious.

Like she did, but she suspected she'd get over it. Her boots scuffed the ground a little, and she glanced up as she approached the cabin, startled to see the dark silhouette against the railing. Her footsteps quickened as she made it to her partner's side, and knelt, to see gently amused blue eyes studying her. "Hey.. whatcha doing out here?"

Xena gave her a relaxed look. "Waiting for you." She crossed her long legs at the ankles. "Pretty out tonight."

The bard settled on the porch cross-legged. "Well… add another thing to the long list of items your brother can't compete with you in."

Xena chuckled softly. 'You just trying to be nice?"

"No." Gabrielle answered, frankly. "He was sweet.. and we managed.. but.. " She leaned against Xena's muscular shoulder. "He doesn’t have 'it'. Only you have 'it.' " She explained obscurely. "At least for me"

The warrior smiled, then lifted something which had been resting at her side, and handed it over. Gabrielle took it gingerly, and examined it. "Xena.. what is this?"

"Stuffed bear." The warrior answered easily. "I won it for you."

"Uh.. huh… " Gabrielle arranged its drooping ears neatly. "Doing what?"

Xena glanced off into the forest, then looked up at the ceiling, then out at a tree. Ares snorted gently from her side, and covered his head with his tail. "Oh.. just… stuff."

The bard leaned an elbow on Xena's thigh, and peered up at her. "I'm gonna hear about this at breakfast, aren't I?"

A dazzling grin. "Not if we leave early." The merchants hadn't really been upset…well, not until the very end, after the villagers had cleaned up nicely dinar wise and they were all gathered around her, buying her drinks and indulging in a round of warm, almost possessive congratulations. Then they'd told the travelers who she was, and the cries of foul began to rise, which she'd had to settle in the most expeditious manner.

Gods, that had felt good.. their biggest, toughest drover and her, in a torchlit circle, no hold barred in a dirty wrestling match, Amphipolis solidly behind her, cheering. She'd tapped into her peacefully snoozing skills, and gone all out, showing them some truly nice moves and ended up with her kneeling on the drover's chest, arms crossed, and the biggest smirk she could muster plastered across her face. The crowd had loved it. She'd loved it. It brought her briefly back to long fall nights when she'd first gathered her army, when she'd had to prove her right to lead them, in the most basic of ways.

But the best part had been after she'd stood up, and dusted herself off, and the village had gathered around her, hands reaching out to pull a bit of grass of her, pat her, grip a shoulder… no fear. No hesitation. They'd actually lifted her up onto their shoulders, and carried her back to the inn, laughing.

And she hadn't minded at all. "Relax… " She chuckled, seeing the bard bite her lip. "I just had a great time… missed you being there, though."

Gabrielle mustered a smile, and edged closer, sighing a little as Xena settled an arm over her shoulders, and she leaned her head against her partner's chest. "I think I'll play it by ear this winter.. when we get back, Xena.. I don't know if I was ready for this." She admitted very quietly.

The warrior stroked her hair gently. "That's all right with me, love." She reassured her. "He didn't hurt you, did he?"

The bard smiled, and raised her eyes to her soulmate in utter affection. "Of course not… I felt like I was wrapped in cotton wool, Xena…he was so nervous, it's a wonder he didn't just fall over." She sighed, and wriggled closer. "I think he was afraid if I got so much as a scratch, you'd come over and make him into fertilizer."

"Smart boy." The warrior growled, then she eyed her soulmate. "Or am I being overprotective again?"

Gabrielle grinned impishly, and her eyes sparkled. "Can I confess a deep, dark secret to you?"

Xena blinked. "Sure."

The bard kissed her shoulder. "I love it when you do that."

The warrior gave her a surprised look. "You do?" She chuckled a little in startlement. "But you always… "

"I know." Gabrielle admitted softly. "But, truthfully…having that surrounding me is a wonderful, very much welcome feeling." And it took my losing it to force me to realize that, right? "So… if I protest, it's just for show, ok?"

Xena wrapped her arms around her, and grinned. "OK."

They rested quietly for a few minutes, then Gabrielle rolled a green eye upward. "So… how many people did you beat up?" She drawled knowingly. "And did someone at least place a bet for me?"

Xena drew a small bag from her belt, and handed it over, hearing the heavy clink of coins as the bard hefted it. "Ooo…. " Gabrielle giggled. "They didn't know what hit em, huh?" She let the bag drop against the warrior's belly. "Sorry I missed that…did you get dinner?"

Xena stretched and laid a hand over her stomach. "More than I should have…I think I tried one of everything." She admitted amiably. "I'm gonna regret it tomorrow…I had a half dozen of those dough twist things." She yawned slightly. "You?"

Gabrielle poked in the bag of things Xena had brought back. "Oh yeah.. I'm fine.." She touched the fabric. "Oh.. wow… this is perfect… " She gave her soulmate a kiss on the shoulder, then picked up the set of tiny knives and burst into giggles. "Xena.. you are sooooo predictable.. I had a bet on with Mom that you'd get something like this." She turned back to the bag, and squawked suddenly, as she was lifted up, and the air whirled around her. "Whoa!"

Xena peered down at her, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. "Can't be too predictable, now, can I?"

Their laughter echoed out softly into the crisp air.

The sun peeking out over the mountain range found them striding down the road, already candlemarks out from Amphipolis, and heading into the cool, sweet air of a beautiful fall day. Gabrielle took a better grip on her staff, and looked around in cheerful appreciation, sucking in the breeze with a happy smile. "What a great day for walking." She commented, giving her partner a sideways glance.

Xena looked around and nodded, shifting her shoulders to resettle her armor, and letting out a peaceful sigh. "Sure is."

The bard studied her. "I like those new leathers." She announced, reaching out a hand and touching the dark surface. "It's a different cut, isn't it?"

The warrior looked down, and pulled at a bit of the skirting. "Yeah…" She smoothed the surface. "I wanted it a little longer here.. " She patted her upper thigh. "Get a little more protection."

Gabrielle grinned. So practical, her soulmate. The leathers were a bit longer, yeah.. but they were also sleeker, and fit her really well, the layered lower part outlining her muscular thighs, and the back cut to emphasize her tanned, strong shoulders. Her armor gleamed dully in the warming sun, a nice contrast to the almost black surface. Xena always moved with an unconscious grace and strength, but it always seemed even more so when she was armored. Maybe.. Gabrielle mused.. because it took more effort to move with the weight of it.

"Dinar for your thoughts." The warrior eyed her.

"All right.. but you'll blush." Gabrielle answered immediately. "I was just thinking about how good you look in that."

A raised eyebrow. "Must be the leather." She joked wryly.

The bard chuckled softly. "I think it's what's in the leather, but…no, the leather doesn’t hurt." She took another long look. "Mom's right, though.. you do look much bigger when you're in that getup."

Xena spread her arms, and shrugged. "It's armor, Gabrielle." She stamped her booted feet, raising a small cloud of dust. "It's functional." She shrugged to settled her sword, strapped neatly across her back, and adjusted a bracer. "At least it's cool enough now to wear it comfortably.. " She returned her partner's appraising glance. "You'll be getting goosebumps soon enough." She ran a finger across Gabrielle's ribs, watching a trail of them follow her touch. The bard was wearing her usual traveling outfit, save that she'd switched to the dark blue skirt, with it's intricately tooled belt instead of her former tan, and traded her pea green halter for a rust one that contrasted nicely with her eyes.

The bard giggled, and slapped her hand. "Cut that out." She took another deep breath of the cool air. "I packed my cloak… but it feels great just to be out here." She threw her head back, and hopped a few paces forward, spreading her arms out and letting out a little laugh.

Xena watched her with an indulgent grin, feeling pretty good herself. She was aware of Argo's patient hoofbeats to her right, and the gentle patter of Ares' paws against the pebble filled road. They'd decided to take the wolf with them, to prevent his pining for their return, which drove her mother, crazy.

The day went by pleasantly, as they traced a familiar path towards Potadeia, pausing by a stream for lunch, then hitting the sloping road that would lead to Gabrielle's hometown when the sun was arching down towards the western horizon.

"Animal or plant?" The bard asked, munching on a handful of honeyed figs.

"Animal." Xena answered, from a few paces away where she was running through a set of sword drills as she walked, flipping the weapon up and over her arm and catching it. She reached up and casually sheared off a wild peach, catching the fruit in one hand and examining it. "A fuzzy animal."

Gabrielle licked her fingers, and peered at the peach with interest. "Hey.. where's mine?"

Xena's brows hiked. "You just had lunch!"

"And your point is what?" The bard inquired innocently. "You know walking makes me hungry."

The warrior chuckled, and stopped, handing Gabrielle Argo's reins. "Hang on to these." She backtracked and found another fruit, slicing it off neatly and retrieving it, then walking back and handing it to her partner. "There.. happy now?"

The bard bit into the peach, and sent juices everywhere. "Oh.. poop." She laughed, fishing for a scrap of cloth in her bag. "That was definitely ripe."

Xena removed her breast dagger, and cut neat slices from her own, managing to eat the fruit without getting so much as a drop of the sticky juice on her. "Guess I gotta find a stream, huh?" She tsked at her partner. "Can't take you anywhere, Gabrielle."

The bard poked a tongue out at her, as she finished her peach, and sucked happily on the pit. "We made good time…right?" She glanced ahead. "Isn't that the crossroads?"

Xena nodded. "Yep…" She straightened a little, as she spotted a rider approaching, and wiped her mouth absently as she eyed him. "Trader." She announced, and relaxed, cleaning the blade of her dagger of peach juice with efficient swipes of her tongue.

"Watch it.." The bard tucked her staff under her arm and took a breath. "Don't cut yourself."

Xena snorted. "On my own dagger? Yeah, right." She flipped the blade in her hand and replaced it, then gave the approaching rider a nod, and moved to one side of the road to let him pass.

It was a fairly short man, with curly red hair, half hidden among the packs he had stacked on his sturdy looking horse. "Hello there.. " He called out, as they drew even with him. "Is this the road up to Amphipolis?"

The warrior nodded. "Yep.. go up, fork past the river."

The man nodded. "Thanks.." Then he paused, and studied her. "You wouldn't be Xena, would you?"

A sardonic half grin met his words. "What clued you in?"

He laughed. "You were described to me as tall, dark and deadly." He kneed his horse closer, and extended an arm. "Helanus."

Xena took his arm, and gripped it. "Well, I'm Xena, and this is Gabrielle."

"Ah!" He gave the bard a big grin. "The bard!"

Gabrielle smiled, and offered her hand. "That would be me, yes."

"An honor.. an honor.." He leaned back in the saddle. "As it happens.. I was going to pass a message to you from Rivas.. I've just come from there." He took a breath. "Seems a fellow is looking for you.. has a message from someone and a commission to deliver it.. but he'd gotten into some trouble in Amphipolis, so… "

"Hm." Xena grunted, considering the news. "That's not far from here." She calculated the distance. "Day… maybe less."

"About that… it's taken me two, because my Roger here turned up lame yesterday afternoon." He indicated the horse, who was exchanging nickers with Argo, and looking suspiciously at the panting Ares, who was seated comfortably under the mare's belly. "Well, I've delivered my message.. got to get on going." He waved. "Nice meeting you both."

Xena gave him an absent wave back. "Thanks Helanus… there's a cave system just off the road up ahead of you.. you can shelter there."

He kneed his mount forward. "Good news.. and thank you, Xena."

The warrior urged Argo forward, deep in thought. "Wonder what that's about?" She commented to Gabrielle, who was rewrapping a bit of the leather thong that circled her staff. "Listen.. I've got an idea."

The bard glanced up. "Ok?"

"We're just outside Potadeia… why don’t' you go on.. spend a day with your folks.. I'll head over to Rivas and pick up this message, so we don’t' have to lose time. It's out of our way otherwise." Xena proposed. "Sound all right?"

Gabrielle didn't answer. She leaned on her staff, and looked off into the distance for a long moment, then turned back towards her soulmate. "Yeah, I guess." Her voice was subdubded.

Xena studied her, a crease appearing in her brow. "That didn't sound very enthusiastic." She commented, putting a hand on her partner's shoulder. "You all right?"

The bard chewed her lip, looking down at the road. "I um… it's silly, I guess… going home… I just.. it's spooking me." She admitted. "Just the thought of them knowing.. what happened, what I did… I…"

The warrior stepped closer, and threaded her fingers through her partner's silken hair. "Ok.. never mind.. I'll just go on with you, ok?"

Gabrielle put one hand on her hip, then raked her fingers through her bangs. "No, you're right… it'll save time." She pushed very gently on Xena's chest. "You go on.. I'll be ok." She exhaled. "It's just my family." Yeah, right. I feel like I'm going in there naked. "Go on."

Instead, arms gently enfolded her, bringing her into a safe place that she never wanted to leave. Never wanted to have to deal with unpleasant things like facing her family, and seeing the pity in their eyes.

"No way am I leaving you like this." Xena said quietly. "We'll go to Potadeia first, then detour over to Rivas to pick up that damn message."

And that, for some reason, calmed her down like magic, and made the thought of entering her hometown all right. "No." Gabrielle put her hands up onto the warrior's shoulders. "I have… to face this, just like you had to face your family, Xena." But she smiled. "Besides.. even when you're not here, you still are." She put a hand over her own heart. "I just… lost sight of that for a minute."

Blue eyes evaluated her as though she was a siege engine. "I don't think I'm buying that, love." Xena warned. "I'm not sending you into the lion's den and having you be miserable until I get back."

The concern in her voice was tangible and real, and it felt like a warm caress to the bard's jangled nerves. "My tiger." She smiled impishly. "You don't know how good that makes me feel." But she sighed, and patted Xena's chest. "It'll be all right.. it's just a day, Xena…I think they'd kind of like some time alone with me anyway… and if it gets too bad, I can go hide at Lila's."

Xena cupped her face, and bent her head to peer intently into her soulmate's eyes. "Are you sure?" Her voice dropped to its lowest, most solemn register.

A soft exhale. "The only thing I'm sure of in this world is you." Gabrielle felt the words coming out without thought, and it caused a little silence to fall between them. "But.. it's all right.. you go get this mysterious message."

Xena kissed her, and tucked a pad of silky warmth around her soul to keep it safe. "This won't take long." She promised. "You keep Ares with you.. he's… " She glanced down with a wry smile. "He's good to hug." She paused. "When you're not feeling so hot."

Gabrielle gave her a fierce hug. "I will.. and you be careful, all right? Don't stop to talk to any strange weirdoes on the road."

Xena chuckled, and turned, to pull a small sack from Argo's back. "Here.. that's enough of your stuff to hold you overnight… and.. " She brushed an errant hair back from the bard's face. "If anyone gives you a hard time, my bard… "

"I know." Gabrielle's face creased into a smile. "Tell them you'll turn them into mattress stuffing." She patted her partner on the side. "Go on… my curiosity's killing me." She watched Xena reluctantly release her, then turn and vault to Argo's high back, settling her legs against the mare's warm sides. The bard walked forward and laid a hand on the soft skin of her partner's leg, absently tracing the hard muscles just underneath the surface. "Hey.. take care, all right?"

A gentle touch on the top of her head, as Xena ruffled her hair. "You too, love… see you very shortly." She ducked in the saddle to capture the bard's lips, then straightened back up, and let her fingertips brush across the smaller woman's soft cheek. "Be good."

Gabrielle nodded mutely, and watched her ride off, then squared her shoulders, and faced herself down the road to Potadeia. "Come on, Gabrielle… no sense in delaying the inevitable." She glanced at Ares, who glanced back at her, and panted. "Let's go, Ares…" They started down the road, and with every step, Gabrielle felt herself wishing she was headed in the opposite direction.

The moon was arcing high among the stars before Xena decided on halting, grudgingly pleased with the time she'd made, and knowing her destination to be close enough to reach before noon the next day.

She found a small glade, bounded on three sides by moss covered rocks, and graced by a small springhead that burbled peacefully down them to trickle off into a slowly emerging stream bed. The forest sounds were muted, as she gently stripped Argo's tack off in silence, and ran her currycomb over the mare's sleek sides.

A cricket's chirping. The rustle of some small animal in it's nightly hunt. Or perhaps being hunted, Xena mused. The quiet around her magnified the small sounds that seemed to beat against her ears with uncommon thickness. "You're gonna laugh at me if I say it's too quiet, aren't you?" She muttered to the mare, who snorted softly. "Yeah, I thought so."

With a sigh, she finished up with Argo, and efficiently set up a small camp, getting a fire going and heating up some water while she chewed absently on some trail bars and one of the meat pockets her mother had packed for them. She pulled off her armor, and set it down next to her, alternating bites of dinner with swipes of her cleaning rag, until she was full, and the armor was clean.

She poured out some tea, and put it on a flat rock to cool a little, while she sharpened her sword, not strictly necessary since she hadn't used it that day, but it was almost a reflex motion, and tended to settle her nerves, which were, she admitted, a little jumpy. Get a grip, Xena… Gabrielle is not some walking, talking, security blanket. She's got stuff she has to do, and so to you, so just calm down.

She finished the sharpening, and unrolled her bedfurs, then settled down with the cup of gently steaming tea and tipped her head back, regarding the stars with stolid interest.

It took about six heartbeats, and she knew, because she counted them, before her thoughts steered unerringly towards her partner, and she wondered how things were going in Potadeia. She sympathized with Gabrielle.. the expectations of your family always… well, they never really coincided with your own, did they? She knew the bard was still very sensitive about how she viewed herself and the world after the past year, but she suspected Gabrielle would find a way to deflect the intense scrutiny of her family onto to something else.

Which, she also knew, was why Gabrielle had wanted her along.. when it came to distractions, she always felt she stepped up to the mark and provided as much of a distraction as any one bard could possibly ask for. When everyone focused on her, Gabrielle could step back, and review things, without feeling the pressure of everyone's eyes on her.

Well, Xena sighed. She'd be there soon enough.. and Hecuba might possibly welcome this chance to get her older daughter alone, without Xena's intimidating presence . Of course… Gabrielle would probably not welcome it, but she had confidence in her partner… the bard would cope until she arrived back with whatever message it was that was waiting.

That mystery pricked at her, and Xena found herself indulging in almost a guilty sense of pleasure at the prospect of a possible adventure. She stopped and examined the feeling, drumming her fingers on her thigh a little.

Getting restless, Xena? She sardonically accused herself. She liked Amphipolis… and she'd been enjoying the past few weeks of routine chores, and working with the horses.. getting ready for harvest, and the long winter ahead. But…

But. With a sigh, she pulled he sword from it's sheath, and twirled it in her hand, feeling the weight of it and the familiar rasp of the leather wrapped hilt against her skin. The blade glinted in the moonlight, and she let it fall down gently, until it was resting on her shoulder, the metal just grazing the edge of her ear. Admit it. You miss this.

She took in a long breath, tasting the tang of metal on it, and nibbled the inside of her lip. Putting on the armor and leathers had felt… good. Too good, she'd thought at the time, as she'd accepted the weight of the metal armor with a sense of almost.. relief. She'd been embarrassed about that, until she'd seen the little, anticipatory grin on Gabrielle's face, as she carefully rewrapped the grip on her staff, and realized the bard had been looking forward to this as much as she had.

So.. was it the romance of the road? Xena had to laugh at her self. "Oh yeah.. romantic, Argo.. " She gazed around at the leaf littered ground. Or was it just relief from boredom? No.. life in Amphipolis wasn't boring.

Could it be that she'd gotten used to .. gods.. I can't believe I'm even going to think this phrase… used to crusading for justice? Xena covered her eyes, and peeked out between her fingers, at Argo's very amused face. "Argo.. I think I've become addicted to being a do gooder." She groaned. "Kill me now."

The horse honked.

Xena's eyes flew open, and she lifted the sword, rising to her feet in one smooth, powerful motion. That was not a normal sound from an equine, and Xena knew that. "Argo?"

The mare snorted, and turned towards her, stomping with one hoof in the grass.

"Honk." The sound came again, from just to her left, and she crouched, senses extended into the surrounding forest to detect its source.

An odd, shuffling, pattering sound came towards her, and she shifted her grip on the sword, waiting patiently. The animal, whatever it was, wasn't moving too fast, and a predator wouldn't make such a ridiculous noise.

"Unless it's a killer duck." Xena mumbled to herself. She pinned her sharp gaze on a small bush just at the edge of the clearing, and watched, as the leaves began to tremble, then they abruptly parted, and her attacker entered the cleared space.

Blue eyes blinked. Twice. Slowly the sword lowered, then she absently sheathed it, as she edged closer to the intruder. "What in the muddy waters of the River Styx are you?"

Solemn, forward facing eyes blinked back at her, from an animal that, perhaps, came to the warrior's kneecap. It was standing upright, and had a birdlike head, with a bright colored beak. It's front was silver, or white, Xena couldn’t tell in the moonlight, and the rest of it was a dark color. It had stubby little arms or wings, and small flat feet.

It waddled forward, and honked at her.

Xena put her hands on her hips and looked back at it in puzzlement. She'd never seen anything like it, and she prided herself in knowing a wide range of animals. "Are you a bird.. or what?"

"Honk." The animal rustled its feet, and sat, flipping it's useless wings to fan itself. It's beak opened and closed as it breathed.

The warrior slowly sat down on her sleeping furs, putting her head at roughly the same level as the animal's, and studied it. It didn’t appear dangerous, though that beak looked like it could do some damage if it wanted to. She peered at its coat, and saw it appeared to be comprised of feathers, but so tightly packed together as to almost be a single surface. The beak curved downward, and she could see tiny ridges in it.

The feet were webbed, and the same color as the beak. Its eyes were tiny and black, and blinked incessantly as it watched the large, odd-looking creature facing it.

Xena hesitantly held a hand out, her natural curiosity overwhelming her. Wasn't often when something brand new brought itself to her attention, and she felt a tickle of intellectual interest in cataloging her little friend. Bird? Maybe… but it reminded her vaguely of something she'd seen on a ship voyage once, looking down into the formless dark green depths of the cold waters just outside of Britannia. A water bird, who could swim, but not fly.

The animal waddled forward, a comical motion that brought a frank grin to the warrior's face. Her brow creased, and she pawed around in her bag for a minute, while the animal watched cautiously. Then she drummed her fingers on her thigh again. Ah… She leaned back, and gazed over the small bank into the trickle of the stream, focusing her eyes on the shadows flitting in it. A long, breathless pause, and her hand moved in a flickering motion almost too fast for the eye to catch. "Ah hah." She pulled her closed fist out, and felt a ticklish wiggling against her skin.

"Honk." The bird shifted it's feet, waggling it's wing stubs at her as she sat back up, and extended her hand again, this time opening it enough to allow the heads of two struggling minnows to appear. The bird's head cocked, and it peered at her with those tiny black eyes, then slowly, the beak extended, and snapped around the head of one of the minnows, jerking it from Xena's grasp, and swallowing it with a convulsive motion of the bird's head.

"Like that, huh?" Xena grinned, and offered the other minnow up. "Well, g'wan, there's a whole pool of em.. I'm not finding them for ya." She watched the bird waddle over to the stream, and after gazing into it for a long moment, plunge in, splashing a handful of water back and dousing the warrior with it. "Hey!" She scrambled over, and watched it swim around, gobbling up minnows enthusiastically, using its wings as steering rudders, and it's feet as efficient paddles. "Huh… would ya look at that, Argo."

The mare was lipping up some water herself, and blew into it, ruffling the surface as she eyed the black and silver shadow with suspicion.

Xena watched it for a moment more, then shook her head, and resumed her relaxed position on the furs. Gabrielle was going to love hearing about her adventure, and she found herself looking forward to telling her partner about it. She also was a little surprised to find herself quietly hoping the message waiting for her would turn out to be half as interesting, and a quarter as intriguing as her strange night visitor.

The sun was gently coloring the ground in rich ochre as Gabrielle rounded the last bend in the road and saw her hometown extended out in front of her, it's small dwellings, and dusty streets sparking a kaleidoscope of memories, most of them not the best she had.

She entered through the outer merchant buildings, and crossed the small square which held the village well, and spotted a familiar form bent over it. With a smile, she snuck up in back of her sister, and tapped her on the shoulder with the end of her staff. "Hey!"

Lila whirled, startled, then squealed with delight. "Bree!" She dropped the bucket she'd been preparing to send down the well and threw her arms around her older sister. "Gods.. I had no idea you were headed here." She broke off, and leaned back, studying Gabrielle with intent eyes. "You look great."

The bard grinned. "Thanks.. so do you." She glanced around. "We're headed out west.. I told mother we'd stop by for a few days or so."

Lila looked around, then back at her in question. "Where's Xena?"

Gabrielle briefly revisited memories of a time when that question would have had a distinct hostile tinge, and compared it to the obvious friendly interest now in her sister's voice. "She'll be here.. oh, probably tomorrow at dinnertime or so.. she had to make a detour to Rivas to pick something up."

"Oh… ok.." Lila retrieved her bucket. "Let me get some water.. then we'll go visit the folks.. I know they'll be glad to see you."

"Mm. " Gabrielle made a noncommittal noise, as she took the bucket from her sister's hands. "I'll get that."

Lila obligingly gave it up, and settled on the edge of the well, letting her eyes take in her sibling's muscular body as she drew up the water. "I see you're in your harlotware." She joked, tugging on the skirt a little. "I like this color better on you."

The bard pulled the bucket up, and flicked a handful of water at her. "Thanks.. it's pretty new." She lifted her staff, and motioned for Lila to precede her. "Let's go." She observed her sister's tan, long skirt and brown shirt with a touch of bemusement. We certainly are different. She felt somewhat exotic with her rich colors and exposed midriff, and she knew she was attracting curious eyes as they crossed the village headed towards their parent's home.

Another thing Xena was good at. Attracting attention. Lots of attention. So much attention that you'd have to be a headless three legged juggling dog in order to compete. Sometimes that used to annoy Gabrielle, but lately…lately she'd begun to appreciate the ability to blend into the woodwork. She was a lousy juggler anyway. "How's Gabriel?"

"Growing like a weed." Lila answered, with a faint laugh. "He's got your appetite." She half turned. "Not that you could tell that on you.. gods, Bree… " She tsked at her sister's slim form. "I think you have a worm in there or something."

Gabrielle relaxed a little under the gentle teasing. "We've been working hard.. getting the village ready for winter and all that.. and I've been doing double staff lessons, because we've got a bunch of new students and I wanted to get them started before…" She chewed her lip. "Before we went on this trip. " Discussing her family plans with Lila.. probably not a good idea. She'd freaked out the last time the bard had mentioned her plans with Toris. "It'll catch up to me during the winter… usually does."

They rounded the last bend in the path before her parent's homestead, and spotted Hecuba kneeling in the small herb garden just to one side of the structure. The older woman glanced up, and pushed her gray hair out of her eyes. "Good gods… Gabrielle!" She hoisted herself to her feet and came to meet them, wiping the rich dark earth off her hands. "What a surprise." She gingerly hugged her older daughter, and patted her back. "Where's Xena?"

Gabrielle couldn’t help it, she started laughing. "You know.. I could get a complex here." She put her hands on her hips, cradling her staff against one shoulder. "She'll be here tomorrow.. she had to take a short detour."

"Well… " Her mother fussed with her apron. "I just assumed she wouldn't let you out and about all alone in these dangerous times, that's all."

The bard's eyebrows rose. "I can take care of myself, mother." She chided, gently.

"Hmph." Hecuba studied her critically. "Not nearly so well as she can, I think." She flicked a bit of road dust from the bard's shoulder. "I feel better when she's with you."

A soft blurt of laughter escaped Gabrielle. "Never thought I'd hear that from you." She said, quietly marveling. "Not that I'm complaining.. but there was someone with a message looking for her at Rivas.. she had to go pick it up, then she's heading back here."

"Come on inside, both of you." Hecuba wiped her hands again. "Your father is over in the next village… how long are you two going to be staying, Gabrielle?"

The bard shook her head. "It depends on what that message is." She opened the door and let her mother and sister precede her. She was surprised at the sense of quiet anticipation she felt about that… was it possible she hoped it would be something requiring their attention? She let out a long breath. Yes, it was. Wow.

But that wasn't fair to Xena. The warrior had been settling down so well at home. She'd been at peace.. her nature mellowing out to an almost startling degree. Asking her to change that… to throw her energy back into anger, and fighting…

No. The message was probably nothing, and they'd have a peaceful trip out to Jessan's. Maybe they'd stop in at Cirron, and do a little shopping. Yeah.

"Here, I've got some cold cider here. " Hecuba brought a pitcher to the table and three cups. "Let's sit for a while."

Lila lifted a hand. "Let me go get Gabriel… no telling what mischief he's gotten himself into." She gave her sister a wry look. "Besides, he loves his aunt." She slipped out, and Gabrielle grinned after her, then turned as her mother pushed a full cup across the table at her.

"Thanks." She took a sip. "So.. " Her voice sounded strange in the silence. "How are things here??"

Hecuba fiddled with her cup. "Things are well… your father had a bit of a turn last week.. had me a little worried." She commented. "He passed out in the field.. they brought him back here. But after a night's rest, he seemed all right."

Gabrielle's brows contracted. "Wow.. what did the healer say?"

Her mother shrugged a little. "Nothing… told him he was getting on.. to take it easy.. I'm sure you can guess how well that went over with your father."

"Ouch." The bard winced. "Yeah.. I can just imagine… well, we can ask Xena about it when she gets here."

"Mm… " Her mother glanced up with weary amusement. "He might even listen to her."

Gabrielle studied her hands, and swallowed a little. "I'm really glad you've accepted her." She finally said, looking up. "It means a lot to me."

Hecuba sighed. "It was hard." She admitted. "But… I have to tell you.. she kind of grows on you after a while."

That got a charming smile from Gabrielle. "Yeah." She let her chin rest on one hand, propping her elbow on the table. "She does."

Hecuba looked like she was going to say something, but stopped. "So.. how is Cyrene doing? Has she forgiven everyone for her joining yet? She was very annoyed… I was shocked at her language after the ceremony."

They made small talk until Lila came back, and then the conversation turned to the growing Gabriel, who settled happily down in his aunt's strong arms, tugging industriously at her red gold hair. Ares sniffed curiously at him, jumping back with a yelp when the baby reached out a feisty fist and clouted him on his sensitive nose. "Hey.. take it easy." The bard chided her namesake.

"Oh.. he's going to be a handful." Lila sighed. "I fear the day when he starts crawling… I'll never keep up with him." She stuck her tongue out at her son, who scowled back at her. "Are you a little terror? Yes you are…"

"Bck!" The baby smacked his lips.

"We'll be having our share of this towards the end of winter." Gabrielle commented, missing the startled look that passed between her mother and sister. She looked up, sensing the silence, and saw the uncertainty in their eyes. "Oh.. no.. um.. Granella… Toris' wife is pregnant." She paused. "We think… or at least, Xena thinks."

"Oh." Hecuba laughed nervously. "Goodness… I thought… anyway, that's marvelous…Cyrene must be so pleased." She sighed . "I know she…" And she stopped, awkwardly.

"Wants grandchildren, yes." Gabrielle finished for her, very quietly. "I know." She looked up, at their uneasy, embarrassed faces. "It's all right… you can talk about it."

A very awkward silence fell. 'We… " Lila started, then stopped, then took a breath. "It's hard to know what to say, Bree." She finally offered. "Other than.. I'm sorry… about what happened.. it must have been so awful for you."

Gabrielle gazed at her, two months of rebuilding enabling her to set herself at a distance from what had happened. "It was.. yeah…but it's over.. and we've just decided to go forward from here." She replied. "I can't change it… she can't change it…" A light shrug. "We worked through everything." She hoped that would end the conversation.

Hecuba slowly shook her head. "It's beyond my understanding." And she changed the subject, moving on instead to discussions of the coming harvest.

They ate a quiet dinner, with Lennat joining them, that night, keeping the conversation light and superficial. They didn't ask Gabrielle for any stories, which she found a little strange, and faintly disappointing, and she felt a subtle depression settling on her as she sat in her old room dressed in her nightshirt, and listening to the cold sounds of silence around her.

A rustle at the door, and she looked up to see her mother standing there, with two steaming mugs. "Hi." She offered, a little hesitantly.

Hecuba walked in, and handed her one of the mugs, which sent off gentle wisps of ginger scent. "I was just having some ginger tea.. thought you might like some." She stood there awkwardly, clutching her cup.

Gabrielle sighed inwardly. "Sit down… thanks.. I'd love some." She took a sip of the pungent tea, letting it bring back melancholy memories. Xena had once offered her some, and by her reaction… well, the warrior had never offered it to her again.. figuring out a multitude of other combinations of herbs in its place. Ginger always brought her father to mind, and the spicy candies he'd always carried in his pockets.

They'd been her favorites.. she'd toddled after him, tugging at his tunic until he produced one, always given to her with a pat on the head.

Until that one night.

She closed her eyes briefly, and her jaw clenched. She always thought.. maybe.. she'd just pestered him once too often. But even now, she could feel the harsh sting of the backhanded slap against her face, and the roughness of the wall against her skin as she slid down it.

It had hurt so much, all the more so because she hadn't understood why.

She still didn't.

"Gabrielle?" Her mother's voice penetrated her thoughts, and she looked up, seeing the concern in Hecuba's eyes. "Are you all right?"

"Yeah.. yeah.. just thinking." The bard answered.

Her mother settled down on the pallet next to her. "Goodness, Gabrielle.. this is so big." She laughed a little, tugging at her sleeve.

"It's Xena's." The bard answered, straightforwardly. "I stole it from her when I went to lead the Amazons last time… we fight over it sometimes."

"Oh." Hecuba murmured. "She seemed… well.. when we saw you last."

A gentle smile. "She's fine, yeah…she's looking forward to seeing our friends… and we've got a busy winter planned."

A moment of silence. "That's good to hear.. I'm .. so glad you worked things out… I know… Gabrielle, I know we really gave you a terrible time about her at first… but I want you to know we've… come to understand that you two truly do belong together."

Gabrielle nodded slowly. "Thank you." She replied simply, not adding that now.. it didn't really matter whether they approved or not. They were beyond that. Far beyond. "I know that makes her feel better.." She paused. "And that makes me feel better."

Hecuba smiled at her, folding her hands together. "I know a lot has happened." She said, in a careful voice. "And I don't understand a lot of it." She lifted her head, and gazed at her daughter. "I've spent my whole life here.. and you've seen so much more.. done so much more than I have…it's hard to get my mind around that sometimes."

Gabrielle took in a breath, then leaned down, past Ares watching head, and pulled her bag up next to them. She stared at it for a minute, then dumped the contents onto her lap. "See.. " She held up a trinket. "This is a rock from the shores of Britannia."

Hecuba took it in her hand, and examined it. "What an unusual color." She murmured.

The bard smiled quietly, and held up something else. "Mother… I… it would take a long time for me to explain all the stuff that's happened… all the things I've done.. but… " She felt very nervous, and the leather under her fingertips felt very warm. "I'd like you to take this… and.. if you want.. you can read it."

Hecuba gently took the bound volume. "What is it?"

"It's… " A breath. "It's who I am.. I guess.. it's my diary.. of the last three years." She reflected on that statement. "All my thoughts.. my dreams… maybe it'll help you understand .. a little.. who I've become."

Her mother laid her hands on the cover, almost reverently. "This.. is a very personal thing, Gabrielle."

"I know." Her daughter replied softly. "And there are things in there you might not want to read… there are things that hurt me to reread…but I don't know any other way to… explain."

The older woman blinked back tears. "I… treasure your trust in me, daughter."

"I.. hope you won't be too disappointed." Gabrielle answered, in a small voice. "There are some things in there that I'm not very proud of."

A hand touched her knee, and squeezed it. "I'm sure those are a very small part of this book." Hecuba stated, then stood, and tucked the volume under her arm. "Is there anything I can get you? Are you hungry?"

Gabrielle kept her attention on her hands. "Mother.. we just ate." She did smile, though. "I'm fine, thanks." She watched as Ares sat up, and nudged her fingers with his nose, and she stroked his fur as his yellow eyes blinked solemnly at her. "Ares liked the stew, too." The wolf's pink tongue lolled out happily as she rubbed his ears.

"Well.. I'm glad." Hecuba sighed. "Get some rest…you look a little tired, dear."

"All right." Gabrielle finally looked up, and pushed her hair behind her ears. "It's been a long day.. we left Amphipolis before dawn, and…I had kind of a late night last night."

Her mother sniffed. "I see." She was about to leave, when she stopped, and sat down on the edge of the bed again. "What's this?" Her fingers touched a small package, wrapped with bright paper.

Gabrielle stared at it, and reached out a hesitant hand to pick it up. "I.. don't… I have no idea…" She unwrapped the package, which was heavier than she expected.

The candlelight reflected warmly off a blown glass fish, with fanciful fins that curled around each other in blue and green shades. She clamped her lips down tight, as she ran a finger across the gleaming surface.

"Why.. that's lovely… " Her mother admired it. "Where did you get that?" Her brow crinkled. "Didn't you used to have one of those?"

The bard nodded a little. "When we were here last.. I told Xena about that… how I used to have my fish on the table near my bed…she must have remembered that." She unfolded the paper, and studied the neat script, then handed it to her mother. "For someone who's as hard headed and practical as she is, she manages to surprise me a lot."

Hecuba squinted a little in the low light.

Hey.

Don't try to eat this. You'll get indigestion.

Hope it's the right color.

X

"Goodness." The older woman gave a startled chuckle. "She's quite funny."

Gabrielle smiled. "She can be, yeah." She set the fish on the small table, and took the note back, folding it up and tucking it into her hand. "She has a good heart under all that toughness."

"Gabrielle?" Hecuba said, softly.

"Hmm?" Her daughter looked up, to see a sad expression on her mother's face. "What?"

"I've been married to your father for thirty years.. and he's never given me one thing." Came the quiet, bleak answer, before Hecuba gave her a pat on the shoulder, and left with firm, but weary steps.

Gabrielle looked after her, stunned, for a long moment, before she let out a held breath, and turned her gaze to her fish. "Sometimes…." She murmured, to an attentive Ares. "Sometimes you lose track of what you have, Ares."

"Aggrrroo?" The wolf crooned softly, as he laid his head against her thigh.

The bard lifted her legs up, and laid down on the bed, her head pillowed on one curled arm and her knees tucked up. "C'mere, boy." She patted the bed's surface, and watched as the wolf hopped up, turning awkwardly around twice before settling against her with a contented sigh. "There you go.. " She put an arm around him, and rubbed his belly gently, feeling his tail thump against her knees. "You see my fish?"

The yellow eyes flicked up to where she was pointing, where the glass piece was catching the flickering candelight. "You know.. Ares, if you watch that fish long enough.. and you wish real hard, a magic wave will come, and take you away."

He glanced at her, and gave her a lick.

"Did you know your mom was my magic wave?" She whispered. "I guess she was for you, too, huh?" She leaned closer to his ear. "Where's Xena?"

He whined, and his tail thumped again.

"Yeah… you know who I'm talking about, doncha?" Gabrielle hugged him. "She was right.. you're good company, Ares." She put her head down, and fixed her eyes on the fish, and let sleep ease her down into a temporary oblivion.

Continued in Part 2

Standard Disclaimer - These characters, most of them, belong to Universal, and Renaissance Pictures, and whoever else has a stake in Xena: Warrior Princess. This is written just in fun, and no copyright infringement was intended.

Specific Story Disclaimers:

Violence –Why does anyone ever disclaim violence in a Xena story? Of course there's violence. Do you think we'd put out a story that consisted of pages and pages of Xena just.. .fishing.. or something? She is a Warrior Princess, not a Mary Kay consultant. (no insult intended - some of my best co workers are Mary Kay consultants, and I purchase from them regularly) And Gabrielle is no slouch with that staff, either. So, yes - there is violence.

Subtext - C'mon. Even the show has subtext. Heck, sometimes, it's not subtext. Sometimes, it's maintext. But anyway, this is an alternative fan fiction story. That means, it's based on the premise that Xena and Gabrielle are more than just best friends. If that's not your cup of mint tea, there are many, many talented bards out in the Xenaverse who post general fiction, that does not follow this premise. Go find them. Enjoy them.

This is, of course, PG13 level involvement here, no more.

So - having read this lovely disclaimer, if you then read the story and are shocked that Gabrielle and Xena are kissing each other, I can't help ya. If you're offended by it, send me your address, and I'll send you a bushel of citrus. We like to send that from here - we have to get rid of all of it somehow.

Any and all comments are always welcome. You can email them to:

mailto:merwolf@bellsouth.net

Promises Kept - Part 2

By Melissa Good

Xena had no problem waking up, even before dawn hit. The chill just wasn't right.. and the lack of Gabrielle's familiar form snuggling up in peaceful sleep brought back haunting memories that jerked her awake, heart pounding in erratic rhythm before she focused her thoughts on where she was.

She slowly rolled over and up onto one elbow, rubbing her temples gently with her other hand as the sudden panic subsided, and she let out a long, weary breath. All right.. all right.. just take it easy. She chanted to herself silently. It was just a nightmare. Nothing unusual.

The damp pre dawn air stirred her hair in a fitful gust, and she sat up, edging closer to the slumbering fire and stirring it awake. The soft crackles nudged a crisp, nutty smell into the air, as the branches she patiently fed the fire caught and burned, and she held her hands out over the resulting flames to warm them.

Damn. She pulled her legs in and sat cross legged, and drew the edges of the blanket over her shoulders, as the dark shadows took on the first, bare hints of the coming dawn. Waking up and finding all that… gone… again, was a recurrent dream of hers, one which she kept to herself in silence to avoid upsetting her partner.

It was always accompanied by the ugly traces of a deep, snide laughter that mocked her as she found herself abandoned outside a forbidding stone temple. Alone. Or with stark memories of Gabrielle walking away from her, and not looking back.

And knowing it was all her own doing.

But Gabrielle's presence kept that away, and to be honest, the dreams were starting to fade, becoming brief wisps of anxiety that held little charge as she became better adjusted to the restored relationship between them. She rubbed her neck, working the tense stiffness out of it, before letting her glance flick around the campsite, peaceful in the emerging light. "Morning, Argo."

The mare swiveled her ears, and lifted her muzzle, flaring her soft nostrils at her rider.

Then Xena let her head turn to look in back of where she was, and came face to face with a blinking, black and white, beaked face. "Yow!" She jerked back, startled.

The bird fell over backwards, and thrashed in the leaves, honking in distress.

Xena closed her eyes, and muttered a virulent curse, then leaned over, and got both hands around the bird's chubby body, lifting it to its feet. "You coulda gotten your head cut off like that, buddy. " She warned in disgust. "You're damn lucky the last month's blunted my edges a little."

"Honk." It gave her an evil look, then pattered off into the leaves, headed towards the water.

Watching its comical, waddling gait coaxed Xena into a wry, gentle laughter, which dispelled the lingering shadows, and put her in a much better mood. She stood and stretched, then rolled up the sleeping furs into a neat bundle, tucking it away into her gear and tugging out a dried fruit bar to chew on as she moved about, cleaning up the camp.

The tangy taste was pleasant, full of summer fruits she'd salvaged from Cyrene's extras, and pressed into the handy trail rations that made up a good part of their daily snacks on the road. They provided a quick energy burst, and generally kept even Gabrielle happy until they could stop for a more substantial meal. She'd discovered making sure her partner was supplied with this kind of thing helped avoid the cross moods she often developed otherwise, and she was careful not to tease her soulmate too much about her constant munching.

Just a little. Xena chuckled quietly to herself. Just like Gabrielle teased her about her constant need to sharpen her weapons, and check her armor. There was something warm, and very comfortable about their banter…it laid strong claim to their friendship, which went above and beyond their romantic relationship.

She licked her fingers, and saddled up Argo, after taking a quick wash in the cold stream water, and swallowing several mouthfuls. The cool air felt good, and she took a long breath of it, leaning against Argo's warm side. "Well, girl.. let's go get that note, okay?"

"Honk."

Xena worked her jaw, drumming her fingers on Argo's neck for a long moment before she turned around. The bird was standing in the middle of her neatly cleaned up camp, what could best be described as a woebegone expression on its face. "What?" The warrior put her hands on her hips, and glared at it.

It waddled forward, opening and closing its sharp beak until it collided with her leg armor.

"Hey!" Xena stamped a boot, making it flap its wing stubs. "G'wan… get outta here."

"Honk." The bird tipped its head up, and regarded her.

The warrior rolled her eyes, and shook her head. "I gotta go." She turned, and vaulted up onto Argo's back, letting her knees slip into familiar hollows behind the mare's shoulders, and taking the reins up in one hand. "C'mon, girl."

The mare moved off, picking her way daintily through the underbrush, her ears swiveling back to catch some muttered comments from her rider.

"Honk!"

Xena ignored the sound, firmly fixing her eyes straight between Argo's ears. A soft pattering stirred the dawn quiet.

"Honk?" The pattering stopped. "Honk."

Xena gritted her teeth, but glanced back over her shoulder, to see the bird standing in the path, looking very dejected. "Look." She pulled Argo to a halt, and half turned. "You don't want to go where I'm going, okay? They'll make you into stew, trust me. It's not a nice place." Rivas was a… she could best describe it as an outlaw town, where mercenaries gathered to spend the winter, and what you mostly found there was trouble. Lots of it.

The bird blinked sadly at her.

Xena sighed. It was obviously someone's pet, not a wild animal, and who knew? Maybe some crazy bastard in Rivas owned the damn thing. That was the only town between here and there… "I can't believe I'm doing this." She growled at Argo, who turned her head and snorted. "Bacchae breasts." She cursed roundly, then kicked her feet free of Argo's stirrups, and slid down off the mare's back, stomping over to where the bird was still standing, looking at her woefully.

"Honk!" It pattered forward, waddling over to her like a long lost friend.

Xena studied it, then knelt, and grabbed it roughly around the middle, squishing it a little, and standing up. "I gotta be outta my chicken plucking mind." She whispered, carrying the bird over to the patiently waiting mare. "Look.. you get to Rivas, and then that's it, all right? No further.. if you don't find what you're looking for there, it's just too damn bad."

Tiny black eyes blinked at her, and the sharp beak opened, as the bird panted.

Xena sighed, and tucked it under her arm, then pulled herself up onto Argo again, and sat the bird down on the saddle in front of her. "Just… don't move.. don't make noise…you got me?"

"Honk!"

Argo started, and shied, almost throwing her rider off.

Xena clamped down tight with her powerful legs, and hung on, grimly running through a cartload of applicable curses. It was going to be a long morning.

Gabrielle woke to Ares gentle snoring, and she rested quietly for a few minutes, petting his fur idly. "Your mom was right, Ares… " She murmured softly. "You are good company… but I'm really glad she doesn't snore like you do."

A yellow eye opened and rotated, peering up at her. "Agrroo?"

The bard smiled, and rolled over, letting her eyes linger on the glass fish, which was capturing the morning sun and sending pale blue and green slivers of light across the room. It changed… the way the whole place looked, really.. now.. there was something magical here, that made this dull, drab place into someplace special.

She'd tried to do that with her own fish.. and the other toys, but this… this was different.

This was someone else reaching out to her, and saying.. "Here… dream a little." And the fact that it was her stolid, dour soulmate who'd done it made it all the more special, because it was Xena who had made her most fanciful dreams…

Real.

So what if there were nightmares that came along with it? Wasn't that better than nothing at all? Living your life not feeling.. anything… not being… anything…

Like Hecuba. She had never known the joy of getting a glass fish.

All of a sudden, Gabrielle felt profoundly sorry for her. Yeah, her mother had never had to go through what the bard had.. but… One fingertip reached out and touched the smooth, cool glass surface, as she wound her other arm around Ares warm body. "I wouldn't trade places with her for anything in the world, Ares." She whispered into the wolf's cupped ear.

"Agorrrooo.." Ares rumbled, licking his chops and sighing.

Gabrielle sighed too, and gazed at the light pouring in the window. "How do you like that, Ares.. one day I'm away from her, and I sleep late. It's disgusting." She gave the wolf a brisk pat, and rolled out of bed, walking to the window and letting the cool breeze blow her hair back. "What a beautiful day." She leaned against the sill and watched a robin hop from branch to branch, cocking its colorful head and capturing a caterpillar.

"Well." A voice made her turn, to see her mother standing in the doorway. "I see you're up."

"At last." Gabrielle completed the statement, with a wry grin. "Sorry." She raked her fingers through her hair, and leaned back against the sill. "I don't usually do that anymore."

Her mother gave her a little smile. "It's all right." She paused, awkwardly. "You. .must have been having some kind of bad dream last night.. you were calling out."

Gabrielle's brow creased. "I don't rem.. oh." Right. "Was I calling for Xena?" A vague memory of an old, old nightmare of hers…of Xena leaving her here in Potadeia lifted its head briefly. Must be the surroundings, the bard sighed inwardly. Haven't had that one in a long time.

Hecuba nodded mutely.

"Ah." She shifted her shoulders, and folded her arms across her chest. "Overactive imagination, I guess…I don't even remember what it was about." Right. No sense in telling her this is my nightmare, right?

Her mother gave her a tentative smile. "Would you like something to eat? I have some fresh bread… "

"Sure." The bard went to her pack, and tugged her sleep shirt off, pulling out a pale gray tunic to replace it with. "Let me just… " A hand touched her shoulder, and she turned, the garment gripped in one hand, looking at Hecuba in question. "What?"

Her mother studied her, a pensive expression on her weathered face. "You just… " She sighed. "You look so different." She raised a faintly shaking finger to touch the scar on Gabrielle's neck. "I… got to the part where this happened, last night."

"Oh." Gabrielle murmured. "It… that was a while ago.. it doesn't hurt or anything."

"Gabrielle, you … you almost died." Hecuba said, in a very low tone.

The bard nodded a little. "I know." She slowly tugged on the tunic, fastening the belt absently. "But I didn't.. that's the important thing."

Hecuba sighed. "You set the Titans free?"

Gabrielle winced. "Eh.. yeah, unfortunately.." She gave her a sheepish look. "Got em back under control, though… with a little help."

"Xena must have been very upset." Her mother mused, taking her by the elbow and steering her out of the room. "It was very interesting to see your descriptions of her change as you went along."

The bard smiled quietly. "Yeah… I know."

"Some of the poetry in there is very lovely." Hecuba commented then, as they reached the small kitchen. "There is one about a shooting star, and how rare it was… I was… very impressed with that one."

"Ah." Gabrielle went to familiar cupboards, and took down cups for them both. "Yeah.. that… " She hesitated, then took a deep breath. "That was the night.. I .. um… I realized I was in love with Xena." She closed her eyes and imagined the soft scent of pine, and the crackling fire.

Dead silence behind her, and she slowly let out the breath. "It was a pretty intense night for me."

"So long ago?" Hecuba's voice sounded a trifle strained.

Gabrielle just nodded, and didn't turn around. She carefully measured herbs into the cups, and poured water over them from the pot kept ready near the fireplace. That starry night had seemed… so full of possibilities. As I lay here, under a blanket of stars, I find myself in patterns traced with dancing lights…and as I watched the star that marked my heart went wandering across the darkness.. finding itself a new home in a constellation bound by strength, and steely will, and eyes that outshone every light my sight can see. She remembered the shaky joy, and spared her younger self a gentle smile.

"Gabrielle, then why.. "

The bard bit her lip. "Why did I marry Perdicus?" She finally turned around, and brought the cups to the table, putting one down in front of her mother. "That's… a question I'm going to be asking myself for the rest of my life." She sat down, and wrapped her hands around the carved wood of the mug, staring into its steaming depths. "Maybe.. because I didn't think Xena and I would ever…" She paused. "And .. I liked him.. he cared for me…"

Long silence.

"Because we wanted you to?" Hecuba finally said, very softly. "Because your father did?"

Gabrielle blinked, then raised her eyes, finding compassion in her mother's face. "Partly."

Hecuba sighed. "Do you… if things had been different.. would you have been happy with him, Gabrielle? He did care for you very much."

The bard slowly shook her head. "No." She admitted quietly. "I would have missed Xena too much… it would have.. eventually… I don't know what would have happened to me."

"Well.. " Her mother took a sip of the tea. "She seemed very supportive at the time." It was a snipe, and she knew it, but she was too curious as to what her daughter would say to stop her words.

"Oh yeah." Gabrielle let out a sigh. "She was ready to do whatever she thought would make me happy." She spared her partner a wistful thought. "If only she knew." She rested her head on her hand. "We were both so afraid."

They looked up as the door opened, and Lila came sauntering in, carrying Gabriel, who was perched on her arm, peering at them with childish interest. "Well.." Lila gave her older sister a smug look. "I see some things haven't changed."

Gabrielle raised a hand, glad of the interruption. "All right.. all right.. so I slept late. Kill me." She grinned at the baby, and tickled him, giggling right along with him as he squirmed. "Gods know I don't get to do it often…if it's past dawn it's late around Xena."

"Aww… " Lila tsked. "C'mon, Bree. You've got her wrapped around your finger.. you couldn’t get her to sleep in?" She seated herself, and bounced Gabriel on her knee. "I bet you could."

The bard waggled a hand. "Weeeeel…. Yes and no." She laughed. "Sure, if I wanted to on a particular day, that'd be easy.. but in general, we kinda…sleep and wake up at the same time, so I don't mostly want to sleep in when I'm around her."

Her mother and sister looked at her, puzzled.

"It's weird, I know." The bard sighed. "It's hard to explain." She fiddled with her cup again, and took a sip. "I guess we're just around each other a lot." She shrugged. "You know how it is…you get used to things."

Lila studied her. "No.. I don't think that's it." She stated, calmly. "I remember.. when you were here time before last.. and that haycrib fell on Xena." She paused. "You knew." Her voice dropped, almost to a whisper. "You knew when it happened, Bree…you felt it. You turned white as a sheet. ."

Gabrielle looked at her. "Yes." She finally admitted, quietly. "I knew."

"Wow." Lila breathed. "What's that like?"

A shrug. "There's nothing I can compare it to." The bard answered, simply. "It's just something that's part of us."

A loud bang interrupted the tense scene, and they all looked up, to see a short, rotund man breathing hard in the doorway. "Hide.. run… a band of ruffians broke through the herds and are headed this way!"

"Well." Gabrielle set her cup down, and stood. "Time to go to work, I guess." She headed for her old room, to collect her staff and put her boots on. "Gotta tell you , Ares.." She muttered to the prancing wolf. "I've never been so glad to see raiders in my life."

The yelling grew outside, and she ducked out the front door, headed in the direction of danger.

The town of Rivas loomed, its scroungy outbuildings half collapsed in the roadway. Xena guided Argo past them with a grim look, hearing a rising buzz of conversation as they moved further into the ramshackle town. "Not pretty, Argo." She muttered, hearing loud voices raised in anger ahead of them. They moved around the bulk of a small granary, and into the central area of the town, seeing a large crowd of men clustered in the center, surrounding a wagon, and a shorter, almost huddled figure.

"Stone em, the bastard!" One man yelled. "He's a fake!" The crowd surged forward, with obvious ill intent. "He cheated us!"

Xena paused a moment, then sighed, and kneed Argo forward, pushing the outlying stragglers out of her way. One tall, armored man protested, then glanced up and saw the ice blue eyes peering down at him, and backed off without another word.

Huh. Xena smiled privately. That still works. She nudged through another layer of riff raff, then stood a little in her stirrups, peering at the bedraggled victim. Her eyes closed, and she let herself down, then she slowly shook her head. "I shoulda known." She paused a moment, then squared her shoulders, and let out a yell, startling the men hemming her in and causing them to dodge out of her way. She urged Argo forward, with more energy this time, and made no bones about kicking people out of the way when they didn't move fast enough. "Get back!"

A low rumble of discontent rocked against her, and she reached back, drawing her sword with a distinct rasp of steel on leather. "Move it, or lose it." She brought the hilt down on the nearest man's head. The crowd grudgingly moved, and she reached the front of it, where a very tall, heavily built man was standing, his hand wrapped in the shirtfront of a very pale, and very dirty, bearded man.

Who beamed with utter, unconcealed delight on seeing her. "Xena!" His voice fairly sang her name.

"Hello, Salmoneus." The warrior sighed, resting her sword on her shoulder and regarding his captor. "What have you gotten into this time?" She shot a glance at the wagon, which was filled with… she squinted. Animals. Some of whom resembled the bird sitting mutely on her saddlebow. Relieved, she tossed the bird into the back of the structure, where it waddled over to its mates, honking furiously. "Figures that's yours."

"It's.. " Salmoneus choked as the man twisted his shirt tighter. "Um…." He waved a hand at Xena.

The warrior edged closer, and met the taller man's eyes. "You gonna let him go?" She sat, very relaxed in Argo's saddle, running a thumb up and down her sword's hilt., her eyes capturing his darker ones. "Or am I gonna have to get nasty?"

His nostrils flared. "Depends. How nasty do you get?"

Xena smiled. "Very." She let her eyes narrow. "And that's when I'm in a good mood."

"She's telling the truth.. "Salmoneus babbled. "Really… it's awful, blood everywhere… just disgusting." His voice trailed off into a squeak as the man twisted harder.

The warrior freed her boots from Argo's stirrups, and swung her leg over the mare's neck, sliding down her side and landing with a smooth motion. She stalked towards the two men, not even glancing to either side as the rough crowd edged out of her way. "Better let him go.. or you'll be missing a hand when I get there." She commented softly. Her eyes locked with his again, and she felt her fighting instincts come live, charging the air around her, and lifting her nape hairs to let a cool, tickling breeze travel across her neck. Her nostrils flared, and a certain glint came into her eyes, from a place inside her that, in truth, still belonged firmly to Ares.

The tall man slowly relaxed his hand, and the fabric of Salmoneus' dirty shirt unbunched, as the heavy set older man scuttled a few steps away, tugging his garments back into a sad order. "Oh.. good choice.. good choice…yah, you really don't want to mess with her."

"Sure I do." The man laughed, and drew his own sword, meeting her a few paces away from where Salmoneus was standing. "I've been dreaming of crossing swords with the famous Xena for years."

"Oh yeah?" Xena dodged, and let him go past her, slapping him on the butt as he stumbled by. A rough laugh traveled around the crowd. "C'mere, dream boy." She caught his next blow on her hilt, and shoved him back, throwing him off balance despite his size advantage. He recovered, though, and came back at her, swinging his sword with rough, if powerful skill.

Xena deflected his blow, then stepped into his reach, and slammed an elbow into his jaw, sending a resounding crack across the cleared space. "Bet that hurt."

He growled, spitting blood out, and managed to get a grip on her, catching her with one hand above her elbow and throwing his weight against her. "You bitch."

"You're catching on." Xena tore her arm free, and flipped her sword in her hand, reversing the blade and throwing a roundhouse right hand punch that caught him in the side of the head with the weight of her blade behind it. "What clued you in?" She kicked him in the groin, and caught him with her knee as he bent double, flipping him over on to his back and dropping to kneel in his chest with all her weight.

She tickled his throat with her blade, as he lay gasping, his eyelids fluttering in disbelief. "Lucky for you.. I'm in a good mood." She gave him another smile, and stood, then sheathed her sword and dusted her hands off. "Clear outta here, all of you." Her voice was a snarl, and she turned her icy gaze on the crowd until they started to edge off, grumbling darkly.

At last only she and Salmoneus were left in the clearing, along with his wagon of…creatures. The older man wrung his hands, and fluttered at her. "Oh… Xena, you have NOOOOO idea how glad I am to see you.. it's.. why, it's like a miracle sent by the gods!"

The warrior put her hands on her hips. "What are you up to?"

He pointed at his chest. "ME? Why.. nothing.. nothing at all… I was just… well, you see I… a cousin of mine, see.. he just got back from a long sea voyage, and he'd managed to bring back some.. well, some curiosities.. so we thought.. I mean, I thought it would be.. uh… well, educational to Greeks of all stations to see these unusual, and remarkable animals." He nodded briskly. "Don't you think so?"

Xena leaned her forearms against the wagon, and gazed into it. Along with her friend were about a half dozen others like him, all panting in the straw unhappily. There were four cages as well, which held a bedraggled looking cat with huge whiskers, three brightly colored large birds with pale colored curving beaks, and a pair of weasels. "I think you've got a cart full of miserable beasts here, Sal." She turned her head and looked at him. "Is that fair to them?"

The man's jaw dropped, and he edged forward, hesitantly putting a hand up and touching her forehead. "That's funny.. you sure look like Xena… you certainly fight like her… " He paused. "Are you ill? Xena, they're dumb animals."

The warrior's lips twitched. "Not so stupid… that one managed to find me. " She held out a hand, and her little friend waddled over, nibbling her fingers with its long beak. She scratched its head gently. "You should either take care of them, or let them go, Salmoneus."

The older man let a hand rest on the side of the wagon, and studied her. "You know.. I'd been hearing these wild stories about you, Xena.. really wild.. just.. impossible to believe…. Now I'm not so sure." He fell silent for a long moment. "You really have changed.. more than even the last time I saw you. "

Xena stared through him. "Get out of here, Sal. This is no place for someone like you." She pushed off the edge of the cart, and started to walk away. "Go somewhere else."

The portly man hurried to catch up with her. "Wait.. wait… um… where's Gabrielle?"

The warrior reached Argo's side, and adjusted her harness. "Home." She gathered the mare's reins up and urged her forward. "I've got business here… then I'm leaving. I want you out of here before I get done." She started towards the disreputable looking inn.

"Bu… wh.. " Salmoneus trotted after her. "But.. I mean.. well, Gabrielle is all right, isn't she?"

Xena stopped, and turned, regarding him in silence for a brief period. Then she let a smile edge her lips. "She's fine."

The older man looked relieved. "You two didn't… um.." He tried to think of a subtle, smooth way of asking.

The warrior gave him a wry look. "No." She looked around, then sighed, and walked closer to him, ducking her head. "We're still together." The words echoed weirdly in her head as she said them. "She's just visiting her parents."

"OH.. wonderful.. wonderful… " He answered effusively. "I'm so, so glad to hear it, Xena, I can't tell you… but… " His smile turned sly. "I'd heard some other juicy rumors… " He elbowed her gently. "Huh? Come on.. you can tell your old pal Sal…"

Icy blue eyes pinned his. "I want you outta here by the time I come out, got me?" Xena growled. "I mean it." She turned and pointed. "You, and the rest of your little circus." She turned and took purposeful strides towards the inn.

"Xeeeeennnnnaaaaa….." Salmoneus warbled, a smile starting to spread across his expressive face. "Hmm… you know, I think you're right.. I do have to go.. and.. what do you know… the next town closest to here is… hey.. it's Potadeia."

Xena stopped, and sighed, glancing back over her shoulder. "Scram." She warned, then looked around again. "Look, Sal - I don’t have time to play word games with you.. this is a dangerous place, and you shouldn't be here."

He tapped his foot, and crossed his arms. "Xeeeennnaaaa???"

"What!!!???" She snapped at him, half embarrassed, and half frustrated.

A charming smile split Salmoneus' bearded face, and he lifted his hand, and waggled his fingers. "Nice ring." Then he busied himself with his wagon, and left the warrior to collect her composure, and stomp off. "Tch tch.. " He commented to himself, as he fluffed the straw. "You go Gabrielle."

Xena tied Argo up near the water trough, and took a moment to straighten her armor before she attempted to penetrate the dark, smelly inn. She also took a moment to grin privately at Salmoneus, and hoped he'd stick to his idea of heading towards Potadeia… Gabrielle would love seeing the little birds, and maybe between the both of them they could convince the old scalawag to give the animals a good home somewhere.

But now she had another problem. Finding her contact, and getting that damn note. With a sigh, she settled her chakram and pushed open the door, holding her breath against the stench of sour wine, old beer, and unwashed bodies. I used to drink in places like this.. she remembered, swallowing against a suddenly queasy stomach.What was I thinking? She paused just inside the door, to let her vision adjust to the dim interior, then continued on, aware of every eye fastened on her.

Not unusual, but it was seldom this kind of attention anymore.. the men in here, and they were mostly men, save three or four serving wenches who, by their dress doubled as something else, the men in here were a motley group of soldiers for hire, with old, patched armor and ill kept weaponry. Their eyes were hooded, and they were viewing her as either a rival.. or a potential centaur load of trouble. Hostility beat against her like water, and she felt her back stiffening in pure reflex, as she injected a touch of swagger into her walk, and moved across to a dark and empty table near the back of the place.

Well. She let her eyes travel around, evaluating the inhabitants. Chances are, they know who I am. A tiny smirk edged her lips. Dirty mercenaries are a dime a dozen in here, but…there aren't many fighters fitting my description running around Greece. She just hoped whoever it is found her and delivered his damn message before she passed out from the stench.

A serving wench sidled over, making no bones about letting her gaze wander over Xena's tall form with relative fearlessness. The woman, hardly more than a girl, really, had hair almost as dark as the warrior, but was much shorter, and she was very amply endowed. She put her tray against her hip, and smiled. "Can I get you somethin?"

Xena's dark brows curved up. "What d'you got that isn't spoiled or poisonous?"

A faint, dim twinkle appeared in the girl's eyes. "Your horse is probably drinkin it, outside." She drawled. "But the port hasn't killed anyone this week."

The warrior let an answering twinkle glint back at her. "All right." She waited for the cup to be delivered, and sipped it gingerly, leaning back against the wall and putting a booted foot up against the next chair. It didn't take long… a few moments later a dark form sidled up, and stood, staring down at her. She returned the look, realizing he was vaguely familiar.

"Well, well." The man said, softly. "Lookee here."

Her mind swiftly snapped through ranks and time, until it stopped on his face, younger, and without the long, branching scar that crossed it now from ear to ear. "Belenius."

He snorted in surprise. "The great one knows my name.. how bout that."

Xena gave him a noncommittal look. "You want something?" She took another sip of the port, which wasn't the worst she'd ever tasted, but not the best, by far.

Slowly, he settled into the chair opposite her. "Funny you should show up here." He looked around. "Not your kinda place, is it?"

The warrior gazed at him, impassively. "Used to be. Why do you care?"

He shrugged, and pulled a dirty piece of parchment from his rotting armor, tossing it across the table at her. "From an old friend of yours.. " He grinned, showing a gap-toothed smile. "Wasn't even sure you were still around… but I guess you are. I'd heard you retired."

Xena picked up the parchment with two fingers, and shook it open. "Maybe I did." She answered, turning the surface to the light.

He giggled. "Oh.. yeah, you look retired." He slapped the table. "Jasess can now say he had the crap kicked out of him by a retired warlord.. that'll make a good one to tell the boys."

The warrior read the missive twice, her mind already out of here and thinking about the man who signed it. Garanimus. Old… friend? No. Never that… more like a forced partner. But he'd saved her life once, a long time ago, and held that favor over her since. Now he was calling in his marker, he said.. he needed her for a task, the message said, that was just up her ally, and one that only she could do.

Garanimus, who had been, for a while, her lover. Who remembered her from the bad old days, when she'd run rampant over the countryside spilling blood like it was water. Now he wanted a favor.. and her honor dictated that she at least go see what the old bastard was up to. He'd apparently taken over small fortified city to the west, and was holed up there with his army of disreputable thugs and thieves, having found settling down to his liking.

It wasn't that far.. a weeks travel at most. But taking Gabrielle there… inwardly, she winced sharply. Do I want to subject her to more of that side of me? Wasn't last time enough?

And, in the back of her mind. What if this time.. it's too much? She tensed. Wouldn't it be better to just… go and take care of this.. Gabrielle would be safe in Potadeia.. she'd have a quiet, peaceful time with her family.. it would be good for her.

She didn't need to know, right?

Xena sighed, and took a swallow of port, ignoring Belienus' rambling speech. For a very long, wistful moment she was tempted, then her knowledge of her gentle partner reasserted itself, and she stood abruptly. Leave Gabrielle, without word.. in Potadeia? Make that old nightmare of hers come true, along with all the others?

Not on your life. "Thanks, Belienus." She muttered, leaving the port where it was. "Finish that for me, all right?"

He grabbed it without hesitation. "Sure.. sure.. Xena… y'know.. I was just remembering the good old days… it was pretty sweet being part of your army." He gurgled a mouthful. "You sure were some kind of wild bitch from Hades fighter, I'll give ya that."

The room was too close. Xena headed for the door, stopping when she spotted the serving wench, and digging a coin from her belt pouch. "Here." She handed it to the girl. " Keep the change." She brushed by her, and reached the door, throwing it open and almost diving out into the cooler, sweeter air, with a feeling of utter relief.

Argo whickered at her.

Slowly, she trudged over to where the mare was standing, and leaned against her warm body. "Let's get outta here, girl." She cast a disgusted look over her shoulder. "I'm not up to this kinda place anymore."

A soft snort answered her, as she tucked the parchment away into her saddlebag and reached up, grabbing the saddle's frame and pulling herself up onto the horse's back. The empty windows of the sad town seemed to laugh at her, as she guided Argo's steps out of the cluster of buildings, and moved off onto the path that lead away from Rivas.

Well. She wanted an adventure. Xena silently cursed herself. Be careful what you ask for, Xena… life has a way of giving it to you.

The path flew by under her feet, as Gabrielle bolted for the sounds, Ares hard at her heels. She rounded the last bend and saw a half dozen men on horseback, swinging clubs at the frightened villagers as if in sport.

She felt anger bubble up, and it gave her energy, as she reached the first of them, and ducked under his weapon, swinging her own in a short, vicious arc that caught him just above the ear, and knocked him off balance. Then she pulled her arms back, and snapped them forward, hitting him with unerring accuracy in the chest with the end of her staff.

He slid off the horse, a startled look on his face, and she grinned to herself, before she turned and dashed towards where a second raider was chasing one of the village girls, her high pitched screams echoing across the courtyard.

Feeling very feisty, Gabrielle sped up, and as she neared the man, she thumped the edge of her staff into the ground, and took off, using the staff as a vaulting pole, and slammed her boots into his chest with all her weight and momentum behind them.

They both tumbled over the horse, but she managed to keep her directional sense in place, and landed on her feet, stumbling a little but expelling an excited breath at her success. Yow! The next rider got the end of her staff across his back, and he lunged forward, causing his horse to trip, and throw him over its head into the water trough. Yes! The bard bounded ahead, and bolted for one of the remaining raiders, who rode down on her, a determined expression on his face.

"Eat this!" Gabrielle yelled, picking up a rock and flinging it. It surprised him, and he ducked it, then regretted that as Gabrielle's staff hit him right between the shoulderblades and he lost control of the horse, which galloped off, snorting.

The remaining two took one look at her determined face, and turned their horses, kicking them hard and running away.

Gabrielle stood in the middle of the road, and rested her staff on the ground, leaning against it with a sense of quiet pride.

Then a rumbling caught her attention, and she glanced down, puzzled, as the ground started to shake. An earthquake? A yell of warning made her turn, and her eyes widened as she saw a wall of wool bearing down on her with break neck speed.

"Easy…. Easy with her."

Gabrielle felt the sounds fading in and out, and was chiefly aware of being sick to her stomach.

Everything hurt.

"Easy.. put her down gently. " An unfamiliar voice, and hands that turned her, laying her down on a soft, flat surface. Then a voice she did know. Lila.

"Hey… my hero sister… just don't move around, okay?" The younger woman's voice was a mixture of concern and amused pride. "You got knocked around a little.. the healer's taking a look at you."

Gabrielle's brow creased, as she tried to remember what happened. She'd run out, the raiders had thundered into town… a group of the younger men and women had joined her… She remembered fighting with her staff… knocking the leader right off his horse.

Boy, he'd been surprised. But not half as surprised as she'd been that she'd done it. Then…

Nothing.

She blinked her eyes open, to see the healer's kind, concerned face as his fingers probed her skull. "Hi." She managed to rasp out, seeing Lila in her peripheral vision. "Wha happened?" She turned her gaze to her sister. "Raiders?"

Lila put a hand out and brushed her hair back. "You beat them all up, sis.." Her face crinkled into a wry smile. "They ran away."

"I did?" The bard heard the surprise in her voice. "How come I feel like I'm the one that got beat up?" She tried to raise a hand up to her head only to have it pushed gently back down by the healer.

Lila exchanged looks with Hecuba. "Just rest… you got knocked over, that's all."

"Mm." Gabrielle let her eyes close against the pounding ache. "Feels like it."

"Here." She felt a cool, wet surface touch her lips, and in reflex, she took a sip, grimacing a little at the bitterness. "Uck."

"Come on, Gabrielle.. " The healer coaxed. "It'll help your head feel better."

"What is it?" The bard asked, cautiously.

"Don't worry about that… it'll help." The man reassured her. "Come on now… it's just to make you rest… and kill the pain a little."

"Bree, just drink it." Lila rubbed her shoulder. "Don't be stubborn."

Gabrielle complied, making a face. "Ugh.. .worse than Xena's." A faint, worrisome thought traveled through her mind, then disappeared before she could concentrate on it. She let her head rest against the cool fabric of the pillow, as she felt the herbs work fast on her empty stomach. "Chased em away, huh?"

Her mother knelt next to her, and smoothed her hair back, avoiding a tender spot she could feel on her temple. "It was very brave of you, Gabrielle."

A faint smile tugged at the bard's lips. "Xena's gonna give me grief.. I promised to stay out of trouble." She opened her eyes. "Where's Ares?"

A dark, furred head popped up, and poked its nose into her hand. "Rghtro?"

"He was right with you… " Lila explained, soothingly. "Biting those guys right and left."

Gabrielle smiled., and trailed her fingers through the soft fur. "Good boy." A wave of sleepiness rode over her, and she gave into it, closing her eyes, and letting her last thoughts center on her soulmate, wistfully wishing she was here even though she'd get teased for not being able to get out of the way of… She concentrated. Well, out of the way of whatever it was that hit her. Xena would give her a hard time.. yeah.. but those blue eyes would twinkle… she could almost see them… so clear…

Hecuba sighed as she watched her older daughter's breathing deepen and steady. "Goodness." She shook her head. "Will she be all right?"

The healer finished packing up his herbs, and smoothed a bit of salve on a raw scrape the colored the bard's neck. "She'll be fine.. but.. " He examined the scrape. "Here.. better take this off - it's irritating that wound."

Lila gently moved her sister's fair hair aside, and unclasped the necklace he was pointing at, removing it from around Gabrielle's neck and tucking it into her hand. "I'll hold it for her.. I know it's important."

"There." The healer sighed. "Don't worry.. after some rest, she'll be fine… there's no concussion, just a little bump on the head, and a few scratches. Not bad considering what she did.. my gods, that was something." He stood up and backed off, letting Hecuba move in closer to the sleeping bard. "That'll be the talk of the village…pity your husband wasn't here to see it."

The older woman sighed. "Yes." She tugged the blanket up and tucked it around her daughter's shoulders. "All right, all of you out.. let the girl be." She stood and herded them out, gently closing the partition to the room, and leaving her daughter in peace.

She woke in darkness, blinking hard against the gloom that threatened to cover her, unsure of where she was. Home? No… She felt her breath catch. Not here.. not this place, gods.. no…

The dream had engulfed her, dark, smiling images of her family, with pitying stares at her as she tried to insist the last three years of her life had not been spent in Potadeia.

She felt her breath come tight in her chest, and her eyes searched frantically around the room, begging her mind to tell her she was somewhere else.

That the dream that had claimed her, making her life with Xena merely a fantasy was itself, a fantasy.

But the more she looked, the more real it became. No. "No." Her voice was hoarse, as her eyes fixed, in confusion, on the fish. There… that was real.. that was a gift from Xena.

Wasn't it? Or was it the original fish? She looked around. No Ares.

Her hand lifted, to touch her throat.

And found nothing.

Her heart almost stopped in terror. No… gods… no… I can't lose this.. I..no… A moan escaped her. Xena… no.. please…don't leave me here… no… no…. oh gods… don't take this from me, please…

The door opened, and her mother hurried in, hearing her cry. "Gabrielle?" Lila came in after her, and then, the solid bulk of her father.

Now panic overwhelmed her, and she struggled to sit up, mutely staring at them.

"Take it easy.. " Lila sat down on the edge of the bed, and grabbed her shoulders. "It's okay.. you're here.. you're at home… "

"No." She tried to get up, to run out of there. "No!" Maybe if she ran fast enough, she could get away.

Hands grabbed her, and she fought them, struggling hard against the grips that forced her to lay down. She arched her back, tossing someone from her, and got one hand free, which was captured by another grip, as weight came down on her, and forced her flat against the bed, her heart hammering so hard it felt like it was coming out of her chest.

"Noooo!" It was almost a howl, and it tore her throat, and she convulsed, getting partly free and hurling herself off the pallet, feeling her knees impact on the floor and somehow lunging towards the door.

Colliding with a very solid object and feeling a fierce hold close around her, warm, real, and strong… Hands that gripped her face, forcing her to look up.

Look up.

Into pale blue eyes that swallowed her whole, and banished her fear into the mists.

"It's all right." A warm, velvet voice got past the herb's muddling, past the terror. Past the wild panic that threatened her very sanity. "It's all right.. you hear me?"

Gabrielle lifted a shaking hand to touch the smooth skin of the face looking down at her, letting her touch prove the reality of it. "Please don't leave me here." She felt the words tumble out in confusion. "Don't leave me…please…?"

Xena gazed down into the haunted, aching eyes and felt her heart break. "C'mere." She tucked the bard's shaking body against her own, and hugged her gently. "I won't leave you… I've got you… just take it easy." She lifted her eyes and studied the shocked faces of her soulmate's family, who were scattered where her wild thrashing had left them. "What happened?" She felt Gabrielle's knees start to buckle, and she lifted her up, giving her partner a worried look as she buried her face into the warrior's armor clad shoulder and clung to her in desperation. A sound, halfway between a groan and a cry escaped the bard. "Hey.. hey… easy.. " Xena hugged her.

Hecuba pushed her gray hair back with a shaking hand, and let out a trembling sigh. "I… I don't know.. really.. she… was sleeping.. we heard her cry out.. we came in here.. and .. "

Xena was studying her soulmate intently. "She's hurt." Now the bright blue eyes flicked to them, in piercing question, as the warrior's stance changed subtly, her weight and that of the bard shifting over her center of balance. "What happened??" Her voice took on a darker, lower tone.

Lila came forward, putting a calming hand on the warrior's arm. "We had a little incident here this afternoon.. some raiders came in,… Bree went and fought them off with her staff."

The warrior scowled, hearing the faint, broken whispers coming from her partner. "They hurt her?" Her look indicated dire consequences to them if they had.

Lila grimaced, and chewed her lip. "Um.. no.. actually, she hurt them… they ran off."

Xena's brows contracted, and she looked at Gabrielle, then up at Lila, and raised her left eyebrow.

The younger woman lifted a shoulder in a shrug. "They'd panicked the herd…Gabrielle got in the way."

The other brow joined its mate. "She got trampled by sheep?"

"Um. Yeah." Lila said, touching her sister's arm. "Bree?"

No answer. Xena took in a breath, and shook her head. "Healer give her anything? This head wound doesn't look bad enough to cause this kind of reaction."

Hecuba held up a small sack of herbs, then moved closer and offered them to Xena to sniff.

Damn. The warrior cursed softly. "That stuff gives her nightmares." She sighed in disgust. "I never use it on her."

"Don’t leave me." Gabreille whispered brokenly, her hands flexing against the armor. "Please? I'll die here… I.. don't belong here.. Xena.. please… you have to take me with you."

"Shh." Xena gave her partner's family an apologetic look, taking in their stricken faces with an internal wince. "I've got you.. and I'm not going anywhere without you, so take it easy." She eased down onto the pallet, and blew out a breath. The last mile into Potadeia was hardly even a memory, of rushing branches, and Argo's labored breathing, as she responded to the terror radiating down her connection with Gabrielle.

Lila knelt down next to her, and put her fingers on the warrior's arm, just above her bracer. "Xena.. um… you probably need to get a bandage on this." She looked up. "Um… I'll get some water… " She stood, and left the room, with Hecuba following her hastily.

That left Herodotus to gaze quietly at them, his muddied green eyes hazel and enigmatic in the candlelight. Then he, too walked quietly out, leaving them in silence.

A spear of errant moonlight traveled in the window, mixing with the golden light of the three candles that lit the room. The night breeze fluttered the flames, sending shadows dancing, and bringing in a hint of wood smoke to mingle with the wax scent.

Damn…Xena let her head fall back against the wall. "Hey… " she murmured softly to the bard, who stirred slightly against her.

Exhausted green eyes blinked up at her, still fuzzy with confusion. "Xena?"

"Yeah.. it's me." The warrior sighed. "You okay?"

Gabrielle rested her forehead against the cool hardness of her soulmate's breast armor. "I think I am now." Her voice shook slightly. "Gods.. I was having this nightmare… and it went on forever, Xena… it was… I could remember our life together, but no one else could… I was back here, and they all just looked at me like I was crazy… and laughed at me… ."

"It was the stuff the healer gave you." Her partner told her gently. "It gave you bad dreams."

The bard digested that. "Then I woke up.. and I was here.. and you weren't.. and I.." She looked up, bewildered. "I didn't know what was real. .and what was the dream.. Ares wasn't here, and my necklace… "Her fingers touched her neck. "And then they all came in and they held me down.. I thought… I.."

"Shh." Xena stroked her hair. "It's okay… I got you."

"Mph." A little of her normal composure was returning. "Yeah, you certainly do." She winced. "Here.. let me get off you… " She started to roll off her soulmate's prone body.

Xena wrapped her arms tighter, and held on. "Nope… I like you just where you are."

Gabrielle subsided, and chewed her lip, then slowly worked on disengaging Xena's armor clasps. "Your arm's bleeding." She eyed the slice. "What happened?" She managed to work the shoulder pieces free, and pulled them off her partner's chest, setting them down next to the bed, then snuggled closer with a tiny gasp of relief.

The warrior ducked her head to examine the wound. "I have no idea." She confessed. "Ares came out to meet me about a mile from here.. then I… " She hesitated. "I knew something was wrong, so.. um..I think I went through a fence." She bit this inside of her lip in thought. "Or something."

Lila came back in, bringing another candle, and setting it down. "Hi Xena." She commented, as she knelt. "Forgot to say that before." She glanced at her sister. "Hi."

Gabrielle gazed back at her. "Hi." She worked her jaw a bit. "Guess I'm right up there on the freak out scale today, huh?"

Her sister gave her a wry look. "Oooohhh yeah." She gently washed off Xena's arm, rinsing the bloody fabric in the water she'd brought. "First the diary, then you beat up a half a dozen guys, now this… didja have to save it all up? You coulda just spaced them out a little."

Gabrielle rested her head against Xena' s shoulder, and exhaled softly. "Sorry… I.. I didn't mean to react that way…I was just pretty confused." She winced, remembering her words. "I didn't meant to say all that stuff."

Lila carefully put a strip of linen bandage over what was, to Xena, an insignificant cut. "Well… I think they've been trying to convince themselves for a while now that… okay, they know you left because you wanted to.. not because you were. . um.. " Her eyes darted quickly to Xena's face.

"Kidnapped." Xena supplied, evenly.

Lila gave her a wry look. "Well, yeah." She turned back to her sister. "But they never admitted.. I think… that it was mostly their fault.. they usually just kind of preferred to believe that you left looking for adventure, or … whatever."

A dark brow curved at her. "First time I've been referred to as a whatever." Xena commented, with a half grin, as she scratched Gabrielle's back gently.

"Mm." Gabrielle considered the statement. "Guess I just blew that up out of the water, huh?" She curled her fingers around her soulmate's arm, which was loosely resting over her. "Though.. I don't think I would have followed just anyone."

Her sister rested an elbow on Xena's thigh. "Maybe you should tell them that. They feel pretty awful right now."

Xena merely watched them, amused at Lila's growing familiarity with her. Besides, she was still trying to get her heart rate down, and slow the pounding headache she'd developed as she tore down the rock littered path to the aid of her stricken soulmate. She understood now, what had happened, but it didn't make her feel any better.

Thank all the gods in Olympus she'd decided to come back here. What if she hadn't? She gazed down at Gabrielle, letting the bard's halting words to Lila pass through her. What would that have done to her? Not that her family would deny their relationship, but…gods. Absently she smoothed the bard's soft, golden red hair, focusing on the silky texture, and how the candle's light brought out the fiery highlights in it.

"Xena?" Gabrielle's voice broke into her drifting thoughts, and she glanced up.

"Yeah?" Both Gabrielle and Lila were watching her curiously. "Sorry…it's just been a long day." She resettled her arms around the bard with a sense of satisfying relief. "Did you need something?"

Gabrielle breathed out a laugh. "No..just wondering how your errand went."

A shrug of one shoulder. "All right." Then she fell silent, hoping Gabrielle would realize that meant they'd discuss it later.

A gentle pat on her belly told her the bard did, indeed, understand. "That's good…"

"Oh!" Xena popped her eyes open. "You'll never guess who I bumped into on the road."

The bard regarded her. "Autolycus?"

"No." The warrior shook her head.

"Hercules and Iolaus?"

"Nope."

"Cecrops?"

"Nu huh."

"Xena?"

"Well.. sure." The warrior drawled, cheered at her soulmate's returning spirits. "That's a given."

Gabrielle rolled her eyes. "You are such a brat."

Xena grinned. "Salmoneus."

"Oh!" The bard chuckled. "Haven't seen him in forever.. what's he up to?"

"Don’t ask." Her partner advised her. "Its involving animals."

Lila stood. "Well, Bree.. you need to get some rest, and I guess you're in the best of hands, now." She ruffled her sister's hair affectionately. "I'll talk to the folks…give them overnight to calm down."

Gabrielle nodded a little. "Thanks, Li…" She grasped her sister's hand, and squeezed it. "Where's Lennat?"

The tall, dark haired woman laughed. "Taking care of your namesake…giving him rides on his back, and in general, making sure he'll be completely frantic by the time I get home." She smiled, and slipped towards the door, then stopped, feeling in her pocket. "Oh.. wait." She came back over and knelt down, pulling something out and offering it to her sister. "Here.. we took this off because of that scrape…"

The bard took the necklace, and gazed at it, then looked up at Lila. "Please don't ever do that again." She asked, in a small voice, before she refastened it around her neck with shaking hands, and picked the crystal up, studying it in silence.

"I… " Lila was at a loss for words. "Bree, I'm sorry.. I know you like that.. but.. "

Keeping her eyes on the crystal, the bard reached up with her free hand and felt around Xena's neck, tugging the warrior's own necklace out into the candlelight. She moved closer, nestling her head right up under Xena's chin, and fit the two halves together, with the faintest of clicks. Then she let her eyes slide shut, and rubbed her thumb gently against the joined pieces.

Xena watched her in pensive silence, blue eyes flicking around the room with feral intensity. She cleared her throat and drew breath. "We were given those by Jessan's people." She told Lila, who was watching her sister with deep concern. "They.. signify our relationship, in their tradition."

"Oh." Lila answered, in a chastened voice. "I didn't know."

The bard opened her eyes, and exhaled. "It's all right.. just gave me a scare when I woke up."

Her sister reached up and patted her arm, then stood and went to the door, opening it to allow Ares' dark form to hurtle in. "Whoa.." She muttered, then cast a last look at the silent pair tangled on the bed, and slipped out.

Gabrielle fended the wolf's tongue off. "Ares! Cut that out." She waited for the wolf to calm down, then eyed her partner. "So. What's up?"

Xena examined her minutely. "First things first… are you all right?"

Gentle green eyes tinged with candlelight met hers. "I'm.. really tired, and kinda hungry, and my head and neck hurts, but other than that, yeah. I'm.. all right." A pause. "So.. what's up?"

The warrior settled her shoulders more comfortably, and sighed. "It was a note from an old…" Her words stopped. "From a former lieutenant of mine." She was uncomfortably aware of her partner's intent look. "He.. well, he's calling in a favor I owe him… wants me to come north, to a place he's staked out with his army."

"Hmm." Gabrielle mused. "How long ago?"

She looked at the bard. "Five…gods.. six years, now."

They regarded each other in silence. "Well?" Gabrielle finally said.

"Well what?" Xena answered, puzzled.

"Get it over with.. so I can get the "are you nuts!" over with, and we can start planning." The bard answered, with a knowing look.

Xena blinked, nonplussed. "Um." A hand lifted and gently traced the bard's cheekbones. "I wouldn't let you stay here." She looked intently into Gabrielle's eyes. "Not after tonight."

The bard's gaze dropped. "I wouldn't stay here." She looked back up. "Even before tonight."

They nodded at each other, in solemn confirmation. "So." Xena took in a deep breath. "It's.. not going to be pretty, Gabrielle… he's looking for the Xena he remembers.. and.. I'm not that person anymore."

"No." Gentle agreement.

"I'm not sure what he wants… and I'm not sure I can give it to him, anyway…but he's a… blunt…sometimes cruel person." Xena's eyes took on a distinct shadow. "We made a good team." She debated telling Gabrielle all of it, then a resolution never again to lie, or withhold information from the woman took her in. "We used to be lovers."

She felt Gabrielle suck in a breath, and sensed the slim body wrapped in her arms stiffen. "But it was mostly just more of a convenience than anything. It didn't mean anything to either of us."

The bard relaxed a little. "Is he good looking?" She asked, with a halfhearted grin.

A shrug. "He's a pretty boy.. or he was, anyway…looked a little like Palemon."

"Mmm." Gabrielle sighed. "I kinda liked Palemon."

Xena shifted, and drew her head down, tucking it under a warm chin, and rocking her gently. "Gabrielle.. if this is going to bother you… let me take you home." She uttered softly. "I can't stand the thought of you being hurt."

The bard soaked in the love that surrounded her, breathing it in like a rose's fragrance on the night breeze. "I can't stand the thought of you going into a nasty place without someone to watch your back." She replied, peacefully. "I want to be there." She fiddled with the ring on Xena's leathers. "But thank you for thinking of me." She got herself together, and gave the leather a tug. "Come on.. out of these."

Xena released her reluctantly, and allowed her to stand. "I gotta go see about Argo." She sighed. "Get our stuff."

The bard nodded. "Good idea." Then she gave her soulmate a sheepish grin. "Do you have any of those trail bars in there? I really am starving."

Xena smiled, recognizing a good sign when she saw one. "If not. I'll find ya something." She promised, as she slipped out the door which led to the outside.

Gabrielle walked to the window, and leaned against the sill, watching Xena move off into the moonlight. "So." She turned and crossed her arms, gazing at her fish with wistful intent. "You brought my wave back, huh?" She took in a shaky breath, glad the nightmares were over.

For now.

It was barely dawn when Xena felt herself nudged out of sleep by a sense of discomfort. She blinked a little, then focused her eyes on Gabrielle, who was curled up in a half ball with her back pressed against the warrior's body. "Gabrielle?"

"Yeah." Came the very soft response.

"Um… everything okay?" Xena murmured, putting a hand on the bard's shoulder.

Silence. Then.. "No… I mean… I'm not feeling well." Gabrielle sighed. "Aftereffects of yesterday, I guess."

Xena lifted herself up onto one elbow, and peered at her soulmate in concern. "Your head hurt?"

Gabrielle shook the aforementioned bodypart negatively. "No.. sick to my stomach." She swallowed. "From the herbs, I think."

The warrior rubbed her back in a light massage. "Or all those trail bars you ate last night." She kidded gently. "Pressure points not working?" She pressed a thumb against the inside of Gabrielle's wrist, and saw the bard wince a little in reaction. "I got some stuff.. hang on."

She levered herself off the pallet they were both lying on, and padded across the room to where she'd dumped their bags, kneeling down and rummaging in one. "Yeah… " A cup emerged, followed by several packets. "Just you hold on a minute… " She mixed up a combination, pausing, then adding a final ingredient before she stood and brought the cup back to the bed. "Here.. see if you can get this down."

One green eye peered grumpily up at her. "Does it taste bad?"

Xena took a sip herself, and smiled. "Nope."

"Oh.. like you're a judge." Gabrielle nevertheless hoisted herself up, and took the mug gingerly, sniffing it. "Oh." She took a swallow, then a longer one. "Mm." Her eyes wandered up to settle on Xena's half grin and she sighed. "Why can't you make them always taste this good?"

The warrior brushed a lock of her pale hair back with idle fingers, and gave her head a little shake. "Wouldn't make sense to pour something disgusting down someone who had a stomach ache, would it?" She paused, watching Gabrielle finish the cup. "Feel better?"

The bard blinked a few times as she licked her lips. "A little." The queasy feeling was subsiding, much to her relief, and she settled back down on the pillow, gazing up at Xena with a grateful look. "Thank you."

Early dawn light gleamed briefly off white teeth as Xena smiled back. "Gotta be good for something, right?"

"Tch." Gabrielle put the mug down, then reached up and tangled her fingers in the soft fabric of the sleep shirt Xena was wearing, and tugged. "Get over here." She was rewarded by a bedful of warm warrior, who curled strong limbs around her and captured her in a living basket of affection, making her sigh in pure pleasure. "Gods.. that feels good." She half turned and nuzzled her face against Xena's chest, breathing in her scent happily. "I'm really glad you're here."

Xena's chest moved as she took in a deep breath. "Me too." She replied quietly. "I found the stupidest looking bird on the way to Rivas."

Gabrielle digested that statement curiously. "O… kaay… " She drawled, nibbling the soft lace her cheek was resting against. "You.. found a bird."

"Mmm… " Xena yawned a little. "It waddled." She paused. "But it couldn’t fly."

The bard giggled a little. "Xena, is this a game?"

"Nu uh." Her partner shook her head. "Salmoneus had them… little.. up to my knees, I guess.. bird things with flippers… a sharp beak.. and they waddled." She let out a contented breath. "Stupid looking thing." A moment of reflective silence. "You'd have loved it."

Gabrielle let out a choked snort. "Oh.. right.. stupid waddling bird thing.. and I'd love it.. gee, thanks Xena." She tickled the warrior down her side, and grinned as she squirmed. "I'll remember that."

They rested quietly in each other's arms for a bit, as Gabrielle felt the last of her discomfort evaporate, and she simply lay there, enjoying the closeness and the rhythmic stroking motion of her partner's hand against her hair. "Xena?"

"Hmm?" The sleepy murmur rumbled deep inside Xena's chest.

"Were you in love with that guy?"

Blue eyes popped wide open, and went very round, as Xena let several breaths fill her lungs while she attempted speech. "Um…no." She finally managed to say. "Not at all."

"Oh." The bard continued to play with the lace.

"Why did you ask me that?" Xena uttered softly.

Silence. "Just wondered, that's all." The bard replied, hesitantly. "Sometimes your past has a way of sneaking up and surprising me."

Xena winced inwardly. "No surprises here." She sighed. "When we parted, I broke both his arms, and made pretty certain he wasn't going to have kids any time soon."

"Oh." That syllable was in a completely different tone than the previous one. "Yikes."

"Mm." Xena agreed. "That's more or less what he said at the time." She paused. "He.. made a deal with an enemy of mine.. sold out our army into an ambush. "

"Ugh." The bard made a face. "What happened?"

"He gambled." Xena said, quietly. "And lost…it was a small ravine we were trapped in, narrow enough for one or two people to hold it while the rest of my army escaped."

Gabrielle gazed at her, speculatively. "One or two people, huh?"

A gentle, sheepish smile rewarded her. "Well.. yeah.. . I was in the front, so… " A modest shrug. "I kinda told them to beat it.. and held the other army off long enough."

Blinking green eyes. "So.. what's' the favor?"

Long silence. "They took me, eventually… didn't look real good, but he snuck in to where they were holding me, and got me out of there… made me promise I'd return the favor someday."

"Hmm." Gabrielle chewed that over. "Nice guy."

"Oh yeah." Xena grunted. "I don't know what he wants.. or what he expects from me.. but.. "

"But he's calling in a favor from someone who no longer exists." The bard stated firmly. "You think he'll be surprised?"

To her own surprise, Xena started laughing. "Oh.. gods… will he ever." She rolled over, pulling the bard with her, and settling the smaller woman into a snug positon resting on her chest. "He once told me.. that there wasn't enough fire in the world to touch the ice bitch that I was."

Gabrielle's jaw dropped. "Well.. " She snorted. "If he says that again, I'll make sure he doesn't ever have children." She crossed her arms and rested her chin on them. "He must be pretty stupid not to have seen through that act."

Xena sighed pensively. "I'm not sure it was an act back then."

Her soulmate went silent, thinking. "I think… Xena, I think you were hurt so bad.. you just buried all the good stuff way down.. where no one could find it." She said, slowly. "But you couldn’t keep it down forever, and it eventually bubbled up to the top."

An eyebrow quirked. "You make me sound like a pot of stew." The warrior quipped wryly, but she smiled. "It's a nice image, though."

"Ooo… " Gabrielle chewed her lip. "You shouldn't have said that… now I'm hungry."

That got a laugh from her dark haired companion. "I shoulda known…" Xena tickled her fondly, running fingertips up and down her sides and feeling the giggles start. "I've got some pastries mother packed… you get em, and I'll get some hot tea, okay?" She watched Gabrielle's face crease into an easy smile, and breathed a silent sigh of relief as the terrors of the previous night seemed to be completely evaporated.

"You got a deal, partner." Gabrielle kissed her gently, taking her time and savoring the warm jolt of sensation the contact sent down her belly. "I need some reinforcement before I have to face my parents again…" She nibbled Xena's collarbone, a particularly tasty part of the warrior. "I really wish I hadn't said what I did last night…it just came out of me."

Xena cradled her face, and drew it down, exploring her lips with gentle insistence. She kept that up until she felt Gabrielle's body melt against her own, then she laced her fingers behind the bard's neck, and gazed into her eyes with fierce intent. "I want you to know something."

Pale lashes slowly blinked over mist green eyes. "What?"

"There have been a lot of people in my life, Gabrielle…" Xena spoke slowly, but clearly. "And.. I think I've probably loved.. outside my family.. maybe a dozen of them."

"I… I know that… " Gabrielle answered softly. "I didn't mean to question you.. Xena.. I .. "

A finger touched her lips, stilling them. "There has been no one, Gabrielle, no one ever who has meant to me what you do." Her voice held and earnest note. "Not Marcus, not Lao Ma, not Hercules…no one.. you're not going to someday meet someone from my past who will have a claim to my heart… or my soul like you do."

The bard just looked at her, speechless.

"You don't have to be afraid of that, not anymore." The warrior finished, in a small voice. "Okay?"

Her answer was a gentle, trembling kiss.

The dwelling was dark, as Xena made her silent way towards the small kitchen, her water pot held loosely in one hand. She stepped gently around the worn furniture, trying to imagine Gabrielle growing up here. It was hard.. but her eyes fell on the table pushed against the wall, and she remembered one, rambling story her partner had once told her, about a game she used to play from under the tables surface.. something about pretending to be in a castle, was it? Xena shook her head a little, and ducked into the entrance to the kitchen, freezing as she saw the silent, huddled figure crouched over the table.

Hecuba looked up, her hands curling reflexively around the leather bound volume she was holding, and blinked at the sudden appearance of the tall, dark haired woman in her kitchen. "Ah." She breathed softly. "Xena."

Oh boy. Xena took in a breath. Okay..okay.. don't panic…you can handle this. "Morning." She kept her voice even. "Just wanted to heat up some water."

The older woman nodded wearily. "Go ahead." Her thumb rubbed gently against the book.

The warrior set the water to heat, then turned and regarded her soulmate's mother, sorting through her possible attempts at conversation. She decided on directness. "You all right?"

Hecuba lifted her eyes, and stared at her, bleakly. "You know.. I used to hate you."

Well. So much for that approach. "I…"

A raised hand stopped her. "I used to lay awake at night and curse your name for taking my daughter away from me." She sucked in a breath. "I realized last night I should have been giving thanks to the gods instead."

Xena nibbled her inner lip, and pushed off the wall she was leaning against and crossed the floor, stopping and crouching by Hecuba's side, with an arm resting on the table. "That's not true."

Weary hazel eyes stared at her. "She hates us."

A vehement shake of Xena's dark head. "That is not true at all." She dropped her tone to its lowest register. "She loves you."

Hecuba shook her head. "I never realized how much she was hurting." She whispered brokenly. "What our constant pressure on her to conform to our expectations was doing to her."

Xena just stayed silent, having nothing to reply to that.

"I always consoled myself by thinking she was drawn by the excitement… " Her eyes found Xena's face. "By the glamour.. I never believed she left because of what we did."

The warrior slowly sat down on the ground, cross-legged, and rested her elbows on her knees as she studied the floorboards. "When I met your daughter… the first thing that struck me was both her courage.. and her joy in life." Xena said, quietly. "After I chased off those raiders, she tried to convince me to take her away." Her eyes lifted. "I said no."

The older woman sighed softly.

"I went home… hoping for forgiveness, and what I found were people who not ready to give that up so easily." Xena went on. "All they wanted was my blood, and I was ready to let them take it." She felt a gentle touch on her hair, but kept her eyes down. "And they would have…except some damn fool kid from Potadeia got in the way and talked them out of it."

Finally, she looked up. "Hating is easy, Hecuba. It's much harder to love.. and your daughter has never been one to take the easy way out. She doesn't hate you." Xena exhaled gently. "She loves you.. and that's why it hurt so damn much."

In the semidarkness of the kitchen, their eyes met, in a silence broken by two sets of breathing. Xena shifted slightly, and rested her chin on her upraised fists, having said what she'd intended. It was true, on more levels that Hecuba could probably understand.. and it applied to the two of them, as well as to her soulmate's relationship with her parents. Loving was harder. It hurt, and it sometimes brought misery and anguish where hate never would.

Cowards hated. It took a true hero to love, and by that definition… Xena knew, and admitted, Gabrielle's heroism far, far overshadowed her own.

Hecuba drew in breath. "That's quite a remarkable thing to say."

A dark eyebrow rose partly. "I'm not much for words."

The older woman nodded slightly. "She… draws a…fascinating picture of you in here, did you know that?" Her hand touched the bound scrolls.

Xena blinked. "No.. I didn't.. that’s a very private place for her."

"She gave this to me to try and give me an idea of who she has become.. and I have." Hecuba answered reflectively. "It's not… what I expected." She paused, choosing her words. "She's been through so much.. "

The warrior dropped her gaze to the floor. "I know… I take a lot of responsibility for that."

A rustle of parchment sounded very loud in the room, and the rasp of skin against its surface followed. "Can I read you something?" Unexpectedly, Hecuba's voice took on a stronger note.

Xena looked up. "Um.. Hecuba, the things in there… are hers."

Hazel eyes regarded her in weary knowledge. "I think it would be all right." She glanced down, and swallowed, then took a breath.

Each day I wake, and see the sun.

And know another day is here, new and strange.

Knowing not what will come, nor what things I will find in it.

Then I look up, and see you there..

And welcome the future.

"Do you know what I find the most remarkable thing?" Hecuba mused. "She's gone through such terrible things.. horrible.. things I would have thought would have… "

Xena felt a faint shudder go through her. She clamped down on her emotions, and gritted her teeth, as the responsibility for those lost dreams dropped squarely onto her broad shoulders.

"But those words were dated the day before yesterday." The older woman let out a sigh, and shook her head. "How she keeps that wonder inside her, I don't know."

The warrior felt the breath go out of her, in shock. Day before yesterday? "I.. don't know how either." She managed to respond in almost a normal voice. "What happened was in the past, Hecuba… you can't change that. " She looked up. "Accept who she is now, and go from there." Just like she did for you, right?

Slowly, Hecuba nodded. "I don't really have a choice, do I?" She replied simply. "I think it's harder on her father.. but in a strange way, I think he's proud of her, for turning out in spite of everything."

Xena let a wry smile touch her lips. "I think my mother feels more or less the same way about me."

The older woman rubbed her temples. "You may be right." She let her elbows rest on her knees, so their heads were almost even. "You're not so bad, Xena."

The warrior reluctantly released one of her full, relaxed smiles, usually reserved for her soulmate. "Neither are you, Hecuba."

The woman smiled back. "Will you give this back to Gabrielle?" She held out the diary.

Blue eyes glinted in the morning sun. "Nope." Xena rose in a smooth motion. "Don't chicken out now, Hecuba." She stepped over and reclaimed her hot water, then eased out of the room, with a relieved sigh. Damn.. didn't expect that little confrontation. She moved quietly back across the dwelling, and slipped back into the small room where she'd left her soulmate.

Who was standing at the window, bathed in the dawn, and letting the cool breeze wash over her. She turned as Xena entered, and leaned back against the sill, crossing her arms over her chest and lifting one blond eyebrow. "What took you so long?"

"Roo!" Ares agreed, crossing his paws in an uncanny mimic of the bard, and looking at Xena from his position lying in front of the bed. "Agrrrrroo."

Xena raised an eyebrow at him, and went to the small table, where Gabrielle had left two cups ready. "Ran into your mother."

"Ooo…. Ouch. Sorry." The bard winced, and trotted over, patting her arm. "Didn't think she'd be up this early."

A shrug. "It was all right…" The warrior poured the water, then set the pot down and sniffed reflectively. "I think she kinda likes me."

Gabrielle chuckled softly. "I think it's a guilty pleasure.. like knowing you shouldn't eat a pail full of berries, but doing it anyway because they taste so good."

That got her both eyebrows straight up. "Oh.. nice… thanks, Gabrielle."

"Well.. " Her partner nibbled the skin of her upper arm, and rested her cheek against it. "Metaphorically speaking, of course." She paused, then nibbled again. "For her, anyway."

Xena let out a soft snort of laughter. "Well.. she finished your diary.. we talked a little bit about stuff… I think she's okay." She handed the bard her cup. "Did you want.."

"When are we… " They both spoke at the same time, then looked at each other and chuckled. "Places to go, people to see, huh?"

"Unless you… we can stick around here for a few days… " Xena offered. "Garanimus' note didn't say it was a critical emergency.. "

Gabrielle sipped her tea. "No." She looked up peacefully. "I think we all need to think about stuff that's happened the last two days… they need time to… adjust." She decided. "Besides…you've got my curiosity all stirred up, and the sooner this adventure starts, the better."

Xena accepted that. "All right." She paused, and gazed with intent interest into her mug, watching the steam curl its fragrant way up. "She read me the poem you wrote the other day."

Gabrielle looked up, surprised. "Oh." Then she smiled a little. "I'd forgotten I did that.." She rubbed her jaw. "I wonder why she picked that one?" She mused, then glanced up. "Did you like it?"

The warrior's eyes took in her backlit form in wistful pride. "I didn't know you still looked at things that way."

The bard thought about that for a long moment before answering. "I didn't either.. until I wrote that. It just…came out." She lifted a hand and touched her chest. "From here.. but once I'd written it, I realized just how true it was."

Xena smiled. "Yes, I liked it." She touched her forehead to her soulmate's. "It kinda spoke for me, too." She read Gabrielle's small start of surprise . "C'mon… I think I hear the future calling."

Continued in Part 3

Standard Disclaimer - These characters, most of them, belong to Universal, and Renaissance Pictures, and whoever else has a stake in Xena: Warrior Princess. This is written just in fun, and no copyright infringement was intended.

Specific Story Disclaimers:

Violence –Why does anyone ever disclaim violence in a Xena story? Of course there's violence. Do you think we'd put out a story that consisted of pages and pages of Xena just.. .fishing.. or something? She is a Warrior Princess, not a Mary Kay consultant. (no insult intended - some of my best co workers are Mary Kay consultants, and I purchase from them regularly) And Gabrielle is no slouch with that staff, either. So, yes - there is violence.

Subtext - C'mon. Even the show has subtext. Heck, sometimes, it's not subtext. Sometimes, it's maintext. But anyway, this is an alternative fan fiction story. That means, it's based on the premise that Xena and Gabrielle are more than just best friends. If that's not your cup of mint tea, there are many, many talented bards out in the Xenaverse who post general fiction, which does not follow this premise. Go find them. Enjoy them.

This is, of course, PG13 level involvement here, no more.

So - having read this lovely disclaimer, if you then read the story and are shocked that Gabrielle and Xena are kissing each other, I can't help ya. If you're offended by it, send me your address, and I'll send you a bushel of citrus. We like to send that from here - we have to get rid of all of it somehow.

Any and all comments are always welcome. You can email them to:

mailto:merwolf@bellsouth.net

Promises Kept - Part 3

By Melissa Good

The setting sun that night found them tucked in a peaceful glade, inside a ring of tall trees overlooking a long, sloping expanse of grass that led down to a large lake. Xena had stopped early, though neither of them was particularly tired.

Mostly because she was just glad to be out, and free, and alone with the bard, under a clear sky, and only the birds and small animals to keep them company. And Argo and Ares, of course. Argo had agreeably carried both of them most of the day, and they had made good time, so when they'd passed a spot she remembered as being particularly nice, she'd steered the mare off the path, and headed her down through the overhanging trees, the soft leaves brushing their shoulders like a gentle blanket.

"Pretty spot." Gabrielle commented, from her seat on a fallen log. "Didn't we stay here when we were headed out this way one time?"

Xena nodded, with a quiet smile. "Yes." She finished pulling off Argo's saddle, and set it on the ground, then unbuckled the mare's blanket. "It was that time after you came back from the Academy."

The bard leaned back, and crossed her booted legs at the ankles. "Ohhh yeah… I remember… I finally got you to listen to some of my poetry that night." She chuckled. "You had no idea what to say to me." A fond memory of round blue eyes blinking at her in some alarm through the flickering firelight made her smile.

The warrior gave her a look. "You're right. .I didn't." She rubbed the mare down, then unbuckled her armor, and lifted it off her shoulders. "You in the mood for some fresh fish?"

"Like I'd ever turn that offer down." Gabrielle grinned smugly. "That lake looks great.. but I'll wait until you finish catching dinner… so I don't get accused of scaring the prey off again."

Xena looked up, from where she was kneeling and unbuckling her leg armor, and gave her partner a wry look. "You're fine, as long as you don't sing."

Gabrielle stuck her tongue out, then crossed her arms over her chest, and watched appreciatively as Xena stripped out of her leathers and stood casually, her bare, tanned skin collecting the red light of sunset. The hard work with her equine charges had added quite a bit of muscle to her soulmate's back and shoulders, and she watched in idle fascination as the smooth ripples moved under her flesh. She looks really good. Gabrielle decided, watching the warrior turn her way and capture the light from a totally different direction. Oh yeah…definitely…Her thoughts wandered off to a very pleasant place.

"Gabrielle?" The curious voice interrupted her meandering.

"Huh?" She looked up, finding blue eyes peering at her. "Oh..sorry… " She gave Xena an impish grin. "I was just enjoying the view."

The warrior rolled her eyes. "Thanks." She tossed the bard a shirt, and padded down the slope, lengthening her strides the last few and diving into the water with a clean, almost splashless entry.

Gabrielle waited until she surfaced, then she stood, and slung the shirt over her shoulder and went to retrieve her partner's leathers, shaking them out, and brushing them off fondly. She caught Ares' eyes and held the garment up to her own body "What do you think, Ares?"

The wolf sneezed.

"Eeeeyah… " Gabrielle laughed easily. "That's what I said, too…boy did I look goofy in them that one time." She folded the leathers over, and laid them neatly on top of a saddlebag, then moved over to her own things and sat down, pulling off her boots and wiggling her toes. "Mmm… " She sighed, leaning back and stretching her body out, feeling the pleasant pull against her stomach muscles. She let her arms relax, and gazed up at the sky, as it shaded from the sunset's orange glow to a deep blue, and showed the first twinkling of stars overhead. A deep breath brought her the scent of the water nearby, and the grass she was lying in, and the rich pine scent of the trees. "Smells great out here, doesn't it, Ares?"

The wolf looked up from where he had a pinecone pinned between his two big paws and was worrying it with his teeth. "Agrrooo." He yodeled softly, scrambling to his feet and trotting over to her, where he dropped his pine cone on her belly and sat down with an expectant look.

"Ouch." Gabrielle picked up the prickly item, and inspected it. "I guess that means you're hungry, huh?" She heard a distinct rumble. "Is that you or me?"

"Agrrroooo." The wolf licked her hand, then looked up, his yellow eyes fixing on something that caused his tail to wag.

Gabrielle rolled her head to one side, and spotted her soulmate emerging from the water. "Oooo…you think she's got dinner?" She inquired of the wolf, then sucked in a breath as the full sunlight hit Xena's water speckled body. "Oh.. who cares?" She clucked her tongue. "Tell you what.. you can have the fish, I'll take your mommy, okay?"

"Roo?" Ares cocked his head at her, sniffing at her belly and giving her an experimental lick.

"Aghh.. that's cold." The bard grabbed his tongue in two fingers, and held on, causing the wolf to poke it out further, and make a muffled whining sound. She released it, and scratched his head absently as she watched Xena's approach. The warrior was shaking the wet hair out of her eyes, and causing fire tinged droplets of water to spin off into the sunlight, which was gracing her powerful body with a cloak of warm crimson. No… Gabrielle felt a smile edging its way onto her face. The time in Amphipolis hadn't done her soulmate any harm at all. She tilted her head as Xena approached, and stood dripping nearby. "That was fast."

Xena shrugged. "Lot of fish in there… not many people around here." She knelt and set the two large fish on the stones surrounding the campfire to slow cook, then stood back up and offered Gabrielle a hand up. "Wanna go swimming?"

The bard took her hand, and allowed herself to be hoisted to her feet. "Now there's an offer I can't refuse." She reached for the belt holding her skirt on, as Xena helpfully untied her top, peeling away the fabric and tickling her a little across her ribs. Her skin was paler than her partner's but not by much, and had a golden tinge to it, where Xena's held a touch of bronze. She glanced up at the dancing blue eyes, and grinned, then gave her a poke. "Race you!"

She took off running, hearing Xena laugh, then feeling the warmth as the warrior caught up to her, running a finger down the length of her spine as they headed towards the water. She plunged into the lake, enjoying the rush as the cold water closed over her head, and covered her body. She surfaced with a splutter. "Augh.. you didn’t tell me it was cold!"

Xena had also surfaced, and was treading water nearby. "You didn't ask." She stated blithely. "Besides, it's a lake, and it's fall, Gabrielle.. what did you expect?"

"I expected you to find a heated spring, of course." The bard answered, splashing her. "You of many skills."

Xena snorted, and splashed her back.

That turned into a water fight, which lasted until the last rays of sun were tinting the water, and Xena finally caught up with the elusive bard, getting a firm hold on her slippery body and bringing her close. "Gotcha." She growled, triumphantly.

Gabrielle stopped struggling, and wound her arms around her partner's neck. "Yep." She agreed cheerfully, surprised when Xena didn't hesitate to incline her head and take possession of the bard's lips. The warmth against the water's chill felt fantastic and she squirmed closer, pressing more of her body against the warrior's. She finally broke off with a little sigh. "We are in the middle of a lake, in the middle of a forest, love. "

"Hmmm… " Xena chuckled deep in her throat. "Nobody around for miles.. except Argo, Ares, and an owl in that tree to our left."

Gabrielle peered into the gloom. "C'mon, Xena.. even you aren't that good." She giggled, bumping her partner with her head.

The warrior reached down, and came up with a stone dripping water, then with a flick of her wrist, sent it flying into the trees. A whirring sound exploded out of the nearest, and a large brown owl flapped out, giving them an evil look as it passed.

Xena smirked, and cocked an eyebrow. "Oh yes I am. " She purred cockily, as she lifted the bard up and cradled her, then walked casually up out of the lake, and back to their campsite.

Gabrielle didn't even protest. She just hung on, and gently licked droplets of the cool water from her partner's skin as she was set down onto her sleeping furs and felt a piece of linen start to dry her all over. With a lazy grin, she returned the favor, then settled back as Xena made a detour to the fire, and brought back their dinner, which they alternated bites of with nibbles of each other until Gabrielle felt both pleasantly stuffed, and wonderfully stimulated.

Xena set their empty plates aside, and ran a slow, teasing hand up the bard's body, feeling her arch towards the contact, and smiling as she slid down next to her partner, and started a steady, sly nibbling just below her last rib, intent on embarking on a creative path.

Gabrielle sucked in an unsteady breath, letting the sharp wave of sensation crash over her. The stars over head seemed more than usually vivid, and she willingly gave up control of her senses to a touch that claimed her utterly.

She was aware, at last, of being merely a ball of contentment, floating peacefully in a sleepy sea of warmth.

Xena listened to her soulmate's steady breathing, which sent a stream of warmth across her skin where the bard's cheek was resting against it. Her eyes were sharp, and alert, as she kept watch, reassuring herself of the lack of danger, of watchers in the vicinity.

She'd checked and rechecked, of course, before she'd risked losing herself in a bout of passion, but you could never be too sure. Even with Ares' watchful senses there to alert her, she was still overwhelmingly aware of her role in keeping herself, and Gabrielle safe. Normally, they wouldn't have risked it. However, she had no idea what they were going into, and the past two days had been very stressful to both of them so….

They'd gotten away with it. Xena stretched a little, and curled her body more securely around Gabrielle's. Couldn’t do that very often, but.. it had been worth it. She felt pretty damn good, and by the smile on the bard's face… She sighed softly, and yawned, letting her eyes drift closed; knowing her senses would remain alert from long habit.

Gabrielle stirred sleepily, and squirmed closer, letting out a wordless mumble as her hands found a more secure grip, curling around Xena's ribs possessively. The sight brought an appreciative grin to the warrior's face as she blinked her eyes open to peer down at the younger woman. The dim flicker of the fire brought bare highlights against the fair eyelashes that brushed delicately against her skin. She tucked the furs around them both, and tilted her head back with a sigh, regarding the friendly stars high above them.

The road sloped upward now; leading into a small band of hills that circled them, and was covered with a thick forest. Two days of traveling had ended with them having to detour around the best way, when Xena found a small war being raged between two city states and decided not to get involved. "Could last for a long time.. " She'd informed the bard, as they picked their way gingerly around the perimeter. "Gotta get this out of the way first.. maybe on our way back."

Gabrielle had nodded, casting her eyes behind them as Argo carried them in a direction calculated to circle the conflict. "So many wars, so little time." She'd murmured, with a sigh, as she chewed industriously on a bit of bread and cheese her partner had presented her after a mild complaint. "All this walking's making me hungry."

Xena burst out laughing. "Oh yeah.. and what's your usual excuse?" She teased wickedly, and got an impudent pink tongue back as an answer.

Now they were walking, to give Argo a rest, and the road let off puffs of dust around their boots as Gabrielle rehearsed one of her more recent stories. Xena, as usually, listened in amiable silence.

"You think I should keep the horse bit in there?" The bard questioned, pausing to review. "The biting thing, I mean."

Xena considered. "I thought it was funny." She finally stated, cautiously. "Especially when you described the face the horse made after it bit that guy."

Gabrielle chuckled. "That kinda 'o gods what do I have in my mouth' look?"

The warrior nodded. "Yeah.. I gave Argo some herb cake of mother's once and she made that face." She turned to the placidly pacing mare. "Didn'cha?"

Argo jangled her bit, and snorted, giving Xena a nudge in the ribs.

A faint hail made them both stop, and look at each other. "Did you hear that?" Gabrielle said, her brow creasing. "Sounds like someone yodeling."

They turned, to see a dust cloud appearing to chase them, with an undulating cry coming from it.

"Ooohooo! Girls!" The sound became clearer.

Xena sighed. "Never listens." She stopped and rested one arm across Argo's shoulders, and put the other hand on her hip. Ares sat down at her heels, and sneezed in the dust.

Gabrielle grinned. "Hey.. be nice.. I haven't seen him in a long time." She trotted down the road to greet the oncoming wagon. "Salmoneus!"

"Hello!" The older man huffed up to her, and hugged her enthusiastically. "Well, hello!" He patted her back, then held her out at arms distance, and clucked. "Look at you! Gabrielle, you look fabulous." He enthused. "You're positively glowing!"

The bard blushed, and gave him a push. "Nice to see you too, Salmoneus.. Xena said she'd bumped into you."

The man cast an eye at the dourly waiting Xena and blew her a kiss. "Oh yah.. I had the pleasure of meeting tall, dark and deadly just a few days ago.. and boy was I lucky I did.. nice timing." He tugged on the reins of his mule, who was sturdily pulling a wagon behind him. "She sure saved my…um… "

"I get the idea." The bard assured him, peeking into the wagon. "What do you have here?"

He beamed. "My educational exhibit. I'm increasing the scholastic aptitude of people all over Greece."

Sparkling green eyes darted from the wagon to his face. "Sideshow, huh?"

"Tch.." He clucked. "You've been spending too much time with a certain Warrior Princess, I think." He opened a cage, and let the occupant waddle out. "See? Bet you've never seen anything like that before!"

Gabrielle gazed at the small, upright bird in delight. "Oh.. he's so cute!" She tentatively put a hand out, and the bird toddled over, nibbling at her fingers. "Xena.. is this the thing you were talking about?" She called over her shoulder to her partner.

With a long-suffering sigh, Xena joined them, leaning her bracered forearms against the wood. "Yeah.." She admitted.

When the bird heard her voice, it turned its head, and honked, then pattered across the cart and crashed against its side, flapping its wing stubs enthusiastically. "Honk!"

"You know, I think he likes you." Salmoneus observed, with a broad smile. "He's been positively sulking ever since you left him."

Xena gave all three of them an evil look, then backed off from the wagon, and returned to Argo's side. "C'mon, Gabrielle.. we've got someplace to be."

Salmoneus gave her a fond look. "She never changes, does she?" He winked at Gabrielle. "So.. how've you been?"

Gabrielle ran over the thousand different answers to that question, and smiled. "I'm great.. how about you?"

"Eh.. " He gazed at his cargo. "Actually.. something Xena said in that awful place is kinda weighing on me.. she's right.. these animals really don’t belong here, and they're not very happy.. but I don't know what to do with them."

The bard studied the birds, and reached out to scratch the loose one on the head. The bird was hopping up and down, in a disappointed manner. "Xena, come back over here for a minute, would you?"

An audible sigh, but the warrior complied, edging around next to her partner and leaning on the wagon side again. "What?" The bird immediately pattered happily over to her, and she relented, rubbing its head as it cooed contentedly.

Gabrielle bit her lip to keep from laughing. "What can Sal do with these guys?" She peered up at Xena. "He can't put them back where he found them."

Xena blinked, as she regarded the animals, keeping silent for a long moment of thought. Ares trotted over and hoisted himself up onto his hind legs, propping his forepaws on the wagon edge and peering down. "Roo?"

The bird honked at him.

The warrior let out a breath. "Well… these are water birds." She answered slowly. "I guess if you find a port city.. you could just let them off into the ocean." She scratched the bird under his chin. "They eat fish."

"Uh huh." Salmoneus agreed. "They sure do… and a ton of it."

"Right… " Xena drummed her fingers on the wood. "The other birds.. you could probably just let off somewhere warm.. down south.. in that jungly area near the coast… and that cat.. I don't know, Salmoneus… is it friendly?"

The man snorted. "To me, or to you?" He pointed at the bird. "I certainly don’t have that thing mooning around after my tuchus."

"Your what?" Bard and warrior spoke together in unison.

Salmoneus looked from one pair of inquiring crystal clear eyes to the other, and sighed. "Nevermind."

Xena shrugged, and went to the other side of the wagon, peering in at the small wildcat with interest. "Doesn't look very friendly." She observed, putting a very cautious hand out. The cat hissed at her. "Well… Athens has a pretty complete zoo… maybe they'd be interested.. I'd hate to have you release it around here.. too many really big cats around."

The man tucked his hands inside his belt, and rocked back. "Hmm… bet they'd…" A smile etched his bearded face. "Why, that's a great idea, Xena! Thanks!" He chortled. "I've been wanting to visit Athens…get some culture back under my belt." He looked around. "Not much of that around here in the backwaters."

They looked at him.

"Oh.. sorry.. I forgot.. you live around here." He gave them a winsome smile. "I didn’t mean your place, of course." He scratched his beard. "What's it called again?"

Xena snorted softly, and pushed back from the cart. "Amphipolis, but you don’t wanna go there."

"Ah.. " The man chuckled at her. "Too quiet for me, huh?"

The warrior smiled at him. "Too smart for you." She corrected with a smirk. "You'll end up spending the winter in a root cellar, trust me."

He fingered his beard. "I could take that as a challenge." He offered, thoughtfully.

Xena gave him a look, as she tugged on the bard's arm "Not unless you wanna go head to head with my mother.. c'mon, Gabrielle.. let's get moving."

"Mother?" Salmoneus perked up. "You have a mother? Xena, you never told me you had a mother… that's amazing!" He tugged the mule's reins along and followed them as they moved back towards Argo. "Where are you headed? Maybe you could use an escort, huh?"

"No." They managed to say simultaneously, then glanced at each other in bemusement. "We're headed into trouble, Sal… you don't wanna go there." Xena elaborated. "Fighting, wars.. dirty warlords… bad food.."

"Okay..okay.. you don't need to hint." Salmoneus held up a hand. "I know when I'm not wanted."

Xena and Gabrielle exchanged glances. "This is your department." The warrior muttered, fussing with a bit of Argo's tack.

The bard gave her an amused look, and poked her in the ribs. "My big, brave warrior." She whispered, knowing her partner would hear it. "Listen, Sal… what Xena said was true." She took the man by the arm, as they walked. "Someone she knew years back has taken over a city.. he's not a nice guy.. and we're headed there to see what we can do about it."

Salmoneus cleared his throat. "Well.. I um.. of course I would love to participate.. but.. I .. I have these animals I'm responsible for.. you understand."

"Of course." Gabrielle agreed blithely. "But we'll be back in Amphipolis in a while.. you could stop by and see us.. I'd love to get a chance to talk to you." She smiled at him, and he responded with a returning smile.

"Great idea, Gabrielle.. I think I'll do that… I can't pass up a chance to meet Xena's mother, after all. " He gave the warrior a cheerful look, which she ignored. "You two be careful, all right?"

"We will." The bard assured him. "Be careful.. there's two armies fighting just east of here.. we're taking a detour around them."

The man nodded. "I know.. I was too… I heard the noise and smelt the sweaty, dirty leather they always seem to wear." He shifted a quick, apologetic look at Xena. "Not that you sweat, of course. "

That got a wry laugh from the warrior. "Salmoneus.. of course I do." She leaned against Argo and gave him a look. "I just take the time to clean my armor." She fished in a saddlebag and held up a small cake of soap. "Leather soap.. Its not that complicated."

"Really?" Salmoneus plucked the item from her fingers, and sniffed it. "Oh.. wow.. that's kinda nice… " He examined the cake. "Hey.. you know? I bet I could make a killing…. " He glanced up to see two pairs of eyes gazing back at him. "Well, if they had a choice between smelling bad, and smelling nice.. I could tell them it would make it much easier for them to find girlfriends."

Gabrielle rubbed the side of her nose. "Well.. that's true." She muttered, giving her partner a glance. "You certainly smell a lot nicer than any other fighter I've ever met." She muffled a laugh at the choked sound that produced.

"See?" Salmoneus beamed at them. "It's perfect! You two are a great example of my theory, and who could resist?" He tossed the soap up and caught it. "Thanks Xena!" He held a hand out. "You can be my silent business partner!"

The warrior clasped his arm, and shook her head. "Just be careful, willya?" She sighed. "I know it's a waste of air to tell you not to try it."

"Careful? My middle name is careful, Xena… " He assured her. "Gotta go… I know this man in the north who makes all kinds of this stuff… and he lives in a port town, too… "

They watched him as he turned his wagon and headed off, snatches of a ribald tune floating back to them from him.

"What a character." Gabrielle sighed, as they continued on their way down the road. "Imagine.. us contributing to the social betterment of grungy warlords."

Xena paced a few steps, then smirked. "Actually.. it's not a bad idea.. most fighters I know really like bubble baths."

"Tch.. they do not." The bard slapped her in the belly. "Give me a break, Xena."

Her partner bestowed an injured look on her. "I'm serious… can you imagine what an entire army looks and smells like at the end of the day? I made em wash."

A giggle. "Did you really?"

"You betcha." Xena snorted. "Just about every damn day.. I was notorious for that." She took a deep breath. "I had to live with em, remember? Besides.. it keeps sickness out of the camp.. I kept more people fighting that way."

Gabrielle thought about that for a while, as they walked. "Xena?"

"Hmm?" Her tall soulmate returned her attention from some distant place and angled her head towards the bard.

"Do you miss leading an army?" She'd never asked that so directly before. "I know you were good at it."

Xena looked off down the road for a long moment. "Sometimes." She admitted quietly. "I miss the excitement… the challenge of what war is.. a match of wits and strength." She sighed softly, and regarded the bard. "I don't miss the hurting.. and the dying, though." A pensive pause. "I don't miss knowing decisions I made led hundreds of people to their deaths." She kicked a rock. "Does that answer your question?"

The bard moved closer, and slipped an arm around her. "Yeah."

Xena reciprocated, laying an arm over her shoulders. "Besides, you keep me pretty busy." She ruffled her partner's hair affectionately. "I… I think I've adjusted to the life I have now.. I'm not sure I'd want to lead an army again.. even if the opportunity presented itself."

"Xena?" Gabrielle looked up. "If you ever did.. I want you to know I'd want to go with you." Her eyes searched her partner's face. "Even if that's what you chose to do, I'd want to be a part of it."

Blue eyes took on an extra layer of shine. "All the more reason not to." The warrior answered. "And yes, I knew that."

Ahead of them, the path was winding up into the hills, to drop down on the other side and lead the way into Garanimus' lair.

The city rose up in front of them, tall, stone built walls that stretched off to either side, and rose up into a mountainside the backed the town, providing a sturdy defense. Xena's experienced eyes flicked over the structure, assessing weak and strong points as they made their approach.

"Doesn't look too bad." She commented to the bard, who was ambling along a pace behind her.

"You're right." Gabrielle caught up, and peered around Argo's shoulder.

They both paused, and glanced at each other, then Gabrielle put a hand on her soulmate's back, and gave it a brisk rub. "C'mon, suck it in.. time to do a Warrior Princess on them."

Xena let out a short laugh. "I'm not sure that word's supposed to be used that way in Greek, Gabrielle." Nevertheless, she straightened her shoulders, and shifted the sword on her back to make sure it was settled in just the right spot. "Let's go."

Guards on the walls spotted them, and a cluster of armed men gathered at the gate, blocking their way with a casual insolence. Xena judged them, and walked up to the one she calculated was the guard lieutenant. She pulled the parchment Garanimus had sent out, and handed it to him without a word. Then she relaxed her stance, keeping one hand on Argo's bridle, and letting the other rest on her thigh.

The guard opened the parchment, and read it, then looked at her. "You're Xena?"

"Yep." The warrior answered casually.

"Wait here." The man let his eyes flick over her with idle curiosity, then strode off, slipping through the half-closed gate. The remaining guards stared at her in unconcealed interest.

Gabrielle stayed close to Argo, and felt Ares press against her legs in uneasy vigil. She watched Xena carefully for any hint of trouble, noting the rigid set of her shoulders, and the tensing of the sloping neck muscles just under her sword which meant the warrior was in that hyper alert state that could explode into motion at any second. Outwardly, though, Xena appeared relaxed, almost half asleep as she gazed around, letting her eyes linger on a hawk flying high overhead for a peaceful instant.

The gate opened, and the lieutenant came back. "Just you." He addressed Xena.

The warrior turned a lazy gaze on him. "You get all or nothing. I can leave." She replied. "He's asking me for help, not the other way around."

A buzz lifted at her words. So.. Gabrielle mused. They hadn't know their leader had sent for Xena. Interesting. She watched Xena scratch Argo's muzzle, directing her attention to the mare as though they were alone in the road. She hid a smile, as the man fidgeting, then disappeared again. Never make it easy, huh Xe?

As though hearing her words, the warrior peeked at her over her shoulder, and winked. She's totally enjoying this, the bard realized. What a brat she is sometimes.

In a much shorter time, the guard lieutenant was back, this time motioning them to follow him with a gruff gesture. Xena took Argo's reins in her hand and complied amiably, slowing to let Gabrielle catch up to her as they passed through the gates. "Stay close." She muttered, almost under her breath. "But stay clear of my sword arm."

Gabrielle nodded her understanding, and shifted position slightly, so that she was behind and to the left of the warrior, and took in their surroundings as they entered a walled courtyard whose entire expanse was filled with a busy, noisy market. Hmm. She eyed several of the passing booths. This is starting to look up.. doesn’t appear to be a town under siege or anything.. maybe this guy reformed.

They passed under a thick stone archway, into the front steps of what was obviously a castle. Xena halted at them, and patted Argo's nose. "You stay here, girl - okay?" She looked down. "Ares… you keep an eye on her, hear me?"

The lieutenant eyed her. "Someone will take care of the animals."

Xena stepped up to him, making the most of her inch height advantage. "I'll take care of them when I come out. Don't touch them. The mare's battle trained." She smiled. "And the wolf's named for the God of War for a reason."

Woo woo… Gabrielle felt a shameful feeling of delight. Intimidation central today, huh Xena? You go. As much as she'd come to appreciate the gentler side of her partner, there was something about this facet… something.. dangerous.. that the bard had to reluctantly admit excited her.

The man's jaw sagged a little. "A.. all right." He muttered helplessly. "Come on then." He turned and headed up the stairs, with Xena and Gabrielle right behind him.

The central hallway of the palace was large, and lined mostly in marble, and their boots rang across it in subtle echoes. Doors led off to different rooms on each side, and the walls were hung with tapestries that depicted colorful scenes from myths and stories.

On the end of central hall was a larger door than the rest, a double hung portal of deeply carved wood, with brass handles. Their harried escort trudged ahead and grabbed them, pulling back and moving the doors with an audible, tortured creak.

A flow of music, and incense flowed out, and they entered, to see a room full of colorful dancers and courtiers, enjoying the efforts of a pair of girls in the center, who were undulating to the sounds of a pipe. The watchers were in a circle around the wall, and the door was facing a raised platform, where there were two thrones, one of which was occupied by a tall, blond haired man in a bright green tunic with gold embroidery. He was engrossed in the dancers, until a vicious whirring distracted him, and took his cup out of his hand with an audible clang.

He shook his hand, and cursed, standing up and causing the music to falter.

Xena caught her chakram as it returned and resettled it at her hip, now aware of the eyes of the entire room on her. The spectators were decked in fine linens and silks, and in hues an entire range of colors. They had perfectly coifed hair, and delicately drawn paint on their faces.

The warrior walked to the very center of the room, and stood there, her dark, travel stained leathers broken only by the dully gleaming armor. Her hair was wild, and windblown, and she was the very picture of a common, feral fighter.

But, oh, she owned that room, from floor to rafters, and from wall to wall. And she knew it. The force of her personality filled the place, making everyone there aware of the pure, unfettered power that stood among them.

She tossed the hair out of her eyes and put her hands on her hips, letting one leg relax a little in a pose more brazen insolence than anything else. Glints of ice blue flashed around the room as she studied them, a flick of her eyebrow dismissed them all, and focused on the tall blond man who had slowly sat down, and was staring at her. "You had a favor you wanted to ask?" Xena drawled, in a velvet tone that echoed off the walls.

Gabrielle watched, fascinated as always by this side of her many faceted partner. As many times as she'd seen Xena do this, just walk into a room and capture everyone in it, it still astonished her. This wasn't her gentle playmate… or her stubborn best friend.

This was the Warrior Princess. The leader of armies.

Ares' Chosen.

"Well." The blond man collected himself. "So.. you showed up, did you, Xena?"

The warrior spread both hands wide, indicating herself, and raised an eyebrow in answer. "Got something you wanted to ask? Better spit it out or I can disappear just as quickly." The low tone didn't change pitch, and it reverberated through the silent room. It was followed by a rising buzz, in which Gabrielle recognized her soulmate's name.

Now another feeling was rising, and she realized it was fear.

Fear of Xena. Who was breathing that feeling in as though it was her native air. The bard saw the faint cock of her head, and the shifting of her balance over the balls of her feet that brought a cloak of alertness over her.

The man stood, and took a deep breath, motioning to his right. "We'll talk in there."

Xena half turned and nodded at her partner, jerking her head in an unmistakable invitation. Gabrielle took a deep breath of her own, and walked quietly to the taller woman's side, entering that circle of staring eyes.

"Alone." The man objected. "I don’t need no spectators."

Xena straightened her back, and lifted her chin, pinning him with her eyes. "This isn't a spectator. Where I go, she goes." She replied, in a clipped, final tone.

Gabrielle had to try, very very hard, not to smile.

The man lifted his arms, then let them drop against his sides. "Have it your way." He shook his head and stomped off the podium, headed for a small door set just under an archway.

Xena let him wait a long moment, then she dusted a bracer off, and strolled after him casually, letting her eyes wander around the room, and watching as everyone's glance avoided hers.

"You are having wayyyyy too much fun." The bard uttered, barely vocalizing the words.

"Me?" Came the equally low response. "Tch.. really Gabrielle."

They entered the smaller room, where the tall man was already pacing. He stopped when they came in, and crossed his arms in a dour manner. "Nice entrance." Seen closer up, the impression of good looks wasn't exaggerated, as he had golden, straight hair which framed a ruggedly handsome face complete with a well shaped cleft in his chin. His eyes were an interesting shade of golden brown, and he was pleasantly muscular, with a tapering build that extended from his broad shoulders, and ended at a pair of very well made boots.

Xena ambled over and perched on the corner of an ornate table, letting both hands rest on one knee. "What do you want?" She was peripherally aware of Gabrielle settling herself on a bench near the wall, and she saw Garanimus' eyes dart that way briefly, then jerk back to her.

"I didn't really expect you to show up." The man temporized, wandering over and collecting a cup, which he poured wine into and took a big gulp from. "I heard you retired."

The warrior crossed her arms over her chest. "I did." She answered calmly. "If you mean from the warlord business.. that I did three years ago." Her eyes flicked briefly to Gabrielle, then back to him. "Found better things to do."

He studied her. "Yah.. the word was you'd taken to being some kind of do gooding vagrant."

Piercing blue eyes flicked over him. "I don't know if I'd call it that, but traveling around, helping people out.. yeah. "

Garanimus slowly shook his head. "I wouldn't have believed it.. I didn't, not for a long, long time.. but too many of my old pals were showing up here, saying you beat the crap out of them. Even Draco."

Xena shrugged. "It's true." She paused. "So what do you want?"

He poured a glass for her, and handed it over. "So.. what's with the kid?" This with a jerk of his head in Gabrielle's direction. "Didn't know you were into body slaves.. though… " He left the sentence unfinished, but his eyes scoured Gabrielle with languid appreciation.

The warrior put the cup down carefully, crossing her arms again. "You've got ten seconds to tell me what you want, or I'm outta here, Garanimus.. I don't have time for your games."

Garanimus lifted his square chin and held up a hand. "Same old bitch, huh?" He snorted softly. "All right.. all right… we took over this place about a half a year ago.. things are going great, everything's swell.. it's even been kinda peaceful, you know?"

Xena simply waited.

"Well, comes a message from this warlord.. he's on a rampage in this area.. name of Framna. He says he's gonna wipe the place clean unless I turn over all the town profits to him."

The warrior 's brow creased, and she shrugged. "So?" She glanced around. "Fight him, or buy him off, or tell him to get lost.. whadda you need me for?"

Garanimus pursed his well-shaped lips. "His army outnumbers mine five to one…and this place hasn't generated any profits yet.. now, it will.. it will… next coming harvest, should be tidy little sum, but not now. We ain't got a spare dinar."

Xena stared at him. "And you want me to do… what?"

The tall man took a swallow of wine. "I want you to convince him that attacking this place would be suicide." He sauntered closer. "I figure your name alone's worth a bunch.. and if he thinks you're leading my army.. well… maybe he'll get lost."

Xena laughed. "You've got to be kidding." She stood up and wandered around the room, finally turning to face him. "You said it yourself, Garanimus.. I retired from this crap years ago.. he probably doesn't even know who I am."

The warlord laughed back. "People have longer memories than that, Xena…he knows who you are, all right."

The dark haired woman leaned back against the wall and studied him. "What if he doesn't buy it?"

Garanimus shrugged. "Then he overruns this place, and burns it out." He finished off his cup. "Pity for these folks.. they were just used to getting things turned around.. the useless incompetents I took the town over from had let it run to nothing."

Xena exchanged a swift glance with Gabrielle, and knew from the face the bard was making that she was thinking the same thoughts, which were running through the warrior's mind. The town.. had to be saved from Framna. To Hades with Garanimus. "All right." Xena finally said. "No promises… we'll give it a try. But… if he doesn't buy it, we're outta here.. I'm not getting caught in some feud between you two."

The blond man smiled. "He'll buy it… and.. look, no hard feelings, Xena.. I'll make it worth your while.. so you can go and buy your little friend there a whole shirt." He laughed, more sure of her, and of himself. "You gonna introduce me now?"

"What's your gig here, Garanimus?" Xena asked softly. "You never seemed like someone to settle in one place."

He raised a blond, arched eyebrow at her. "You either. " he countered. "Got a good thing here.. gonna marry myself off to the little princess of this place, and make me a royal dude.. how d'you like that!?" He dusted off his sleeve. "I like not having to scrounge for dinner.. or sleep in the dirt… got a guy here who doesn't do anything but clean my clothes." His eyes searched her dusty form. " But you wouldn't know about that, would ya, Xena?"

The warrior refused to be baited. She crossed her arms. "I've conquered kingdoms whose palaces make this place look like an outhouse, Garanimus… doesn't impress me."

"Yeah?" He snickered. "So how'd you end up a homeless vagrant?"

"Another shrug. "I'm not.. but then, I'm not the one whose had to run around Greece calling for help. " She smiled at him, with no humor at all. "Am I?"

She got a humorless smile back. "I'll have someone show you to a place you can stay… maybe you can take a bath or something." He sniped. "So you don't scare all the nice people here."

Xena let her eyes narrow, and gave him one of her more lethal looks. "Thought that was the whole purpose." The white teeth glinted in a grin. "After all.. you're putting me in charge of your army, Garanimus… be nice.. or I may actually do something with it."

A silent mask dropped over his face for a long instant, obscuring his good looks. "You know, Xena.. there are still a lot of people out there that want your head… I'd love to be able to tell them where to find it." He let his anger show. "They'd put you on the block and cut off that pretty skull of yours."

One instant, Xena was standing quietly, the next, she'd picked up Garanimus and had him against the wall, the tip of her dagger resting against his pulse point, as she held him up off the floor with one hand balled in his shirt. "Maybe.. but I guarantee you won't be there to see it." She let the edge of the knife draw blood against his suddenly pale skin. "Maybe my conversion to doing good means I rid the world of you.. huh?"

Slowly, he spread his arms and pressed his hands against the wall. "All right… all right… take it easy." He breathed. "I see some things haven't changed."

Xena let him down, and flipped the knife in one hand, then reseated it in its sheath. "I pay my debts, Garanimus…and I'll pay you this one, but don’t mess with me." She warned softly. "You got that?"

He nodded. "For now." Then his eyes flicked over her shoulder. "You gonna at least tell me what your little friend's name is?"

The warrior backed off a step, then turned, and motioned to the quietly watching bard, who stood, and joined her. "Hi." Gabrielle held a hand out. "My name is Gabrielle."

Garanimus took the arm and very briefly clasped it. "What's a nice little girl like you doing traveling with a godsforsaken nasty assed ex warlord for, Gabrielle?"

The bard studied him for a long moment. "I'm a bard.. she's a great subject." She commented. "Among other reasons." She folded her arms across her chest, and watched his eyes zero on in her hand, and the ring it bore.

"I see." Was his only comment, before he called in a liveried servant, and bid them goodbye.

Gabrielle watched the servant put down their things, and give her a slight bow, before the woman left, and silence descended. She sighed, then looked around, at the large chamber they'd been assigned, which was decorated in chiffony pastels.

"C'mon.. even I'm not a chiffon kind of person. " Gabrielle muttered to herself, watching her partner prowl around the room like a discontented cat during a rainstorm. "Well, it's nice and big." She offered, diplomatically. "You could do drills in that corner, and not bump into anything."

Xena paused, then let out a forced chuckle. "Yeah.. you're right… it's just so… " She rolled her eyes. "Fluffy."

"Hmm.. " The bard agreed, then poked her head inside a smaller room. "Ooo… I don't care.. Xena, check this out."

Her soulmate joined her, and they peered into what was obviously a bathing room, with a sunken, marble tub in it. "Huh.. not bad." Xena grudgingly admitted. "Might even be worth all that lacy stuff out here."

Gabrielle gave her a nudge. "All right… all right.. you've sufficiently proved your toughness to me, tiger… give it a rest."

Xena face went very still for a moment, then she let her eyes narrow, and poked the tip of her tongue out at the bard. "So.. what'd you think of Garanimus?"

The bard leaned back against the cool stone wall, and scrunched her brow up in thought. "I think he's a creep." She looked up at her partner. "You two were really starting to go at it there… I got kinda nervous."

Xena ran a hand through her dark hair and nodded. "Yeah.. I know… he started hitting some buttons I thought I had a better handle on." She admitted wryly. "Old stuff." She turned, and retreated back into the main room, kneeling beside their gear and starting to pull out her armor repair kit. "Guess I'd better make sure that hinge gets fixed…I'll be needing it."

Old stuff. Gabrielle half turned, still leaning against the wall, and watched her wistfully. Another betrayal, Xena? "I thought you did a great job, actually…there were a couple of bits where I almost came forward and whacked him with my staff."

A flash of white as the warrior gave up a smile, and stood, clasping her kit in her hands. "Well… we've got a little while before we're expected to show up for dinner…I'm gonna just fix this, and…um… "

Gabrielle had walked forward, and gently worked the clasps on her armor, loosening it and setting it aside on the chair. "You going to wear these for dinner?" She tugged at the dark leathers, and getting the expected nod. "Thought so… why don't you let me brush them off for you?"

"You don't have to do that." Xena responded quietly. "I'm not here to impress anyone with my looks or what I'm wearing."

The bard smiled warmly up at her. "Xena… you impress people just by breathing." She laid both hands on the warrior's chest. "C'mon.. out of them… give your body a chance to relax a little.. you're so tense you're making my hair stand up on end."

Xena grumbled in protest, but allowed the bard to strip off the leather armor, and donned a loose linen shirt as she settled down in a relatively empty corner with her brass plating clustered around her. Ares trotted over, and immediately curled up against her leg, sighing in contentment, as the warrior took out a tool, and expertly worked on a sticking hinge piece.

Gabrielle worked the dust out of the heavy garment, and, satisfied at last, let the damp leathers over a chair near the window to dry. She stood gazing at them for a moment, and let her fingers trail over the nubbled surface in pensive thought, yawning a little. "Mmph." She felt tired suddenly.

"You all right?" Xena's voice floated over, tinged with a mild concern.

"Hmm? Oh… yeah." The bard rubbed her temples, and blinked. "Just a little sleepy for some reason.. " She padded over to where Xena was sprawled, and dropped down onto the hewn carpet next to her, curling up onto her side, and using the warrior's muscular thigh as a pillow. "Mmm… that's much better." She commented, resting a hand on the soft skin, and feeling the muscles move under her as Xena shifted a little. "Am I bothering you?"

She missed the look of quiet devotion visited on her. "Never." Xena assured her, freeing up one hand and petting her head with it. "G'wan.. take a nap.. I've got plenty to do here." Damn armor.. She sighed inwardly. Haven't been taking care of it like I should.. and I'm paying for it now, I guess.

"Not fair.. you work and I snooze." The bard protested, but not strenuously. Her partner's comforting warmth was coaxing her body into sleep already.

"Well, Gabrielle..I've only got one set of tools…and I don't think I ever taught you this.. so.. " She shrugged, and rubbed the bard's ear gently. "You get off light this time."

"Mm." Gabrielle felt a gentle wave of sleepiness roll over her. "Not like we did much today.. guess I just got used to all those lazy afternoons, huh?" She mumbled.

Xena sighed ruefully. "You and me both, partner." She watched the bard's breathing deepen, and she paused in her work to idly arrange the golden red locks spilling over her leg neatly. The tension that had built up since their entry into the castle seemed to dissipate a little at each stroke, and the anger she'd felt in Garanimus' presence calmed, tamed to a somnolent peace by the presence of her soulmate.

So. Xena leaned back and worked on a knee plate. What Garanimus was asking… wasn't all that difficult, if she looked at it objectively. A lot of things depended on whether this other warlord had heard of her.. though, she privately admitted, chances were very good he had. Three years wasn't that long a time.

And her reputation was.. what it was. Even now, even after years of wandering the land, helping out where she could.. still.. she's seen the reaction of the people in that chamber on hearing her name. It had been easy to slip back into that role.

Too easy. Xena sighed, studying the armor bit in her hands. It had felt good, no sense in lying.. not here, not to herself.

And yet, sitting here and looking down at the sleeping body of her best friend, she knew things had changed, and in some ways, the Xena she had acted out so well that afternoon really did no longer exist.

Maybe… maybe Garanimus had changed too… a little? She chewed over that thought as she reset a pin and locked off the end of it. Maybe. But she doubted it, just hearing in her mind his plans to marry himself off to some poor girl and make this his meal ticket.

Well. Xena chuckled quietly to herself. She'd pay his debt.. oh yeah.. but then maybe she'd take care of an overriding one.. to the people of the city, who deserved better leadership that what he had to offer.

Wandering vagrant am I? A harsh glint entered the pale blue eyes. Garanimus, you butter headed pig.. you're gonna regret that little crack. She had a lot of pride, that she admitted… and the bastard had nailed her right in that…she'd wanted to do nothing more than just pound the stuffing out of him.

Oh well. "Tomorrow's another day, huh Ares?" She whispered to the wolf, who cocked an ear at her. "Maybe I'll get you to bite him." She finished the armor piece, and set it down, then settled her shoulders more comfortably against the wall and laid a protective arm across Gabrielle's dozing form. He'd better behave himself at dinner though… and not make a single nasty crack to Gabrielle. Garanimus had a cruel sense of humor, and she'd be damned if he was going to visit that on her partner.

She gazed down at the bard, curled so trustingly up against her, and gently played with her hair. I'll rip his liver out.if he does. Xena decided, and amused herself for awhile imagining lots of painful and creative things she could do to her former lover, until the sun was slanting heavily into the window in shades of gold and crimson, and she reluctantly decided to wake Gabrielle up.

"Hey." She rubbed a thumb against the skin on Gabrielle's shoulder. "Time for dinner, sleepyhead." A gently teasing note was in her voice, but she had to admit it had been a struggle to keep from joining her soulmate in slumber.

Gabrielle stirred, then yawned a little, making a small, idle noise. "Whoa… " She rolled over on her back, and peered up at Xena. "That felt good… " She blinked sleepily. "You make a nice pillow." She patted the warrior's leg. "A little on the hard side, though."

A soft snort answered her. "Thanks.. good to know I'm good for something." Xena's tone was light, though, and a smile edged its way onto her face. "Time to go back and face this lovely crowd.. you up for it?"

The bard uncurled her body, rolling over and stretching luxuriously. "Wouldn't miss it." She drummed her fingers on her flat stomach idly. "You want me to do the bard thing?"

Xena reached over and traced a fingertip down the center of the bard's body, following the barely visible line of pale, fine hairs, smiling quietly as Gabrielle's eyes closed under her touch and the bard's breathing immediately quickened. "Let's play it by ear." She replied. "We'll see if they're worth one of your performances."

Two green eyes peered up at her in surprise, their brows edging up into the bard's hairline. "Huh? Xena.. give me a break.. I'm just a bard, not the opening act at the Palladium."

"Mmhmm… okay." Xena agreed amiably. "And I'm just a hack fighter then. We make a good team."

Gabrielle opened her mouth to answer, then shut it. Then opened it again, hesitated, then shut it. Finally she rolled over onto her stomach, and rested her weight on her elbows. "No fair."

Xena just grinned.

"There." Gabrielle neatly straightened an errant buckle on the bronze armor. "Very nice."

Her partner gave her a wry look. "Gabrielle, it's just leather and armor."

The bard stepped back, and gazed appraisingly at her. "Hmmm.. yeah, but… " The near black leathers almost shone from the brushing Gabrielle had given them, and the armor glinted warmly in the candlelight. "You look really good in it." She commented, with a smile.

Xena wrinkled her nose in reaction, but let a faintly pleased smirk cross her face. "You do too." She gently moved a lock of pale hair out of the bard's eyes, and twitched at her sleeve. "Decided to skip the Amazon outfit, huh?"

Gabrielle glanced down at herself a trifle self-consciously. "Most of the time I don't care, but… all those people looking at me was giving me the creeps." She confessed. "Like I was on display or something."

A gentle smile bathed her. "You were." Xena gave her a kiss on the top of the head. "And a very nice display it is."

"Mm." That forced a wry chuckle from the smaller woman. "If you say so." She sighed, and straightened as a gruff knock sounded at the door. "Ah… I guess we're wanted."

"Hm." Xena grunted, shaking herself a bit to settled her armor, then striding to the door and pulling it open.

Garanimus was standing there, leaning against the doorframe with an indolent smirk. "Well.. well.. how do you like the digs?" He pushed past her, and sauntered around the room, ending up holding his arms out in question. "Nicer than what you're used to, I bet."

Xena rolled her eyes. "Cut the crap, Garanimus. " She picked up her sword from where it was lying in gleaming display on the table and slid it into its sheath fastened across her back. "Frills aren't my style, and you know it."

The man hooked his thumbs into his belt and gave a half nod of concession. "Stable's more your thing, I remember." He gave her a sweet smile. "You'll just have to cope." He turned to where Gabrielle was folding a piece of parchment and tucking it into her diary. "Hello there, sweetpea."

The bard stopped, paused, then looked up at him, keeping her face blank.

"My, you've got pretty eyes, doncha?" He stepped closer, and was stopped by a hideous growl. "What t.." His eyes dropped to see shining white teeth against ink black fur as Ares slipped in front of Gabrielle, and lowered his head, lifting his ruff, and straightening his tail. Garanimus went quite still. "Nice dog, Xena."

A soft chuckle drifted his way. "He's not a dog, pigface. Say hello to Ares."

The tall man edged back cautiously. "You got big brass ones naming him that." He gave her a nervous look. "He'd better not bite anyone."

Xena walked over and put her hands on her hips. "The first was a given, the second depends on you being nice to my friend here." She leaned closer. "Ares really likes Gabrielle… and he gets real, real mad when people are mean to her.. got me?"

Ares narrowed his yellow eyes, and growled again.

"Good boy." The bard commented, kneeling down and kissing him on the head. He turned and licked her, his tail wagging furiously. "You're so cute." She got her lips right down near his sensitive ears. "And you're just like your mom." She added in a bare whisper. "She been giving you lessons?"

"Grrooo." The wolf batted his eyelashes at her.

"C'mon." Garanimus gave girl and wolf a disgusted look. "I’m expecting an emissary from Framna to show up during dinner.. I want you to be there." This was directed at Xena, who leveled a stare at him. "Y'know, you still look the part, Xena… I'll give that to you." He let his eyes wander appreciatively over her muscular form.

"Move." The warrior motioned to the door. "Let's get this over with."

Garanimus laughed, then strolled out the door, as they followed him. Xena pacing alongside, and Gabrielle staying a step or two behind, with Ares glued to her knees. The castle was all stone, with narrow corridors that bore wall sconces filled with fluttering torches. The ceilings were stained black by the smoke, and the floors were strewn with rushes that could have used a change. A stale, musty odor rose to the bard's nose as her boots stirred them, and a quick glance up showed her partner's distasteful expression in similar reaction. "You know, Xena.. " Her voice echoed gently off the stone walls. "I think I prefer a clean, simple inn to a dirty castle."

Garanimus turned and stared sharply at her. "What?"

Green eyes that were almost rust colored in the torchlight blinked back at him. "I said, I think I'd rather be in a clean inn, than a dirty castle." She pointed down. "Those are nasty. It stinks in here."

The man's brow creased, and he sniffed. "I don't smell anything."

Xena glanced at him. "I’m not surprised.. with all that rose oil on you." She replied archly. "If I had to smell that all day.. I'd miss an onion put under my nose." She turned towards her partner. "We'll keep the windows open tonight… that'll help."

The bard nodded solemnly. "Good idea."

Garanimus glowered at them both, and surreptitiously sniffed his sleeve. "In there." He grunted, turning a corner and pushing open a large wooden door. It opened up into a banquet hall, which featured tables against all four walls, with a clear space in the middle. The flagstones were strewn with more rushes, and the tables had low backed benches put up against them. The walls were adorned with colorful tapestries, and the room was well lit, if somewhat overcrowded with milling courtiers.

Gabrielle saw the muscles across her soulmate's shoulders tense, and she stepped up closer, slipping a hand under her sword sheath and giving her back a little scratch, then leaving her hand idly on the soft leather, feeling it cool under her touch, then feeling the warmth of Xena's body underneath it. The surface stiffened as the warrior took a deep breath, then loosened again as she let it out.

They were led to the front table, and seated to Garanimus' left. To his right, in the other large chair, a young girl was sitting, her hands folded tightly in her lap. She was, Xena mused, hardly older than fifteen or so, and had beautiful red hair, arranged in ringlets that cascaded finally down her back. Her face was pretty, and she had long, pale lashes plainly visible against the light when she turned her head to watch them approach.

The girl maintained a somber expression, but her throat worked a she swallowed, and even from here, the warrior could read the tense body language. What an awful place for kid to be in… the warrior reflected quietly. Garanimus' is good looking enough.. but… She watched as the warlord seated himself, and reached over to pinch her cheek, laughing at some ribald comment from one of his lieutenants who were seated on the other side of the girl.

Gabrielle and Xena exchanged glances. No words had to be said, just one raised brow, and a lift of Gabrielle's chin, and Xena quietly added another item to her list of problems to solve. "Gonna introduce us, Garanimus?" The warrior rested an elbow on the table, which was covered with china.

The warlord leaned back and smirked. "Oh yeah… Silvi, honey… I want you to meet Xena, the biggest bitch I ever slept with."

Xena smiled sweetly. "Garanimus… do you want me to break your hands right here in front of all these nice people?" She closed her fingers around his right one before he could move it and tightened her grip.

"You can't do that, Xena baby… I'm in charge here." He hissed back, not seeing the sudden shy look from his prospective bride.

A low, dangerous chuckle drifted between them. "Oh no… not with me here, you little bastard." She let her voice drop its lowest register. "Be nice." Her hand contracted, and he jumped, hissing in pain.

"All right.. all right.. " He responded through gritted teeth. "Lemme go."

The warrior released her grip, then eyed the young girl. "Nice to meet you, Silvi."

The girl's eyes dropped, then lifted hesitantly, the pupils darting from side to side in an effort not to stare at her. "Hello." Her voice was low, and very melodic. "Nice to meet you, too."

Xena held her gaze, then motioned behind her. "This is my friend Gabrielle."

The gray eyes glanced over. "Hello." This with more assurance, at the bard's friendlier countenance.

"Hi." Gabrielle gave her a smile.

"Yeah, yeah.. enough of that crap. " Garanimus interrupted irritably, but he kept his hands far away from Xena's. "When that guy gets here, I'm going to tell him you're leading my army.. then you can just get up and scare the piss out of him."

Xena leaned back, and stretched her long legs out under the table, crossing them at the ankles. "I know the drill." She replied in a low growl. "What I am wondering is.. why?"

"What?" His eyes darted to her, nervously.

"Why you.. why here… ?" Xena pressed, turning her gaze fully on him. "This is an out of the way place… not much profit.. he'd have to garrison it, just like you are.. why?"

The servers came in, bearing platters of roasted meat and vegetables, and started around the room, giving him an excuse to hold off his answer. He made a gesture to a group of musicians, who moved to the center of the hall and began to play. "We have history." He finally muttered, as a server deftly set a large portion onto his plate. "Beyond that.. it's none of your business, Xena."

The warrior leaned back in her chair, and folded her hands across her stomach. "Well.. let's see… which one of you stole something from the other… " She saw his hand jerk, as he picked up a fork. "And was it coin… or flesh?"

"I told you. .it's none of your business." He gritted, stabbing his meat viciously.

"Musta been him taking from you then.. " Xena chuckled. "He steal your girlfriend?" She watched the muscles on his jaw stand out in bold relief. "What'd you do back?"

"Xena… " He put his fork down, and turned to her, anger in every line of his body.

"You ready to stop this snipe fest then?" The warrior snapped back, biting off her words with clipped precision. "Because I've had about enough of your crap."

They glared at each other, as tension ran around the table. Xena felt a stealthy touch against her back, gentle and sure, and let her breath trickle out of her lungs slowly.Damn it… he can still get to me.

"All right." He held up a hand. "Truce."

Xena shifted in her chair, and pulled her dagger out, inspecting it intently. "Fine." She agreed in an expressionless voice.

Gabrielle let her body relax, as the conversational buzz rose uneasily around them again. She could almost feel Xena's tension.. no.. she could feel it.. it was like a heavy sensation in her chest, which lightened a little as her partner, and the warlord ignored each other. It's been a long time since I've seen her like this. She reflected, watching the nervous twitches work their way across her soulmate's body. Easy tiger.. easy.. She mentally projected, not wanting to make an overt gesture. Most of the room's eyes were on them, with looks ranging from suspicion to fear to outright hatred. That from the townsfolk she realized, including the young girl off to the warlord's right hand side.

Her brow creased. She'd seemed okay a few minutes ago.. but now, beneath demure, pale lashes, the girl was watching Xena with a look that could best be described as hostile. Why? She thanked the server for filling her plate, and absently dug into it, observing her partner from the corner of her eye, and giving her a tiny poke after she ignored her own plate for a quarter candlemark.

"Mm?" Xena brought her attention back to the present, and looked over. "You okay?"

Gabrielle glanced at her, then glanced at the plate, drawing her eyebrows down.

The warrior looked like she was going to protest, then sighed, and pulled the plate towards her, spearing a piece of meat with her dagger and nibbling on it halfheartedly.

The bard snuck a quick pat on the leg, then , and was rewarded by seeing the gentle quirk of Xena's lips as she finished off one piece, and started on another.

They got halfway through the meal, when the doors opened, and a group of Garanimus' soldiers came in, escorting a very tall, very muscular man in impeccable armor, who glanced around with an arrogant look. He had curly ginger colored hair, and a long, branching scar on one arm that Xena recognized as being caused by a charioteer's pike.

"I've come for your answer, slime." The man stated, letting his huge fingers rest on his belt.

"Bite me." Garanimus stated flatly. "Do your worst.. this is my new general." He pointed to his left. "Her name's Xena." A jerk of recognition flashed across the ginger haired man's face. "Now get your ass the Hades out of here before she kicks it."

Xena just managed not to roll her eyes in disgust. I'd forgotten he's got the brains of rock and the manners of a dead pig. She watched the emissary's reaction, as he turned his eyes on her and regarded her soberly. She smiled at him, and saw the flare of his nostrils, the figured some sort of response on her part was required.

With a silent sigh, she slammed the dagger into the wood of the table, and catapulted over it, flipping neatly and landing on her feet, then stalking over to where the tall man was standing. He jerked as she came closer, and felt for weapons he'd been relieved of on entering. She stopped when she was just out of his reach. "Let's see." A smaller dagger materialized in her right hand, and swept across his body in a flickering motion, severing the lower part of his armor and dropping to the floor. "Gotta watch that." She tsked, sweeping her arm back and cutting off his cloak faster than he could block her. "Shoddy workmanship..you outghta get your dinars back for this."

He looked up at her, his face scarlet, right into eyes so cold they glittered. "Go home." Xena advised him, in a growl.

He opened his mouth to answer, then shut it, and meekly knelt to pick up his armor, then rose, and backed off from her.

Xena watched him, noting the cool discipline of his motions, and contrasted that to the unkempt look of the guards that escorted him. I think I'm on the wrong side.She evaluated. He sure looks more like a soldier than any of this mangy lot. She felt a moment of regret, looking up into his eyes, which were, to her surprise, a pale, layered green not unlike her soulmate's. "What's your name?" She asked him abruptly.

"Linneus." He answered.

She nodded at him. "Get outta here." It came out sounding more like advice than like an order, and he gave her a strange little nod, before he turned and walked out, holding his head up.

Xena swept her gaze around the room, and sighed, then made her way back to the table and jumped over it, settling herself back in her chair with a thump. "That what you had in mind?" She asked Garanimus coldly.

The warlord cackled. "I'd a paid a good dinar to watch that… " He stuffed a thick slice of meat into his mouth and chewed with enjoyment, much more relaxed now. "Yeah.. " He mumbled around the mouthful, wiping his face with his sleeve. "That was good."

Xena grimaced at him, then leaned back, searching out a cooler draft of air, her mind clicking through facts and options. Funny.. these things always start out easy.. and always end up so gods be damned complex. How does that happen? Her eye caught the unbridled glare from the young princess and she sighed inwardly. What was really going on here? "So." She settled several puzzle pieces into place tentatively. "I'm in charge of the army, huh?"

Garanimus took a long gulp of ale, and belched. "Well.. yeah.. but don't.. like take them out to conquer Greece or anything, okay?" He laughed to himself. "They like it here."

"Mm." Xena steepled her fingertips. "They look like crap." She informed him. "With or without me leading them.. nobody's gonna buy they're a good army the way they look."

The warlord groaned. "Oh gods… not the clean patrol again.. " He gave her an unfriendly look. "They fight just fine."

Xena lifted a brow. "But the whole point is.. we don't wanna fight, remember? So they gotta look good enough to scare off those guys."

He chewed on a piece of bread. "Oh." Now a shrug. "Yeah.. yeah.. all right.. okay… go ahead, make em clean up.. Hades.. I don’t care.. I got people that do that for me now." He brushed the crumbs from his bread onto the floor and grinned at her. "Have a blast.. just don't get em too riled up.. they get mean."

A full, flashing smile answered him. "So do I, Garanimus.. so do I." Xena settled back, mildly satisfied, as a plan began to slowly nudge itself into place. Suddenly a cold sensation touched her hand, and she glanced down, to see a piece of fruit neatly placed between her fingers. She looked up to catch Gabrielle drumming her fingers on the table, and giving her a fair imitation of one of her own impatient looks. With a quick, guilty grin she raised the apple to her lips and took a big bite, crunching down on the crisp flesh with mild enthusiasm.

Gabrielle leaned back in her chair, and took a bite of carrot, knowing her partner had something up her sleeve, and content to wait.

For now.

They found their own way back to their assigned room, leaving the 'court' to continue getting drunker, and listen to the musicians. Gabrielle had decided against offering up a tale, mostly due to the pounding headache she'd developed. "Gods." She rubbed her temples, and was rewarded by a warm hand between her shoulderblades. "Must have been the smoke in there… I kept getting nauseous.. what were they burning in those torches?"

Xena rubbed her back gently. "Mm.. I don't know.. but it did smell a little strange…and I'm not sure what they were using in that roast.. but it was making me sick too." She moved her hand up, and kneaded her partner's neck. "Better now?"

Gabrielle took a deep breath, and rolled her head around, releasing the tension in her shoulders. "Yeah.. a little." She stifled a yawn. "Was it me, or was that guy I was sitting next to more boring than a desert landscape?"

The warrior let a grin split her face, and settled her arm across Gabrielle's shoulders, pulling her closer. "Oh yeah.. he was babbling about some trade treaties they reneged on seven season's ago.. he lost me a long time before he lost you… I think he just liked your eyes."

Gabrielle giggled softly, as they reached their door and Xena gently pushed it open, her defenses on alert as she let the portal drift open, and studied the interior with all her senses before she let the bard enter. "Just checking." She muttered. "I didn't like the looks we were getting from the locals."

"Hmm..yeah.. " Gabrielle agreed. "Even the Princess.. she started out kinda half friendly.. but after that guy left, she was looking at you like Hades on hooves." The bard yawned again, and rubbed her ear. "Gods.. why am I so sleepy?" She complained. "I had a nap… "

Xena chuckled. "Musta been the company." She blinked. "I was kind of drifting off myself."

Gabrielle shrugged in agreement, then changed into her sleep shirt, and padded over to where Xena was arranging her armor for the next day. She slipped her arms around the warrior and laid her head against her shoulder with a sigh.

"Hey." Xena stopped what she was doing, and hugged the bard back. "What's that for?"

"Oh gods, Xena.. I stopped having a reason for that a long time ago." The bard muttered, nestling closer. "That guy really got to you, didn't he?"

Xena was silent for a space, then she exhaled. "Yeah." She snorted softly. "We always did that to each other.. just nasty, hurtful stuff."

The bard winced. "Ouch."

"Ouch." Xena confirmed softly. "I guess.. we just thought it was.. I don't know.. fun.. teasing.. it always had a nasty edge, though."

Gabrielle considered that statement. "You don't like being teased."

"Depends on who's doing the teasing." The warrior countered. "You.. Toris.. mom… that's all right."

A nod. "People who you know love you." She gave her partner a little pat.

"Something like that, yeah." A quiet admission. "I guess.. it's been a long time since I.. could trust that."

"Mm." The bard straightened, and started working off one of Xena's bracers. "If my teasing ever bothers you, you'll tell me, right?"

A faint smile warmed Xena's face. "Gabrielle.. I don’t have to tell you… you always know."

"I do?" Came the surprised answer.

"You do." Xena confirmed. "You get to a certain point.. and it makes me uncomfortable.. and you always.. just.. kind of stop, or do something cute.. or.."

Gabrielle kissed her shoulder. "Or that?"

"Ummm… yeah." The warrior confirmed. "So it's all right."

The bard laughed gently. "I don’t do it on purpose.. I just kind of.. it just happens that way."

The warrior finished removing her armor, and shrugged out of her leathers, folding them neatly and exchanging them for a soft shift. "Gotta get going early tomorrow.. I'll probably leave you snoozing." She warned gently. "Trying to clean these guys up a little."

Gabrielle yawned, not bothering to stifle it this time. "Okay." She agreed, as she scrambled into the large, canopied bed, which was so soft she almost disappeared into it. "Oh.. gods.. " She giggled.

Xena sat down gingerly, and patted the surface. "Good Artemis' left boot." She blurted in surprise. "You could drown in this." The bed was topped with a two foot thick mattress, stuffed with either down, or feathers, Xena couldn’t tell. She gaze at it suspiciously, then laid down on it, feeling the softness enclose her as though she were sleeping on a cloud. "Huh."

Gabrielle waited for her to settle, then she squirmed over, and patted the warrior's chest. "I still prefer my pillows on the firm side. " She deadpanned, as she curled up happily on her favorite spot. "Mm…."

Ares hopped up, and turned around several times, his paws clumsy on the soft surface, before he finally chose a spot and laid down, his dark ears poking up comically from the fluffy hills that surrounded him.

Xena felt around and made sure her sword was tucked neatly against the bed, then reached over and doused the candle she'd set on the table. The darkness wafted gently over them, and she felt Gabrielle move closer, curling her body tightly against Xena's own, and taking a firm hold across the warrior's stomach. "Hey.. I'm not going anywhere." She teased gently. A gentle warmth across her breastbone was the bard's sigh. "Gabrielle?"

Her soulmate just buried herself closer. "Yeah?"

"Something wrong? You all right?" Xena stroked her side tenderly. "Hey?"

"I'm fine.. it's okay…" She mumbled. "I just went a little weird there for a minute." No other way to catalog the sudden seize of panic, that made her cling desperately to the warm body she was wrapped around. "I think it was those candied pears." She laughed a little. "Too much sweets."

Xena relaxed, and rubbed her partner's back in slow circles, arching her hand to let her fingertips coax the tension still present in Gabrielle's muscles. With each knead, the bard made a tiny, contented sound that seemed to wind its way around Xena's heart and put a somewhat silly grin on her face.

It felt so damn good to be back in this kind of relationship with each other. The strained coldness between them had… Xena sighed, and closed her eyes against the memory. Had hurt. She didn't think either of them had realized just how much it had affected their lives until after.. it was all over.

And they were back together, but not..

It had been an exhausting day, walking in the heat through dry brush, on a road that was more rocks than anything else. Xena had found a rough campsite, with a bare trickle of water running down the rocks into a basin that drained into the thirsty soil and left mostly damp sand in its path.

She'd been.. tired, and discouraged over the still very strained relationship between them, and she'd spent a longer time than usual grooming Argo, moving the currycomb over her skin and removing every speck of dirt from her mane and tail. Touching the mare made her feel better, somehow, and the friendly snorts, and gentle shoves from Argo's nose were a comfort she hadn't expected.

Finally, she'd stopped, and put the grooming tools away, and given the horse a final pat, tangling her fingers in the thick pale forelock that flopped into Argo's eyes, and brushing it back with a fond look.

And had felt a sudden pain hit her in the chest as she remembered doing that very same thing to the quiet, scribing bard who was seated across the campfire. Standing there, hands clenched in horsehair, she felt a silent tear roll down her face, and she leaned forward, resting her head against Argo's in despair. Feeling very lost, and alone, and afraid… that things would never be better between them.

The mare whickered, and she straightened, reaching up and wiping the moisture away in an almost angry gesture. "Sorry girl." She'd apologized to the horse, and turned, stopping stock still as her eyes met shy green ones not a body length from her. "H.. hey."

The bard had folded her arms tightly around her body, and looked at the ground, before finally looking back up. "C..can I ask you a favor?"

In pure reflex, Xena had stepped forward, closing the distance between them. "Sure." She'd replied, concerned. "You know that."

No answer, and Xena had known, in her heart, that no, Gabrielle did not know that. "What is it?"

Gabrielle had taken a shaky breath, and very obviously gathered her courage up. "Can I give you a hug?"

It had hit Xena so hard, her knees had almost buckled, and she swayed in place. "W.. well, yeah.. sure.. I…you don’t have to ask…me.. that.. I." She'd just stopped talking when Gabrielle had taken the few steps remaining and hesitantly, gently put her arms around her.

The much missed feeling had overwhelmed her, ripping apart what meager defenses she had left and she'd started shaking, clasping the bard to her with an almost desperate intensity. Her fingers had tangled in the pale hair as Gabrielle pressed her head against the warrior's chest, and she'd just closed her eyes, and breathed in the bard's distinctive scent, and allowed a part of her she'd given up as dead to raise its weak, pitiful head again.

Warm tears had trickled down her skin, and she'd felt Gabrielle's breathing shudder, as the bard sobbed softly.

"Gabrielle… " She'd finally said, hoarsely.

The bard had swallowed, and drawn in a shaky breath. "I'm sorry." But she hadn't let go. "I know you hate this…I know.. so much has changed.. I know… all of that.. but.. I'm sorry.. I was just so cold… and I felt so alone… "

"I don't hate it." Xena had choked out. "Don't say that." She hadn't wanted to let go, but eventually she had to, and they went to their separate sides of the campfire.

And looked at each other bleakly through the flames.

Gabrielle had made the first move. Xena had known the next would be up to her. "It's… " A breath. "Warmer on this side.. you could um.. "

A tiny smile had edged across the bard's tear streaked face, bringing a long absent warmth to her eyes, and she had simply picked up her bedroll, and walked over, settling down at the warrior's side with a quiet sigh. "Thank you." Simple, and heartfelt.

It was, Xena reflected, the nicest thing that had happened to her for months, sad as that was to realize. They'd given each other shy smiles, and lay down side by side for the first time in what had seemed like a lifetime.

Two profiles outlined in firelight gazed up a dark, starry sky, in a deep silence broken by rustling, dry grasses and somber crickets. Xena had managed to relax enough to let sleep make reluctant progress over her, when a quiet voice sent a trickle of chills down her arm.

"I…I think I found a new one.. look.. " The bard's voice had still been hoarse. "A bear."

The stars had blurred in her sight so badly, Xena could not have told what the pattern the bard was pointing at if her life had depended on it. "Yeah.. a bear." She'd answered softly, as she felt the tears spill over and down the side of her face.

A fingertip not her own had caught them.

Xena sighed, and rubbed her temple with her free hand, as she regarded her blissfully happy soulmate. It really was a miracle, she concluded, feeling the silly smile edge her lips again.

Oh well. Not like anyone can see it, right? She reasoned., putting off her concerns against the seductive blanket of drowsiness that was claiming her. Gabrielle was already asleep, collapsed against her much the same way she had that afternoon, her breathing deep, and very steady.

Xena felt a sudden, unexpected surge of protectiveness wash over her, as she regarded the faintly lit features. Not that she wasn't usually concerned with Gabrielle's safety.. she was. But this… was different. It was almost a feeling of.. fierce defensiveness, like a mother wolf with a loved cub.

Odd.

The morning came too soon. Xena's time sense poked her just before dawn, and she opened very reluctant eyes and her body grumbled heartily at her plan to get up and start her tasks. The soft bed and Gabrielle's tenacious grip were collaborating against her willpower though, and to her mild shock, they were winning with disgusting effortlessness.

A motion calculated to disentangle herself from her soulmate somehow turned into a warm snuggle, that ended with her eyes drifting shut again as Gabrielle murmured sleepily and nuzzled the skin of her neck. Gods. She groaned inwardly. C'mon.. Xena.. discipline, remember? Move you butt outta this bed.

Several stern mental pokes later, she finally slipped out of Gabrielle's embrace, and stood, stretching and yawning, as she gave the still dark window a dour glare, then trudged into the large bathing room, and plunged her head right into the cold water in the basin off to one side of the bath.

It prodded her awake, and she finished washing, then stripped out of her sleep shirt and shrugged into her padded gambeson, buckling the chest straps in quick, practiced movements, and tightening the belt that held the fabric around her body. The worn, well-broken in garment felt good against her skin, and she patted the surface, dredging up a bit of better humor.

In silence, she padded barefoot back into the main room, and sat down on a thickly padded chair to pull on her boots, the leather sides scraping against her legs before she settled them, and tightened the lacings. Ares sniffed at her knee, wagging his tail, and she patted his head. "No no. you gotta stay here, okay?"

"Arogrroo!" The wolf complained, his large, cupped ears drooping.

"Hey.. none of that.. " Xena tapped him on the nose. "Your job is to take care of Gabrielle, remember?" She explained in a whisper. "I don't want any nasty guys bothering her.. okay?"

"Roo." Ares sighed, and trotted back over to the bed, hopping up on it, and curling up in a ball at Gabrielle's feet.

Xena grinned quietly, and rose, moving to the bed and reaching down to recover her sword, which she clipped onto her back in a practiced motion, then she knelt at the bedside, and simply watched her soulmate sleep for a long moment.

Gods.. Her eyes traveled over the closed eyes, with their fair lashes, and down the smooth curve of her cheek. The bard had one fist closed under her chin, and her other arm was curled under her head. As Xena watched, the closed hand opened, and reached out, then Gabrielle's eyes blinked open, in startled alarm.

"Hey.. " Xena touched her, seeing the relief in the younger woman's gaze as she looked up and saw her partner's face outlined in the dim pre dawn light. "It's all right.. I just gotta go and get this place cleaned up a little."

"Oh.. right.. " Gabrielle smiled sleepily. "Xena, Warrior Wash Warden." She chucked her partner on the chin gently. "Have fun."

Xena grinned whole heartedly back at her. "You might wanna look up the princess.. see if you can get her story."

A nod. "Good idea." The bard snuggled into her pillow. "Later." Her eyes flicked to the window. "I think.. I know why all you warrior people are always in such a bad mood all the time." She clucked. "You get up too darn early."

Her partner chuckled softly. "Yeah.. you may have a point there… I was in a baaad mood when I hadda get out of this bed." She captured Gabrielle's hand and kissed the fingers, pressing the backs of them against her cheek. "I love you." She rasped, gently.

Gabrielle blinked in pleased surprise. Xena didn't normally initiate that kind of thing. "I love you too." She responded quietly, curling her fingers tightly against the warrior's. "Make sure you get some breakfast."

A cheeky grin. "Yes, mom."

"Tch." The bard let out a slow, soft laugh. "Someone has to take care of you."

Xena pulled the covers over her, and tucked them securely around the bard's shoulders, then stood. "I'm leaving Ares with you… sic him on anyone you need biting until I get back."

"Mm.. " Gabrielle gazed up at her. "When you'll take over the biting?" She teased gently.

"Yep." Came the confident answer. "I'll probably be back here after lunch.. if you need me, I'll be mucking out what smelled like the Aegean Stables on the way in here."

"Uck." The bard tugged the covers over her head. "Make sure you leave your boots outside then."

Xena snorted, then clipped her chakram to her belt, and slipped out the door, closing it in silence, then making her way down the darkened hall. Only a few torches remained lit, but it was enough for her sensitive eyes, and she found her way down to the lower hall without incident.

She was about to cross the wide open space, when her senses came alert, her hearing detecting a faint brush of skin on stone. She paused, turning her head to take in the barely perceptible breeze moving through the room, and catching a hint of nervous sweat on the air.

Ah. Squaring her shoulders, she moved confidently forward, her ears tracking the surreptitious sounds that followed her, moving closer and closer as she neared the far door, close enough to set her nape hairs on end, and send a chill down her back as the cool air hit it.

Two.. one on either side, and they were sure she couldn't see them. They crouched, hidden in the mostly pitch darkness of the chamber, and as she came even with them, clubs whistled out towards her.

She dodged one, which sent its owner staggering, and let the other bounce off her shoulder pad as she kicked out sideways, feeling her boot impact against flesh. The second man slammed against the wall from the force of her kick, and slid down it, and she spun, reaching for the other man and grabbing the club he was maneuvering around for a second blow at her.

She pulled the club out of his hand, and slammed an elbow under his chin, forcing him back against the wall, his breath coming harshly. "Why are you attacking me?"

He didn't answer, just struggled. She sent up a wish for patience, and poked him in the neck with two fingers. His body jerked, then shuddered, as his breathing went hoarse. "You've got thirty seconds.. cause I'm in a bad mood. " She spat. "Why are you attacking me?"

"No.. right.. to interfere." The man gasped out, the whites of his eyes startlingly visible in the dim light.

Xena considered that. "One warlord or the other.. whadda you care? Why do you want that other guy to overrun you?"

He struggled to swallow. "Better of two evils." He ground out, then gasped, as Xena released him.

She held him up against the wall until his breathing steadied, then sighed. "You 're not gonna believe this.. but you might just be looking at the better of three evils." She informed him. "So just relax, and stop trying to kill me, and stay outta my way." She pushed him back, and ducked out the door, heading for the small side entrance she'd seen last night that exited into the castle forecourt.

Better of two evils, huh? She remembered the ginger haired man from the previous day. Hmm. That thought rattled around as she pushed the door open, and slipped out into a damp, cool pre dawn light, to the echo of sleepy bird calls that hesitated as her boots crunched against the rocky path, then continued as she moved past them.

The forecourt was clean, if a bit unkempt looking, with eager plants pushing through the flagstones and straggling across the surface. She walked under the archway leading out towards the low roofed buildings where Garanimus' soldiers were quartered, the soft breeze already bringing an incipient stench to her sensitive nose. Gods. She winced. The odor was a compellation of unwashed bodies, rotten food, and sewage, and she felt her normally sturdy stomach rebelling at it fiercely. Guess I got used to more civilized surroundings.. she groaned, closing her eyes and concentrating on controlling her reaction. C'mon.. c'mon…She swallowed a few times, trying to breathe through her mouth, and finally her grumbling body subsided, and she was able to dismiss the odor.

The buildings were quiet, except for the rumbling of snores she could hear through the half open windows, and she pushed open the door to the first one to be greeted with a warm wash of even more pungent stink. The dark interior consisted of rough-hewn pallets, with occupants slung over them mostly dressed in dirty leather undercoats, or nothing. Xena put her hands on her hips and looked at the floor, kicking idly at a roach which scurried out of her way, then shook her head and picked up two shields that were resting against the wall.

She lifted one in each hand, then spread her arms, considered for a moment, then brought her hands together, slamming the metal edged plates against each other with a horrendous clash.

Dark forms stumbled and staggered off their pallets, yelling in startlement as the noise continued, filling the room with a discordant echo that perfectly matched the smell. A torch flared, and someone flung the windows wider, letting in the gray dawn, which backlit the tall, rangy figure standing in the doorway.

Xena dropped the shields, and let her hands rest on her hips, watching the outraged bloodshot eyes turn to her. She smiled. "Morning."

"You…." A short, burly man coughed, pulling a dirty blanket up to cover his naked body. "Lousy son of a.. "

The warrior kicked him in the gut, sending him sprawling over the back of his pallet and onto the floor. "Wrong." She corrected him cheerfully. "At least get the gender right." She watched as they slowly focused, and realized who she was. "Comes to disgusting, this ranks.. and I do mean ranks.. right up there with the worst I've ever seen."

Sullen silence answered her, save a few coughs, and some shuffling. "All right.. this is what we're gonna do." She turned and pulled the door open. "Open all those windows."

"Says who?" An older man challenged, eyeing her warily from near the closest opening. "We leave them open.. they throw things in here at night."

The warrior studied him. "If I were them.. I would too.. to keep the stink in here." She informed him, then turned and faced the room. "My name is Xena." She gave the stunned silence a few beats. "And.. through no fault of my own.. I've had to take on the task of making this look like a real army."

"It is!" A young soldier protested, his hands clutching a piece of linen to his body.

"Yeah.. kid. Sure." Xena snorted softly. "So.. we're gonna start by at least making you look like human beings, and not pigs."

An angry mutter ran around the room. "G'wan… tell me you don't." The warrior said conversationally. "This place is disgusting, and there's so much dirt on those weapons, I'd be scared to lift one."

The older man edged closer to her, peering up in the gloom. "You're gonna make us clean up?"

Xena wrinkled her nose. "Oh yeah. For a start." She sighed, then faced them again. "So.. if someone's gonna challenge my authority to do that, let's get it over with now." She dusted off her gambeson. "You've got a quarter candlemark to be outta here, dressed, and ready to start working… I'll be waiting outside for anyone who wants to argue the point first."

With that, she turned, exiting the door into the fresh air with a feeling of utter relief. "Next." She commented to a bluebird that had landed on the well in the center of the cleared space, as she ambled toward the next shack over. She calculated that at least a half dozen of them would want to fight her over the order…which didn't bother her, in fact.. She flexed her shoulders a little. A little action wouldn't be a bad thing.

Gabrielle felt the warmth of the sun creeping up the bed, warming her legs, and she reluctantly let her eyes slide open, and exhaled. It was still early, the window was an eastern exposure, and the light had just poked over the edge of the sill, but faint sounds were echoing through the stone walls, and that was strange enough to shake her from sleep.

Ares saw her stir, and his head popped up, his ears twitching forward as she rolled over onto her back, and stretched her body, rubbing his sides with her feet. "Morning Ares…" She lay there for a minute, looking up at the frilly canopy, then rolled out of bed and stood up. "Guess I'd better get going, huh?"

"Roo." He hopped off the bed and sat in front of the door, his tail wagging expectantly.

"Okay.. okay.. " The bard laughed, as she trudged into the bathing room and tugged her shirt off, selecting a piece of scented linen from the stack left handy and wetting it, then washing herself off, enjoying the cool sensation of the water drying off her skin in the gentle breeze from the window. The linen's scent was fresh, somewhere between lemon and floral, and she enjoyed that too, in a general sense of well being.

She decided on keeping to her less revealing clothing, and slipped on a bright blue tunic, belting it with a woven leather belt in tan and red that Xena had produced from idle scraps during their last residence in Amphipolis. The buckle was an old cheekpiece bit of Argo's, which she threaded the end of the leather through, then pushed it down through a knot and let dangle. It was… She let her fingers smooth the leather fondly. It was odd looking, but she really liked it.. all the more because it was from her soulmate's clever hands.

"Okay?" She held her hands out and looked over at Ares, who wagged his tail. "Good." She laughed, brushing her hair out, and feeling the ends crackle and curl around her hands. A rumbled surprised her, and she glanced down, laying a hand on her stomach. "Shh."

Ares cocked his head curiously, then trotted over, and sniffed at her.

"Yeah yeah… "Gabrielle laughed, walked over and kneeling by their packs, and digging in the one they kept their traveling supplies in. She pulled out a packet of trail bars, and removed one.. hesitated, then removed another, and stuck it in her mouth before she closed the packet up and stuffed it back into place. "Remnfnd me.." She mumbled. "To pfhtank Vfina." She bit off and chewed a mouthful, and swallowed it. "For making these."

Ares blinked hopefully at her. "No no.. you don't like these." She scolded the wolf. "It's fruit.. wolves don't eat fruit."

A black nose sniffed delicately at the remaining half of a bar. "Roo?"

Gabrielle wagged a finger at him. "No." She stood, and suddenly felt a little lightheaded, and grabbed for the chair back. "Whoa." It passed immediately, and she shook her head a bit. "Guess I must have been hungrier than I thought… I'd better finish this up."

She consumed the rest of one bar and started on the other as she sat down briefly at the table to update her diary. A knock on the door interrupted her. "Come." She glanced to her right to assure herself of the location of her staff, then waited as the door opened, and a young, slight girl entered. "Hello."

The girl bobbed a short bow. " Ma'am." She was hardly more than a child, and dressed in servant's clothing, which were gray and spare. She had long, dark chestnut hair which cascaded down her back, and was held in place by a piece of leather thong.

"Um.. no.. it's Gabrielle." The bard corrected her with a smile. "Did you need something?"

The girl folded her hands and glanced at her warily. "M'here to clean."

Gabrielle glanced around, then grinned disarmingly. "We're not really messy." Xena especially.. didn't like clutter. Her things were either neatly folded on top of her saddlebag, or in the saddlebag.. you wouldn't even know the warrior was around most of the time. At home.. she let herself leave a few things out, like her armor draped over a stand, but even there.. it was the austere soldier's habits of a lifetime, the bard considered, that she consistently adhered to. "You don't have to worry about it." She stood, and closed her diary, walking over and tucking it into her saddlebag. "What's your name?"

"Mestre." The girl answered shortly, as her eyes roamed over the room, settling briefly on the bed, then darting to Gabrielle.

The bard moved over to her, watching her cringe slightly as she approached. It was a new, and not entirely pleasant experience…she was more used to people reacting like that to Xena, who was, after all, six feet tall and just a walking bundle of intimidation.

Gabrielle, on the other hand, certainly was neither. But she was taller than the girl, and she stopped before she could spook her off. "Do you know where the princess's quarters are?" She asked gently. "I'd like to go talk to her."

Mestre's eyes narrowed, and she gave the bard a suspicious look. "Why?"

The bard studied her. "It must be hard … I just want to ask her if she's okay, and if there's anything I can do for her."

"Leave." The girl finally answered. "That'll be the best ye can do for her, and the rest of us."

Gabrielle considered the statement. "I don't think I can do that.. but at least give me a chance to talk to her."

A shrug. "Have it ye're way." She stood back, and waited for the bard to go ahead of her, then followed her, startled when Ares pushed his way out the door and trotted after his mistress.

So… I was wrong. Xena flexed her arms, and bounced a little, waiting for her next opponent. At least a dozen of them remained, angry and stubborn, in a line that had started with three times that number. She'd used the opportunity to warm up muscles that had not been used in a while and now was feeling pretty good, having disarmed and swatted down a good two dozen smelly guys, who were now grumbling but removing their armor and tossing it in a tub full of soapy water that she'd dragged into the open space.

"It's a wonder you can even move in that." She commented to her current opponent, as she dodged a determined sword thrust and nicked his arm. "Got so much crud on it, I bet I can… " She sliced expertly, and the entire front hinge of his armor collapsed, hanging down off his chest and throwing him off balance. "Yep.. "

He stumbled off, cursing, and she looked over to size up her next challenger. Oh boy. This one was nearly a half a foot taller than she was, and outweighed her again by half. He was stripped to the waist, and didn't have a scrap of extra flesh on him, and his hands moved around a long, heavy sword with expert skill. She felt her humor drain off, and darker energies surface, as her body reacted to the signals he was giving off, and she realized this was no play bout.

He dodged forward, faster than she'd anticipated, and cross thrusted towards her, making her flip over his outstretched arm to avoid the sharp blade. She landed, and whirled, her instincts speeding up as she ducked his counterstrike, and slipped her own blade in for a touch on his chest.

At that, he backed a little, thinking, then came at her again, trying to engage her weapon and overpower her with his greater size. It almost worked, and would have if it were anyone but Xena he was facing.. but the warrior let the blow impact her sword mid way, and took the shock of it on her knees, then swiveled her body and let his momentum take him past her, as she moved out of the way, and turned, keeping him in sight.

A silence had fallen, as the men watched avidly, snarling lips lifting in anticipation as the tall man twirled his blade in his hand and renewed his attack, matching strokes with her this time, blades flickering in the morning light and sending shivering sounds across the square. He dug his feet in, and twisted, trying to disarm her, and she jumped in the direction he was pushing, leaping over his outstretched leg, and locking her arm with his, then pulling him over her head, and dumping him onto the ground.

That took a lot of strength, and he realized that, and his eyes glinted warily at her as he struggled to his feet. That's right, buddy.. she told him silently. I'm more than I look like. Now she went on the offensive, surging forward, and engaging his sword with powerful strokes that drove him backwards with the sheer force of them. A fierce grin surfaced on her face, and she laughed softly, watching his eyes grow first troubled, then alarmed when he couldn't stop her attack. She felt her blood surge, and that old, wild joy shivered up and down her back, and she let out a sharp yell, as she leaped up into the air, and swung, smashing through his guard and only swiveling her blade sideways at the very last instant, so the side of his neck was hit by the flat, and he collapsed in stunned shock, instead of having his head cut right off his body.

Xena stood over him, a grin on her face, as she slowly twirled her sword in her hand, every nerve tingling in the slanting early sun. She looked up to see the remaining line of challengers dissolving, as men gave her wary, almost respectful looks, backing away and heading meekly towards the water. It felt…. Wonderful. She wasn't about to lie to herself. Her competitive drive was in its glory, as she sucked in the cool air, and watched her opponent slowly shake his head, and rub the ugly bruise on the side of his neck.

He looked up at her, his hazel eyes blinking, then sighed. "Guess I'll be takin a bath."

Xena pinned him with an ice blue gaze, then sheathed her sword, and offered him a hand up. He paused a long, suspicious moment, before he took it, and got to his feet, towering over her. "You.. " He chewed his lip. "Are the real stuff, lady."

The warrior grinned her full, feral grin. Oh yeah, and I'm loving every minute of this. "You're not so bad yourself." She replied, then turned around and faced the sheepishly watching men. "All right…the fun's over for now.. let's get this place cleaned up."

Continued in Part 4

Standard Disclaimer - These characters, most of them, belong to Universal, and Renaissance Pictures, and whoever else has a stake in Xena: Warrior Princess. This is written just in fun, and no copyright infringement was intended.

Specific Story Disclaimers:

Violence –Why does anyone ever disclaim violence in a Xena story? Of course there's violence. Do you think we'd put out a story that consisted of pages and pages of Xena just.. .fishing.. or something? She is a Warrior Princess, not a Mary Kay consultant. (no insult intended - some of my best co workers are Mary Kay consultants, and I purchase from them regularly) And Gabrielle is no slouch with that staff, either. So, yes - there is violence.

Subtext - C'mon. Even the show has subtext. Heck, sometimes, it's not subtext. Sometimes, it's maintext. But anyway, this is an alternative fan fiction story. That means, it's based on the premise that Xena and Gabrielle are more than just best friends. If that's not your cup of mint tea, there are many, many talented bards out in the Xenaverse who post general fiction, which does not follow this premise. Go find them. Enjoy them.

This is, of course, PG13 level involvement here, no more.

So - having read this lovely disclaimer, if you then read the story and are shocked that Gabrielle and Xena are kissing each other, I can't help ya. If you're offended by it, send me your address, and I'll send you a bushel of citrus. We like to send that from here - we have to get rid of all of it somehow.

Any and all comments are always welcome. You can email them to:

mailto:merwolf@bellsouth.net

Promises Kept - Part 4

By Melissa Good

The long hallway ended in a sort of cul-de-sac; into which was set a broad, wooden doorway flanked by two bored looking guards. "She's in there.. ifn they'll let you in." Mestre explained briefly, then stopped, and let Gabrielle and Ares go on, eyeing the men with weary distaste.

The bard sized the guards up as she approached, and they watched her. Both young, and unkempt, with dark hair and serviceable armor. The closer one held up a hand as she moved within speaking range of them. "Go away."

Gabrielle sighed inwardly. Not a good start. "Hi." She replied. "My name is Gabrielle."

The man blinked at her. "Go away." He repeated.

"I'd really like to get in and just talk to the Princess." The bard replied, moving closer and keeping her gestures unthreatening. "You know.. she seemed kinda lonely last night… I just thought I'd try to cheer her up a little.. I'm a bard…I've got lots of stories I can tell."

"Go away or I'll cut your head off." The man replied.

Gabrielle glanced down at the dark furred wolf sitting patiently at her heels. "You know, Ares… sometimes, I'm just not in the mood for talking things out." She sighed, then glanced up at the guard. "Okay. Let me in, or I'll tell Xena you didn't, and she'll come and break both of your arms."

Dead silence, as the two guards looked at her, then looked at each other. "If she's in a good mood." The bard went on. "If she's in a bad mood, on the other hand, she'll probably break your legs, too.. though I've seen her get really in a snit and just start pulling body parts off of people she's mad at." She put her hands on her hips and waited.

The guard edged back, and smiled a fake smile at her, then unlocked the door and waved her in.

"Thank you." Gabrielle gave him her best approving face. "I really appreciate it." She slipped inside the chamber, and glanced around. It was a multi-room suite, and low, muttered voices were coming from the room she could barely see beyond a curtained archway. "Well, Ares… we're here now." She muttered, running her fingers through her hair, and twitching her tunic straight. "Let's hope she doesn't throw something at us." She walked quietly towards the doorway, and stood in it, resting one hand on the drapes that lined the opening.

The voices stopped as she was spotted, and three pairs of eyes, surprised, then hostile turned to her. The princess was there, along with a young man, and a young woman in rich clothing. They were all about the same age, and the boy was just trying to grow a moustache.

It was not a notable success, but Gabrielle had more important things to worry about. "Hello." She stood calmly, her fingertips scratching Ares' head, soothing the wolf whose hackles were rising at the perceptible dislike in the room. "I think we met last night."

The boy stepped in front of the princess. "Don't come closer… I warn you, I'm an excellent fighter."

Gabrielle laughed, her sunny voice ringing across the room. She spread her arms, and glanced down at herself. "I think you've got me confused with my partner… she's the tall, dark haired one that's into leather and kicking butt." She smiled. "I'm a bard…I tell stories."

They looked at her suspiciously.

"Really." Gabrielle let her arms fall, and regarded them. "I just wanted to talk to you."

The princess stood, and pushed the boy out of the way, advancing on the bard quickly, then stopping at arms length from her. They were about even in height, but the princess had a very slim, almost willowy build in stark contrast to the bard's sturdy, muscular poise. She looked Gabrielle right in the eyes for a long moment. "Leave us." She finally said, turning to glance at her friends. "Go on.. go get some breakfast."

The boy bristled. "Look here, Silvi… we're not going to leave you here with that barbarian."

Gabrielle scratched her ear. "First time I've been called that." She muttered to Ares, who looked up, and licked his chops. "Boy have they been sheltered if they thinkI'm a barbarian."

Silvi heard her, flicking a quick glance in her direction before making a hand gesture towards the other two. "It's fine… go on." She turned her russet head and regarded Gabrielle, letting her eyes sweep the bard regally from head to foot. "Get a tray, and come back. This shouldn't take long."

With dour looks, the two left, a ringing silence coloring the room in their absence. Silvi turned and clasped her hands in front of her. "What is it that you want?" She lifted her chin, and assumed a lofty expression.

"Just to talk." The bard replied with a smile. "I've never been to this city before.. it seems kind of nice."

"We don't have anything to talk about." Silvi answered. "So if you don't mind, I’m quite busy."

Gabrielle looked around, noting the fluffy frills on the bed, and the air of youth to the room's furniture, and figured that it probably was the princess's childhood room, still not outgrown. "I was just curious… actually.. last night, when you were introduced to us, you seemed friendly. After Linneus left, you weren't. " She paused, and looked at the princess. "Why?"

"Well." Silvi was disconcerted, and it showed. "I.. uh… I don't know what you're talking about. Why should I feel friendly to anyone of you? You're all pigs." She gave Gabrielle a distinctly unfriendly look. "You're friends of Garanimus the ass."

Gabrielle sighed, and wandered over to a small table, perching on the corner of it. "Not really." She fiddled with a piece of rock that was sitting on the table's surface. "It's more of a forced favor kinda thing." Her eyes lifted, and regarded the princess. "Is Linneus a friend of yours?"

"A common soldier? Don’t be stupid." Silvi answered sharply. "He just represents a more palatable faction."

Blond brows drew inward. "One warlord or the other.. what difference does it make?" Gabrielle asked curiously. "I don't understand."

Silvi came towards her. "It makes all the difference, you silly fool." She replied. "Anyone is better than what we have now.. they're horrible… I'd like to see them all dead.. and here we'd thought we had a chance to be rid of them." She glared bitterly at Gabrielle. "Until you came." The princess twisted her hands together. "You and that… that woman."

The bard regarded her quietly. "She's actually kinda nice when you get to know her."

She stared. "What?"

"Xena." Gabrielle got up and crossed her arms. "I'm assuming that's who you meant…she's not a bad person."

Pale lashes blinked up and down. "How can you say that?"

The bard exhaled, and let a fond smile cross her face. "I've lived with her for three years." She replied quietly. "Look, she doesn’t like Garanimus.. if there's a way to get him out of here, she'll find it."

Silvi paused, then moved around the bard speculatively. "Why should she? " The girl asked, her face hardening. "She's just as bad as he is.. maybe worse from what I hear."

Gabrielle exhaled. "That's not true." A pensive pause. "Not anymore."

The girl laughed shortly. "She's a whore.. they're lovers.. what do you take me f… " She stopped at Gabrielle's abrupt advance, stiffening as eyes grown as cold as a storm tossed sea halted inches from her, set in a face whose normal friendly countenance had shifted into sudden anger with startling speed.

"Don't you call her that." Gabrielle's voice had dropped, and hardened. "You don’t know her at all."

Silvi took a nervous step back. "B… " The blond woman suddenly seemed far more menacing than the guards outside the door.

The bard took a short step forward, her fists clenching. "She is my best friend, and I don't put up with ignorant little girls talking about her like that."

The princess raised her hands. "Okay.. okay.. hold on." She took a shaky breath. "Look here, I'm a royal princess.. "

"And I'm an Amazon Queen. " Gabrielle snapped back. "Your point?" She was still bristling.

"A…" The gray eyes widened. "B…"

Abruptly, Gabrielle remembered herself, and forcibly relaxed her stance. Gods.. what in Hades do you think you're doing? "C usually comes after that." She said quietly. "Sorry … I get a little sensitive when people assume things about her that I know aren't true."

Silvi blinked at her. "Are you really an Amazon Queen?"

Gabrielle rubbed her nose. "Yes." She replied. "Weird, huh?"

The girl studied her. "You don't look like a queen. You look like a peasant."

The bard refused to let the gibe get to her. "Amazons don’t live in frilly palaces." She responded evenly. "And they don’t get to rule just because they're born to."

Silvi looked stung. "You're rude."

"Honest." Gabrielle shot right back. "And not nearly as rude as you are."

The two of them stared at each other. Silvi finally let out a vexed sigh. "I don't much like you."

Gabrielle said nothing.

Long silence.

"Why would she want to help us?" The princess finally, grudgingly asked.

The bard took a step backward and settled on the edge of the table again. "It's what she does, now."

The thin, aristocratic nose lifted. "I find that very hard to believe."

Slowly, Gabrielle smiled. "So does she." The bard folded her arms. "But it's true."

A breath, and suddenly the princess looked very much like a frightened young girl, deep in a situation not of her own making. "Why is she helping Garanimus then? Can't she see how horrible he is?"

The bard stood, and walked to the open double doors that led out onto a small, curved balcony. She leaned her hands on the edge of it and looked down, to see small figures plodding purposefully around several small buildings just to the right of the castle forecourt. Her eyes immediately found what she was looking for, a confident figure standing under a nearby tree, watching. "She sees." She turned and replied to Silvi, who had walked outside and was gazing down also. "But she owes him a favor… and she takes that kind of thing very seriously."

Silvi watched the activity. "What are they doing?"

Gabrielle looked. "Washing." She replied succinctly.

A small smirk edged the princesses face. "Really." She eyed the men. "Maybe they'll all catch their deaths then, and we'll be rid of them that way." She turned away, as voices floated through the open door. "Vasi."

The man rushed through the door, has hand on his dagger, an almost comical expression of noble heroics on his face. "I'm here, your highness!" He gave Gabrielle a suspicious look. "Are you all right?" He asked the princess.

"Yes, I'm fine." Silvi assured him. "We were just discussing things." She glanced inside. "Let's have breakfast." Her eyes flicked to the bard. "Gabrielle, was it?"

A nod.

Gray eyes that now held a hint of shy, but wary respect looked back at her. "Will you join us?"

The man snorted. "Silvi, you must be joking." He gave Gabrielle an incredulous look. "You're not going to eat with a peasant, are you?"

The princess smiled slightly. "Ah, Vasi.. things are not always what they look like." She murmured. "You can leave if you wish.. you have my indulgence."

Vasi looked at her, then at Gabrielle, in confusion. "No.. no.. your highness…I would not dream of leaving you unprotected." He stammered. "Of course I will stay."

Silvi nodded. "Very well." She led the way indoors, where the other girl was waiting. "Elanora… please, let's be seated." She sat down, waiting for them to join her. Vasi and Elanora eyed Gabrielle very uncertainly as the bard quietly took her seat, motioning Ares to curl up next to her. "These are my cousins." The princess explained, lifting a flaky bun from the tray and placing it on the center of her plate. "Their father and my father were brothers."

Gabrielle studied them. "Nice to meet you.." She stated blandly.

"Mm.." Silvi hesitated. "And how do you prefer to be called… just Gabrielle?"

The bard nodded.

The princess deposited a bun on her guest's plate, and offered the platter to her cousins. "I believe you said you were a… a bard, was it?" She watched for a second nod. "So.. you tell stories?"

"Yes." Gabrielle took a sip of water from the glass in front of her. "Would you like to hear one?"

"About cows and chickens?" Vasi snickered.

Mist green eyes pinned him in place. "Actually. I was thinking more about the attempt on the life of Queen Cleopatra of Egypt.. and how it got foiled." Gabrielle answered mildly. "But I can come up with a chicken or two if that's the kind of thing you like to hear."

The three looked at her in some astonishment. "I didn't hear about that… father surely would have said." Vasi gave her a suspicious look.

"Well.. " Gabrielle laughed a little, as she picked up her roll and put a bit of butter and jam on it. "It's been kept kinda under wraps.. you don't want to advertise that kinda thing."

Elanora cleared her throat. She was a dark haired girl with a crooked nose, and overly large eyes. "How do you know about it then?" Her voice was half scornful, and half challenging.

Gabrielle took a bite, and chewed it, watching them with knowing eyes. "I was there." She replied, after swallowing. "You wanna hear about it?"

Silvi rested her chin on her hand, and nibbled her own portion. "Please. "

The late afternoon sun slanted down across Xena's back, settling a blanket of warmth across her shoulders as she watched the last of the irritable, disgusted, but clean soldiers trudge back into their now swept, washed, and mucked out quarters. She'd worked alongside them all day, dragging buckets of water, and wielding a shovel alongside to rid the place of an accumulation of dirt and scum that turned even her experienced stomach.

To the left of each hut rows of armor stood drying, the metal bits clanging disconsolately in the brisk breeze that lifted her hair up and blew a cool note across the back of her neck. At least it smells better, Xena decided, rocking back and forward on her heels, and regarding her handiwork with a satisfied smirk. From the corner of her eye she caught several locals watching with amused looks, which vanished when they saw her turn their way.

They scattered, except for one older woman, who was leaning against the well, her arms crossed over her ample chest. She returned Xena's inquisitive stare with one of her own, and the warrior ambled over, wanting to get a dipper of water while she was at it. The woman watched her pitch the bucket down the well, and draw it up before she spoke.

"'Ad em clean up, did ye?" Dark brown eyes regarded her warily.

Xena took up a scoop of water and swallowed it. "Yep." She put the bucket back on its hook and turned to face the soldier's quarters, holding the dipper in one hand and sipping from it. "Needed it."

A snort. "Bigowds, yes." A bit of silence, while the old woman studied her frankly. "They say you're from Amphipolis." She finally grunted, folding her arms.

Xena turned, surprised. "That's right." She answered slowly. "Why?"

A nod of the gray head. "Had a friend there… long time ago. Innkeeper." She watched Xena's face carefully.

The blue eyes blinked twice. "Cyrene?"

A nod. "Aye."

Xena smiled wryly. "My mother."

Both gray eyebrows jerked up. "Be damned." She looked more closely at the warrior. "Aye… it could be." Her eyes wandered. "She wasn't so tall…but.. Hades bells.. last time I seen you then you weren't but a bit of a sprout running wild in the stables." A soft snort followed. "Ye grew some now, didn’t ye?"

It was… Xena sighed. An embarrassing moment, but in a way, it also touched her. "Sounds like that could have been me." The warrior allowed. "What's your name?"

"Folks just call me old gramma." The woman answered with a dry chuckle. "I runs the kitchen." Her eyes sharply focused on Xena. "Your ma used to be quite a cook."

The warrior chuckled hesitantly. "She still is." The dipper was now empty, and she was reminded that she'd neglected to stop and eat all day by the hollow feeling inside her gut. "Speaking of which, I gotta go grab an apple or something."

"Tch." The woman clucked. "C'mon, little sprout.. I gots some bread and cheese'll do as well for ye." She pushed away from the well and limped stiffly off, motioning Xena to follow her. "Anyone's who gots them bistards to stop stinkin deserves at least that."

Feeling slightly absurd, Xena lifted her hands and let them drop, then followed her, flicking a bit of mud off her gambeson. Oh well.. no sense in arguing. I hope she doesn’t call me that in front of Gabrielle, though. I'll never live it down.

They entered the kitchen through the herb garden door, which lent its spicy fragrance to the air, attaching lingering traces of thyme to them as they passed through it. The room hushed as eyes turned and spotted Xena's tall form, and she could see outraged stares being directed at her elderly guide.

"G'wan about ye business." Gramma yelled suddenly, waving her hands. "This ain't the juggling show."

Bodies scurried out of her way, as she moved back into the pantry, pulling a loaf down from a shelf with a muttered oath. She picked up a slicing knife with an expert hand, and carved off a large section, splitting it down the middle and releasing its warm, yeasty fragrance into the air.

Xena breathed the familiar smell in deeply, and was content to watch as Gramma dipped a brush into herbed olive oil, and spread a spare layer on either side of the bread, then reached over and sliced off two large slabs of goats cheese, and laid them on top of the impromptu snack. She slapped the two sides together, and handed them over. "There. G'wan.. before this lot's eyeballs are rolling on the floor and I'll be having t clean em up afore dinner."

"Thanks." The warrior accepted it graciously. "I appreciate that."

A snort. "Y'know.. I'm the one yer mother gave that damn rooster to."

Xena's eyes widened slightly. "Sparky?" She glanced around as if the rooster, surely long dead, was going to spring out and peck her.

Gramma laughed. "Artemis the mighty, yes… nasty bit of goods he was… but a good egg pusher." She gave Xena a grudging smile. "Small world it is, eh?"

The warrior smiled back. "Smaller than you think." She tucked the bread and cheese into one large hand, then gave Gramma a nod. "Take care."

The old woman watched as she left, keeping her eyes pinned on the tall figure until it vanished through the door that led into the main banqueting hall. "Tis not I should take care, little sprout." She muttered softly to herself, giving the now openly scowling staff a vulgar gesture. "Better her a friend than enemy, ye dungheads." She spat, as she turned back to her tasks.

"Gramma how could you!" The castle steward hissed at her, wiping his hands on his apron in disgust.

"Shut up, ye dog faced whiner." The old woman shot back. "She's not one of them."

The man grabbed her arm. "Listen, old fool… he called her here, and he put her in charge of the army."

"Ay." Gramma turned, and peered at him. "But who's to say what she's goin t do with it?"

Xena was still chuckling as she slipped back into the room they'd been assigned, taking it its quiet emptiness with a small sigh of disappointment. Gabrielle must still be hobnobbing.. she realized, then set her snack down as she went to the mirror and gazed at her reflection.

Yikes. The warrior flinched, absorbing her mud-spattered form with distaste. Then she brightened. Hey.. good excuse to try out that nice bathtub… right? She grinned, and loosened the straps on the gambeson, then entered the bathing chamber, and examined it.

Ah. A stone aqueduct lead to a plugged basin, where she'd washed that morning. The plug could be removed, which would allow the water to flow into the tub. The aqueduct also ran against the back side of the fireplace for the room, so in cold weather the water would be heated. The bottom of the tub had another sandstone plug, which could be pulled up to let the water go out yet a different aqueduct, which emptied into the garderobe and out into the river that ran alongside the city, she guessed.

Nice. Her face creased into a grin, and she pulled the basin stopper out, releasing a flood of water into the large tub. She glanced around, and spotted an earthenware jug, which she plucked the top off of, and sniffed warily. Ah. The rich scent of wild flowers rose to her, dried petals evidently meant to toss in the bath. Judiciously, she put the jug down, then padded back into the main room and knelt by her saddlebags, rooting in one of them until she found a cake of their own soap, whose fragrance reminded her of Amphipolis, and her mother's kitchen in the winter when the innkeeper had poured hot water into a large tub and bathed her recalcitrant children.

Xena chuckled, remembering her mother's exasperated sigh as she scrubbed layers of mud off her. "I swear, Xena… " Cyrene had often exclaimed. "What do you do… swim in this stuff?" Keeping her in mended shirts was always tough, too, she recalled wryly. Poor mother.

A thought paused her. Would I have been as patient as she was? And a second. Will I be? She let a tiny thrill of anticipation chase up her spine. I hope so. The idea of.. in a way, starting over.. getting a second chance to do this one thing right… A long, slow breath trickled out of her lungs. I never considered myself in the least bit maternal.. .but gods..I want this.

She removed a small sack of bath salts they'd picked up in Potadeia and went back into the bathing room, tossing a handful of the salts into the water, and setting the cake of soap down as she finished unbuckling the gambeson and slid out of it, then sat and removed her boots, which she'd taken the precaution of rinsing off before she reentered the palace, not wanting to bring half the stables in with her.

With a sigh, she submerged herself in the burbling water, watching idly as the level rose to cover her thighs. She leaned back and let her body relax, relatively pleased with the day's events, and feeling a quiet satisfaction that she'd managed to achieve her objective without killing anyone.

The two broken legs and the dislocated shoulder didn't really count… she'd had to break up those fights, right? The men had started jibing each other as they scrubbed, and there were some hurt feelings… which weren't nearly as hurt as the physical injuries Xena visited on them for their angry scrapping. Ah.. the smell of wet, naked men drying in the sun… Her nose wrinkled. It had stunk worse than Ares did when he went swimming in the mud hole near Amphipolis.

"You fight dirty!" One of them had cried, bent over from a particularly vicious blow on his private parts. She'd just grinned back.

Now, she grinned again, and gazed up at the tiled ceiling. Been a long time since I spent a day in the trenches.. forgot how much I used to enjoy that. She'd ended the day by giving those soldiers who had finished their cleaning tasks a little pick up drill, trading sword strokes in the bright sunlight with some of the braver ones, who were, on the whole, not really that awful.

Bennu, the tall one, was her favorite. He was skilled, and strong, and she'd found herself having to stretch to meet his attacks, which resulted in a gentle ache in muscles she'd been neglecting for a while. Her life in Amphipolis had kept her busy, but the long days with the horses, hunting, doing healer's duty, and helping around the inn… left little time for drills. She'd been keeping up her morning runs, but her nights she'd firmly reserved for her soulmate. Period.

Despite the aches… she picked up the soap and scrubbed her shoulder. She still had it… a little rusty, maybe.. that was to be expected, but she'd felt things start to come back towards the end of the day. The moves had started to flow a little better, and she'd stopped thinking about what she was doing, letting her body work and slip back into a familiar, recognizable groove.

That wolf was still in there, and was very contented at her drills today, she realized, stretching to her full length in the tub, and watching the water swirl around her. Exercise she got plenty of, in Amphipolis and when they traveled, but this…was different. Fighting touched something very essential inside of her, relieving a pressure that had been building up for months.

A pressure she hadn't even realized was there until it was released, filling her with a quiet, feral satisfaction. She looked down the length of her body and wiggled her toes, watching the water swirl around, and sighed, idly rubbing the soap over a thin, almost invisible scar on her thigh. What was that from again? Oh right… tavern fight outside Athens, the night Gabrielle had decided to stay at the Academy. She'd gotten drunk, and let someone surprise her.

And had to make up some damn fool excuse when Gabrielle showed back up, curious as ever.

Her ears cocked, as she heard familiar footsteps coming down the hall and the door opened inward, bringing a warm presence and the tickering of wolfish toenails on the marble. "Hey!" She called out, and heard Gabrielle's direction change.

The bard trotted into the room, and stopped, putting her hands on her hips as she spotted her soulmate lounging in the tub. "Well. " A broad smile crossed her face. "I can think of worse things to come home to." She continued on, and perched herself on the edge of the tub, trailing her fingers in the scented water. "Hi."

Xena stretched her arms out along the top of the basin, and regarded her lazily. "Hi yourself."

Gabrielle reached up and brushed the wet hair out of her eyes. "How'd it go?"

A shrug. "Not bad… it's clean now." The warrior allowed. "Got a little sparring in.. not much else." A pause. "You?"

"Ah." The bard crossed her legs and exhaled. "Well, if I said the princess was a stuck up little whiner with delusions of royal godhood, would you believe me?"

"Ouch." Xena winced. "Sorry." She reached up and rested a hand on the bard's leg.

"No no… it was.. a learning experience." Gabrielle held up a hand. "And she has two cousins who are worse. We spent the day going over their royal bloodlines, and what they were going to wear for some ball that's coming up, and deciding on the color to order the kitchen to make the dessert topping."

"Ah." Xena covered her mouth to hide a smile. "Um… well, I mucked fertilizer and old garbage all day."

Somehow, Gabrielle didn't look very sympathetic. "They eat cucumber sandwiches for lunch. Xena, have you ever eaten a cucumber sandwich?"

"Um. No." The warrior replied, hesitantly. "I don't think I have."

"It's a tiny piece of stale bread, which has rancid oil on it, and a piece of lukewarm watery vegetable put on top." The bard supplied helpfully. "They think it's very aristocratic to be paper thin." Her expression told volumes about what she personally thought about that.

"The people or the cucumbers?" Xena inquired wryly. "Um… there's some bread and cheese in the other room if you're hungry."

A pause. "Have I ever told you how much I love you?" Gabrielle batted her eyelashes at her partner devotedly. "I was going to ransack your saddlebags for a fruit bar." She leaned over and kissed Xena's damp head.

The warrior laughed. "Go on.. save me a bite, but help yourself. Turns out the head cook's an old friend of mom's." She watched Gabrielle trot out, and chuckled a little to herself.

The bard returned very shortly with the sandwich and split it in half, handing one portion to Xena, and keeping the other. "Mmmm… " She took a bite, and chewed, closing her eyes in bliss. "They can take and shove those cucumbers." She swallowed. "Right up their royal sphincters."

Xena burst out laughing, struggling hard not to spit out her mouthful of bread and cheese. "Gabrielle!" She regarded her partner thoughtfully. "Well, at least you got her talking to you… did you make any progress?"

Gabrielle grinned around her mouthful and nodded. "They started off calling me a barbarian, and ended up asking my help in writing something." She took another big bite. "But gods.. " She muffled the words. "Are they young."

The warrior put a hand up on her thigh. "You're not so much older than they are, love." She reminded her gently. "And stop chewing so fast.. it's not going anywhere."

The bard sighed. "I know… to both." She forced herself to chew more slowly. "But I'm really hungry, and when I was their age, I didn't have to run a city."

"Hmm." Xena chewed her own portion thoughtfully. "That's true." She admitted. "So.." She mused. "What's her problem?"

"Oh." Gabrielle finished up her bread and dusted her hands off. "She hate Garanimus." Now her expression turned serious. "She's upset, because you're helping him keep control of the city.. they were hoping Framna would chase him off.. figured anyone was better than what they had now."

The warrior blew out a long breath, and leaned back in the water, resting her head against the edge of the tub. "Well… I dunno… he's a bastard, all right. But who says Framna's any better?" Her eyes turned to her soulmate. "Though.. I gotta tell you.. I was a lot more impressed by their emissary yesterday than most anyone I met today." She winced. "He's got a couple of decent fighters, but most of them are either complete amateurs or hacks." She didn’t spit in disgust, but she somehow gave the impression she had.

Gabrielle idly traced the fine hairs on her partner's arm. "Did you suitably impress them? I saw you supervising the cleaning effort." She grinned.

Xena grew a touch pensive. "Yeah, I think I did." She admitted. "You know, the usual knock em around a little, that kinda thing." She studied the surface of the water quietly, until gentle fingers grasped her chin, and turned her head so she had to face the now serious green eyes. "I… I.. um.. "

"You enjoy it." Gabrielle finished for her somberly. "Xena, I know you do… it's something you're really good at."

The warrior searched her face. "Yes." A pause. "And I guess it doesn't hurt to indulge in that once in a while.. not like I get much opportunity to." She hesitated, seeing the twitch in Gabrielle's facial muscles. "Or that I want to."

The bard smiled gently. "Xena… you're always going to be a fighter.. you and I both know that. Probably when you're a hundred years old you'll still be kicking somebody's butt." She combed her fingers through the damp, dark hair. "And.. I.. I kind of…I have to admit it's always been sort of exciting to watch you do it, too."

A dark brow edged up. "Really?" Xena asked, curiously. "I didn't think you…you felt that way."

A short laugh from Gabrielle. "Yeah.. me, little peace loving, gentle Gabrielle from Potadeia, of the high ideals and pristine morals. " She rolled her eyes in obvious sarcasm. "Yes..I confess… my evil, darkest admission… I think you're incredibly sexy when you fight."

Xena's face went absolutely still, as if she couldn’t figure out what reaction to have, so she compromised by having none. "Uh."

"Heh." The bard chuckled wickedly. "Gotcha." She gave her partner a chuck under her chin. "You going to finish that?" She indicated the remains of the bread and cheese still clutched in Xena's hand. The warrior handed it over wordlessly, and she smiled. "Thanks."

A knocking on the door attracted Gabrielle's attention, and she crossed the floor, laying her hand on the doorlatch and tugging the large portal open. A very tall, well built young man stood there, with an almost painfully clean face. "Well.. hello." Gabrielle smiled at him. "Can I help you?"

He looked down at his hands, which held a stack of parchment. "Ah… the genrl asked fer these."

Genrl..genrl… general? Gabrielle puzzled over that for a minute. "Oh.. you mean Xena. " She chuckled a little "Sure.. sure… come on in." She stepped back to let him enter. "Hey.. Xena… one of… um.. of your soldiers is here."

"Yeah?" The warrior padded out into the room, only a brief piece of linen wrapped around her body. "Oh..hi Bennu… that the stuff?" She ran her hands through her hair to start it drying, and went to the table, resting a bare foot on the padded bench absently as she dried one long arm.

Bennu.. Gabrielle watched his face. So.. he has a name other than… she giggled to herself softly, seeing his eyes grow round. Dumbfounded. "You all right?" She watched his gaze suddenly flick all over the room, settling on everything except for her half-naked soulmate. Xena., Xena, Xena… "I can take those for you."

"Uh." He focused on her, finding it safer. "Yah." He handed her the stack of parchment. "'ere you go." A fly whizzed by, catching his attention, and he watched that for a while. "Everrthings cleaned up, all right. Gots most of the boys to stop bellyachin about it.. seems the village girls ha started poken their heads in, nows it doesn't smell so bad."

Xena and Gabrielle exchanged looks. "Should have brought Salmoneus after all. " They both muttered together, then chuckled at each other. "Good.. good.. " Xena briskly took the parchment from her partner, and set them down on the table, starting to leaf through them. "Thanks, Bennu." She glanced up, seeing his blushing face. "Bennu?"

Reluctantly he pried his eyes off the ground. "Aye?"

"Let's try to keep it like that for a while, huh?" The warrior smiled at him. "I don't wanna go through that again.. we've got too much work to do in the next few days."

He nodded vigorously. " Right." Then he backed towards the door. "I'll be.. uh… goin to check on the guard."

Xena cocked her head slightly. "All right.. that sounds like a good idea." She gave him a nod, and watched him turn and slam face first into the door, then somehow get it open and disappear behind it.

A pensive silence fell. "What the heck's wrong with him?" Xena wondered, shaking her dark head and lifted one piece of parchment up to study it.

Gabrielle turned, and faced her, putting her hands on her hips and gazing at her partner. "Xena… you are incorrigible."

Startled blue eyes lifted, and focused on her. "Huh?" She looked around in a puzzled fashion. "I am? What'd I do now?"

The bard sauntered forward, and circled her slowly, trailing a lazy finger across her exposed skin. "Just stood there, half naked., looking incredible, that's all." She followed the linen's line, as it crossed the ver tops of her thighs. "Was that fair?"

The warrior glanced down. "Oh." She offered the bard a rakish grin. "Didn't even think about it." She returned her attention to the document, letting it fall to the table, and leaning over it intently. "Damn… did he forget everything I taught him?" She sighed in disgust. "Look at this…the watch is too far apart, and he doesn't have them overlapping. If one of them goes to take a… " She let her voice trail off into a mutter. "Moron."

Gabrielle eyed the parchment, then eyed her partner and smiled. She started a gentle nibbling up her shoulder, removing water droplets as she went, and by the time she'd reached the curving muscles on the side of Xena's neck, the warrior had forgotten her plans, and turned her head, willingly meeting the bard's lips.

A touch slid up her side, tugging at the linen wrap, and Xena let her hands cradle the bard's face as she felt the fabric slip loose, and gentle, knowing fingers traced the her water cooled skin., leaving trails of warmth that staggered her breathing, and sent jolts of sensation arcing u her spine. She pulled Gabrielle closer, one hand finding the knot in her belt and loosening it, the other tracing restlessly across the bard's cheek.

Gabrielle let her thumbs circle gently across her soulmate's ribs, then slid her hands upward, over the curve of her breasts, and felt a cool breeze ripple across her back as Xena eased her shirt off and their bodies brushed each other. It sent chills up and down her, and she growled softly, taking small nips along Xena's very accessible skin. The powerful arms closed around her, and she took a breath, knowing she was going to be lifted up, and anticipated the drop onto that soft, fluffy bedding.

Ah. The scent of clean linen packed with herbs rose around her, and she wriggled her body against it, feeling the coolness of the fabric warm against her skin. Then Xena's hands began a slow, deliberate advance on her most sensitive places, robbing her of breath, and thought, and her senses for a long space of time.

Gabrielle lay there in a peaceful half doze, idly tracing small patterns on her soulmate's skin. "I got asked to perform tonight." She muttered softly, hearing Xena's breath deepen as she decided to answer.

"Mmm??? Good.. better than those half assed musicians last night. " The warrior replied, with a gentle snort. "Gods… what was that?"

"It was period music, Xena." Gabrielle gave her a wry glance out of half open green eyes. "You just didn't like it because it didn't have drums."

An eyebrow cocked at her. "I didn't like it because it sounded like three cats making love in a fertilizer bin, Gabrielle."

"Three?" The bard giggled.

"Uh huh.. two of em going at it, and the third one frustrated." The warrior answered. "D'you know why cats howl when they mate?"

Pensive pause. "Nnnoooooo…"

"The guy cat's got barbs on his parts." Xena supplied cheerfully. "Like a row of thorns."

Absolute, dead, complete silence. Then.. "WHAT???? " Gabrielle got right up onto her elbows, and peered intently at her partner's face. "THORNS?? OH my gods…. " She covered her eyes with one hand and yelped. "Ow!!!" After a minute, she peeked at Xena. "Glad humans aren't like that."

A blue eye regarded her sardonically. "We'd be extinct."

They looked at each other and burst out laughing. "So.. you've gotten a royal request, huh?" Xena chuckled lightly. "What're you going to tell?"

A shrug. "I don't know yet… David and Goliath, maybe." She rested her chin on Xena's breastbone. "Unless you want me to tell one of yours." Eyelashes batted innocently at the taller woman. "I'd looovvvveee to do that."

Xena chewed her lip, then let a smile brighten her face. "Go ahead." She replied softly. "I think I'd like that."

Gabrielle stared at her, dumbfounded, then reached up and rubbed her ear. "Did I just hear you say that?" She blurted. "I can't believe it."

The warrior regarded her quietly. "I've done so much in my life that I'm not proud of, Gabrielle… it' helps to remember, sometimes, that there are things I can feel good about.."

"All right." Gabrielle exhaled, then smiled. "You're on." She blinked, and yawned, laying her head down on her partner's shoulder. "Ugh… you tired me out.. and I haven't decided what to wear yet… not that I have much."

A subtle twinkle lit in Xena's eyes. "Oh.. I'm sure you'll come up with something… you look good in whatever you wear."

Gabrielle's face turned very serious, and she lifted a hand to rest on her soulmate's forehead. "Where is Xena, and what have you done with her, you impostor."

Puppy dog eyes gazed back at her. "Can't I be nice once in a while?"

"Mph." Gabrielle subsided, and let her head back down. "Okay.. I'm too tired to argue. " She snuggled down into the feathers contentedly.

Xena stroked her hair, her face a study in quiet wistfulness. "You take a nap.. I'm gonna go.. uh… check the guard."

A faint nod. "Oh.. okay.. .if you gotta.. " The bard sighed. "But I'll miss you."

The warrior gently disentangled herself, and drew the light cover over her soulmate's bare body. "Won't be long." She promised, then rolled out of bed, and donned a dark blue, rough woven tunic, and her boots. Taking a small pouch from her saddlebag, she motioned Ares to stay put, and walked to the door. The wolf flicked his ears, apparently content to stay curled at Gabrielle's feet.

As the door closed behind her, a mist green eye peeked out speculatively, and then rotated to glance at the wolf . "Wonder what she's up to, Ares?"

"Agnrrooo." Came the noncommittal answer.

Xena trotted down the front staircase, heading for the front door to the castle. She'd almost made it when she heard her name called, and sighed. Letting her hand drop from the latch she turned, and waited. "Yes, Garanimus?"

The tall, blond man strode over to her. "Where are you going?" His eyes took in her casual garb. "Where'd you get that, a garbage dump?"

Xena just ignored him and turned to leave again, opening the door and walking out.

"Hey!" He grabbed at her shoulder, and stopped, as she stopped, and looked back at him. Slowly he lifted his hand off her. "All right… sorry."

"I'm going for a walk." Xena informed him coldly. "I did my time today, cleaning up your stinking army."

Garanimus snorted. "I heard." He studied her icy glare and held up a hand. "Truce.. truce… c'mon, Xena.. we used to be able to spend a candlemark with each other without starting a fist fight."

Xena's expression didn't change. "That was a long time ago."

A faint, wry grimace crossed his handsome face. "Still hold a grudge, huh?"

The warrior's nostrils flared slightly. "Because you almost led an entire army to their deaths? Yeah." She felt her hands closing gently into fists. "I have a long memory for that."

"Ah ah.. " He held up a finger. "You wouldn't be here bitching if it wasn't for me."

Xena's eyes narrowed, and she felt her pulse pick up. "I wouldn't have been captured if it wasn't for you.. so don't be too proud of yourself." A brief, dark memory of being lashed to a tree, pelted with stones and spikes hit her, and she wrestled it down. "You're lucky all you ended up with was broken arms."

"Mm.." His eyes studied her. "Took you a while to get over that.. they swore they broke your back."

A deep breath. Starkly remembered agony. "Not quite." Months where every movement sent daggers through every nerve. "Bet they wished they had." A thundering ride down on a sleeping camp, every plunge of the horses hooves jarring her, but she hadn't cared. And she'd killed, and killed and killed.. her sword had been drenched in blood. "You're lucky you'd gotten out of there."

"I heard." Garanimus answered shortly. "From the one or two survivors… bumped into them down south a ways after that."

She turned, and started to walk down the broad stairs, and he followed her. "For a while.. I thought that was why you'd given it up.. getting hurt like that. Then I heard about your army turning on you." He remarked, with studied casualness.

Xena's lips twitched. "They regretted that, too." She closed her eyes, and forcibly released her anger. He's not worth it. "But I never did." She reached the bottom of the stairs and took a path towards the market.

"So.. after all that.. you don't miss leading an army?" He persisted, stretching his strides to keep up with her. "C'mon, Xena… the stories I heard from the guys today… you ain't lost much."

The warrior let out a long, controlled breath. "I don't." She turned and met his gaze. "I put those skills to better use now." And how much of that was wishful thinking? She sighed inwardly. "I sleep a lot better at night." That, at least, was honestly true.

Garanimus fell silent for a long moment, as their boots kicked up dust on the trail. "You really believe you can make up for all the things you did?" He finally asked, a touch of scorn in his voice.

"No." Xena stopped, and faced him. "I don't. But that doesn't mean I'm gonna stop trying. "

He exhaled. "I don't understand you."

She dismissed him with a glance. "You never did." A shake of her head followed. "Get outta here, Garanimus.. I've got some business to attend to." She walked on, entering the rows of booths, and leaving him standing in a small dust cloud of her making.

Once past the start of the market, and hidden from his view, Xena stopped, and leaned her hand on a stall support, taking long, deep breaths, as she struggled to regain her composure. He had all her buttons down pat that's for sure… the key was to not let him know he was hitting them. Not let him know just how close to right he'd been.. guessing that injury had almost ended her warlord's career.

Only stubbornness had prevented that, and.. Xena shook off the remaining irritation. That, she had plenty of. She shoved the dark memories out of the way, and concentrated on her mission, her pale eyes flicking over the merchants with serious intent.

Ah. She spotted her target, and went on a reconnaissance patrol, circling it warily, as she examined the selection of victims. Her imagination studied angles and fit and finally she slipped out from where she was hiding behind a post and gave the cloth merchant a nod. "That one. How much?"

He jumped nearly out of his skin. "Gods!" His hand raised to his chest in a flutter. "Where in Hades did you come from?"

One dark eyebrow rose at him. "How much?"

The merchant regarded her. "Well. " His experienced eye sized her up, weighing her rough clothing against her commanding stance, and the pouch he could plainly see hanging at her belt. "Honey, that's not going to fit you." He paused. "No offense.. "

"It's not for me." Xena informed him. "And none taken."

He rubbed his hands together briskly. "A gift then.. ah yes… well, this is a lovely, lovely piece, as your pretty eyes have noticed.. " He touched the rich, shimmering green fabric with a finger. "Just wonderful.. silk, it is, from China."

Xena indulged herself in imagining the soft folds outlining her partner's body and smirked inwardly. "How much."

"Twenty dinars." He pronounced.

She looked at him, both brows lifting.

"It's from China.. that's very, very, very far away, m'dear.. it's.. why it's.." He gestured with his hands.

"I've been there." The warrior told him, deadpan.

"Really?" He breathed. "Do tell? I've heard they all keep monkeys as pets there, is that true?"

Xena almost chuckled. "No." She shook her head. "Tell you what… throw in that half cape, and you'll get your twenty."

He regarded her. "You're not from around here are you?"

The warrior gave him a look. "No.. and if the person this is for finds out you charged me twenty dinars, you won't be around here much longer either. " She reached for her belt pouch. "Deal or not?"

"All right.. deal." He smiled at her, and took the dress down, delicately folding it with experienced, gnarled hands and tucking it into a piece of undyed cloth to form a package.

Xena counted out the dinars, and was about to hand them to him, when loud voices caught her attention. She glanced over, to see two soldiers, at a food merchants booth, holding the hapless merchant against the thin walls of his shelter and yelling at him. "Hang onto that for a minute." She told the weaver, tucking her pouch away and walking towards the fight.

The two soldiers were taunting the man, holding up a large loaf of bread and demanding he stuff it with sandwich meats for them. Xena didn't even bother to ask what was going on. She tapped the closer one on the shoulder, and as he turned, slammed her fist into his face.

He dropped, and before his companion could say a word, she nailed him in the jaw with her elbow. Then she sighed, and looked around, spotting a cart and pony, laden with supplies, nearby. "That headed to the castle?" She asked the drover, who was staring at her with wide eyes. He nodded, and she grunted, then picked up the nearer man, and hoisted him in the back of the wagon, followed by his cohort. She handed the drover a coin. "Drop em off by the barracks."

He stared at the coin, then at her. "Yes, ma'am." He grabbed his pony's reins, and tugged him forward, trying to hide a grin. Xena watched him go, then shook her head, and turned back to the food merchant. "Sorry about that." She sniffed delicately at the fragrant scents issuing from his booth. "Whatcha got there?"

The man rubbed his wrist, sore from his manhandling, and took a breath. "Dumplings." He answered softly. "Stuffed wi crushed nuts, and berries, suchlike." He removed one from his pot, and offered it to her. "Would ya like to try one?"

Xena took it, and bit into it experimentally, then smiled. "I'll take some of those." She put a coin down on the narrow board that fronted his stand. "Be right back. " She finished the dumpling, which was quite tasty, and went back to her friend the weaver, once again counting out the dinars.

He took them slowly, and handed her the bundle. "You… " He fingered the coins. "You're Xena, aren't you?"

The warrior sighed a little, but squared her shoulders. "Yes."

A small crowd had gathered, and heard her response. She could sense the usual round of whispering going on. Oh well.. so much for fun.. time to get on outta here.

The dumpling maker walked over, holding a nest of his little snacks. "But… " He looked at her searchingly. "But..you're a hero." He burred. "What're you doing helping out the likes of him?" His head jerked towards the castle. A murmur of agreement rose around them.

A hero? Who in Hades did they think they were talking about? Surely not me.. She glanced around, and took in the gazes of the people now surrounding her, and let out a tiny sigh. Yeah. Me. They are talking about me. A sudden flash of a half forgotten memory surfaced, the inn when she was very small, and a group of her mother's friends, sitting in a circle, working on a large comforter as they talked. The oldest of them had turned to her and asked. "And what do you want to grow up to be, little girl?"

Toris had wanted to be a sailor. Lyceus a soldier.

"I wanna be a hero." She said, from a child's logic, seeing it as the best of all worlds.

Cyrene had chuckled wryly, and stroked her disheveled hair. "If anyone could, it'll be you, scamp."

A pained smile etched her face. It was a damned long road getting here, mother.. and I'm not nearly sure I've gotten to the end of it. but…I feel closer to that little girl right now than I have in a long, long time.

"Well…" She realized these people actually saw a difference between Garanimus and her. "He thinks I'm helping him. " She finally replied. "He's asked me to try and prevent him from being attacked by Framna." She paused. "He never asked me what happens after that."

Sly smiles flitted around the tiny crowd, and most of them melted off into the reddening sunset, as she claimed her dumplings, and tucked the dress under one arm. The market seemed a lot friendlier when she gave the weaver a nod, and moved on, picking up a tall, very slim man with a moustache that reminded her irresistibly of Autolycus. He walked beside her quietly, and put his hands behind his back.

"You're Xena?"

She nodded, scarfing a dumpling. "That's right."

"Mmm." He sniffed. "You travel with Gabrielle the Bard?"

That got him a smile. "That's right." She repeated.

He smiled back. "I've got something you might be interested in." He lifted a hand in the direction of what was, apparently, his merchant's area. "I saw her perform in a small town way east of here… and it gave me a notion." He paused. "I'm a silversmith."

Xena grinned, and swallowed another dumpling. "Lead on."

It was a peaceful dream this time. Gabrielle floated gently above a grassy field, with warm sunlight pouring down across her body. She was aware of being naked, but that didn't really bother her too much. Below, fluffy lambs played in the grass, kicking their small black heels up and letting out high pitched baa's that drifted up to her as she lay, relaxed, her chin resting on her crossed arms.

The sun felt like it was passing right through her, and she rolled over, letting it bathe her, and feeling her skin absorb its heat, with a sensation of being filled that was quite odd. She took a breath of the clean, cool air, sucking it down into her lungs as a wave of well being swept over her.

Birds circled overhead, and their cries nudged her slowly, reluctantly back into reality, as the cheerful call of a robin outside the castle window filtered into her ears. She opened her eyes slowly, and stretched her body out against the fluffy surface, patting it gently with one hand. "Yep.. that's close to clouds, I guess. " She remarked, amused at how the soft mattress had insinuated itself into her dreams. "Think we can talk Xena into bringing this home with us, Ares?"

The wolf's ears perked up, and he cocked his head, poking her foot with his nose. "Roo?"

Gabrielle rolled over onto her back, and nudged him. "Roo to you, too." She yawned, and pulled the covers back, easing out of bed and moving across the room to retrieve her shirt. "Gods.. am I getting lazy or what, huh?" She chuckled. "Maybe I need to eat more vegetables, what do you think?"

Ares hopped off the bed and trotted over to her, licking her bare knee.

"Gotta cut that out… can't keep up with Xena if I'm sleeping all the time." She informed the furry animal. "Not to mention the teasing I'll be starting to get pretty darn soon." She ran her fingers through her hair to order it, then sat down at the small desk in the room, and pulled her diary over, sharpening a quill absently and flipping the leaves over to find her place. "Let's see… did I record that note about Salmoneus.. " She studied her previous entry. "Yeah… but I said.. how many days was it?" She scratched her nose. "Two.. or… wait.. when did we leave Amphipolis.. "

A few pages retreated, and she studied the date, then flipped one more page back. "Yeah.. ok.. right. I remember now.. and… " Her attention was suddenly drawn by a small, almost obscured notation in one corner. She stared at it, blinking slightly, then touched it with a hesitant fingertip.

"Six days." Her voice was a bare whisper. "Six days, Ares…. We left Amphipolis six days ago… and I should have started my cycles before we left."

The dark head cocked. "Roo?"

"Couldn’t be, right? What are the odds of that, huh?" She asked the wolf, drumming her fingers on the table. "And I haven't been sick in the mornings.. except that once, and that was the herbs, wasn't it? Xena fixed that right up.?"

"Aggrroo." Ares laid down, and nuzzled her bare foot.

"Nah.. it'd be too early for any of that anyway." She decided, but a tiny grin was working its way across her face. "Better wait a few more days before I start… wondering."

Too late. She stood, and paced, thinking. "Okay.. okay… so.. I'm late." She held up both hands. "No big deal.. I've been late before." Her brow creased. "And I've been.. kinda… " She shifted a little. "Tender…up here.. so.. yeah, that must be it.. I'm just late." She looked back at Ares, who was watching her attentively. "Right?"

The wolf obligingly got up, and ambled over, then poked his cold, wet nose against her belly and sniffed. "Aggrrrrrrr."

"Just.. what.. exactly.. did you mean by that?" Gabrielle cupped his muzzle in one hand and glared at him. His tail wagged. "You're imagining things, Ares." She scolded. "I'm just… late….I haven't been sick in the morning… no cravings for weird stuff like last time…I've.. just.. been a little hungrier than usual." She paused. "But that's normal for me, right? We're out traveling, I'm always like that."

The wolf sat down. "Roo." He agreed amiably.

Gabrielle exhaled. "Right." Another pause. "I'm sure I'll start my cycles tonight.. maybe tomorrow…" She felt a distinct disappointment at the thought. "After all, no other symptoms.. and… it's only been six days."

They looked at each other. "Do you suppose they have a library here, Ares?" She mused. "Maybe they have a scroll or something that lists.. other things.. to look for."

Ares sneezed.

"Yeah.. you're right…I should just wait." The bard paced some more. "Besides, it's not me that's acting weird.. it's Xena." She considered her soulmate's recently odd behavior. "She's acting a little like a broody hen.. maybe she's pregnant."

Ares blinked, then sneezed again. "Agrrrooo."

"All right.. that would be tough, yeah… but you know what, Ares?" She sat down on the floor, and smiled, as the wolf immediately rolled over and presented his belly for a rub. "More than anything else in the world, if I could have one wish, it would be that we could share that together." She sighed gently, riffling her fingers through his thick fur. "I really love Toris.. and he's so sweet.. but… I know she's never going to have another child of her own, and I wish I could…. She still seems to be so alone sometimes, Ares… she gets this little look.. and I know she's thinking of Solon."

She exhaled a little. "I know she'll love a child of mine.. but Ares… I want it to be ours.. gods, I truly do."

"Agrrrroooo." The wolf rested his head against her calf, and sighed, gazing up at her adoringly.

"I know.. no sense in wishing for flying fishes, huh?" She laughed wryly, then powerful footsteps caught her attention, and she looked up expectantly as the door pushed open, and her partner strolled in. "Good gods in Olympus, Xena.. what did you do?" She laughed, scrambling to her feet as the warrior ambled to the table, and dropped off an armful of packages. "What is all this?"

Blue eyes blinked in pristine innocence at her. "I went shopping."

Gabrielle's jaw dropped. "You?.. " She touched a bundle tentatively. "Went shopping?"

Xena nodded, then stepped back, and let herself fall onto her back on the bed. "Yep… I just.. Um.. I thought we… well, I wasn't really shopping.. I was kinda.. looking for something specific, but… I saw some stuff we needed so.. " A tanned hand raised, then dropped onto the bed. "I went, I shopped, I'm back, end of story."

"Uh huh." The bard lifted one package up and shook it gently. "So… what's in here?" She sniffed suddenly. "Mm.. what smells?"

"Oh." Xena's eyes seemed riveted on the ceiling. "Well.. they had a few food vendors there.. thought I'd bring you back a thing or two."

Gabrielle set to work, sorting the bundles. She moved the food into one pile, and peeked inside the wrappings. "Let's see… dumplings.. nuts.. shish kebab… goat's cheese on a stick… curried lamb pockets… " She looked up. "Did you have any of this?"

The warrior licked her lips. "Um… yeah… I did." A pause. "One of each, actually."

Gabrielle burst out laughing. "Xena! You're going to be sick to your stomach… you goofy thing… "

"Nah." The warrior waved her off with a lazy hand. "I've got a strong digestion.. besides, you ate my lunch.. I was hungry." And the cool air had made everything taste really good, too. She mused, folding her hands over her belly in contentment. Better than what they were likely to get for dinner, anyway. "I think the cooks put nasty stuff in the food they serve Garanimus… that roast tasted like it had cinnamon added to it."

"Hmm." Gabrielle nibbled on a kebab. "Pretty tasty." She set the food to one side, and examined the rest of the packages. "So.. what's all this."

"Oh." Xena rolled over onto her side, and propped her head up on one hand. "You said you were worried about having something to wear tonight. I took care of that."

The bard paused, one hand resting on the linen covering. "Xena." She hesitated. "You didn't have to do that."

Pale eyes regarded her seriously. "I know. But I wanted to." She smiled self deprecatingly. "Guess I felt a little impulsive tonight." A pause. "Open it."

Gabrielle took a breath, then untied the fabric scraps that were holding the bundle closed, and released them, lifting off the covering, and letting a sigh out. "Oh gods… " She touched the silk gently. "That's gorgeous."

Xena smiled. "Put it on."

The bard did, feeling the cool, sleek fabric hug her body. "Whoa." She breathed out, turning her head to glance in the mirror. One hand drifted down her side, as she blinked at her reflection. "Um…."

A hand gently arranged the softly falling neckline, which left most of her shoulders exposed. The dress clung to her curves, but was cut so that movement was relaxed, and Xena carefully twitched it into place just so. "Not bad, Red." The warrior told her cheerfully, planting a kiss on her neck. "Siddown.. let me put your hair up."

As though she was in a dream, the bard complied, feeling the shivery tingles as Xena's hands combed and arranged her pale locks. "So.. have you decided what to tell?" Xena's voice traveled down her hearing like smooth ale.

The bard nodded slowly. "Yeah.. I did.. " She lifted a hand and arranged her crystal necklace. "But it's a surprise."

Xena chuckled softly. "Fair enough.." She finished her braiding. "There you go.. " She'd neatly twisted her soulmate's thick hair and put it up, exposing her neck to the cool breeze from the window. "You like?"

Gabrielle stood, and walked to the mirror, with Xena padding along behind her, a look of childish glee in her eyes. "I'm.. um… " Green eyes gazed back at her from the mirror gravely, looking out of a face that seemed to have acquired longer planes, and a faint, inner radiance that was just perceptible to her. "Um."

The warrior chuckled, and slipped her arms around her from the back, letting her hands settle protectively around the bard's middle, and resting her chin against the fair head. "You look great."

Gabrielle let her hands drop to cover her partner's, regarding their position thoughtfully, then she looked up over her shoulder at the sparkling blue eyes. She sorted through various plans of attack. "You're being… huggy.. lately." She decided on that route.

Xena sighed gently. "I guess I am.. does it bother you?" She had no real way of explaining why, either. Just this wistful need to cuddle that was actually somewhat disconcerting. Probably aftereffects of.. everything.

"No no… no…" Gabrielle hastened to reassure her. "Not at all… no… it's just… a little different, that's all." She chewed her lip a little. "Ares.. has been following me around a lot lately too.. you guys plotting something?"

The warrior looked genuinely surprised. "No.. I did tell him to stick close to you though… there are some nasty jerks running around here."

"Uh huh." The bard leaned back against the warm body nestled close to her own. "Hey… " She laughed lightly. "You suppose Granella's broken the news to Toris yet?"

Xena chuckled. "You think he could keep from asking? Besides.. if I noticed, I'm sure she did, too." She closed her eyes, and breathed in the bard's scent, loathe to release her. "Can't keep that kinda thing a secret forever."

A grin flitted across the bard's face. "True.. true… besides, if she's being sick all the time.. that's a kinda good indication, right?" She paused a moment. "Or those food cravings."

The warrior rocked her gently. "Well.. not always, no." She replied. "Some people don’t get sick like that… and a lot of people don’t get food cravings at all. " She reflected briefly. "I didn't."

"Really?" Gabrielle mused. "So.. how do you know then?"

A shrug. "Well.. not getting your cycles.. that’s a kinda big one. " She grinned at her partner. "Especially if you're regular, like you are." She hummed in thought., not catching the sudden flicker of emotion on her soulmate's face. "Some people get headaches… backaches… fatigue…funny dreams… their sense of smell gets stronger.. that kinda thing."

"Really." That was in a completely different tone from the previous response. "Interesting."

"Mm.. " Xena agreed. "Everyone reacts differently, I think… I got backaches, and I was really short of breath a lot.. because I.. " She released the bard, and touched her own ribcage. "I breathe in deep, mostly.. so when the baby started growing in there, it sorta crowded things."

"Oh." Gabrielle turned, and gave her a smile." I guess that makes sense, huh?" She drew one idle finger down Xena's chest, tickling her a little. "When did you start to notice?"

The warrior cocked her head at her, and a small crease appeared in her brow. "Yeah.. " She answered, drawing the word out. "It does.. um.. she must be a month or so along, though.. it takes a couple of weeks for that kinda thing to start up.." She hesitated. "Took me at least that long…probably longer.. I…don't think you can tell in a few days."

"Oh.. right… " Gabrielle laughed, slapping her. "So.. by the time we get home… it should be pretty obvious."

"Right." Xena replied. "Should be." A vague look of distraction briefly crossed her expressive face, then she smiled, and tweaked the bard's cheek. "You about ready?"

"Yep." The bard replied, leaning up and kissing her. "Thank you… I can't believe how nice this looks."

That got her a rare broadly open smile from her companion. "I can believe it… oh.. wait." Xena half turned, and lifted a much smaller package from the table, which had been hidden under the dress. "Guy saw you perform a few months back.. he made these with you as an inspiration.. apparently, they're very popular.. so he w… Gabrielle?"

The bard was staring at the small bauble Xena was holding, and blinking at the tiny ear cuff, which sported miniature quills and tiny staves as charms. "Buh." She lifted a finger and brushed them, listening to the musical tinkle as the silver bits sparkled in front of her. "Um.. it's… so .. he… I was… me?"

Xena grinned. "Definitely you.. not many other people I know mix a quill and a staff in quite that way." She reached up and fastened the bauble around her soulmate's ear, arranging the charms so that they fell evenly. "Very.. Amazonian."

Gabrielle glanced in the mirror, delighted. "Yeah.. it is…" She turned and threw her arms around a startled Xena. "Thank you.. I love it." She released her, and leaned back, so that they were gazing into each other's eyes. "I love you."

Xena gave her a contented smile. "Likewise." She gave her another warm hug, then sighed. "Guess I'd better get the armor on.. time to go practice my dour glares."

The bard snorted softly against her chest. "You need to practice those? I don't think so. You've got those suckers nailed Xena."

They both laughed.

Gabrielle took a deep breath, before she entered the torchlit room, very aware of the dark, sinuous form that shadowed her, a hand lightly resting in the small of her back. Everything seemed a little chaotic, mostly because her head was whirling with new, and sudden possibilities, and a little because she felt hypersensitive to every sound, ever smell.. even the air seemed to palpably flow over her skin, fluttering the silky fabric against her.

Heads turned as they entered, she was used to that. But the eyes in them stayed on her this time, brows edging up, expressions changing from merely curious to… She swallowed. I guess I must look ok. A mental voice chuckled wryly at her.

Fingers tickled her back gently, and she responded with a smile, as Xena guided her towards the head table, where Garanimus was standing, talking to two of his henchmen. The warlord looked up as they approached, and she saw his eyes widen, and a sly smile cross his face. "Ugh." The bard muttered. "He looks just like a weasel when he does that."

A moment of speculative silence from Xena, then. "Mmmm…. " She considered. "More like a beaver."

The bard observed. "Oh yeah.. the teeth. You're right."

They got to their seats, and Xena paused for a moment after Gabrielle sat down, resting her hands on the back of the bard's chair and catching Garanimus' eyes. "Problem?" She asked, leaking a hint of menace into her voice.

The man eased closer. "Oh no.. not at all, Xena." He leaned against the chair arm. "Hey sweetpea.. you sure clean up nice.."

Gabrielle gave him her most sincere smile. 'Thank you." She replied blandly. "I think that's a worm on your shoulder."

He jerked up, and glanced sharply at himself, brushing the insect off with hurried fingers.

Xena's face went extremely expressionless, as she clamped down hard on a fervent desire to giggle. "Can't keep a good worm down, I always say." She seated herself next to the bard, and crossed her legs at the ankles, gazing thoughtfully at her clasped hands. "Any word from Framna?" She asked, in a bored tone.

"Um.. no." Garanimus finished checking himself for more intruders, and sat down, snapping his fingers at the short, brown haired man to his right." Bring whatserface in here." He looked back over at Gabrielle. "I hear little sweetpea spent the day with the brat."

Gabrielle tried to relax, and focus on the present, discarding the recent past, and the near future. "I'm sorry?" She cocked her head inquiringly at him. "If you mean the princess.. yes, I did. We spent the day discussing history, and interkingdom politics." Well, Queen Cleopatra's tale counted for both of those, right?

Silvi was brought in, between two guards, and she seated herself with admirable dignity, gazing straight ahead as the tables filled, and Garanimus motioned for the servers to start.

"I figger he's got to do one of two things." Garanimus spoke around a mouthful of bread. "He'll either go elsewhere, or he'll just try a frontal assault."

Xena picked up a spear of asparagus, and chewed it thoughtfully. "Maybe." She dipped the end of the vegetable into a red sauce. "But if it were me… I'd call your bluff." She let her eyes slide to where he was now glancing at her. "Or I'd get someone in here to find out if it were true."

He shrugged. "I've got guards."

The warrior laughed. "My mother could get past your guards." She finished one spear, and selected another. "I'm gonna change the patrol routing so at least they don’t think we're totally clueless."

"Fine." He growled softly. "Just keep it quiet."

They finished eating, then the princess leaned over stiffly, and spoke in a low voice. The warlord listened, picking his teeth, then laughed. "Sure… why the Hades not?" He tapped Xena on the shoulder, startling the warrior who had been sitting her with fingers steepled pensively, obviously deep in thought. "Hey!"

Xena rolled her head towards him. "What?"

"Silvi wants to hear sweetpea tell a story." The blond haired man informed her.

The warrior stared back at him, stone faced. "Her name's Gabrielle."

Garanimus rolled his eyes in exasperation. "Come on, Xena… I don't give a rat's butt what you're little toy's name is.. I j.. " He stopped speaking, mostly because a hand was closing his windpipe. Xena stood, pulling him out of his chair in full view of the room and shaking him until his teeth rattled.

"You." The warrior leaned close. "Are trying my patience." Her voice was a soft growl. "Very badly." She backslapped him in the face, and sent him sprawling, and would have followed that up except for the strong hand on her arm. It was soo… close. She could feel the wildness surging in her, making her fingertips itch. Damn. She took a breath. Not usually that much out of control.. what the Hades is with me lately? With a visible effort, she calmed down, turning to face Gabrielle's concerned look. "Sorry about that." She muttered.

"Sticks and stones, and all that stuff." Gabrielle joked faintly, rubbing an undetected thumb on the inside of her agitated partner's wrist. "I think I can come up with something to tell these folks." She watched Xena give her head a slow shake, then sit down, slumping back against the chair back as Garanimus struggled to his feet, and fell into his own chair, rubbing his neck.

"Bitch." He snarled. "You'll pay for that."

Xena gave him a dour glare. "Get in line, you pitiful excuse for a half brained bastard cow." She growled back, her hand twitching again. "And shut up or I'll rip your tongue out."

A silence fell after that. "Well." Gabrielle broke it, with determined brightness. "I'll just get started then, okay?" She let her hand fall on Xena's shoulder, feeling the shifting tension under her touch with concern. Easy there tiger…don't let him get to you like that. She told the warrior silently, wondering a little at her partner's edginess. "Save me some dessert."

Xena exhaled, and gave her a wry grimace. "Will do." She replied, and watched as the bard made her way around the table and out into the center of the room. Then Garanimus faded out of her memory, as she concentrated on the lovely highlights and shadows that gently rippled across her soulmate's body, catching glints in her mist green eyes and fair hair. The bard did, truly, look beautiful, and Xena let the words roll over her, as she felt her body calm, and her attention focus on the smooth motions, and distinctive rhythm of Gabrielle's storytelling.

It did give her a chance to… think. Something had caused a tiny, niggling itch to start in the back of her brain, and now, as she watched her soulmate, and listened to the appreciative oohs and laughter of the audience, she tried to worry it out into the open. Something about her partner?

Hmm. She cocked her head thoughtfully. The bard looked normal enough… she was smiling at a comment from one of the finely dressed courtiers, and her face lit up as she moved on in her narrative. In fact, she looked.. really healthy.. almost… radiant. Xena tasted that word carefully, and stared at her partner with serious intent.

Something she'd said.. something she'd… ah. No, it wasn't something she'd said.. it was a tone of voice she'd had when uttering the word. "Really." Xena had spent three years pretty much day in and day out with the bard, and had done an awful lot of listening to her talk, babble, relate, intimate, discuss, and rehearse.. she knew every sound, every nuance of Gabrielle's voice, right down to the stresses on the syllables, though the bard would probably never have guessed that. So.. That 'really' had meant a revelation, one which Gabrielle hadn't expected, but that she was pleased with.

Hmm.. They'd been talking about signs of pregnancy.

Xena blinked, as the obvious conclusion padded up to her and tapped her on the shoulder. She felt a welcome, dizzying jolt of hopeful excitement at the prospect, then reality cut in and she sighed.

Nah. Her logic rejected that, based on time. What she'd told Gabrielle was true.. it took a few weeks for signs to start showing up.. time that they simply hadn't gone through enough of. So. If not that.. then.. Her eyes slid sideways. Could the princess… She flicked a glance at Garanimus with evil intent. So help me, if you… She promised him darkly, making a note to have Gabrielle find out if the warlord had so much as touched the young girl.

Then her eyes slid back to her partner, and she blushed a little as she found the bard smiling back, a look of gentle affection twinkling her gaze. It was all she could do not to melt right in place, and let herself dissolve into a warm pile of leather covered goo with little metal bits sticking out.

She settled on a half grin, and a quirk of her eyebrows instead. Gods… Gabrielle had been right…she'd really been a mushball lately…and this wasn't the time or place to be demonstrating that, not with Garanimus glowering at her in silence, and an army to run. Besides, the bard was busy telling stories about her, and it just wouldn't do for her to appear to enjoy them.

Too much, anyway. It was bad for the image.

Instead, she watched the audience, evaluating the stiff, polite city dwellers sitting uncomfortably with the rowdy, mostly rude soldiers. Not a good mix.. she mused, sensing the hostility, a good portion of which was directed her way, despite her earlier fight with Garanimus. Could they really want any other warlord to take his place? Granted.. he was no prize, but…it didn't make sense. Something else was going on here..she could feel it itching at the very edges of her perceptions.

A timid clearing of the throat interrupted her thoughts, and she turned her head , to see a tow haired server boy standing there, with a small platter. "Yes?" She consciously gentled her voice, seeing his unease.

He hesitantly thrust the platter at her. "Gramma says give t ye."

Xena glanced at the plate, then gave him a wry smile. "Thanks.. and tell her I said thanks too." She took it, and set it down on the table, lifting up one of the small confections on it and nibbling the edge. The boy gazed at her for a moment, then gave her a shy grin, and disappeared. Out of the corner of her eye, she was aware of Garanimus' watchful gaze, and ignored it, as she leaned back and enjoyed the treat. Bet she never sent these out for you, huh? She projected at the warlord. I always had better luck with people than you did.. at least I got respect from them, without always having to beat the crap out of everyone.

She finished the pastry, enjoying the subtle flavors and eyed the plate, then sighed, and crossed her arms, resolving to save the rest for Gabrielle.

The bard finished her last tale, and accepted the applause graciously, then made her way back and settled in the chair next to Xena, letting out a long breath. "Tough crowd. "She muttered softly. "You all right?"

Blue eyes flicked to her. "Yeah." Xena nudged the plate towards her. "Dessert."

"Thanks." Gabrielle smiled at her, as she took one. "Did you notice, Xena… they serve Garanimus' guys from different platters and stuff than the rest of the people." She kept her voice very low, knowing her partner would hear her.

Xena's eyes widened slightly, and she half turned her head to gaze at her soulmate. "No.. I didn't…are you sure?" She uttered back, a touch embarrassed. Too damn busy daydreaming.. wake up, Xena.. get your head on straight.

A faint nod. "Yeah." The bard nibbled on the pastry. "You can't really see it from this angle.. but when you're up there, you can see what's going on a lot better.. they've got one set of servers that goes to the locals, and another set that goes to the soldiers." She paused, considering. "Weird."

"Good catch." The warrior complemented her wryly. "There's more here than we're seeing."

"Mm." Gabrielle agreed. "I think we'd better start looking harder."

Gabrielle sat quietly at the desk, tickling her lower lip with the edge of her quill, and resting her chin on one fist. Her diary lay open in front of her, and she was rereading her entry so far, as the soft, rhythmic sound of a sword being sharpened rasped in the corner.

She's awfully quiet tonight. Not that she isn't usually quiet, she is, but this is that kind of brooding, mental wheels turning all over the place kind of quiet that makes me sort of nervous. I thought I did a good job with the stories.. I must have.. even Garanimus said something I suppose he more or less considered nice, but after I finished, Xena just got this grumpy mood up, and I'm not really sure why.

I don't even think she realizes she's sharpening that thing… her look says she's leagues away from here, and I'm afraid little slivers of whatever that metal is it's made of are going to start littering the floor there. If I didn't know better, I'd say she was daydreaming, but…

So… I'm feeling pretty good right now, because the dinner went okay, and the stories turned out fine.. and.. ew. This feels so strange to write.. I think it's possible I might be pregnant.

Wow. I just went back and reread that sentence about six times. I can't be sure, and all I've got to go on so far is pretty flimsy. I'm late.. by my calculations almost seven days now. A week, and add to that a bout or two of what may, or may not be morning sickness, one dizzy spell, and the fact that I've had to take naps two straight days now.

Not much to go on.. in fact, Xena's' acting way more strange that that - maybe I was right. Maybe it's her that's coming down with something.. and I'm just reacting to it. She's been so.. distracted the last few days. At first I thought it was Garanimus, and she's worse around him, but.. no, I can tell she's having trouble concentrating, and my gods.. she actually went shopping today and got me stuff. For no reason. And the hugginess, and the hovering… gods, she's petting me like a kitten lately. It's almost funny, because sometimes she doesn't realize it, and sometimes she does, and when she does, she acts like she has no idea of what she's doing.

I think she's confused. I know I am. I'm sitting here debating on whether or not just to.. bring the subject up, and kind of talk about it. I keep starting to, then I stop, and I think I realize it's because I'm scared to.

I'm scared because.. I want to be really happy about this.. and I want her to be. I don't want her to pretend to be, just to make me feel good, and I know she will, and that I'll know the difference. I want to be excited, and giddy, and hop up and down.. but I'm so afraid that I'll mention it, and I'll see.. regret in those beautiful blue eyes. It's.. kinda silly, I know - because if I am, there's nothing I can do about it, and I know she's support me in whatever… but.. I don’t just want her support. I want her to be as happy about it as I am.

Maybe I'm asking too much.

Jessan told me he and Elaini shared a lot during her pregnancy. I wonder if it'll be the same for us? At least Xena's been through all this before.. so.. actually, if I was pregnant, she'd catch the signs before I would. Right?

Unless she was distracted, which she is. Maybe I should just wait for this whole thing to be over, then, when we're out in the woods, nice and quiet, maybe over a salmon or two, I can just…kinda ease the subject into conversation.

Oh. Yeah. I can picture that. "So, Xena… wouldja look at that owl.. building a nest and laying an egg. Which reminds me… " Gods, I gotta laugh..

Well, I'd better close this up and get some sleep.. I promised Xena I'd try to find out what the townsfolk are up to from the princess. It won't be easy, though.. because they're really suspicious of her, and of me, too.

The bard laid her quill down, and folded her hands over the parchment, watching her taller companion closely. "Xena?"

"Huh?" Xena started, and gave her head a little shake. "Gods.. sorry.. I don't know where I was there for a minute."

Gabrielle closed her diary, then stood and crossed to where her partner was sitting, and joined her on the padded bench. "Are you feeling all right?"

No denial, which worried her. The warrior slowly sheathed her sword, and leaned it against the wall, then rested her elbows on her knees and clasped her hands together loosely.

"I don't know." The low voice admitted softly. "I'm having a hard time staying focused.. and I think Garanimus is really getting to me." A tiny shake of her head. "I can't believe I lost control like that in there."

The bard slipped an arm around her shoulders. "You really don’t like him, huh?"

Morose silence. "What he did… the attack I was taken in hurt me… pretty badly. It took me a while to get over it.. would have taken less time except that… as soon as I could ride I lead a force of men on the army he'd sold us out to, and.. " She stopped, then exhaled. "A lot of people died."

"So.. you really still resent him." Gabrielle theorized.

A nod.

"He's a jerk." A flat statement. "Was that the time you hurt your back?"

Another nod.

"Mm." The bard rubbed a thumb lightly against her skin. "So.. he was hoping to gain financially from betraying you.. instead, he got hurt, you recovered, and now he has to crawl around with a bunch of smelly guys and he's forced to beg you for a favor." She paused. "He lost all around."

She could see the wheels turning.

"Um." Xena took in a breath. "I never considered it that way." A half grin worked its way across her face. "I guess he did." She regarded the floor soberly. "Maybe it's just that… I'm getting a taste of the old days, and it's bringing back a lot of memories." A sigh. "The strategy.. the challenge.. there were things about it that.. pushed parts of me into achieving things I don’t think I would have in another lifestyle."

Silence settled between them introspectively.

"And then, when I start feeling frisky like that." Xena continued, relaxing a little. "I remember the bad parts. The hurting… gods.. it was so bad sometimes I'd just lay in bed at night and bite my lip to keep from yelling. That and the screams of injured men.. watching good soldiers die because we didn't have time to stop for medicines for them…" She shrugged. "I don't want that back.. and Garanimus can't understand why not."

"I doubt he could understand how to tie his own bootlaces." Gabrielle commented dryly. "But I understand how uncomfortable you are around him… I wish I could help with that." She let her head rest against the warrior's shoulder.

Xena sighed. "I'll get over it." She reached over and took the bard's hand, raising it to her lips for a gentle kiss. "Thanks for asking after me."

A sweet smile answered her. "Just part of the job." She stood, and tugged. "C'mon, tiger… I can hear that nice, soft, fluffy bed calling my name.."

"Rrr." Xena playfully growled back, allowing herself to be pulled to her feet, and gently blowing out the candles as they got into bed. She left one flickering dimly at the bedside, enough to cast faint shadows against the far wall, and dust Ares' dark fur with crimson flickers. "Hey… " She murmured, as the bard snuggled up, wrapping her arms around her firmly.

"Hmm?" Gabrielle was busy surrounding herself with warm warrior. "I'm not squeezing too hard, am I?"

"No no.. no. " Xena vigorously assured her. "Did those funny pink things taste weird to you tonight?"

"Um." The bard thought back. "I only had one or two.. they were kinda spicy… besides, you finished them off. "

"I know." The warrior answered, in a sleepily puzzled tone. "They had crushed red pepper in them."

"Yeah?" Gabrielle's brow creased. "I thought you hated red pepper?"

A moment of thoughtful silence. "I do."

"Weird." The bard commented.

"Yeah." The word rumbled through Xena's chest. "Whatever."

Continued in Part 5

Standard Disclaimer - These characters, most of them, belong to Universal, and Renaissance Pictures, and whoever else has a stake in Xena: Warrior Princess. This is written just in fun, and no copyright infringement was intended.

Specific Story Disclaimers:

Violence –Why does anyone ever disclaim violence in a Xena story? Of course there's violence. Do you think we'd put out a story that consisted of pages and pages of Xena just.. .fishing.. or something? She is a Warrior Princess, not a Mary Kay consultant. (no insult intended - some of my best co workers are Mary Kay consultants, and I purchase from them regularly) And Gabrielle is no slouch with that staff, either. So, yes - there is violence.

Subtext - C'mon. Even the show has subtext. Heck, sometimes, it's not subtext. Sometimes, it's maintext. But anyway, this is an alternative fan fiction story. That means, it's based on the premise that Xena and Gabrielle are more than just best friends. If that's not your cup of mint tea, there are many, many talented bards out in the Xenaverse who post general fiction, which does not follow this premise. Go find them. Enjoy them.

This is, of course, PG13 level involvement here, no more.

So - having read this lovely disclaimer, if you then read the story and are shocked that Gabrielle and Xena are kissing each other, I can't help ya. If you're offended by it, send me your address, and I'll send you a bushel of citrus. We like to send that from here - we have to get rid of all of it somehow.

Any and all comments are always welcome. You can email them to:

mailto:merwolf@bellsouth.net

Promises Kept - Part 5

By Melissa Good

Castles look dismal in the rain, Gabrielle decided. At least on the outside, which was what made being on the inside of one much nicer when it was storming outside. She was lying on her side; one arm tucked up under her head, watching the water lash against the balcony, listening pleasurably to the soft, even breathing behind her.

Xena had both arms wrapped around her, and the warrior's face was nestled against her neck, warming the back of it in a really nice way, still deeply asleep here in the pre dawn hours.

In fact, Gabrielle mused. What am I doing up? She'd woken shortly before, as a flash of lightning illuminated the room, and now found herself unable to drift back off. Her attention turned briefly inward, poking cautiously at the possibility of being nauseous, and faintly disappointed when she wasn't. Though.. .that could be a mixed blessing.. She mused, remembering what it felt like the last time.

Gods. Like she was ejecting her entire guts.. with spasms so hard it had given her a headache and made her throat hurt with the strain. Everything had hurt, and she remembered feeling just.. horrible, like her body was rebelling against her, fighting her at every turn.

She exhaled. It definitely didn't feel like that now. She took a deep breath, aware of every hint of smoky sweetness from the guttered candles, and the damp, misty breeze from the window. She felt…right. Very centered, and peaceful, despite the stressful situation they found themselves in, and the comforting security of Xena's embrace only intensified that.

A movement behind her made her look up, as Xena shifted, and nipped her ear a little. "Hey!" She blurted, surprised. "That's my ear!" She gave her soulmate a playful poke in the ribs.

"Mmm." The low rumble tickled the ear in question. "I know." The warrior took another nibble, then shifted her focus to the window. "Oh. Nice." A sigh. "Good thing I like mud, huh?"

Gabrielle rolled over onto her back, and regarded the taller woman thoughtfully. "You know, Xena… " She lifted a lazy finger, shaking it slowly. "It could be dangerous for you to get sick right now… In fact, I think it would be strategically… unsound."

Blue eyes regarded her in the dim gloom. "Oh yeah? Well, I think you just want me to laze around in bed with you all morning." She countered, with a faint smirk.

The bard grinned. "That's true, but I still think going out in this weather is just dumb." She curled closer, and started a gentle tracing. "What are you going to prove.. that you won't melt?" She grinned when she felt Xena's body react, snuggling closer to her and relaxing. "Hmm?"

"I used to make my army do drills every time it rained." Came the faintly amused answer. "To get them used to different conditions.. if you only practice when it's sunny, what's gonna happen the first time you get caught in a storm while you're in the middle of battle?"

Gabrielle thought about that for a long moment. "Hm." She finally looked up. "That makes a whole lot of sense, Xena."

The warrior's eyes opened innocently. "And that surprises you?" She exhaled. "I don't always do things just because I'm a contrary kinda gal, my bard." She shifted a little and sighed. "Gotta get up anyway.. I knew I shouldn't have had those pepper things last night.. they make me sick to my stomach." She rolled onto her back, and winced. "What in Hades was I thinking." Her brows knitted in discomfort. "Gods."

The bard lifted herself up onto one elbow, and peered at her partner in concern. "You gonna be ok?"

Xena looked like she was concentrating on something for a long moment, then her eyes opened, and she gave a short nod. "Yeah… I just gotta get some of that stuff I gave you a few days ago."

Gabrielle scrambled out of bed. "What is it.. I'll get it for you." She offered, heading for their gear. "It's the yellow and green stuff, right?" She turned to catch her companion's nod. "Hang on." The herbs went into a wooden cup, which she filled with clean, cold water, and stirred with a finger. Then she crossed back over to the bed, and sat on the edge, handing the mug over. "Here…drink up."

Xena drained the container, and let her head drop against the pillow. "Damn." She sounded a trifle surprised. "Haven't had it hit me that bad in a long time."

The bard took the cup from her, and set it down, then eased closer, slipping a hand behind her head and rubbing her soulmate's neck. Weird. I'm expecting to wake up sick, and she does. She puzzled over that, then her brows contracted. Wait a gods be damned minute. "Xena, you were eating asparagus last night." I’m not having those symptoms.. but she is!

"No I wasn't." Xena shook her head. "I hate asparagus." A pause. "You know that."

Long pause. "Gods." Blue eyes popped open in consternation. "I was." The dark head lifted, and she peered at Gabrielle in the gloom, dismayed. "What in Hades is going on with me?" A touch of panic edged its way into her voice. "It's not the Fates again.. is it?"

It took a lot to keep a big grin off her face, but the bard managed. Instead, she crawled closer, and tugged the warrior over, hugging her gently. "C'mere." She ordered softly. Well.. time to get this out in the open… gods know I don’t want to have her going nuts for no reason, and if she thinks about how she's been acting the past couple of days, she sure will. "C'mon.. .over here."

Xena gave her a puzzled look, but complied, letting her head rest against the bard's shoulder. "Ok." She mumbled, a tense look on her face. "I can't take that again, Gabrielle.. that was… gods.. that was the start .. no… I.. "

"Shhh… easy… listen to me, all right? I have a little story to tell you." Gabrielle informed her, gathering up her courage. "Do you remember our joining?"

The warrior arched her body around, and stared at her. "What kind of question is that?" She asked, her entire body stiffening.

"Take it easy..." Gabrielle pulled her back down. "I guess you do… ok, well, I was talking to Elaini the morning before the ceremony, and she was telling me some really funny stories about what it's like when lifebonds have children."

"Gabrielle, what does this have to do with anything?" Xena replied, irritatedly. "I heard em… Jess was telling me about how he'd started munching on pine cones one day and…." She stopped, and breathed. "Um. Sorry…go on." Her voice quieted suddenly. "Please."

The bard cleared her throat. "Well, what she was saying was that she and Jess shared, I mean, really shared all the different parts of the pregnancy… right down to the symptoms." She felt her companion's breathing quicken, and knew her own had as well. Please, gods… don’t let her be too disappointed. Please. "She said that's how it happens with them."

"With them." Xena's voice took on a hint of hoarseness.

Please. "Yes."

"Gabrielle, we're like them." A tense, charged response.

"I know." Please. Please. Please. "We are."

Silence.

"You're not by any chance late." Almost hesitantly.

"Seven days." And she closed her eyes, and just waited.

A low, wild rumble shivered against her skin, and she felt Xena's whole body convulse, as their positions were abruptly reversed and she was being cradled by strong arms. She crossed every body part she had, and peeked.

Brilliantly sparkling eyes met hers, as a huge smile crossed the warrior's face. "Son of a BACCHAE!!!" The yell almost punctured her eardrums, and Gabrielle barely had a chance to breathe before she was being lifted up, and whirled around, then clasped against Xena's very warm body, where she could hear the wild pounding of her soulmate's heartbeat against her skin, and she was hugged so hard it almost hurt.

I guess it's ok. She felt a warm, sweet wave of relief wash over her. Thank you.

"Why didn't you say so?" Xena breathed, as she took her by the shoulders, and gazed into her eyes. "Gods, Gabrielle… you have no idea how much I'd…"

The bard felt a grin split her face. "Well.. honestly.. I didn’t figure it out myself until yesterday… I was checking my diary for something else, and I saw where I should have started before we left, and I didn't, and…" She let out a happy breath. "But I didn't figure anything would happen so soon… and you said so.. so.. I just… I figured I was late.. that's all… because I wasn't showing any symptoms really." Now she giggled. "But… "

Xena slapped her forehead. "But I was." She rolled her eyes in exasperation. "Gods.. how stupid."

They looked at each other, then Xena let out a wild yell, and picked her up again, jumping out of bed and whirling them both in a circle, taking two long steps and launching into an exuberant flip which landed them near the storm lashed window. She hopped up and down until the bard dissolved into helpless, relieved giggles, then simply stood, hugging her and rocking back and forth. "Whoo." She let out a long, ragged breath. "Gabrielle… Gabrielle… Gabrielle…"

It was, Gabrielle let herself revel in it, a moment of pure joy in a lifetime that sometimes lacked that sadly. "Guess you're feeling better now, huh?" She finally managed to stammer, catching her breath from laughing and crying at once.

"I feel great." Xena beamed at her. "I.. .I didn't want to say anything before because… because I knew you… I mean, I didn't…" The warrior stopped, and took a deep breath. "Lemme start over… I’m damn glad to hear that, Gabreille."

"I never would have guessed." The bard hugged her happily. "So am I… even the thought feels so wonderful., I can hardly stand it."

The warrior swung her around again, and laughed, then wrapped her arms around her soulmate and sighed blissfully. "I can't believe it… Gabrielle do you know what the odds are of… "

"Succeeding in one shot?" The bard replied softly. "Pretty high, huh?"

A lightning bolt flared, illuminating them, and backlighting Xena's dark head. "Very… and when did you say you were due to.. "

Gabrielle disentangled herself and trotted to the desk, bringing her diary back and flipping the pages open. "Here."

They both looked at the page, then at each other. Xena's eyes widened perceptibly. "I don't… " She stopped, then took a breath. "Maybe the gods were watching over you, my love."

The bard let her finger trace the page, and nodded faintly. "Maybe." She answered, in a thoughtful voice. Her hands fluttered the pages back a bit, and she let her eyes rest on one particular day. "Xena… should I even be feeling anything this soon?"

The light from the window was blocked as her soulmate turned to it, and considered the question. "Well.. everyone's different, Gabrielle… but… I'd have to have said no… in fact, I was kinda… I was thinking about that last night."

"Mm." Green eyes studied parchment. "Three or four weeks, you said.. was more the norm, huh?" She replied softly, closing the diary up. "Well, I guess I just got ahead of myself a little, right?" She smiled. "Maybe it's because of our connection."

Xena's eyes brightened again. "You're right.. I forgot about that." A big grin etched her face. "Guess it's too early to start wondering if it's a boy or a girl, huh?"

That got her a laugh back. "A little." The bard put her diary down and went over to her soulmate, throwing her arms around her happily. "And anyway, I don’t care which it is." She let Xena draw her down into the large chair near the window, and she settled contentedly against her as they gazed at the storm. Sitting this close to the taller woman, she could almost feel the waves of delight pouring off her, and as she looked up, she had the pleasure of seeing that normally stern profile lit with a definitely unrestrained glee.

All that worrying for nothing. She sighed inwardly, deeply satisfied. "So.. I guess nothing much happens now for a while, huh?"

Xena chuckled softly. "Well…no.. not for a while… not anything more than has been happening. "She gave the bard a look. "Figures you get to take naps and look radiant while I get to be sick and in a daze half the time." But she was grinning.

"Hey.. not my fault!" Gabrielle held up a hand. "Look what?" She added, snorting softly.

The warrior curled an arm protectively around her. "I thought so last night…you just have this glow about you."

"Xena, I do not." A crack of thunder emphasized her words.

A long finger traced her jawline. "Oh yes you do." The tone was absolute. "It's beautiful." She tilted her head and claimed the bard's lips for a long moment, then they separated a little, and touched noses. "Shoulda known by that…" Then her hand dropped and brushed lightly against the Gabrielle's breast, and she felt the sharp intake of breath. "Sensitive, huh?"

"Whoa." The bard laughed weakly. "Yeah."

Xena clucked at herself, and shook her head. "Blind as a newborn." She sighed. "Some healer I am."

Gabrielle giggled softly. "Don't you start that poop." She nuzzled her soulmate's neck., breathing in her distinctive scent happily. Then her eyes opened, and twinkled. "But.. y'know.. I am a little tired."

Instant Warrior Princess concerned alertness. "Yeah?" Xena studied her. "Back to bed with you then." She ordered. "C'mon.. "

The bard amiably let herself be lead back to the soft mattress, and sat down.

"You gotta make sure you get plenty of rest." Her soulmate sternly told her. "No overstraining yourself, Gabrielle."

"Uh huh." She crossed her arms over her chest. "So… I guess I should stay away from stress, right?"

"Absolutely." Xena agreed with a nod.

"You know what's really stressful?" The bard answered, in a peaceful tone.

Blue eyes studied her. "What?"

A grin. "Nightmares." She held out a hand to the checkmated warrior. "Guess you're staying here, huh?"

Xena put her hands on her hips. "Very sneaky, Gabrielle." But she grinned, and gave in, tumbling into bed alongside her companion, and wrapping her up in an exuberant hug. "In case you didn't get the picture.. " She whispered into the pink ear next to her mouth. "I'm about to pass out from being happy."

Gabrielle smiled broadly against the soft skin surrounding her. "I got the picture." She replied in a satisfied murmur. "Me too."

The storm had gotten worse, Gabrielle realized, as she lay tucked neatly into bed, listening to Xena putter around the room getting things together. It wasn't too much later, since neither of them really were in the mood for sleeping, and she almost giggled when she heard the low, melodious sound of Xena humming as she ambled around.

Good gods. Gabrielle bit her lip and looked up at the frilly canopy. She's giddy. A gentle pang touched her when she remembered the last time she'd seen her soulmate in such a mood. The last time? The only time, Gabrielle…when she suspected it might be possible that she's not going to spend eternity in Tartarus.

And you were afraid she'd be disappointed. Hoo boy. She peeked out at her partner, who had tugged on a loose, pale blue tunic, and had started a small fire in the fireplace for hot water. Outside, almost incessant cracks of thunder punctuated the flashes of lightning, and the drumming of the heavy rain filled the room, and Gabrielle was very glad she was right where she was, with Xena's comfortingly nearby presence.

A soft knock rose above the downpour, and they exchanged glances, as Xena rose to her feet and crossed the room. "I'll get it." She waved a hand in the bard's direction. "Sit tight."

The warrior put her hand on the latch, and drew it back cautiously, revealing the suspicious face of Mestre. "Hi there." Xena drawled, then cleared her throat. "I mean, what do you want?"

The girl gave her a sullen look. "Leaks be in the main hall, so's were given food to yers up here." She thrust a tray at the warrior, and waited for her to take it, then turned on her heel and left.

Xena peered after her. "Have a nice day." She remarked mildly to the empty hallway, before pulling her head back inside and closing the door. "Nice kid." She peered at the tray , distinguishing rolls, and some kind of spread, and a covered bowl that smelled very much like eggs. "Yum." Her eyes twinkled through the gloom at her soulmate.

Gabrielle giggled. The storm outside had canceled out the newly come dawn, and Xena had lit candles in the room, painting it with a warm yellow glow. The air was damp, and chilly, and the bard debated briefly before deciding to squirm out of bed, and join her soulmate near the table. "Whatcha doing?"

The warrior looked up from her work with a sunny grin. "Making men miserable. Wanna help?" She patted the padded bench at her side, and threw an arm over the bard when she seated herself. "Changing the guard here, see… " She pointed. "To three more spots here, and here, and here." A long finger touched three points on what Gabrielle recognized was a map of the castle. "And adding three shifts, so they overlap here, and here."

Green eyes blinked. "Oh." She glanced up at the taller woman, who had started humming again. "And you're doing this because…?"

"Hmmm.. what? " Xena eyed her. "Ah.. well, because anyone approaching the castle from this direction.. or this direction, or under this arch, or behind the millrace here.. would get in undetected otherwise."

"Whoa." The bard answered respectfully. "Yeah.. I can see how that would be a bad thing… so how come no one else saw that?"

Dark lashes batted softly over shining blue eyes. "Because they aren't me." A brilliant grin followed. "Because they don’t think in circles.. " She waved a finger in a three dimensional way. "They just think frontal assault. "She drew a line on the table. "Or defense… I try to put myself in the other guy's boots, and think offense." A shrug. "Like.. how would I take this castle if I had an army.. that kinda thing." A pause. "You feeling ok?" Xena peered concernedly at her.

Gabrielle rubbed her ear, and bit off a grin. "I'm just fine, thanks." She assured her soulmate. "And you're not going to be asking me that for nine months, are you? " She peeked up and got a sheepish look in response. "Uh huh.. I thought so." She patted her companion's arm. "Save it for later, when I'm so huge I can't move, ok?"

Xena put her quill down, and leaned back, studying the smaller woman next to her. "Nah..don't think it'll be that bad for you." She disagreed. "You're too strong…" A hand touched the bard's side judiciously. "The more muscle you have, the easier it is.. because your body can cope with the extra strain… it's when you're not used to activity that you have real problems in carrying."

Gabrielle straightened thoughtfully. "Really?" She laid a hand over her stomach, and considered. "It's gonna be weird."

The warrior, for once, correctly interpreted her younger partner's insecurity. "You're gonna look really cute pregnant." She hugged her.

"Thanks." Gabrielle buried her face into the clean, soft fabric. "Hey.. " She glanced up, a devilish look in her eyes. "Now I've got the perfect excuse to snarf your clothes."

Xena burst into laughter. "I was just thinking that exact thing." She admitted. "Like you needed an excuse before."

A knock on the door interrupted their playful banter, and Xena glanced up. "Come in." She picked up her quill, and twirled it, as the portal edged open, and Bennu poked a damp, disheveled head in. "Hey Bennu… get in here."

Hesitantly, he complied, dripping on the marble and rubbing his hands. "Mornin." He seemed relieved to see her. "Storms somethin awful.. all's quiet for sure now."

Xena gestured to the chair. "Siddown…" She looked up as the pot rattled. "Hang on.. " She'd started to rise when Gabrielle pushed her shoulder down.

"I've got that. You finish up." She gave her partner a look when she thought she was going to get a protest, and wagged a finger. "I said, save it."

A brilliant smile answered her. "That's gonna be tough."

The bard rose, and crossed behind her, patting her back. "That's all right, tiger… so are you."

Bennu watched this by-play with his jaw hanging open, perched on the edge of the plush chair nervously. "Ah…"

Xena looked up at him sharply. "Problem?" Her eyes now held nothing but a businesslike coolness. "I want this patrol routing changed as soon as possible."

He blinked. "No no… of course." Timidly, he got up and joined her at the table, peering at the map. "Ah.. yeah.. Garan said we'd not have to watch that bit there.. "He put a huge finger on the map. "Or there.. cause no one'd try to come in up the middens."

A cool smirk formed on Xena's face. "I would."

"Ye would?" The tall soldier asked, in a surprised tone. "Why?"

"Sure." Came the confident answer. "Because no one in their right mind would be thinking of that, and.. no one would defend against it."

"Oh." He grinned hesitantly. "Sneaky, that."

"Mm." Xena turned her attention back to the map. "Add three more rounds here, and get that started right away.. " She looked up. "Or do I need to encourage that in person?"

He scratched his head. "Well.. some of us… we were hoping to use the back part of the big stable.. not many beasts in there.. to have you show us a bit more of those sword tricks…" A hopeful tone entered his voice. "And then ocourse.. some of em as like to choke themselves before seeing you again."

The warrior chuckled softly. "About what I figured.. you'll get your wish all right… I've got some excess energy I need to burn off.. so if you want to get this started, I'll meet you all down in that stable in a bit." She turned and appraised the window. "I usually would run drills in this, but.. ." A shrug. "What the Hades.. I'll be nice for a change."

"Fer a ch… ah." Bennu put on a more confident grin. "Right.. well, I'll be taken this, then." He touched the changes. "And be looking fer ye shortly."

Xena propped her chin up on one hand and watched him leave, then pulled a biscuit from the tray and scooped a portion of the eggs on top of it before taking a bite. "Mmmm… I think we're still on the favored list.. this isn't too bad." She glanced down at Ares, who was laying at her feet, looking up hopefully. "You think so too, huh?" She portioned part of the eggs into an empty bowl and put it down for the hungry wolf. "There you go."

Gabrielle returned, and put a steaming mug in front of her, and stole a mouthful of her breakfast before seating herself. "You're right." She swallowed, then helped herself to some. "You going to go have fun with the guys?"

Xena finished her biscuit and licked her fingers. "Uh huh.. unless you want me to stay here with you."

The bard almost dropped her mug. "What?" She carefully put it down, and peered up at the taller woman. "Xena, we are on a mission here,"

A shrug. "I don't care." Came the honest answer. "I don't care about Garanimus, or Framna, or either of their stinking armies." Blue eyes looked right at her. "I do care about you." She paused. "There have been many times when I've gotten my priorities screwed up with us, Gabrielle, but this isn't one of those times."

Gabrielle took several breaths before answering. "I know what you're thinking of when you say that, Xena… let's just get one thing straight right now, okay?" She leaned closer. "We are not going to let this change what we do, understand? These people need our help.. and that means they need your help." A long pause, then a smile shaped the bard's lips. "But you have no idea how good you just made me feel."

The smile was returned. "Oh yes I do." She ruffled Gabrielle's fair hair playfully. "Let's get this damn thing over with then, huh? So we can move on.. now I really want to see Jessan's kids." She reflected. "Oh yeah.. and visit those Amazons."

"Urggh." Came the acknowledgment from her soulmate. "That gives me.. what.. at least two months before I have to figure out how to tell my parents?" She grimaced comically. "This is not going to be one of your more straightforward explanations, Xena." A sigh. "I can just imagine the assumptions."

Xena chuckled wryly as she stood and stretched. "Tell em you swallowed an apple seed, and it sprouted." She advised jokingly, giving her a kiss on the top of her head, and missing the sudden, startled look she got from the smaller woman. "Good a story as any, if you run out of explanations."

Gabrielle gazed after her as she crossed the candlelit room and exchanged her tunic for leathers. "Yeah. I guess it is." The bard murmured softly. "Hey Xena?"

"Huh?" The warrior paused, in the middle of hoisting her armor over her head.

"Is that possible?"

Xena blinked, and slowly the plates settle over her shoulders, shrugging to move them into place. "Of course not." She fastened the shoulder catches. "Why?"

"No reason.. just a question.. you know me." The bard smiled. "It would make a great story."

The warrior walked over, and straddled the bench, resting her forearms on her knees and looking at her soulmate in utter seriousness. "What are you thinking?" She edged closer, and took the bard's hands in her own. "You having second thoughts?"

"No." Gabrielle searched her face intently. "I… I just wish… " She felt silent, feeling foolish. "Forget it… momentary goofiness on my part… I..am very much looking forward to this."

"But?" Gentle, inexorable.

"But nothing." Gabrielle shook her head.

Silence.

"Really." The bard said.

"Are you upset about us being here… about how it happened… is it Toris? Did he… " Xena felt herself babbling. "I know… there's something there, Gabrielle, I can feel it in you."

A deep sigh. "I want the child to be both of ours."

Xena's brow creased. "But it will b… oh." She lifted Gabrielle's hands and kissed them. "As far as I'm concerned, it will be."

"I know that." The bard smiled. "See? I told you it was goofiness." She freed one hand and patted Xena's cheek. "Not like we had a choice."

Xena stood, visibly disturbed, and went to the window. "I could have asked for a favor." She replied quietly. "The gods owe me enough of them." She turned. "You should have said something, love."

A slow shaking of the bard's head. "No… I don't want that… you never ask them for anything. I won't have that on my account." She took a breath, and stood, walking over to where Xena was standing. "Please.. don't feel bad about that, Xena… it was so nice seeing you happy all morning."

Slowly, the warrior smiled. "All right." She pulled the bard into a hug. "It might as well be mine, the way I feel."

Gabrielle felt the pound of her heart through the leathers, and she smiled against them. "I know…it's so cute." She leaned back, and grinned mischievously. "I hope you remember to stop humming when you're beating those guys up."

An eyebrow arched. "Hmph.. and what will you be doing?"

"Trying to pump that princess… something's going on here, you know." The bard answered practically.

"Well, be careful." Xena advised gently, tucking her body close again.

"Me?" The muffled sound leaked out. "You're going out to fight with dozens of nasty, grungy guys carrying sharp weapons, and I get into a battle of wits with a puny half grown princess, and you tell me to be careful?"

"Uh huh."

"Okay."

The thunder rolled over them, lightning neatly outlining two bodies so closely intertwined they might as well have been one.

Gabrielle allowed herself a long, luxurious bath in the warmed water provided by her soulmate’s fire. She figured that trying to roust the princess royal out just after dawn was probably not a good idea anyway, and besides, how often did she get a chance to indulge in a marble bathtub?

She sighed, and leaned back, splashing her feet a little in the bubbly water, and inhaling the gentle, fragrant steam. Baths were never like this in Potadeia, she recalled. There, they were an evening chore, done by a tired, and distracted Hecuba after her father was either asleep, or at the inn. The tub was old, and splintery, and the water lukewarm at best, and it had been her job to make sure Lila got clean as well, to save time and her mother’s effort.

And of course, with Xena… well, if there was water, that was good enough, no matter what the temperature or surroundings. She’d always assumed the warrior just liked it that way, until that one night…

It had been a long, chilly, rainy day, and they’d slogged through knee deep mud during most of it. Argo’s legs were caked up to her knees, and Gabrielle had long since stopped talking to save her energy for walking and shivering. She’d been traveling with Xena for only about a half a year, and her body was just now starting to adjust to her new lifestyle.

When Xena had finally stopped, near sunset, she’d quietly trudged to a rock and sat down, not even realizing where she was until a hand had touched her shoulder, and she’d looked up into a mud and water stained face. "I'm just resting a minute.. I'll get going." She’d said, not wanting to frustrate the usually impatient ex warlord.

Tired looking blue eyes had studied her, then a faint smile had played around the warrior’s normally stern face. "Not tonight. C’mon."

She’d taken Xena’s outstretched hand, and had been lead numbly into what she now realized was an inn, hearing the faint clatter of serving dishes, and smelling the warm fragrance of beef stew on the air. Xena hadn’t stopped there, though, she’d continued on down a hallway, and into a back suite, where she’d exchanged low words with two women who were working in the chamber, and passed them coins.

Gabrielle had looked around the room, and blinked. It was large, and had a warm fire in one corner, but the center of it was taken up with a huge, wooden tub that had wisps of steam rising above it. Xena had surveyed her achievement, then turned. "You up for a warm bath?"

The bard could only stare at her in blissful silence, which drew a weary chuckle from her taller companion. They’d gotten undressed, and climbed in, and she’d almost passed out from the sheer pleasure of being warm, and clean, for what seemed like the first time in forever. She’d scrubbed herself all over, and at last, just relaxed back, and peered at the silent warrior, who was facing her against the opposite wall of the huge bath. "This was great." She’d sighed.

Xena had smiled, a rare thing at that point, and stretched out her body. "Yeah… I forget sometimes just how much I love a nice hot bath."

Gabrielle had, frankly, goggled at her. "Really? I thought you just loved cold, uncomfortable mud holes." She’d blurted. "And sleeping on rocks."

For a minute, she thought Xena was just going to retreat back into her dour shell, but the warrior finally let a wry chuckled escape. "Nah." She’d admitted. "But it’s what we’re stuck with.. no sense in complaining." She’d finished soaking, and lifted herself up out of the water, rolling her head around to loosen her shoulders as she dried herself off with an almost soundless sigh.

Reluctantly, the bard took one final rinse, and scrambled out of the tub, and, not looking where she was going, slipped in a small puddle of water, crying out a little as she saw the ground coming up far, far too fast.

She never hit. Powerful hands caught her, and swung her upright, setting her on her feet so fast she had to take a minute to catch her breath. "T.. tha.. hank you."

"Can you stay out of trouble for even one candlemark?" Xena had asked in exasperation.

Her shoulders had dropped, and she’d looked at the ground, water dripping from her pale hair. "I guess not." She’d exhaled. "Sorry."

Surprisingly, a hand patted her cheek then, and tilted her head up. "S’allright." The warrior had chuckled. "What would I do without you to keep me busy, huh?" She looked around, then back at the bard. "Besides… you give me a good excuse to spend a night out of the weather."

"Me?" Gabrielle had protested. "I didn’t ask you to stop here."

A dark, well shaped eyebrow curved up.

"Not that I don’t appreciate it." The bard had admitted. "I was pretty tired." A pause. "And wet." Another pause. "And really cold." A sigh. "Thanks, Xena."

She’d actually gotten a genuine laugh out of the aggravating woman.

And later, tucked into her small bed, letting the smell of clean blankets rise around her, she stayed awake long enough to watch, through slitted eyes, as Xena allowed herself the luxury of a clean shift, instead of sleeping in her leathers, and laid down on the room’s other bed with a look of almost pathetic relief, wrapping the warm comforter around her, and curling her arm around the soft pillow.

"Xena?" She’d asked softly.

Eyes so blue even the candelight couldn’t dim them peered back at her. "Yeah?"

"I don’t mind sleeping on rocks, as long as I'm with you." It had been her youthful enthusiasm speaking, but she’d meant it, silly as it had sounded to her even then.

Absolute silence greeted her statement for so long, she’d thought Xena just wasn’t going to answer, so she’d sighed to herself and snuggled down into her covers.

"Gabrielle?"

The warmth in that voice had been unmistakable. "Yes?"

‘Thank you." A gentle exhale. "Now go to sleep."

But she’d seen the quiet smile, there in the moonlight that trickled through the glazed windows and bathed her in silver, and for a brief moment, she’d seen her dour, uncommunicative companion in a wholly different light.. Less of a warrior, less of a cold, and heartless killer, and more of a person, like herself, who could appreciate a warm bath on cold, rainy day.

Now, of course, Gabrielle chuckled softly to herself. She knew a lot better just how much of a pleasure hound her soulmate really was, the adorable fraud. She was enjoying that soft, fluffy mattress just as much the bard was, maybe more.

She got out of the tub, and dried herself with one of the nicely scented towels, then padded into the main room, and pulled out a fresh tunic, and settled its folds around her body, examining the effects in the mirror.

A quiet, serious young woman looked back at her, older than she remembered, but also a lot more self assured than she’d ever hoped to be. She put her hands on her hips and regarded her reflection wryly. "Xena, you need those baby blues examined. I am not glowing in any way, shape or form."

"Roo?" Ares trotted over, and looked up at her inquiringly. He poked her in the belly with his nose, and whined, wagging his tail.

She looked at him. "Sure.. sure.. NOW you tell me." She scolded him, laughing when his ears drooped pathetically. "Aw… I know you tried yesterday.. it’s okay." She rubbed his head gently, then walked over to the table, and sat down, pulling her diary over. "Boy oh boy oh boy.. do I ever have an entry to make today." She sharpened her quill, and chuckled, as she composed her thoughts.

A knock prevented her from starting, however, and she glanced up. "Come in."

The door opened, pushed all the way against the wall, and Silvi glided in, impeccably dressed in a long, flowing gown that emphasized her almost painfully thin physique. "Good morning."

Gabrielle hesitated, then decided on a bright smile instead of a stand and a bow. "Good morning… you’re up early."

Silvi swept across the floor, waving her fan at the retainer that was following her. "Shut the door." She ordered. "And leave us."

The door closed, and she turned, regarding the bard quietly.

Gabrielle folded her hands across her diary and gazed back, glad she’d gotten out of the tub, at least.

"You too, are up early, Gabrielle. " The princess observed. "After such a late night, I would have thought you would sleep in this morning." She glanced surreptitiously around the room. "And where is your friend?"

A blond eyebrow rose. "Xena? She doesn’t sleep in much. " The bard answered with a chuckle. "She’s out working with the troops, adjusting the watch, that kinda thing." She twirled her quill in her fingers. "I was going to go see if I could see you after I finished updating my diary."

Silvi drifted over, fanning herself a little. "A diary? How interesting. What do you put in it?"

"My thoughts…mostly." The bard replied. "Things that happen to me… how I feel about them, sometimes little bits of poetry."

The princess eyed the book. "It’s quite large… how long have you been doing it?"

"Oh.. just under three years, I guess. I started it not too long after I started traveling with Xena." Gabrielle took a sip of her now cooled tea. "Wouldn’t you like to sit down?"

The younger woman moved to the window instead. "That was a beautiful dress you wore last night." She looked back at the bard over her shoulder. "I was quite envious.. and I believe I owe you an apology for thinking you barbarian. You are not."

That got her a warm smile. "Thanks… it was kind of a surprise… but I really liked it. " She paused. "I don’t get to dress up like that often.. mostly we stick to practical stuff.. when you wander the landscape like we do, it’s kinda hard on ruffles."

Silvi glanced around. "This is not quite what you’re used to then." Her face took on a faintly amused look, and she crossed back over to the table, seating herself on the edge of the bench gracefully. "Tell me what home is like for you, Gabrielle."

The bard folded her hands, considering. "Well, we live in a town called Amphipolis, and it’s a lot… smaller, I guess, but also more colorful." She looked around. "We have painted mats on the walls, and fur rugs, and pillows scattered everywhere."

"Sounds…lovely." The princess replied, then cleared her throat a little. "Is that where you are from?"

Gabrielle took another sip. "No… but it’s not far. I’m from Potadeia… it’s a really small farming village." She paused, regarding her hands. "Sheep raising, too.. my father works the land, and my mother keeps the household, and has a little herb garden."

"Oh." Silvi murmured. "Have you brothers or sisters?"

The bard nodded. "A younger sister, Lila. She just had a baby." She grinned. "He’s very cute."

The princess, fluffed her dress. "You get to visit, then?"

"Sure." Gabrielle answered, a touch puzzled. ‘We stopped there on the way out here, in fact."

"Ah." Her eyes flicked to the bard’s. "How do your parents feel about what happened to you?"

For a moment, Gabrielle almost lost her composure, as she searched for a response to what was, on the surface, an innocent question. "What do you mean?" She answered slowly, playing for time.

"Well.. with you traveling with that woman, and all." Silvi elaborated.

"OH." The bard breathed a sigh of relief inwardly. "They… weren’t too happy about it, at first… but.. over the last year or so, they’ve kinda reconciled themselves to it.. now I think the even sorta like Xena." She paused. "Why?"

Silvi leaned forward, and bravely covered the bard’s hand with her own. "Look here… you’re a good sort, Gabrielle.. .I think we… maybe we can help each other, all right?" She glanced around. "If you help us, I'll make you a place here… you’ll be safe from her." She held up a hand as the bard started a protest. "No.. now wait, I know you will protest your loyalty… as I say, you are a good sort, but anyone can see how she dominates you.. here’s your chance to be free."

Thank the gods she kept talking long enough for me to get my jaw shut. Gabrielle thought, biting the inside her lip hard. Okay.. okay… think, Gabrielle… don't react, just think. Something is going on here… this might be my best chance to find out what it is. "What do I have to do?" She finally answered, in a cautious voice.

The princess beamed. "I knew you’d agree… once I’d seen how frightened you were last night when those two beasts were fighting… I told Vasi you’d be with us."

I was frightened that Xena was going to pick him up and toss him down the table, ruining the dinner, Silvi… Gabrielle mused internally. "That was scary, all right.. but what’s the plan.. what do you need me to do?"

"Not here." The princess rose, and fanned herself. "Come… Elanora and I will bathe together shortly.. join us, and there, we are sure of privacy."

"My sister and I used to do the very same thing." Gabrielle smiled wryly. "All right… lead on." She tucked her diary away, and stood, straightening her tunic with slightly nervous hands. "Come on, Ares." She patted her leg, comforted by the feel of the warm fur as he pressed against her.

Silvi led the way, not without a backward glance at the wolf. "Does he go everywhere with you?" She peered down. "He’s very large."

"Yes.. he does." Gabrielle answered. ‘Xena told him to." That ought to get her.

The princess gasped. "OH.. you poor thing." She gave Ares a distasteful look. "How horrid." She lowered her voice. "You must tell me everything about Xena."

"Everything?" The bard inquired.

"Yes." Silvi assured her, solemnly. "We must have every advantage…what are her weaknesses?"

Cream filled pastries? Gabrielle giggled inwardly. "She has none, that I’ve ever seen." She told the princess, in a low, serious voice.

"She lifted that ass up last night.. is she so very strong?" Silvi whispered urgently.

"Oh yes." Gabrielle assured her. "She’s incredibly strong… she picks me right up half the time and doesn’t realize it.. and of course, you do know she can pick up Argo."

"Argo?"

"Her horse."

"No!" Silvi gasped. "Not really!"

"Absolutely." Gabrielle insisted. "I once saw her take on five hundred men.. .all by herself, and she didn’t even get a scratch."

The princesses eyes widened in horror. "My gods… that’s horrible!"

"Mm.." Gabrielle agreed. "Blood was running so thick it looked like a river… and, by the way, she catches fish in her bare hands, and can outrun a panther."

"A panther!"

"Yeah… she’s got these scars on her arms… " Gabrielle touched her upper shoulders. "She strangled a panther, with her bare hands once." Now she was really going. "And you know, she can drink barrels and barrels of ale, and it never affects her.. and she can run for days, and day and days.. she never gets tired, and she never gets hurt.. .it’s creepy sometimes."

Silvi was chewing her fingernails by this point. "Oh dear… oh dear.. it’s worse than I’d imagined… thank the gods we’ve gotten you on our side.. what are we do to.. you’re our only chance."

"To do what?" Gabrielle asked quietly.

"Why.. drug her senseless, of course." The princess uttered, in a hushed tone. "It’s what we’re to do to all of them.. before we open the gates and let our good, and kind friends and saviors in." She tugged Gabrielle’s sleeve, and drew her into a small antechamber, where the bard could hear subtle clanks and metallic sounds issuing from the larger room behind it. "Come.. let us plan… you will meet the champions of our cause."

Oh boy. Gabrielle exhaled silently. What have I gotten myself in to now?

It took an enormous amount of effort, Xena mused, not to whistle cheerfully as she ambled through the darkened main hall, and headed for the door which led out to the old stable. She detoured to the glazed window, and peered out, watching the heavy rain pelt the lead lined panes in absent pleasure, as she ran the morning's revelations through her mind again.

It was a curious mix of elation, and vague embarrassment, as she let the thrill of her partner's condition war with her own chagrin at not realizing it before she'd been told. Oh, and how she'd been told… good gods and little fishes boots. It wasn't bad enough she'd been oblivious to the signs on Gabrielle.. but not realizing what was going on with her own body?

Xena lifted both hands, and let them fall against her thighs. I feel like such an idiot… She grinned at her reflection. But I don't much care. Now the odd dreaminess, her lack of attention span, and the weird eating habits she'd fallen into lately made a reasonable kind of sense.. given what she'd been told by Jess after she'd confided in him that Gabrielle was considering having a child.

But… She slowly lifted a finger, and traced the progress of a raindrop on the outer side of the window as it slid slowly down. Nah.. that had to be a coincidence… she couldn’t have felt the effects the day she and Cyrene had gone to the fair.

Her mind pictured back, and she reexamined the night in question, remembering her mother's odd looks at her as she cheerfully consumed a bit of everything the food stalls had to offer.. and the feeling of giddy absentmindedness came back to her as well.

But that was completely impossible.

Coincidence, and the need to take her mind off what was going on at the time was the only logical answer. Besides, Xena reminded herself, she liked most of that fair stuff, always had, even as a kid. She smiled at her skewed reflection, then turned, and trotted towards the outer door again, this time giving in to her urge, and whistling an old chicken plucking tune her mother often hummed.

"Whoa there, lit'l sprout." The gravelly voice halted her, and she turned.

"Morning, Gramma." She gave the old woman a grin. "Great day, huh?"

The cook snorted. "Ye're needing some glasses there, I'm thinking." Her faded, dark eyes studied the warrior, who was bouncing lightly in place on the balls of her feet. "What're you in such a good mood fer this disgusting morning?"

Xena took in a breath, then paused. "Um… " She shrugged. "I just am… is that a crime around these parts?" She asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Weeeeelll… " Gramma tucked her head to one side, and studied the taller woman. "Not so's you look like you'd be the cat what swallowed a songbird, suchlike." She sniffed. "What with all that whistling and all.. though if I remember, ye've got a set of nice pipes on ye."

The warrior chuckled, then took a breath, and sang a verse of the song she'd been whistling, watching in amusement as the old woman's eyes widened. She finished, then winked. "Gotta go." She turned, and bounded out the door, reveling in the feel of the cold rain as it hit her.

Gramma watched her disappear, then shook her head. "Be damned."

A tousled head popped out of the kitchen door, as the steward blinked in the gloom. "Good Artemis.. who was that singing?"

Gramma pushed him out of the way. "No one ye've got any interest in knowing. Outta my way, you sack o bones."

Xena picked up her pace, loping across the courtyard as the storm raged around her. The cold rain invigorated her senses, and she dodged a broken paving stone, then grinned evilly, and changed course, heading towards the very center of the open space. Once she'd reached the small dip in the center, she leaped, then flipped twice, landing with both booted feet in the deepest part of the puddle, and sending a cascade of cold, muddy water outward.

"Hah." Xena stuck her tongue out and caught a few drops, then crouched, and shot skyward, flipping again at the top of her leap, and taking her landing in stride, as she moved back towards the large, half closed door of the castle stables.

Gods.. it felt good to feel good. To feel that for once, at least for a little while, things were going right. She knew better than to think there wouldn’t be trouble from this.. after all, just the act of carrying a child could be dangerous. But… somehow, as hard as she tried, she couldn’t keep her mind from wandering down the speculation road, thinking of a baby.. would it be a boy or a girl? Would it look like her soulmate, or like her brother? Secretly, she had a sneaking hope that her family's dark good looks would favor the child.. though she kinda wished the baby ended up with her partner's unique, misty green eyes.

Enough baby blues in the family, I think. She grinned, and dodged a running chicken, which she chased a few steps, and watched it flap off in disgruntled outrage. Thinking of the kid this early was just…

Stupid, but… Xena sighed, and came to a halt, shaking herself vigorously as she reached the overhang, and put her hand on the door. She raked a hand through her completely wet hair, and flicked her fingers to straighten it a little. Ok..ok.. c'mon, Xena… we have to be a nasty, mean warlord now. Suck it in, and let's just get the act going… c'mon.. think of three day old pig dung left out in the sun.

She took a breath, and waited for a serious look to settle on her face. Then she pulled the door open, and strode inside, giving the group of assembled men there a brisk nod. "Morning."

It was, she realized, almost fully half the men in the army clustered in the room, and the thought cheered her even more, if that were possible. Half? Damn.. guess I've still got that old magic, huh? "I hear you all would like a few lessons."

The closest man, a short, very stocky soldier with very short cut brown hair grinned at her, showing a gap between his front teeth. "Ifn we're gonna be stuck with ye, we might as well larn something." He told her, frankly. "Palton over there been telling stories about how he seen you hold off a whole army by yourself. That true?"

A solid ring was now gathered around her, staring hungrily.

Xena smiled, her biggest, nastiest grin imaginable. "It's true. Wanna see how?"

They grinned back.

"All right." She pushed the damp hair out of her eyes, and backed a step, then drew her sword. "C'mon. " Her free hand lifted and waved them forward lazily. "Come and get me."

"You're serious?" The man squeaked, glancing around at the assembled group.

"I'm serious." Xena assured him, flipping her sword in a neat circle. "C'mon."

"All of us?" Another man asked, in disbelief.

"Uh huh." The warrior assured him. "Unless you all are chicken." She shifted her feet, feeling the delicious surge of energy flash over her, lifting the nape hairs on her neck as her body responded to the challenge, and mixed the part of her that was Ares, with the part of her that was reacting to her partner's condition, and demanding wild, joyous action. "Buck buck… " She clucked. "Buck buck buck…"

They growled, and the scrape of metal on leather filled the large, mostly empty room, then a yell rose, and they surged forward, lunging towards her bouncing, mocking form.

Steel rang on steel, as a dozen blades met hers, and she let them force her arms down, sending her into a crouch. She exploded back up, and the first ring went stumbling, surprised at the violence in her action. She met the second wave's attack, her blade moving with such speed it was a mere flicker, deflecting blow after blow, as she kept constantly moving, shifting, evading their grasp.

O.. gods it felt good. Xena let out a wild, chilling yell, and ducked under a long arm, as she slammed her hilt into an overbalancing soldier, sending him to the ground. Another sword appeared in her peripheral vision and she deflected it, letting her swing go all the way around and catch another blade as it aimed for her knees.

She leaped, and surprised them, jumping over the first rank and landing behind them, then spinning and kicking them in a rapid series of contacts, sending most of them flying as she ducked and dodged the frantic lunges of the second rank. She spun again, bringing her blade up and now just worked herself in a circle, meeting their attacks and defeating them, redirecting blades, and dodging hands, in a display of martial skills the likes of which these men, at least, had never seen in their lives.

And more than likely, never would again. This was Xena at her best, and fueled by the wild energy that her joy was pumping into her, she overreached even her finely honed skills, as she launched herself into another flip, and managed to disarm a round half dozen men as she landed, with powerful flicks of her wrist that sent her blade slinking around theirs, and jerking them out of their grasps. A bound and she was on the other side of them, and now she started working them from the back, lunging forward in classic style, defending her off side with her bracered forearm, while she took her assault on with her sword, moving forward a step at a time as she forced the line of yelling men back, and back, and back, all of their efforts futile against this one, lone, dark haired woman who never, ever stopped grinning as she defeated them, not even for one moment.

"It's like this." She started lecturing, as she forced a group of them against a support, and neatly disarmed them with skillful kicks. "You just gotta keep moving." She jumped over them, and engaged another group, dropping into a crouch, and surprising them as their blows whistled over her head, then leaping up and catching them with a split kick that they were not expecting her to be able to do. "Oh.. and the element of surprise always helps."

She battled the third, and last large group to a standstill, as they ended up with their backs against the haycrib. She grinned even wider and took two long steps forward, then leaped, whipping her sword up and around as she reached her highest point and slicing through the hay net that dumped a cascading stack of the stuff all over them, burying them to their necks. "Use what tools you find." She added, then turned, and bounced to a standstill, peering out at groups of wide eyed men who peeked back at her from behind the stalls. "And ya gotta really enjoy what you're doing."

A moment of dead silence fell.

"Cluck." Bennu issued weakly, as he poked his head up from where he'd been dumped, behind a feed bin. 'Cluck.. cluck…"

A chorus of clucks filled the room, to be overshadowed with Xena's clear, ringing laughter. She hoped her soulmate was having half this much fun.

The bathing room was huge, Gabrielle realized, as she followed the princess inside, where Elanora was already waiting, her face a sullen mask as she recognized who her royal cousin had brought.

There was a large, sunken pool in the center of the room, the edge about seat high, which already had fluffy linens set by for drying. Three female servants edged quietly about the perimeter, bowing to the princess as she swept on by. "Be glad, Elanora… as I predicted, Gabrielle is with us. " The girl announced. "And she will do her part… it is very well that I thought of including her, for I do believe she is the only one who could gain enough closeness to that woman to give her the poison."

The dark haired girl gave her a grudging smile. "That is well, your highness." She inclined her head towards Gabrielle.

Silvi preened. "And my father said I had no head for planning… a pox on his memory." She drifted over to the nearest servant. "Come.. let's bathe…I find this weather most unsettling."

The servants helped them undress, except for Gabrielle, who declined with a smile, as she had only her tunic and boots to remove. She politely waited for them to finish, then joined them at the edge of the pool, aware of their avidly curious eyes.

Ye gods.. She eyed them back. You can practically see through them. The two royals were, indeed, wafer thin, and their skins were pale white, almost translucent in shade. The bard could see the blue veins under their skin, and almost clucked at them in disapproval. Her own tanned, sturdily muscular body was a stark, startling contrast, and she decided she preferred it that way.

"You guys don’t get out much, do you?" She asked, in a wry tone, as she slipped into the very warm water, and stretched her arms out along the sides. Confidence,Xena's voice echoed gently in her head. All comes from inside you. "That's not really healthy."

The two girls looked at each other, then at her. Gabrielle realized the other thing that set them apart was just that, they were girls, and she… her lashes blinked in reaction at the thought. She, on the other hand, was a woman.

Yikes. Her brain blurted. I bet they're looking at me like I used to look at Xena. A flash of memory called to mind the very first time they'd bathed together, and she blushed slightly.

Her sister had been a younger girl. Her mother.. had been her mother. Xena… She remembered that tanned, sleek body moving towards her out of the sunset. Xena, had been a woman, the first she'd ever seen in that kind of close situation, and it had made her aware of parts of herself that she hadn't suspected before.

"Well." Silvi murmured, turning her eyes aside and gently blushing. "You certainly seem healthy."

Elanora just frankly stared. "Great Artemis.. " She snickered. "I believe you've got more muscles than Vasi does."

Gabrielle smiled politely, and balled her fist up, making her arm muscles jump. "They do come in very handy at times." She assured the girl. "Now.. what's all this plan stuff about?"

They both floated closer, flanking her on either side. She resisted the almost uncontrollable urge to escape, and forced herself to remain still, as they crept up. Her nostrils, she realized, did flare, and she had to bite her lip from smiling as that reminded her of her soulmate in just the same situation.

"It's quiet simple, really." Silvi said, in a soft voice. "The night before they attack, our people will serve the soldiers food with herbs in it, that will make them sleep. Then, at night, we'll open the gates and let them in, and that will be that." She exchanged glances with Elanora "They're on their way here now.. a man of theirs is already inside the gates, watching."

So. Gabrielle exhaled silently. Xena was right. As usual. "What do you get out of it?" She asked in a quiet voice. "How is that other warlord any better?"

Silvi smiled. "He is courting me." She preened. "And he has pledged his life to see me free, and set up on my father's throne without this animal. Then.. " She blushed. "He has offered me his heart."

The bard rubbed her ear.

"Isn't that the most romantic thing you've ever heard?" Elanora sighed, clasping her hands. "He's very handsome… just last week, he sent in a single flower for her."

Ay yi yi. Gabrielle nibbled her lip. "That's… lovely." She offered. "So.. after this is all over.. you'll… make him king, is that it?"

"Well." Silvi laughed gently. "As he will be my consort, and I will be made Queen, I suppose.. but that means nothing to him." She sighed, then glanced up. "But perhaps… well, do you believe in romance, Gabrielle? Do you believe in love.. in love at first sight?"

Here I am, caught between a centaur and the hind end of a Sphinx. Gabrielle sighed wryly. "Yes, as a matter of fact, I do, Silvi." She answered gently. A vivid memory of a dusty path outside Potadeia filled her mind's eye, when she'd first seen a wild eyed, fierce woman, gaining a future, a soulmate, and a best friend all in the same, brief moment. "I do.. believe in all those things."

The princess beamed. "Come then.. tell me.. tell us, what do you think romantic? My flower.. the lovely poem he wrote to me… those things touch my heart. What of you?"

A small smile edged the bard's mouth. "What do I think is romantic?" She repeated the question, then tilted her head back and gazed at the ceiling. "Well… different things that that, I guess… fireflies… " She closed her eyes. "Sunsets… the smell of jasmine." Her eyes edged open and regarded the window. "Kissing in the rain." She smiled to herself. "Waking up on a cold morning with the person you love's arms wrapped around you, keeping you warm."

"Oh!" Silvi breathed, clasping her hands. "You've actually been in love, haven't you!"

Gabrielle nodded. "Oh yes." She closed her eyes again and let herself feel it, the warm sure knowledge that wrapped her in gentle gossamer. "The poems don't do it justice." She blinked at the girls, and shook her head a little. "They tell you all that high minded stuff.. about everlasting devotion.. and courtly this.. or that… "

"Yes.. yes.. " Elanora squeaked. "There's more?"

"Mmm." The bard smiled. "They don't prepare you for the … physical side.. of what it's like.. they don't tell you how much loving someone changes how you see them.. how you.. feel.. about how they are. " She sighed. " How you'll learn to know their scent… and their footsteps.. or how you'll feel when they look at you… or how a touch can make your knees weak.. or how just seeing their face can make your heart melt." She looked up at Silvi, who was staring at her with widened eyes. "That's what love is." She told the girl gently. "It binds you together.. it's not about flowers.. or poems.. or words." She put her fist over her heart. "It's this.. and it's the most powerful thing you'll ever feel.. it will change your life forever."

Silvi pressed her hands against her throat. "You take my breath away." She gasped. "What a wonderful bard you are.. to be able to do that." Then her young face grew serious. "Gabrielle… why are you not with your love now? Did Xena take you from that?" Her voice held outraged indignance.

A shake of the head. "No." Gabrielle chose her words very carefully, not wanting to lie, but knowing the truth at this point would destroy the confidence she'd built here, and deprive them of further information. "She didn't."

"Were you married?" Elanora asked, sympathetically, apparently completely over her initial distrust and dislike. "How awful."

"I was." The bard answered. "But he died.. very soon after we were married." Truth.. so far as it went.

"Oh!" The girls exclaimed together, distressed. "Fear not." Silvia assured her. "After we rid ourselves of these horrible men.. and I am in my place, I shall find you someone to care for you, Gabrielle.. in return for your loyalty here."

Silvi, if you're very, very lucky, the person who cares for me more than life will make sure you don't spend the rest of yours chained to an opportunistic warlord."Thank you." She replied simply. "I have some.. oh, I guess you could call them love poems.. that I wrote.. .would you like to hear them later?"

"From the Bard of Love… how romantic." Elanora sighed. "Oh yes, please."

If you ever repeat that within Xena's range of hearing, which is approximately from here to Athens, the Bard of Cruel Vengeance is going to come visiting your room at night with a mud pie, lady. "Sure." Gabrielle smiled "Did you guys have anything in mind for lunch?"

"Ah.. yes." Silvi looked immensely pleased with herself. "I believe we have bouillon today."

"Bouillon." Gabrielle repeated slowly. "That's soup, right?" She drummed her fingers on the edge of the pool.. "You know ladies… I have to tell you.. love takes a lot of energy."

Startled young eyes fastened on her. She flexed a muscle. "Take it from me… .and bouillon just is not cutting it in the energy department."

They glanced at each other in consternation. "W… w.. well, what do you suggest?" Silvi asked, hesitantly. "I can't abide gruel.. it just lumps up in me like a sack."

Gabrielle scratched her nose. "Well.. if you show me where the kitchen is.. I think I can fix that." She paused. "I can cook."

Wide eyes. "Really?" Silvi asked. "That's amazing."

"Not really." The bard advised her. "I had to keep myself and Xena fed. I learned fast."

"Ugh." Elanora made a face. "I think she's horrible.. doesn't she just suck pigs blood or something?"

It almost.. almost ..almost.. triggered a full out, no holds bard temper tantrum, but somehow, somehow, Gabrielle managed to keep the lid on. "I've.. never seen her do that." She drawled, pretending reluctance. "She's more into raw meat." A pause. "She and the wolf.. they share, you know."

"AUGH!!!"

Ares popped his head up, and braced his paws against the stone. "Roo??" He ruined her disgusting effect by kissing her on the head affectionately. "Agrrruoo?"

"Ares.. cut that out." She sighed, rubbing his ears. "He's really a nice guy." Then she looked up at them. "Listen.. this stuff… um.. " She took a breath. "I don't … it's not going to hurt her, right? Just put her to sleep?" She hesitated. "I don't think I could…um.. "

Silvi put a hand out, and patted her arm. "It's just sleeping stuff… my man measured it out, and we tested it last week.. don't worry." A pause. "And after… my beau will take care of her… you'll be safe, Gabrielle, I promise you."

She believes in him. The bard pensively realized. And the thought of taking away that belief someone has in someone else… maybe she's right. Maybe he is… what she says… a good guy. "Thanks." She replied quietly. "Lunch?" And then, a visit to the stable.

"All right… that's enough for today." Xena remarked, crisply, as she tucked her sword neatly into its sheath. "I want those quarters clean when I show up there tonight after dinner, got me?"

Exhausted nods, but the murmur of conversation held no malice, it only reflected chatter on fighting, and techniques, and some of the tricks she'd painstakingly taught them. She leaned back against a support and watched them file out, waving a little to Bennu, who had taken, perhaps unfairly, the brunt of her teaching. He looked cheerful anyway, and he gave her a big smile as he turned, the last to leave.

She smiled back, then pushed off from the support and trudged over to where Argo was comfortably housed, chewing a mouthful of the fragrant hay. "Hello, girl." The warrior plunked herself down on the bale next to the stall, and the mare obligingly sidled over, blowing a mouthful of hay bits all over her rider. "Oh.. thanks." Xena brushed herself off, and chuckled, then reached over to scratch the mare's ears. "I got a secret to tell ya… "

Argo edged closer, and pushed her nose into the warrior's chest.

"Yeah… you're gonna be a aunt." Xena whispered into the horse's ear.

The mare snorted, and shook her head.

"No.. no.. it's true… you're gonna be an aunt." Her rider insisted, twisting a bit of her mane. "Gabrielle's gonna have a baby.. isn't that great?"

She was almost knocked over by a recalcitrant nose. "Okay..okay.. so it's not so great for you… but it's great for me." The soft neck was a comfortable place to rest her cheek for a moment. "I'm gonna get another chance, Argo… and I'm scared, and happy.. I hope I don't screw it up this time."

A snort.

Xena chuckled softly. "Thanks for the vote of confidence." Footsteps in the muddy hay alerted her, and she glanced up to see Garanimus striding across the stable. Even his presence couldn’t put a damper on her mood, she realized, and she leaned back against the bale, crossing her legs at the ankles and waited for him to arrive.

He stopped a body length away, and surveyed her relaxed pose. "I hear I missed the school of hard knocks."

A dark brow edged up. "You want a private lesson?" She smiled, not one of her nicer ones. "I'm up for it."

He lifted both hands. "One arena I'm not going to compete with you in, Xena. " He answered. "I got a reply from Framna… I think he halfway bought into the deal. He's headed this way.. but he says it's to meet with us.. "He gave Xena a pointed look. "And work something out."

She folded her hands across her belly and surveyed him. "All right… that doesn't sound too bad." She considered. "How long till he gets here?"

A shrug. "Tomorrow night… earliest." He glanced around. " Gotta admit… those damn huts look a sight better then they did." His eyes fastened back on her. "Look.. Xena.. I know there's bad blood between us.. and you're not doing this for old times sake… but this is better for these people."

Xena snorted. "You don't give a centaur's bald butt about these people, Garanimus.. you just don’t want to lose your little meal ticket, and your comfortable spot." She moved a foot, and booted him lightly in the gut. "Don't mouth platitudes at me. I'll do this, but you just keep outta my way, and when it's over… I'd don't wanna hear from you ever again, got it?"

He winced, and rubbed his stomach. "Y'know, Xena.. that's what I always did love about you.. ya never had to wonder where ya stood." He gave her a sardonic grin. "But it wasn't all bad.. we had some good times, you gotta admit that."

She crossed her arms. "Some." She admitted, allowing a grin to crease her face. "But not many, and that last one kinda canceled everything else out." Now her expression hardened. "I'm not a real forgiving person."

He moved a step closer. "Do you even know why I did it?"

Blue eyes pinned him. "They offered you a thousand dinars to sell out."

His breath caught. "You knew."

She nodded. "I knew."

Fascinated, he perched on the edge of her bale. "But you came, anyway… why?"

A faint, wry smile touched her lips. "Just to see if I could do it." She replied quietly. "I never could resist a challenge."

He looked at her. "Damn… you are crazy."

Xena laughed. "Sure I am.. I'm here, aren't I?"

Garanimus shook his head. "I couldn’t turn down a thousand dinars, Xena… that woulda kept me for a long, long time. Maybe gotten me out of this weasel run."

A sigh. "You coulda just asked me. I would have matched it." She gazed at him. "That's why you're fighting to hold on here.. isn't it? You want out?"

"You wouldn't have let me go." He snorted softly, the paused, looking at her uncertainly. "Would you have?"

She leaned back, and exhaled. "I was getting pretty tired of it, even then, Gar… " Her head rolled to one side as she watch him. "Yeah.. I would have.. I woulda called you names.. kicked you around a little.. but yeah."

His eyes closed. "Woulda beens." A shrug. " You like what you're doing now, honest, Xe?"

"Yeah.. honest." She chuckled softly. "Took a while to get used to it.. but.. I do."

Their pale eyes met, and his face gentled, and lost a lot of its hardened cynicism, and Xena was forcibly reminded of why they'd been attracted to each other, all those years ago. "Truce?" She let her own expression relax, in to a quiet smile, and held out a hand.

He took it, clasping her forearm with gentle fingers. "Truce."

They fell silent, then he released his hold, and glanced around. "Those men talk about you like you're the God of War, you know."

She rolled her eyes. "Aw, centaur balls.. don't go THERE." She exclaimed in disgust. "I got enough troubles with him."

Garanimus chuckled. "Well, sure.. ya named yer damn dog after him, Xena.. whatcha expect?" He sketched a wry salute at her, then turned to leave. He got one step away, then turned back. "You're in a good mood.. I'll risk asking. You and the kid… you involved?"

Xena glanced up from adjusting an armor bit. "Involved? No. Involved is not the word for what we are."

He accepted that. "All right… so.. "

"The word for what we are is married." Xena looked back down, and tapped on the bit with the hilt of her dagger.

"Married." He repeated faintly. "You.. and the kid?"

Xena nodded. "Yep." Her eyes lifted. "And she's not a kid."

He blinked at her, then abruptly sat back down on the bale. "Oh." He paused. "I didn't… ah.. I never considered… um… I never thought of you as the marrying kind, Xena."

She gazed at him, amused. "Things change." She paused. "People change… I did."

Garanimus didn't answer, he just sat, chewing on a hay stalk for a long moment, then he stood and grunted, and left, taking his stalk with him.

Xena chuckled to herself, and then laughed, as Argo tickled her leg with the soft whiskers on her muzzle. "Hey… " She sighed, and raked her fingers through the mare's mane. "I didn't think I was the marrying kind either, Argo.. you know that?" Her thumb idly played with the ring circling her finger, and she glanced at it, letting the soft, gray light reflect off the stone. "Not me, huh? Don't let anyone get too close… don’t get involved… that's hilarious.. I'm so involved in her sometimes it's hard to believe." The mare shoved her nose closer, and Xena rewarded her with a hug. "I’d be so lost, Argo… if anything ever happens to her.." She let the words trail off, and rested her cheek against the soft skin. "I feel like wrapping her up in cotton wool.. but I know I can't, right? Especially now, girl… I really want everything to go nice.. and smooth… she deserves that, after last time."

Argo whickered softly, used to the low, murmuring words. She nipped at her rider's leathers, then flicked her ears, as the door creaked open. Xena looked up over the golden neck, and blinked, as the rain disgorged a dripping, but cheerful Gabrielle. "Hey!" She yelped, scrambling off her haybale, and jerking one of Argo's blankets off the divider.

"Whoa.." The bard shook herself violently, scattering drops of water over the hay. "That's some storm."

"Gabrielle!" Xena reached her, and tossed the blanket over her shoulders, tugging it around her and using the top of it to dry her drenched hair. "You're soaking wet!"

The bard exhaled. "Been the story of my life today…. Hey… cut that out." She squirmed out of Xena's solicitous reach. "Here… I brought you lunch."

The warrior took the package, scowling. "I coulda waited for this… " She growled. "You didn't have to come tromping out here in this weather."

Green eyes regarded her with kind benevolence. "I know." Gabrielle moved closer, clutching her blanket to her, and laid her head down on her soulmate's chest. "But I really wanted to be with you." She exhaled slowly as warm arms circled her and drew her closer. "I found out what's going on, and I thought you'd better know."

Xena kissed the top of her damp head gently. "Okay.. okay… c'mon over here.. .let's siddown, and you can tell me all about it." She led her partner over to the corner of Argo's stall, and settled in a clean bundle of hay, with Gabrielle beside her. The bard squirmed around until she could lean against Xena's body, and rested her head against the tall shoulder in quiet satisfaction. "What's this?" The warrior indicated the package.

"Oh." Gabrielle sighed. "That's part of the story.. it's pocket sandwiches.. they're safe. I made them."

"Ah." Xena wasted no more time, and tore into the bundle, her body reminding her forcefully that she'd been using it pretty roughly most of the day without stopping to eat. "Thanks." She mumbled around a mouthful. "I … didn't really.. um… " She waggled a hand.

"Stop to have anything to eat all day, even though it's nearly sunset, and you've been gone since before sunrise." The bard supplied dryly. "What a surprise. You know, you're impossible sometimes."

A crooked grin answered her, as Xena plowed through her snack. Gabrielle just shook her head, and leaned closer. "They're going to wait for that other warlord to get here.. then drug all of Garanimus' men, and open the gates."

Xena stopped chewing, and regarded her in surprised respect. "Wow." She muttered, swallowing hastily. "Good work."

"No effort." Gabrielle replied quietly. "They offered the information, after they recruited me."

An eyebrow quirked. "Recruited you?" Xena looked puzzled, then her face darkened. "Oh." She put her sandwich down, and stared at the hay. "I see."

The bard reached a hand down and curled her fingers around the warrior's longer ones. "It's understandable, Xena.. you are working with him."

Xena's throat worked a few times. "The merchants didn't think so." She replied softly, then sighed. "But I guess you're right." She made an obvious effort to put her thoughts aside. "So.. you're on the inside, huh? Nice job, my bard."

Gabrielle gazed at her, then lifted a hand to push the sweaty locks back off of her face. "Sweetheart, these are just kids, and they don’t know any better." She rubbed a spot of mud off of Xena's nose, causing the warrior to blink a little. "And.. frankly.. I'm really glad they coaxed me into the whole thing… because apparently you aremy responsibility to take care of.. that night." A wistful grin creased her lips. "I think that's a much better plan than having one of those poor children try it, and get kicked into next week." A pause. "Or worse."

Xena kissed her fingers, which were still gently stroking her face. "Good point, love. " A smile returned to her lips. "I feel much safer."

"Mm." A relieved look crossed the bard's face. "Silvi, apparently, has a thing for the other warlord."

"Ah." Now, comprehension shaped Xena's tanned features. "He like her, or… ?"

"Eh." A hand waggled. "He pledged all sorts of bodyparts to see her free and clear on her throne.. with the expectation of her marrying him after it's all over."

A pause. "You don't buy it?"

Gabrielle shrugged. "Well, it's not unheard of for a warlord to succumb to falling head over heels in love."

Xena inclined her head, and touched the bard's forehead with her own. "That's very true… and I should know."

A hand reached up and traced her cheek. "I hope she's as lucky as I am." Gabrielle whispered. "What are we going to do?"

Xena circled her arm around the bard's slim body, and exhaled. "Well… I guess we gotta wait for this guy to get here.. and check him out. If he's what she thinks… I'd vote we just let em do it.. except.. " Her eyes took on a troubled look. "Some of these guys aren't so bad."

"Mm.. now that you've beaten up on them, you mean." The bard picked up the bit of sandwich Xena had forgotten and offered it to her. "C'mon." She waited for the warrior to accept the tidbit, and chew it slowly. "We'll think of something… who knows.. maybe you can reason with this guy." A sigh. "It's nice and warm in here." Curling her body closer, she let her head rest against Xena's shoulder.

"Ugh… hey… you don't wanna do that.. I'm really grungy." Xena protested, giving her a wry look. "I smell worse than Argo on a bad day."

The horse snorted in outrage, and stamped.

Gabrielle sniffed her delicately, then grinned. "Hmm…. Actually…you don't."

"Gabrielle." Xena's voice dropped an octave, in remonstrance. "I most certainly do."

"Heh.. maybe being pregnant is affecting my sense of smell.. but… you're sure not bothering me any." The bard cuddled against her, sighing blissfully. "My warrior pillow."

The pillow in question grinned broadly. "They musta thought I was nuts …I was all over the place like some kinda rabid squirrel." She rubbed the bard's belly gently. "You were on my mind all day."

"Likewise." Came the sleepy answer. "They dragged me into the bath with them… that was an experience, then I got them to let me raid the kitchen or I'd have been stuck with a cup of beef soup for lunch." She yawned. "Then we ended up back in our room.. and I read them some of my poetry."

Xena quietly munched on the remaining sandwich. "Oh yeah? What kind?"

"Mushy stuff." The bard reached up, and unlatched Xena's armor catch on her left shoulder, then pulled the armor off, tugging the other catch impatiently. "Off!"

Blue eyes widened. "Yes, ma'am!" She chuckled, removing the plates, and leaning back further, making a more comfortable spot for the bard to lie down on. "Tired?" She asked, sympathetically.

A drowsy nod. "Yeah.. .but it's not like I did anything at all today… gods.. I feel like I've been walking for candlemarks."

A wistful smile crossed the warrior's face. "You're body's busy making a new life.. that takes a lot of work, ya know." She moved her fingers in slow, gentle circles against the bard's soft skin, feeling the movement as Gabrielle's breathing deepened, and the bard wrapped herself more snugly against her partner's leather clad form. With a gentle intake of breath, she eased into a low, vibrant song, a shepherding tune she knew Gabrielle must have heard most of her life.

A slow, sweet smile crossed the bard's face. She soaked in the music, absorbing the warm vibrations in the chest under her ear as Xena's voice climbed through the refrain, of a stalwart shepherd searching for a lost lamb.

Little girl.. little girl…

Wandring far asunder

Little girl.. little girl…

Wither do you wander?

Come to me, I call your name

Mother's milk, to me the same…

Little girl.. little girl..

Wander far no longer.

The rain crashed down, thundering against the stable's thatched roof. But its fury couldn’t breach the warm bubble of golden light that seemed to wrap itself around two still, dreaming figures.

In the rear of the stable, though… dim, ancient eyes peered out, and then disappeared, outrage coloring them.

Continued in Part 6

Standard Disclaimer - These characters, most of them, belong to Universal, and Renaissance Pictures, and whoever else has a stake in Xena: Warrior Princess. This is written just in fun, and no copyright infringement was intended.

Specific Story Disclaimers:

Violence –Why does anyone ever disclaim violence in a Xena story? Of course, there's violence. Do you think we'd put out a story that consisted of pages and pages of Xena just.... fishing.. or something? She is a Warrior Princess, not a Mary Kay consultant. (no insult intended - some of my best co workers are Mary Kay consultants, and I purchase from them regularly) And Gabrielle is no slouch with that staff, either. So, yes - there is violence.

Subtext - C'mon. Even the show has subtext. Heck, sometimes, it's not subtext. Sometimes, it's maintext. But anyway, this is an alternative fan fiction story. That means, it's based on the premise that Xena and Gabrielle are more than just best friends. If that's not your cup of mint tea, there are many, many talented bards out in the Xenaverse who post general fiction, which does not follow this premise. Go find them. Enjoy them.

This is, of course, PG13 level involvement here, no more.

So - having read this lovely disclaimer, if you then read the story, and are shocked that Gabrielle and Xena are kissing each other, I can't help ya. If you're offended by it, send me your address, and I'll send you a bushel of citrus. We like to send that from here - we have to get rid of all of it somehow.

Any and all comments are always welcome. You can email them to:

mailto:merwolf@bellsouth.net

Promises Kept - Part 6

By Melissa Good

Xena became vaguely aware of something tickling her ear, and she started, sucking in a surprised breath as she blinked a heavy sleepiness out of her eyes. It was very dim inside the stable, and a cool breeze blew in, rustling the straw. Argo took a step back, having succeeded in her aim of waking her rider, banging her nose against an empty water bucket with obvious intent.

"All right.". Xena mumbled, freeing one arm from its secure grip around Gabrielle’s dozing body and rubbing her eyes. "Hold on.. "

Ares raised his head at her whisper, and licked his chops, letting his pink tongue hang out. "Agrrrrrr".

The warrior blinked again, then felt her eyes droop closed against her will, as the warm comfort of their nest tugged her back towards sleep. With an effort, she resisted, prying her eyelids open and shaking her head a little to clear it. "Wow". She gently rubbed the bard’s back. "Hey… sleepy head…"

Gabrielle stirred, then one green eye peeked open, regarding her resentfully. "Shh."

Xena chuckled, and stroked her hair, petting her gently. "C’mon… it’s almost dark… I wanna go inside, and get this grime off me."

The bard nuzzled the skin of her neck, and took a nip at it. "Do I hafta?" She complained, nestling closer. "It’s real, real comfortable right here, Xena."

The warrior let out a wry chuckle. "Thanks… but yes, you have to." She patted the warm back. "Come on… you can go back to sleep up in the castle, all right?" She paused. "Unless you’re more interested in getting some dinner."

The green eye rotated and studied her. "Dinner?" She mused, in a speculative tone. "Hmm."

They got up, and Xena filled Argo’s water bucket before she padded to the door, and peeked outside. "Stopped raining." She commented, running a hand through her dark, and much disheveled hair.

Gabrielle trudged up next to her, and rested her chin on the warrior’s arm, which was braced against the doorjamb. "Nifty." She yawned. "Can I admit I really don’t want to sit in that huge hall tonight and listen to people babble at me?" Her eyes went to her soulmate’s face. "I have a bit of catching up to do on my diary.. and I’d love to spend some time scrubbing a certain warrior princess I know."

Xena grinned, then shrugged. "Sure.. I’ll grab something for us from the kitchen.. and tell Garanimus he’ll have to play with himself tonight." She paused, and winced. "Um… that didn’t come out right."

Gabrielle giggled. "Oh… yes it did." She snorted softly. "Are you sure, though? I could force myself to wake up a little if you think we should make an appearance."

The warrior took a deep breath of the cool, wet air. "They can just… " She bit off her words. "Yes, I'm sure." She flexed her arms. "To tell you the truth.. I think I overdid it a little… my body’s not used to that all day stuff anymore."

The bard rolled her eyes behind her partner’s back. Xena, Self-pitying warrior martyr of Amphipolis. "How about a nice backrub then, huh?" She patted the bodypart in question, and pushed the door open a bit further. "You poor thing… let’s get you inside before you rust."

One dark, well-shaped eyebrow curved neatly up. "I think I'm being condescended to." Xena accused.

Gabrielle blinked innocent, misty eyes at her. "By me?" A thumb pointed at her own chest. "Would I do that, to you?" She tucked a hand inside the taller woman’s elbow. "Shall we?"

Xena shifted, and settled her armor, then led the way out into the courtyard. She left Gabrielle to head off to their assigned quarters as they reached the inner hallway, and she herself ducked through the small side door that she remembered led into the kitchen. She could hear the faint clatter as servants set up the hall for dinner, and she was, suddenly, swamped with a grateful feeling that they were going to give the company of Garanimus a miss. What she really wanted was to spend some quality time just… being with Gabrielle, and talking to her…so much had happened since that morning, she was aching for some space just to… absorb it.

"Xena."

A low, gravelly voice stopped her in her tracks, and she turned her head. "Hello, Gramma." She cocked her head, sensing the old woman’s agitation. "What’s wrong?"

The cook took her arm, and pulled. "Come w’me."

The warrior allowed herself to be led into a small, cramped storage area, whose closeness pressed in on her uncomfortably. "What is it?" She repeated, pressing back against the wall, and gazing at the older woman in some impatience.

"Look ere." Gramma licked her lips, and looked around her. "Don’t you be trustin that little blond tart."

Xena went still, and her brows knit. "Little blond… you mean Gabrielle?"

Nervous flick of the eyes. "If that’s her name.. aye.. the girl what travels w’ye." She leaned closer. "Just mind me, little sprout…she’s out t’do ye wrong…watch yer back."

Xena sucked in several breaths, shoving a feeling of fear down deep. "You’re wrong, Gramma." She lowered her voice. "She’s not like that."

A soft snort. "Ye young things.. ye’ve got the sense of chickens, ye do…I'm telling ye, she’s no good fer ye…and she’s blossomin, the little whore, to boot."

All of a sudden, the room seemed far too small. Xena felt her hold on her temper slip, and she jumped forward, catching Gramma by surprise and pinning her against the opposite wall. "Don’t you ever… say that about her." Xena let loose a low, angry growl.

The old woman’s eyes widened, but she said nothing.

"I know about your plan." The warrior clipped her words. "If that’s what you mean about… Gabrielle… working against me."

"Y… ye know?" Gramma squeaked. "She told ye?"

The warrior released her, and stepped back, struggling to control herself. "I know." She repeated quietly. "She told me everything."

The old woman gazed at her in pensive silence for a bit. "Ah. Are ye going to stop us, then?"

Xena glanced down. "I'm going to wait to meet this other warlord." She said, slowly. ‘Then I’ll decide what to do." A breath. "He may be playing you all for a fool."

Gramma sighed, and leaned back, raising a shaking hand to her head. "I'm… sorry… I .. I didn’t know what ta do… my loyalty’s here, y’see, but… " Her faded eyes glanced up. "Fer yer mother’s sake… I.."

The warrior closed her eyes. "Gramma… thank you for thinking of me. I'm sorry if I scared you." She said quietly. "I'm a little sensitive about her.. she means a lot to me."

"Aye." The cook looked at her. "Any idiot could see that." She pursed her lips. "Didn’t want ye to get hurt, like." A sigh. "She’s all right then? Ye do know, then.. that’s she’s quickening?"

A weary smile crossed the warrior’s face. "Oh yeah.. I know." She nodded twice. "But.. how did… " She gave the woman a puzzled look. "It’s only been a week or so."

Gramma laughed softly. "Ah…. Gods, little sprout.. I've been round long enough to know what I'm lookin at…woulda thought it was more than a week, though." She gave Xena a furtive look. "Uh… "

Here we go. Xena sighed inwardly, reconciling herself to a long stretch of answering this particular question. "The father’s my brother Toris."

Gramma coughed. "Ay… that annoying bit of a brat?" She shook her head. "Bigods."

"He grew up all right." Xena assured her. "Listen.. can I get some stuff to take upstairs… it’s been a long day.. I'm gonna give the circus in there a skip."

Without a further word, Gramma led the way out of the storeroom, and into the main part of the kitchen. Xena was aware, from her peripheral senses, of silent watchers that melted back into the darkness of the hall after they passed.

Gabrielle felt the door close behind her with a sense of relief. The room was cool, and dimly lit, and she sent Ares trotting ahead of her as she went to the table, and lit the candle there. A few steps took her to the fireplace, and she stirred it, adding wood to the center to build up the heat. "She’s gonna get a warm bath this time, Ares." She told the wolf solemnly. "With lots of bubbles.. just the way she likes it." The thought of spending the evening alone with her soulmate was bringing a smile to her face. "I'll wash her hair.. and give her that backrub. You think she’ll like that?"

Ares cocked his head.

"I think so." The bard decided, with a grin, as she pulled out a fresh, soft, clean shirt for her partner. She lit a few more candles, and settled at the desk, picking up her quill and pulling her diary out from her saddlebag. "Let’s see if I can get an entry done before she comes tromping up here."

Where can I start? The one thing I was so worried about is now about the mootest point I could possibly imagine. It started this morning – when she woke up sick to her stomach, and I realized all the goofy things she’d been doing, and the stuff she’s been experiencing the past week really wasn’t her. It was me.. and I had to tell her that because she was really starting to freak out a little.

She even mentioned the Furies.. so I know she was starting to lose it. The thought of going through that again scares her, and to be honest, me too, because it was the start of a very long, very dark part of my life. So, I had to kind of give her enough hints to where she got it.

I didn’t know what kind of reception that was going to get, but boy, did I find out . I have never seen her that happy… it was like… I just didn’t expect that. I ..knew she'd be glad for me.. I guess I wasn't expecting her to be so glad for herself.

Does that make sense? I hope so. I have this page marked so I can go back and read this entry again, because it marks a very important moment in my lifetime. I know I'll remember the look in her eyes this morning.. just forever, because I know that I put that look there.

I did. That was so awesome. So awesome. It felt wonderful.

Now I can be happy too…it feels fantastic.. like I weight about the same as a flower.. I'm just floating around. I think I'm happier about how she reacted than I am about the whole thing in the first place.

Weird.

I can say it now. I'm going to have a child.

I have no more proof than I did last night, but somehow… I know. I feel it.. just kind of this, tickly feeling deep inside me.. Xena said that my body’s busy creating new life, and that’s why I'm so darn tired, and thinking about what’s going on in there is so weird.

Like.. does it start out as a miniature, tiny person, and just grow bigger? How does it breathe? Does it breathe water? Is it swimming in there.. like I swim in a lake? Is it a boy, or a girl… what’ll it look like.. I can’t help but sit here and just wonder about it.

Nine months is a darn long time, you know that? How long will it take before I can feel it moving around? Xena probably knows.. I think I’ll ask her when she gets back.

I hope it has Toris’ looks.. that dark hair, and those eyes… I don’t want it to look like me.

That’s horrible, isn't’ it? But Hope did. Even Xena said so.. at the very beginning. She said the baby looked just like me.

I don’t want this one to. I want this one to remind me of Xena and Toris.. not of myself. Or Hope. Xena says there’s a good chance of her having dark hair a least.. she gave me this little lecture on horses with dark manes, and tails, and baby horses… she lost me halfway through it, but the gist of it was that she thinks a child between us would have dark hair rather than my color. Between us.. it was funny when she said that.. almost like she meant us, as in me and her, and not us, and in me and Toris.

I wish. But I think it's going to be okay.. based on her reaction this morning, anyway. I swear she's more excited than I am.

Xena says she’d like the baby to have my eyes. She said she really likes them.. likes the color and all. I don’t’.. really see that myself, and I think hers are much prettier, but… I guess there’s no point in arguing about that.

It’s so exciting to talk about the possibilities. I can feel a sense of intense expectation.. and I’m sitting here wondering how I’m going to last the nine months.. I'm gonna go nuts waiting. I keep thinking.. I'm not a patient person.

Xena’s a lot more patient than I am.. even if she doesn’t realize it. I was daydreaming today while we were in that goofy bath.. imagining her rocking a baby.. singing to it.. with all her toughness, it still wasn’t hard to do. She looks at small, helpless things, and she just melts…..she doesn’t even realize she’s doing it, but she gets this little smile, just at the corners of her mouth, and her eyes twinkle a bit.

Her voice.. is so beautiful. I can’t believe she just started singing that herding song to me before.. she does that so, so rarely.. it still surprises me when I hear her. I could listen to her sing for hours.. but I know all I’ll ever get are just minutes.. it’s almost like she has a limited amount of that ability.. and she doesn’t like to use it a lot. I’ve asked her about that.. she says.. she just has to feel a certain way before she’ll sing, because singing opens up a part of her soul that she’s not really comfortable dealing with.

It’s too bad. I wish everyone could hear her. They’d be amazed.

I can’t wait to see Ephiny’s face when I tell her she’s going to be an aunt. Twice over.. if Xena’s right about Granella, and she probably is. I think I'm going to like having someone at home going through the same thing.. I know Xena’s going to be supportive, but that’s different.

Supportive… yes, and now I have to figure out a way to keep her from brooding over me like an overage hen with a single egg the whole time.

That’s probably a lost cause, huh?

Familiar footsteps caught her attention, and she glanced up as the door opened, admitting her soulmate, whose arms were full. "Xena!" Gabrielle scrambled to her feet, and trotted forward, grabbing a basket from the taller woman’s fingers. "What is all this?"

"Oh." The warrior put down the rest of her burden, and chuckled a little. "Um… Gramma.. kinda made a.. little mistake, and she was just.. I guess she wanted to make up for it." She surveyed the bounty. "Should be enough for us."

Gabrielle poked the bundles. "Maybe." She gave her soulmate a mischievous grin, and patted her stomach. "I'm pretty hungry.. or should I say.. we’re pretty hungry." She chuckled. "This is pretty neat.. now I have an excuse for being a piglet."

Xena raised both eyebrows playfully. "You ever needed an excuse?" She ducked as a piece of linen came winging her way, then she dodged around the chair between them, and caught Gabrielle as she tried to escape, lifting her up and swinging her around. "You listen here… " She gently kissed the bard. "Be as piggy as you want, my bard… I don’t’ want either of you hungry."

Gabrielle circled her neck with both arms, and drew her head back down, tasting her lips with sensual pleasure. "I think I can handle that." Her body pressed against Xena’s, greedily wanting the contact, and she felt the arms cradling her tighten in pure reflex. "What mistake?" She paused, and peered up.

Xena gave her a wry look. "She was.. um… warning me about you."

Blond eyebrows scrunched. "About me???" Gabrielle’s voice took on a bewildered tone. "What did…" Then she remembered. "Oh." She let her head drop forward and rest against her partner’s collarbone for a very long moment before she looked back up. "What did you tell her?"

Peaceful blue eyes regarded her. "The truth."

Gabrielle’s breath caught. "Was that smart?"

Long pause. "I didn’t think about it." Xena admitted softly. "I just couldn't let her think that about you." She stroked the bard’s hair. "I think it’s ok.. she took a huge risk just trying to warn me.. I think she’ll keep that to herself." The edge of her lip quirked. "She kinda likes me."

You couldn't let her think that about me. Gabrielle sighed to herself, feeling a pang of sadness. Couldn't let her think that’d I’d betray you.. that hurts too much, doesn’t it?

Xena caught her change of mood, and her brow tensed. "I.. I really think it’s ok, Gabrielle… I told her I was going to wait to meet this Framna before I decided what to do.. I.. I think she hopes I’ll just side with them. " She explained hesitantly. "She remembers me from when I was a kid .. I.."

Gabrielle took a deep breath, and lifted a hand to put two fingers against her partner’s lips. "Xena.. relax.. I'm sure you’re right." A pause. "I… hadn’t thought about how that would make people think of me.. and now that I am, it’s bothering me." She gave the taller woman an unhappy look. "I used to not have to think about that, because I… knew… you’d know how impossible that was." Her jaw clenched. "And… now I can’t take that… for granted."

Xena gazed at her. "Gabrielle.." The warrior’s voice was quiet, and sad. "I will always believe in you.. and trust you… because it hurts too much to do anything else."

"But.. " Fingers touched her lips this time.

"No buts." Xena shook her head. "No. Don’t ask me to give up that faith. I can’t."

Gabrielle swallowed hard, realizing for perhaps the first time just how dangerous their relationship had become for her quiet soulmate. It was a grave vulnerability that Xena seemed to have accepted, a price the warrior was paying for their continued closeness. It both frightened, and reassured the bard. "I would never ask that." She replied softly. ‘I will never ask that." The second statement she recognized as a solemn vow, and it dissolved some of the tension within her.

Xena produced a smile, and touched her forehead to the bards. "Thanks." She exhaled. "I'm gonna go take a quick bath.. you want to get started on this stuff?"

"Nope.’ Gabrielle shook her head, and knotted her fingers into the straps holding on her partner’s leathers. "Gotta make sure you don’t drown in there." She guided the amiable Xena into the bathing room, and unstopped the cistern, letting the fire warmed water to run into the large tub. As it filled, she took her time in stripping off the armor and leathers from the silent warrior, noting the minor cuts and bruises under them. "You were busy today, weren’t you?"

Xena glanced down, then shrugged. "Yeah… I started off with a kind of free for all, I guess.. just had em come at me all at once, then we went into squad drills… groups of six or eight, then one on ones… worked on individual skill types.. sword tricks.. that kinda thing." She replied offhandedly.

Gabrielle paused, and looked up at her. "You had fun, huh?"

The warrior muffled a sheepish grin and scratched her jaw. "Been a while." She acknowledged. "Yeah.. I did.. it felt really good to get all the kinks out… I really haven’t had a workout like that in a long time. " She paused. "Didn’t know if I still had it in me."

A knowing smirk from the bard. "Let me guess… you do."

A faintly gleeful look put a glint in those blue eyes. "Yeah." Xena chuckled wickedly. "I kicked their butts."

Gabrielle grinned, noting the familiar cocky set to her partner’s shoulders. "I can’t believe I missed that… I got stuck listening to adolescent romantic mooning." She poked Xena in the ribs. "In the tub, o warrior princess of butt kicking."

Long fingers slipped up, and unknotted her belt, freeing the soft fabric from around her body. "Only if you join me." Xena informed her, tracing a fingertip down her now bare collarbone.

Gabrielle giggled softly. "That’ll make three baths today." She protested, but stepped closer, and rubbed her body gently against the taller woman's. "But I think I'm gonna like this one the best." Her skin seemed very sensitized, and the slow movement of the warrior’s hands up her sides felt like trails of fire, especially when her lips were taken over, and she felt the brush of dark hair against her bare shoulders.

The warm water felt wonderful, slipping up over their joined bodies, and Gabrielle felt around for the sea sponge they used and started a slow, teasing scrub of her soulmate’s body, running the slightly rough surface over her skin as the muscles just under it surged in reaction. She was foggily aware of an insistent craving, of a gnawing need for Xena’s touch, and she uttered almost a cry of relief as the warrior’s hands found familiar, sensitive spots, and the bubbly water suddenly evaporated between them.

It took, the bard mused, longer than usual to catch her breath, or at least it seemed that way. She floated gently in Xena’s grasp, watching tiny islands of glistening bubbles drift past her nose. She blew gently against one little raft, and watched it bump against the warrior’s chest.

Xena lifted her head from where it was resting back against the edge of the tub, and opened her eyes as she felt the warm breath tickle her skin. "Are you a dried grape yet?" She inquired.

"Raisin." The bard corrected dutifully. "And I’d check, but that would mean I had to move, and I'm way too comfortable to do that."

The warrior rolled her head to one side and observed the smaller woman. Gabrielle was curled up against her, one arm thrown across her waist, the other wrapped around her back, with her head resting against Xena’s shoulder, and with her muscular legs wrapped around the warrior’s own. She lifted a hand and ran it across the bard’s hip, tickling the smooth skin playfully. "Nope… not yet."

The bard splashed her. "Stop that."

"Stop what?" Xena continued her advance, slipping her fingers around the back of the bard’s thigh, to a particularly ticklish spot she had.

"Xena." Gabrielle muffled a helpless giggle, and splashed harder.

"Yes?" The tickling continued, as she ran a light touch up and down the back of the bard’s leg. "Something wrong?"

"Arghh…. " Gabrielle reciprocated, curling her arm around and getting Xena in a vulnerable spot just below her ribs, then anticipating the warrior’s move, reaching down and capturing the back of her knee, which was by far the most sensitive spot she’d found for a tickle torture on the long body. "Oooo… .I gotcha… "

"Grph." Xena bit her lip, as the bard’s fingers found a weak point, then gave up and burst into laughter as the bard sensed victory, and added a sudden attack on her navel. "I give.. I give.. you win." She yelped, as Gabrielle gave a triumphant, low chuckle.

"Heh… " The bard nibbled her way up her partner’s neck and ended up kissing her. "Don’t you mess with me, you overgrown puppy."

Xena nipped her on the ear. "Grrrr." She grinned, and pulled her into a hug. "C’mon… I can hear your stomach growling."

The bard sighed ruefully, and dropped a hand to the surface in question. "I can see where I'm not gonna be wearing that Amazon outfit much longer. " She traced the taut muscles with an idle finger. "These’re going to disappear real fast if my appetite keeps up."

Second time she's mentioned that. Xena analyzed. Uh oh. Better get this conversation over with right now. The warrior settled her arms gently around the bard, letting her hands come to rest against her belly. "Does that really bother you?" She asked quietly, watching Gabrielle’s face as the younger woman considered the question.

"It shouldn’t." The bard finally answered. "I mean… I know it shouldn’t."

"But?" Xena prompted knowingly.

Silence, until Gabrielle dabbled a finger in the water. "I don’t know…is it completely vain and selfish to say that I like the way I look?" She finally admitted. "I feel like I shouldn’t even be thinking that… I mean, what a stupid thing to worry about, right?"

Pale blue eyes studied her with wry understanding. "Maybe.. but it’s also completely natural to feel that way, Gabrielle." She reassured the troubled bard. "I've never known a pregnant woman who thought they looked attractive when they were carrying."

Green eyes peered at her uncertainly. "Really?"

"Mmhmm." Xena assured her. "And.. I’ve never known anyone who’s been in love with a pregnant woman who hasn’t thought they looked absolutely beautiful."

A snort. "You’re trying to make me feel better." Gabrielle accused.

A charming smile met her eyes. "I’ve also never known anyone to believe that statement." She kissed the bard’s nose. "But it’s true.. you’ll just have to take my word for it."

Gabrielle squinted at her. "Xena, I’ve seen pregnant women." She paused meaningfully.

Her soulmate regarded her with a twinkle. "Were you in love with any of them?" She asked, raising a brow.

Fingertips drummed on her chest. "Well, no.. but.. "

Xena smiled. "No buts…. Listen, remember when you came into the stable today?"

The bard was thrown off by this sudden change of subject. "Uh… yeah, but what.. ."

A hushing finger. "You came right in, marched across the barn, and practically smothered me in a hug."

Gabrielle blinked at her, confused. "Yeah.. so?" She answered. "What’s wrong with that?"

"Nothing.. except that I’d been fighting big, sweaty, muddy guys the entire day, I was covered with muck, and animal dung, and a dozen different kinds of dirt, and I smelled like a three day old pile of centaur poop." Xena stated. "I gotta believe I was about as attractive at that moment as a pig in a sty."

Green eyes blinked again. "Um. " The bard’s face scrunched. "I didn’t notice." She peeked at Xena. "I guess that was your point, huh?" She lifted a hand, and let it fall. "I don’t usually think about what you look like… "

"Thanks." The warrior chuckled. "Good thing."

The bard slapped her lightly. "That’s not what I meant… I mean, sometimes I.. like at Lila’s wedding. When you came in, all dressed up, and everybody about coughed up one of their lungs…then I look at you and just kind of go… wow."

Xena blushed lightly. "Like I did last night, watching you up there." She rallied, with a smirk.

Gabrielle’s turn to blush a little. "Um… thanks." She muttered. "But most of the time, when I look at you, it’s to catch little clues about what you’re feeling, or thinking… I don’t.. think about what… you look like."

Xena waited to make sure she was finished. "So.. what makes you think it’s any different for me?" She asked, reasonably.

"Well." Gabrielle gathered her courage, now that they were talking, and on a subject she’d been thinking a lot about lately. "First, let’s get outta the water." She disengaged herself from the warrior and stood, smiling as Xena stood with her, and gently caught her elbow to help her over the edge of the tub. They dried off, and got into shifts, then settled down with the impromptu picnic.

"I noticed. " Gabrielle nibbled on a bit of cheese. "That you tend to get involved with cute people."

Xena paused in mid sip, and looked at her, amused. "That’s very true." Her blue eyes twinkled. "And I like to believe my taste’s gotten better over the years."

The bard grinned, and glanced down, before clearing her throat. "I… just never… I mean, I didn’t know just how important that was to you." She took a breath, and looked up. "The fact that you…um.. " A pause. "Ever found me attractive kind of surprised me." A longer pause. "It still does… sometimes… at least a little part of me it does."

Xena paused, in mid chew, and just stared at her. "You’re joking, right?" She finally spluttered, swallowing hastily. "You’re not serious about that, are you? Gabrielle, check a mirror out sometime…you’re a very good looking piece of humanity." She moved around the table she’d been standing at, and sat down on the low padded couch next to the smaller woman. "But to answer your question, not at all." She lifted a hand and traced the bard’s cheek with the backs of her knuckles. "Not with you." A faint smile crossed her face. "I think.. when they say love is blind… that’s what they’re talking about."

Finally, Gabrielle smiled back. "I think you’re right." She exhaled. "Thank you… for listening to my kinda goofy insecurities." She fell silent.

Xena put an arm around her shoulders. "You scared?" She asked, gently.

The bard looked right up into her eyes. "Yeah.. a little."

The warrior hugged her. "So was I." She confessed. "You get over it after a while."

Gabrielle leaned against her, and sighed. "Thanks." She finished her cheese, and started on some cold lamb. "Wanna hear a new poem I thought of?"

Xena leaned back, and pulled the bard into a comfortable spot against her. "Sure." She offered the smaller woman a cherry, which she took with neat white teeth.

She didn't remember falling asleep again. Just a quiet, foggy twilight which descended on her, and on the already dozing bard as they faced the open window, and felt the cool, damp breeze gently waft in.

Xena felt very relaxed, except for a nagging stiffness in her shoulders, brought on by her day's labor, she suspected. The noises of the room kept fading in and out, gentle crackles of the fire, and the soft rasp of the wind moving around Gabrielle's parchment. Ares was curled around her splayed legs, his muzzle resting on her foot, and she could, barely, feel the warmth of his breathing against her skin.

A new sound should have pricked her instincts, but she listened dazedly, as the clicks she heard translated in her sleepy mind to be the door opening.

Footsteps approaching. She tried to be worried, but the insidious lassitude seemed to wash over her, keeping her peacefully in place until the sound of soft laughter, and steel rasping against leather forced a bolt of warning even through the fog that surrounded her.

Drugs. She felt her heartbeat increase, and she knew a moment of utter panic, as she realized her body wasn't responding to her commands, even though she could sense the knife raising, and knew she had bare seconds to prevent it.

Sheer will alone forced her arm up, to intercept a cold blade intent on her chest, and she felt the hot fire as its point pierced her forearm, a pain which sliced neatly through the haze and provided her with ammunition to battle the herb's chains.

Her fingers closed on cloth, and she clenched her hand, throwing her body weight off the couch and hearing the choked yell of surprise as her attacker found himself on the ground, battling with a half paralyzed, but still dangerous woman who was getting angrier, and more mobile by the second.

He squirmed, and wrenched himself from her grasp, and scrambled away, just evading her lunge after him, as he bolted for the door at top speed and slammed it behind him.

Xena felt her heart hammering out of control, as she forced herself to stand, grabbing onto the couch for support, as she sucked in panicked lungfuls of air, feeling more and more out of breath every time her chest pumped. In desperation, she stumbled for her saddlebags, falling halfway there and feeling a lancing pain shoot through her ribcage, as she reached out and grabbed for the bags, dumping their contents in front of her blurring vision.

Her healer's kit… and two pouches… somehow she got them open and poured the herbs out, mixing a pinch from each together, and shoving them into her mouth, sucking up all the moisture she could to swallow them down.

The taste was disgusting, and almost caused her to throw up, but she grimly held on, until the pulsing lights in her vision began to slow, and her racing heart steadied.

The smell of blood came to her, and she slowly opened her eyes, blinking until the fogginess receded, and she could focus on the red stream coursing down her arm. Damn. She thought weakly. Then. In the food… A feeling of sick disappointment flooded her, as she realized what that meant. I guess Gramma didn't trust me after all.

No time for that, she decided, testing her arms and pushing off the ground with them. She got herself to her knees, then looked around, seeing the sleeping forms of Ares and Gabrielle peacefully undisturbed. She slowly got to her feet, swaying a little, and grabbed the back of the chair to steady herself.

Close. She ran a shaking hand through her hair. Too close. Her knees started to buckle, and she leaned against the furniture, swallowing hard. She looked around, dismissing the water basin as a possible additional poisoning suspect, and grabbed a waterskin they'd had in their gear, unstopping it and sniffing cautiously. After a tentative sip, she sighed in relief, recognizing the distinctive scent and taste of home. She drained half the bag, then stood quietly, until her body was more responsive, and the foggy haze surrounding her faded back.

A trail of blood was running down her arm, dripping off her fingertips and onto the marble floor, and she flexed her hand, scattering droplets of red around her. A quick dig into her healer's kit found a bandage, which she wrapped around her arm and tied off.

She gathered the herbs up, and put them into her cupped palm, studying her soulmate speculatively. Can't give her these… but she's gotta get that stuff outta her so…She put one set of herbs down, and dug into the pack, pulling out a different set. She's gonna hate me for this.

With a sigh, she mixed them with some water from the skin, and went to her partner's side, kneeling down unsteadily and turning her face towards the front. She opened the bard's mouth, and poured a good quantity of the mixture in, triggering her swallowing reflex, which almost made the smaller woman cough. Grimly, she gave her another dose, and was rewarded by the fluttering of pale eyelashes.

Green eyes dazedly tracked to her in confusion. "Xe?" The bard's voice was soft and light.

"Shh.. yeah, it's me. Listen.. we're in big trouble, love… the food was poisoned." Xena told her gently. "Some guy tried to knife me… but he got away."

"Gods.. ah. " The bard clutched her stomach. "I.. .I don’t' feel.. .really well."

Xena sighed. "I know.. it's my fault.. I need to get that stuff out of you."

A wince. "Oh.. gods… you didn't."

"Yeah, I did." Xena picked her up, swaying a little, then moved towards the bathing room, where she'd seen a large basin. "It's not gonna be fun… but I couldn’t give you the antidote." She set the bard down, and, feeling the sudden convulsions, held onto her as she emptied the contents of her stomach into the basin. "That's a girl." She wearily dropped to one knee, and circled the bard with an arm, steadying her, and ignoring her own discomfort. "Easy.. easy.. I got you."

At last, Gabrielle let her forehead rest against the cool stone, curling her fingers around the edge as she sucked in deep breaths. "Gods." She whispered softly.

Xena hugged her gently. "I'm sorry… I couldn't think of any other way." She apologized, sitting down hard on the stone floor, and resting her head against the wall.

The bard pushed herself upright. "What about you?" She cleared her throat and winced.

The warrior closed her eyes and shook her head. "Took a combination of things… it'll be ok." She rubbed her chest and coughed. "It's kinda hard on your heart though… and you can't take it if you're pregnant."

A small hand suddenly warmed the skin on her chest, and she forced her eyes open, to see Gabrielle's very concerned eyes. "You're white as a sheet, Xena." The hand shifted and touched her forehead. "And you're cold… but you're sweating."

A faint nod. "It's the herbs.. it'll be okay." She leaned back and counted heartbeats, uneasily. I hope. Eventually the pounding slowed, though, and she let out a soft sigh. "This just sucks Amazon butts."

Gabrielle huddled against her. "I thought you said Gramma kinda liked you." She looked up at her soulmate, who was gazing at the opposite wall grimly. "Maybe it wasn't her." She chafed her partner's hand, which was warming slowly. "Maybe someone else put something in the food.. and she just gave it to you… your stopping by there wasn't planned."

Xena nodded a little. "I was just thinking that." She flexed her hand a little. "Whoever it was expected the stuff to work, though… I know I surprised him." Slowly, a dark glimmer was growing in the pale blue eyes. "If I move fast, I might even catch them setting his shoulder. "

A whine caught their attention, and the turned to see Ares stumbling in, looking very unhappy. He swayed as he walked, and his pink tongue hung out in distress.

"C'mere, boy." Xena held out a hand. "Lucky you didn't get much tonight, huh?" She gathered the wolf in as he approached, and hugged him. "Just a little of that lamb… the spices must have masked the taste."

"Now what do we do?" Gabrielle asked quietly.

"Find out who it was." Xena answered, just as quietly, but her eyes glittered.

"I told ye twas a damned idiot thing te.. " The low voice hissed, then stopped , as shuffling footsteps were heard. "Gwan to bed, Gramma… just getting us some scraps we are."

The old woman limped around the corner, and stood, hands on hips, surveying the scene. "What foolishness is that?" She held a candle up, to see Jaras, the castle foreman seated on a low stool, holding his arm and grimacing. "Wha happened t ye?"

Jaras didn't answer, he just gritted his teeth, as the older man next to him worked to set the fracture in his upper arm bone. "Had an accident." He finally growled, then gasped. "Damn ye.. watch that.. "

The cook peered from one man to another. "All right.. ye scumwags.. what trouble did you start now?" She spotted a small bag tucked into the older man's belt, and she darted forward, surprising him, and snatched it out. "Thisn be Delagos'.. he was lookin fer hit.. " She brought the bag to her wrinkled face and sniffed it. "Bigods… what have ye here?"

The older man glared at her. "Gimme that back.. and go t bed ya old goat."

She backed up a step, into the open doorway. "Not till ye tell me what's been goin on .. and what happened to ye… we're supposed to be in this together, remember?"

"Not since you decided to side w' that bastard woman, we're not." Jaras spat at her. "So's it's none o your business… get gone, ya old bitch." He stood, ignoring his arm, and lunged for the bag, which Gramma held up out of his grasp. "Damn ye!"

A hand closed over hers, and took the bag from her clutch, and she turned with a gasp. "Oh… "

Silence dropped over them, as the two men stared over her shoulder, at the tall, dark haired woman who stood holding the small pouch, a dangerous look in her eyes. Those sharp, icy flints glanced her way. "Move." Xena's voice was low, and vibrant, but had a touch of hoarseness to it.

Gramma slid out of her way, and pressed her body against the wall, confused. Her eyes fell on the bandage that wrapped the warrior's arm, and then on the bag. "Bigods.. " She breathed, glancing at the two silent, fearful men. "You didn't do somethin that stupid."

The warrior stalked forward, until she towered over the seated Jaras. She held up the bag. "You responsible for this?" Her eyes flicked to his arm, and a faint, mocking smile curled her lips.

He swallowed. "You're… unnatural… tha shoulda put you down so far.. "

She backhanded him against the wall in a sudden, violent strike, then pounced on him, and lifted him up, slamming him back against the wall so hard the walls shuddered, and pottery clattered down onto the floor. "You have no clue what I am." Xena's voice rumbled at him. "You know what I do to people who try to poison me?"

He was shaking so hard his teeth were rattling audibly.

She moved closer, shoving him harder against the wall. "Do you know what I do to people who hurt my friends?" A growled inquiry. "Suppose you tell me what you thought you were going to accomplish in there tonight?"

The older man answered. "Get rid of you."

Xena looked back over her shoulder. "And you think that's a good thing?"

He just stared at her, confused.

"Garanimus is not a friend of mine." The warrior stated flatly. "Figure out who your enemies really are before you try killing them. " Turning back to Jaras she let him down, then shoved him onto the stool, and jabbed an expert finger into a pressure point. He gasped, as his arm went numb. She tore the rest of his sleeve off, then studied the fracture. With a soft curse, she grabbed his elbow, then pulled hard, and rotated her wrist, snapping the bones into place. "Wrap that." She snapped at the older man, watching him as he did, eyeing her warily. When he was done, she released the pressure point, then stepped back. "Don't try that again." She warned softly. "I know what your little plan is… and I have no intention of getting in the middle of it if this warlord's what you think he is."

They looked at her, round eyed. "He's a good man.. and he's right fair on our princess." The older man muttered.

"We'll see." The warrior replied. "Maybe I'll work out a deal so nobody has to get hurt." She gave them both warning looks. "I catch anyone of you around me again like that, there'll be blood all over this damn castle. You got me?"

They stared at her stubbornly.

Xena surveyed them again, then ducked outside the door, and leaned against the wall briefly to regain her strength before straightening up. Gramma had followed her outside, and was watching, concerned. "Hades of a night." The warrior remarked, with a weary sigh, glad, in an obscure way, that Gramma hadn't been involved.

"You doing all right, sprout?" The old woman asked softly. "Ye look a might pale."

"I'm fine." Xena assured her. "Teach me to let my guard down." Her voice held a hint of self disgust. In the distance, she could hear the sounds of music from the main hall. "Do you have any hawthorn?"

Old, wise eyes peered at her guardedly. "Aye.. a bit… " She put a bold hand on the warrior's wrist, and felt her pulse. "Great Artemis.. what have ye done to yerself?"

A faint shrug. "I didn't have time to measure the antidote." Xena stated quietly. "I think I over did it a little."

Gramma clucked worriedly, and bustled to a small cabinet, throwing the doors open and pawing through a series of small leather bags. "No.. no.. no.. where is th.. ah." She pulled out a pale cloth bag, and opened it, then sniffed the contents. "Aye.. here it be." She handed it to the warrior. "D'ye need an infusion, then.. "

Xena shook her head. "I'll take care of it.. thanks." She pushed off from the wall, and headed back out to the main corridor. At the doorway, she turned, and met the old woman's eyes. "I don’t' want to hurt anyone, Gramma. Tell them not to try that again, all right?"

The gray brows knitted. "I'll be telling them, sprout.. but you g'wan up there and get yerself to bed, afore you be decorating me hall floor here."

The warrior nodded briefly, then turned, and made her way across the hall. She was about to mount the stairs when a voice called her name, and she cursed softly under her breath. Impatient, she turned, and leaned against the wall, folding her arms across her chest. "What is it, Gar?"

He strode across the flagstones and stopped in front of her. "You're not joining us?"

"Not tonight." She answered, shortly. "I'm sure you can manage to entertain yourself."

His pale head cocked to one side, as he studied her. "Something I said?" He ventured. "I thought we got along okay for a change earlier."

Xena sighed inwardly. "Nothing you said… I'm just not in the mood for company tonight."

"Except for your pretty friend… I get it." But he smiled, to take the sting out of his words. "Listen.. I been meaning to tell ya - she's been getting pretty chummy with the ice princess… she oughta watch it.. those blue bloods can be nasty.. don’t want her feelings getting hurt."

Xena gazed at him, then let out a soft chuckle. "Thanks.. but Gabrielle can take care of herself." She assured him quietly. "They're the ones who'd better watch out." She felt a sudden urge to tell him what was going on, but swallowed it. "Have a nice dinner." She turned, and started up the stairs, very aware of his eyes watching her.

The bend of the staircase was very welcome, and she was glad to get around it, stopping to catch her breath a little before she continued upward. As she got to their room, she heard voices inside it, and her senses struggled to a pained alertness as she focused on the words.

Damn. She cursed softly. The princess. She debated briefly as to whether or not to let the dialog continue, then realized there was a real possibility of her passing out right in the hallway and she pushed the door open with grim determination.

Gabrielle was seated at the small desk, her body tense, and she stopped speaking as the door opened inward . Her eyes went immediately to Xena's face, and widened, and she stood in a pure reflex motion that made the warrior realize she probably didn't look so good. The bard was a little pale, but otherwise seemed all right, and she could see Ares grumpy looking but mostly alert head poised behind Gabrielle's knee.

"Silvi… I'll um… I'll come to see you in a little while, okay?" Gabrielle glanced at the princess, who was watching Xena with frosty dislike. "After dinner."

The girl lifted her chin. "Very well." She gathered the edge of her gown and glided out, with a watchful eye on the tall, dimly lit form standing just inside the door.

The wooden surface closed with a solid bang, then Xena was aware of another, softer bang as the chair Gabrielle had been sitting on hit the floor as she jumped past it and bolted across the marble surface. "Sit down." The bard's voice had an urgent, nervous tinge as she let herself be pushed backwards, and felt the bed's soft surface behind her thighs.

She was about to protest, but her knees chose that moment to give out, and she collapsed back, as the sounds of the room began to echo weirdly. Very warm hands cupped her face, and she fought to focus on the green eyes boring into her own, responding to the panic there. "Hey… it's okay.. "

"No it most certainly isn't okay." Gabrielle answered tightly. "What's wrong with you Xena.. come on.. you have to tell me what to do."

It was hard to concentrate. She could feel a tightness in her chest that was making it hard to breathe, and the erratic thumping of her heart was giving her a headache. Knitting her brow, she forced her arm to move, and held out the small pouch. "Tea."

The bard stared at her, very obviously torn between grabbing the pouch and not wanting to let go. After a split second, she released her hold, and took the sack, turning and running across the chamber to fire. "You're lucky.. I was already boiling water." Gabrielle called back over her shoulder. Her hands shook as she put some of the herbs in a cup. "How much?"

No answer.

"Xena… how much!" Panic was edging her voice, and she knew it, but one look at her soulmate's face as that door opened had nearly stopped her heart from beating.

"Handful." The warrior finally answered quietly.

She poured the amount in, then topped it with the water, cursing at its slow decent. A sharp, bitter steam rose, and she waited for it to steep, her whole body trembling with impatience. "Hang on, tiger.. almost there." She'd rested a little while after Xena had left, then had trudged over to the desk and sat down, which felt better than lying flat. Silvi had arrived a few moments later.

Counting silently under her breath, she stood, cradling the cup and headed back over to the bed, where Xena was lying, her eyes now closed, and her breathing faint and rapid. Gabrielle forced herself to stay calm, and put the cup down, then grabbed her soulmate's shoulders, and shook them. " Xena!"

No response. She shook harder.

Nothing. Steeling herself, and gritting her teeth hard, she released her right hand, and pulled it back, then brought it smartly against her partner's pale cheek, the resounding slap echoing in the chamber and in her heart.

A throne room in Chin revisited her, mockingly, and as the blue eyes fluttered open in dazed shock, she saw a shadow of the same nightmare deep inside them.

No time for that now. "Come on…. Please… you gotta drink this." Gabrielle slid gently onto the bed, and circled her partner's shoulders with an arm, supporting her as she held the wooden mug to her lips. She could feel the wild beating of Xena's heart under her fingertips, and she felt her own panic rising again as the warrior took a hesitant sip of the herbs. "More.. that's it."

Half the cup was gone before she felt the erratic drumming begin to steady, and the warrior's heaving breaths start to slow. Xena wrapped her hands around the container then, and drained it, gripping the wood tightly with trembling fingers.

Gabrielle felt her panic subsiding, and she rubbed her partner's upper arm gently. After a long moment of stillness, Xena relaxed a little, and let her head rest against the bard's shoulder. "Stupid." She whispered. "Real stupid."

The bard felt a wave of relief pass over her, and she leaned her head against her soulmate's. "You all right?" She asked in a shaky voice, feeling the surface under her cheek move in a tiny nod. "You just scared me half out of my wits, Xena."

Ares timidly poked his head over the edge of the bed, and licked the bard's knee, then flicked his eyes to his mistress's pale face and whined.

Xena released the cup, letting it fall to the bed surface, and straightened a bit, taking in a deeper breath. "Sorry… " She muttered, leaning back against the pillows, and putting her fingers against her pulse point. "That's better." Her eyes slid around the room, grateful that the throbbing colors had receded, leaving only the candlelit shadows. Finally she turned her head, and let her gaze fall on the tense, pale face next to her. "Thanks."

Fingers rose to hesitantly touch her cheek. "I'm sorry I hit you." Gabrielle uttered softly. "I was j..just ss..so scared."

Xena's lips tensed into a tiny smile. "It's all right." She replied quietly, capturing the bard's hand and kissing it, then chafing the cold fingers. "You did the right thing." Her eyes looked up into Gabrielle's, and she knew they were both remembering a different time. A different place.

A tear slowly trickled down the bard's face, and her jaw shook as she fought back an intense emotion. Xena could feel it, both in herself, and through the connection between them. Deliberately, she tucked the bard's hand against her heart, and leaned against her in gentle trust.

Because in that long, dark instant in Chin, behind all the hurt, and anguish, and horror, behind the betrayal… had come the single, glimmering bit of knowledge that despite all the anger, and the estrangement… Gabrielle had been there. She had crossed an ocean, battled her way into Ming Tien's graces, and taken a stand. Staked her claim to a heart she had no idea whether she even had a piece of anymore. Fought against the memories of an unknown love, and stood squarely in her path, stating boldly. "You are part of me. And I am not giving that up without a fight."

No one else in her life had ever done that. And in that moment of utter shame, and total desolation of her soul.. she'd loved Gabrielle more than the bard would have ever dreamed possible.

Gabrielle finally took a shaky breath. "What happened?" She sniffled a little, and picked up the empty cup with her other hand. "What is this?"

The warrior sighed, and shifted, but didn't release her grip. "I didn't… measure the antidote very carefully. I took too much." She admitted. "I should have done what I did with you… but I was…in too much of a rush, I guess.. and I didn't think my body would react as badly as it did." She glanced at the cup, held in the bard's fingers. "That stuff fixed it."

A faint nod. "Are you okay now?" Gabrielle asked, hesitantly. "You were so pale… and cold." She dropped the cup and touched her partner's face. "You're a lot warmer now."

Xena leaned back against the pillow, feeling very washed out. "Yeah.. I'm all right." She reassured the smaller woman. "The antidote…speeds up your body so it counteracts the sleeping drugs.. but sometimes that gets outta control, and.." She rubbed her chest, a disturbing thing for the bard to watch. "It was like I wasn't getting enough air."

"Gods." Gabrielle felt her heart skip. She paused, and thought hard. "Is that the same stuff you used after we… I mean, in the river? During the flood?" The warrior had come close to drowning, and had been in a dazed, chilled shock.

The warrior nodded faintly. "Yes." She pried her eyes open and looked at the bard. "Maybe it was the combination of the two drugs.. I don't know." She paused. "That was a rough day, too." Her brow quirked in memory.

Gabrielle smiled. "Rough.. and wonderful." She reminded her soulmate gently, surprised to see a look of deep sadness cross her angular face. "What?"

A day of terror, and possibilities, Xena recalled. They'd almost drowned saving a family in a raging flood river, then somehow had been washed downstream. Gabrielle… had been alright, but she…. She had let herself fall underneath the bard, so that her body had been above the water during the rush, and…

Death had come very close. Close enough for her to see what lay on the other side, and know that other side wasn't Tartarus.

But that was then. That was before she'd gone mad, and gone after Caesar, and killed Ming Tien… and lost a son. Almost lost the other half of her soul. Before she'd seen Gabrielle lose her innocence, and have her trust shredded beyond repair. Before Hope.

That was then. This was now, and now… she knew, deep down, that the one, brief chance she'd seen held out to her, bright and shining… no longer existed. That knowledge hurt.. it would have almost been better to have never seen the possibility at all, because Tartarus and her… she'd always expected that.

"Xena?" Gabrielle had leaned very close, and was cradling her face, staring into her eyes with growing alarm. "What's wrong?"

So why did I get a second chance at this? Caprice of the gods? Or just one more thing for them to take away from me? She covered Gabrielle's hand with her own, and let her body relax a little. Well, they're gonna have to fight me tooth and nail for this one. "I'm all right.. just remembering, that's all." She managed a smile. " You know, I still don’t remember how we got out from under that tree."

Mist green eyes captured hers. "I don't either, but I know you got us out of there somehow." She replied quietly. "Like you always do." She settled at Xena's side. "Like you always will."

Always. That was a word curiously like forever. "I do my best." Xena admitted, then took a deep breath, and reflected on more recent happenings. "It wasn't Gramma."

That got a relieved smile from Gabrielle. "Good." She gently disengaged her hand, and unclipped Xena's armor with experienced fingers. "Duck your head." She pulled the plates off, and let them drop at the bedside, then started unlacing one of her bracers. "You.. are going to stay right here." She finished one bracer and pulled Xena's other arm over, unlacing the other one. "I don't want any arguments out of you, either." She looked up into meek blue eyes as she pulled off the armor, then moved further down the bed and reached for the buckles that held on her leg plates. The surface under her fingers jerked, and she glanced up sternly. "Hey!"

Xena bit off a weary grin. "That tickles." She explained sheepishly.

"Oh." Gabrielle patted her knee apologetically. "Sorry." She finished removing the armor and unlaced the warrior's boots, sliding them off and letting them drop haphazardly. She stroked the soft skin underneath, feeling the warmth starting to return to it, then she turned and moved back up the bed, settling herself at Xena's side, and taking the quietly watching woman's hand in hers. "Did you find the guy that did it?"

The warrior nodded slowly. "Yeah… but I'm not sure I convinced them not to try it again." She let her head roll back and regarded the ceiling. "I'll go out tomorrow.. get us some supplies. No more eating from that kitchen." She laid a hand on her stomach and regarded the bard tiredly. "My fault.. I shoulda realized something else was going on here… I don't know what's wrong with me lately."

Gabrielle edged over, and laid a hand over her shoulder. "I.. think I probably have something to do with that." She admitted wryly. "You've had a lot on your mind."

Xena considered that for a while in silence, then exhaled. "Yeah." She finally confirmed. "You may be right." She looked up pensively. "That's dangerous Gabrielle… it almost got us killed tonight."

They looked at each other quietly.

Xena's face twitched, then she shrugged. "Guess I'll just have to be more careful." She concluded, then pushed herself upright. "Maybe I'll.."

Two hands firmly wrapped themselves around her shoulders, and she found herself pressed back down by the bard's full weight. "No, you won't." Gabrielle objected, seriously. "Not right now." She waited to make sure the warrior wasn't going to move, then she released her, and crawled into bed, snuggling up against her body. "I don't know about you, but I'm still shaking inside."

The warrior hesitated, then folded long arms around her. "What did the princess want?" She inquired quietly.

Gabrielle would have thumped her head if she'd had a free hand. "Gods… she's expecting Framna to sneak in here early tomorrow.. before his army gets here. She wanted me to meet him." She cleared her throat. "Actually.. she wants me to write a poem about him.. she really liked one of the ones I read to her the other day."

A pause. "Which one?" Xena asked, mildly curious.

The bard coughed slightly. "The one about the oyster." She muttered, rubbing her temple.

"Ahhhh…. " Her soulmate smiled at her. "Does she know what that one's about?"

"Um." Gabrielle blushed slightly. "I doubt it." A longer pause. "I really, really doubt it." She looked up accusingly. "And you know that's not what I meant when I wrote it." Her brow knit. "It didn’t even occur to me until you … um. .." Her eyes lifted. "Stop smirking."

Obediently, Xena did. "Bet you still have those pearls tucked away somewhere, doncha?" She teased gently.

A soft giggle. "Umm…. yeah… I do." She admitted, with a half grin. "Do you want to come along… kinda get this whole thing settled.. when I meet him?"

"No." Xena shook her head. "If Garanimus gets wind of all this, he's liable to react… I'd like to avoid bloodshed if I could." She considered. "We'll stick to the plan… I'll work with the army tomorrow… you can meet him.. kinda get a feel for what kinda guy he is. Then we'll let the confrontation go as scheduled.. my guess is, he'll stall for time.. leave his army outside the gates and wangle an invite to stay in the castle tomorrow night. Then they'll execute the coup."

"What if he's legit… will you just let it happen?" Gabrielle asked, watching her face.

She nodded. "Gar's not… suited… to run a place like this.. the only thing is, I wanna do it so no one gets hurt."

A nod. "What if he isn't? What if he's just planning to take over the city?"

Xena smiled tightly. "Then he'll have a fight on his hands."

Gabrielle studied the tanned, angular face in the dim candlelight. "I thought you said you weren't going to get involved in that?" She commented, then patted Xena's chest as the warrior turned to her in surprise. "Don't get me wrong.. I agree with you." She paused. "I've never seen you back down from a fight."

The blue eyes turned their focus inward. "I guess I did say that, didn't I?" She mused. "I don't know.. maybe it's just that I got to know some of them.. they're not bad people.. just badly led ones." She reflected soberly.

The bard traced a line down the muscular shoulder she was leaning against. "Not anymore." She stated quietly. "And I think they know that." Her eyes searched the silent profile. "You won't abandon them." Even after only two days, she marveled, having walked through the exiting fighters on her way into the stables yesterday, hearing the comments, and the excited whispers cascade around her. Xena did something to them.. touched something inside of them that ignited a loyalty the bard could sense rising.

Her soulmate's pride would not allow her to simply lie down and leave a battle, not without a dire, compelling reason. Even with Framna's forces outnumbering theirs… theirs? Gabrielle had to laugh gently at herself. Even with that, Xena would find a way to win. But hopefully, Framna would be what Silvi thought he was, and that would be that.

A love poem. Gabrielle sighed. It was kinda hard to write one of those for someone else. Maybe Framna would help her out by being really cute. Or at least heroic looking.

I watch the sky above me

Clouds and air, blue and clear.

High above, a bird soars, wings outstretched.

Supported only by his own strength,

And the belief that he can fly.

Then I look into your eyes

A clearer blue than any sky there ever was.

And I soar, wings outstretched,

Supported only by love,

And your belief in me.

Gabrielle sighed, and bit down on her quill, regarding the words. Nope. Four love poems, and not one of them suitable for anyone but her. She let her glance slide to her right, where Xena was ensconced on the low couch, her light cloak wrapped around her, looking out the window at the stars.

Ares was lying next to her, his head in her lap, and she was stroking his fur rhythmically. The starlight reflected in glints on her eyes, and as the bard watched, she blinked twice, a bare motion of dark lashes against the gloom.

She'd' tried to coax the warrior to get some rest, but Xena told her going to sleep with all that.. as she put it… garbage.. in her system wasn't a good idea. So the warrior was sitting up, keeping her a quiet company as she fiddled with her poetry, and composed her journal entry.

Gabrielle herself wasn't feeling all that wonderful.. her throat hurt from having to throw up so violently earlier, and she kept getting stomach cramps, spasms more from the herbs Xena had given her than the original poison. She kept quiet about that, though.. because she didn't want to make Xena feel bad.. and she knew the warrior would. Even though she really hadn't had a choice.. and Gabrielle would much rather have been sick to her stomach, than go through what Xena had.

Or done something to hurt her baby.

That thought kept occurring to her, as well. That Xena had thought quickly, and realized there was a problem, and what to do about it. She wondered how the warrior's mind worked.. she seemed to keep track of details in a really amazing way.. like that, for instance. She had this list of herbs in her brain, like a library.. and she always knew the right one to use. Now.. it was like she'd run down her list of herbs, then tossed in the knowledge that she was pregnant, and it made her go to a different list. Incredible. "Hey, Xena?"

The dark head slowly turned, and she could see flashes of her own candlelight reflected in her partner's eyes. "Hmm?"

"Boy or girl.. whadda you think?" It was a question calculated to perk the warrior's interest, and it worked. Xena eased over to the other side of the couch, and leaned on the arm, peering at her. "Well?"

"Tough question." Xena drawled. "It's a little early to guess… but after a while, there are a couple of theories…" She paused. "Does it matter to you?"

A positive shake of the head. "Nope." The bard leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees and lacing her fingers together. "It'll be easier on him if it's a boy, though."

An intrigued look crossed her soulmate's face. "Why do you say that?" Xena asked, curiously.

Gabrielle chuckled. "Come ON Xena… what kind of expectations do you think there'll be for a girl growing up with US as parents?" She gave the older woman a smile. "Amazon Queen, and Warrior Princess?"

White teeth flashed in an answering smile. "Hadn't thought about that." Xena admitted. "I guess that could end up being a little intimidating."

The bard nodded. "Well, if she's anything like you, that won't bother her any."

Xena looked up, and her brow lifted slightly. "Anything like Toris, you mean." She corrected gently.

Green eyes met hers. "Yeah. That's what I meant." Gabrielle agreed amiably, then changed the subject. "How are you feeling?"

The warrior's brow creased a little, as she studied Gabrielle in puzzled silence for a long moment. "Better, thanks… how about you?"

Gabrielle waggled her hand. "A few cramps." She told her, dismissively. "And my throat hurts a little."

Xena stood up, dislodging Ares, who grumbled a complaint, and walked over to her kit. "Why didn't you tell me before?" She accused.

"You were half unconscious." Gabrielle replied, wryly. "It didn't seem that important."

The warrior shot her a look over her shoulder, and stood back up, tossing her a small packet before she continued on towards the fire. "There… suck on those."

Gabrielle neatly fielded the bag, and tugged at the leather thongs holding it closed. "What…" She got the bag open, and poked an inquisitive finger inside. "Mmm… smells like honey." She upended it, and spilled some of its contents into the palm of her hand. Small, golden globes twinkled in the candelight, giving off a delicious smell. She selected one, and popped it into her mouth, rolling it around with pleasure. "Thres ro gratpf."

"Glad you like them." Xena responded, as she mixed something into two cups.

"Youf bk uftstnd mx?" Gabrielle's eyebrows jumped.

"Of course." The warrior assured her. "You always express more with your tone of voice, than with your actual words." Pause. "Gabrielle." Gently knowing blue eyes regarded her with a twinkle.

"Amfusfing." The bard sucked on her treat.

"Thanks." Xena replied, walking over and handing her a cup. "That'll help your cramps."

"Urf mu." Green eyes watched her, expectantly.

"I love you, too." Xena brushed her fingers over the bard's pale hair. "Whatcha writing?"

The bard obligingly turned her parchment towards the circle of candlelight and moved her arm aside to reveal the words. Xena's hand fell lightly to rest on her shoulder as she read, then tightened briefly. "That's beautiful, love." She murmured. "But I… I think you've got it the wrong way around."

Gabrielle tucked her sweet into one side of her mouth. "If you want it the other way, you gotta write the poem." She grinned cheekily at the warrior. "It's my poem, and you're my wind."

Xena sat down on the bench next to her, and propped her head up against one hand. "Oh yeah?"

"Yeah." They floated in each other's regard for a time.

"Want to go sit outside?" The warrior asked, gently. "It's nice out on the balcony."

Gabrielle felt a warm wash of joy sift over her. "Yes, I do." She responded, standing and taking her partner's hand, as they walked out under the night sky, which spread a blanket of twinkling lights to the horizon. Xena spread her cloak down on the flagstones, and sat, bracing one foot against the stone railing. The bard settled next to her, and leaned back, as a long arm wound around her protectively.

They looked up. "I think that's a swan." Gabrielle pointed at a soaring pattern.

Xena smiled up into an eternity of stars. "I think it's an eagle."

"Here she comes." Bennu hushed them, as he spotted Xena striding across the large, noisy dining hall. This was the common room all the soldiers ate in, and at this time of the morning, it was plenty busy. A hush traveled over the room, however, when Xena's presence was noted, and she let her ice blue eyes flick over them as she moved in the direction of the rear table.

On instinct, Bennu stood as she approached, wincing a little at his stiff muscles from the previous day, and noting that his commander seemed not to have the same problem. She'd been… ye gods, they'd talked about her the whole night long, all of them that had been there, telling those that weren't, until the tales had gotten so incredible, they were almost as good as the truth had been.

"Morning." Xena nodded briefly at him, then she turned, and faced the room, whose attention was fixed on her with vivid intensity. "Tonight, we're expecting a visit from another army." She let that sink in, and saw the exchanged glances.

"What happens will, in a large part, be dictated by how this other army perceives our skill, and our readiness to be."

Our. Us. We. Xena sucked in the heady air of command, and felt the impact her own personal charisma was having in the room. "They outnumber us six to one." Her face suddenly twitched into a smile. "Now.. personally.. I've got no problems with those odds."

Those men who had fought against her let out low chuckles of agreement.

She allowed herself a chuckle too. "But it'll be better for everyone if they decide just to back off." She paused a moment. "That's what I'm gonna try to convince them to do."

Towards the rear, a tall, thin soldier stood, and hooked his thumbs into his belt, taking a breath to speak.

Xena waited.

"Xena." The man cleared his throat, and glanced around, obviously a spokesman. "What's your interest in all this?"

The warrior propped a booted foot up on the bench before her, and rested her hands against it. "I owe Garanimus a favor." She replied. "Why?" She could sense it coming, though… a tug at the old strings that sent a delicious jolt down her spine. Their eyes gave it to her.. gave themselves to her. They were hers, if she wanted them.

"We were.. I mean.. I was just.. wondering… " He took a breath. "How long you're gonna be… around?"

Xena's arm hairs lifted in response. "You looking to get rid of me?" She smiled lazily.

Dead silence. Then, "No." The man answered, bravely, looking around, and getting nods of agreement. He raised his eyes to Xena's. "No."

A thrill of anticipation ran across the room, as the eyes all turned to her. They weren't so bad.. she mused. Raw talent, some of them… I could put that together in a month.. maybe two… make em into something. Not a big group, no.. but they'd be a nice, mobile army.. good striking force.

I could. Power's insidious tendrils curled around her, reminding her of what it was like back when. I could do it. I could take them.

Her eyes closed briefly. And do what with them, Xena? Run a circus? Start a rampage all over half of Greece again? Get real.

She let her glance flick over them, and a faint, sexy smile crossed her lips. She felt the reaction to that, a wave of animal energy that flowed around her like water. "First things first." She spoke quietly, letting her voice carry out over them. "Let's get past this obstacle. " A brief nod. "The guard has to be very tight today, and I need at least two patrols in the woods outside the town. " Her eyes went to the still standing Bennu.

"I'll take care of it." The tall soldier rumbled.

Xena glanced down at the table, whose occupants were gazing at her in anticipation. "Mind if I join you for breakfast?" She asked mildly.

A place was cleared for her so fast it was a wonder splinters didn't fly off the table. She seated herself between two archers, who watched her with big, round eyes, like children at Solstice. "Pass the cider?" She hid a grin, as three hands reached for the pitcher at once, and almost pulled the handle off.

Utter respect. The mystique of command. She'd almost forgotten just how good it felt.

Almost.

"Gabrielle?"

The bard looked up from her cup of cider and focused on the princess. "Gods.. I'm sorry… what were you saying?"

"Are you all right?" Silvi gazed at her in some concern. "You seem so distracted… did you not sleep last night? I was quite frightened for you when that woman came back.. you looked very upset."

"Um.." Gabrielle rubbed her temple. "I.. um.. I couldn't sleep last night, no… not until pretty late." She took a sip of cider gingerly. "I.. wasn't feeling well." She patted her stomach.

Actually, she vaguely remembered being picked up, and carried inside, after a long, wonderful evening of star gazing and gentle involvement, and tucked into bed next to a warm, affectionately snuggly warrior princess.

Xena had, of course left at first light, but when she'd woken a little later, she'd found a beautiful rose lying on her pillow, and a small sack of the round sweets, in assorted flavors. And a note.

I'm ok.

Take it easy, and be careful.

Think of a good one to tell tonight.

X

But the best thing.. the most amazing thing was, alongside the note, weighing it down, in fact, was the biggest, freshest, sweetest smelling apple you could imagine.

Coincidence, right?

Right.

"Well, I hope you're feeling better now." Silvi stated, politely passing the bard a plate of sliced fruit. "Please, help yourself."

"Um… no thanks." Gabrielle smiled at her. "I had an apple for breakfast." She glanced around, noting Vasi's brooding silence at the end of the table. "So.. what's the plan?"

The princess slipped into the seat next to her. "Elanora went to the market… she'll be returning shortly, and he'll be in her escort. No one will notice.. isn't that clever?" She looked up at approaching footsteps. "Oh.. here they come now." Her voice fairly sang with anticipation.

The door swung open wide, and Elanora swept in, followed by two ladies, and a tall man in livery. His eyes flicked around the room until they found Silvi, then his face lit up. "Your highness!"

Gabrielle let out a soundless sigh. He was a tall man, taller than Xena, even, and had fiery red hair, which matched the scattering of roan freckles scattered over his well proportioned, but not beautiful face. His shoulders were broad, and he had long arms, with the thick wrists of a swordsman, and large hands.

He knelt before Silvi, and took her hand up, kissing it lightly. "It's been too long."

She smiled delightedly. "Not after this evening, it will no longer be." She took his hands and raised him up. "Framna, come meet the person I was telling you of." She led him over to the table, and Gabrielle stood as they reached it. "This is the bard Gabrielle."

Gabrielle looked up, meeting polite gray eyes that watched her carefully. She extended an arm and gave him a smile. "Hello… it's nice to meet you."

He took her grip hesitantly, then with more assurance when he felt its strength. "And the same, Gabrielle." His voice was surprisingly soft for so large a man. "Your name is known to me." He paused. "My cousin knew your late husband."

The bard took a breath. "Is he from Potadeia?" That could throw a monkey wrench into things, if he'd been home recently.

"No." Framna shook his head. "He knew him from the Trojan campaign." He hesitated. "He said he was a good man.. my condolences to you."

It seemed… so ridiculous. "Thank you." Gabrielle replied graciously.

"So." The tall man gave the princess a smile. "Her highness tells me you're to be our ace in the hole, is it?" He looked at her respectfully. "You have a lot of guts to do this.. Xena's reputation is known far and wide across the country.. it's a big risk for you."

"Not really." The bard answered in an even tone. "She trusts me."

He studied her, and a glint of admiration shone in his eyes. "You're a brave woman." He turned to Silvi. "I do believe you've saved us… from what my man tells me, she would have made the difference, your Highness.. even with the other soldiers out cold."

Silvi's eyes widened. "Really.. just one person? With all your nice, big, strong men?"

Framna shook his head. "She's not just one person… she's a demon, Silvi… Ares' Chosen champion… one of my soldiers saw her fight once, at Cirron."

The princess covered her mouth, and stared at the black wolf that was seated patiently at Gabrielle's heels. "His name is Ares!" She pointed.

"Roo?" The wolf glanced up, and panted.

"He spies on her!" Silvi accused, clutching the warlord's arm. He patted her hand comfortingly.

"Easy there, your Highness." He peered at the wolf. "He's just a beast."

"Grrrrr.." Ares responded, lifting his ruff. Gabrielle dropped idle fingers to his head and stroked him.

"I have to get back to my army." Framna said, reluctantly releasing Silvi's arm. "Tonight then.. after the dinner. " He glanced at Gabrielle. "Do you know how much you will need for her?"

Gabrielle studied him. "How much would I need for you?"

His eyes widened. "Two packets."

She nodded. "Double that." As long as we're enhancing your reputation, my love.. why not go all the way? "I'll need a large pitcher of port… she won't taste it in that."

"Good thinking." Silvi agreed breathlessly. "Tonight then!" She escorted the tall man to the door, and they slipped outside it, leaving Gabrielle alone with the silent Vasi, and the still growling Ares. She sat down, and took a sip of her cider, watching the tall, dark haired boy speculatively. "You don't like him."

Vasi started, and glared at her. "Is it your business?"

She chewed a piece of melon reflectively. "He seems like a nice guy."

He looked up. "Common as dirt."

"Ah." Gabrielle picked up another piece of melon, and took a bite. "You don't want him to be king, is that it?"

The boy scooted nearer. "He hasn't the training." He told her, glancing around. "He wasn't born to it… how could he govern the city?"

The bard dusted her fingers off, and regarded him. "I thought you agreed to this plan?"

Vasi stared at the table top in disgust. "And what good would it do to protest?" He asked rhetorically. "But… no, the city needs a true leader."

Gabrielle took two goats, and added them to two sheep, and got a centaur. "Let me.. guess. If something happens to Silvi.. you wouldn't happen to be her heir, now would you?"

He glanced at her furtively. "Yes."

"Ah." Gabrielle nodded to herself. "Xena's right."

His back stiffened at the name. "About what?"

She sighed. "Nothing I get involved in ever stays simple."

Vasi gave her a suspicious look. "What does she mean by that?"

She was saved from answering by Silvi's reappearance. She was flushed, and her hair was in some disarray. "Isn't he wonderful?" She gushed at the bard, whisking over to her and sitting down. "Don't you think?"

Gabrielle laced her fingers together. "He's really cute." She assured the princess. "And he's got nice eyes."

Silvi pressed her hands together over her heart. "The Bard of Love says it's so."

The bard in question winced. "Is… are you going to see him before dinner?"

The princess glanced both ways with excessive caution. "Hush… perhaps." She giggled softly. "He said he will bring me a flower to wear… isn't that romantic?" She glanced down. "Perhaps like that beautiful rose you've got." She gazed at the bloom. "It's lovely."

Gabrielle smiled. "Thanks." Maybe your true love, and my true love can compare floral choices, she mused irreverently. Bet mine wins. "Did you say you wanted to go down to the market today?"

Silvi smiled happily. "Yes… " She giggled. "He's been so sweet.. I wanted to get him a little something for him to wear tonight.. in secret… " She took Gabrielle's strong hand in hers. "Gabrielle.. you know warriors.. can you help me pick something out?"

The bard grinned, and patted her hand. "I sure can."

There, Xena. She considered, as they prepared to be escorted down to the courtyard. That's safe... what can possibly happen to me while I'm shopping?"

Continued in Part 7

Standard Disclaimer - These characters, most of them, belong to Universal, and Renaissance Pictures, and whoever else has a stake in Xena: Warrior Princess. This is written just in fun, and no copyright infringement was intended.

Specific Story Disclaimers:

Violence –Why does anyone ever disclaim violence in a Xena story? Of course, there's violence. Do you think we'd put out a story that consisted of pages and pages of Xena just.... fishing.. or something? She is a Warrior Princess, not a Mary Kay consultant. (no insult intended - some of my best co workers are Mary Kay consultants, and I purchase from them regularly) And Gabrielle is no slouch with that staff, either. So, yes - there is violence.

Subtext - C'mon. Even the show has subtext. Heck, sometimes, it's not subtext. Sometimes, it's maintext. But anyway, this is an alternative fan fiction story. That means, it's based on the premise that Xena and Gabrielle are more than just best friends. If that's not your cup of mint tea, there are many, many talented bards out in the Xenaverse who post general fiction, which does not follow this premise. Go find them. Enjoy them.

This is, of course, PG13 level involvement here, no more.

So - having read this lovely disclaimer, if you then read the story, and are shocked that Gabrielle and Xena are kissing each other, I can't help ya. If you're offended by it, send me your address, and I'll send you a bushel of citrus. We like to send that from here - we have to get rid of all of it somehow.

Any and all comments are always welcome. You can email them to:

mailto:merwolf@bellsouth.net

Promises Kept - Part 7

By Melissa Good

The previous day's rain seemed to have cleared the air, and Gabrielle had to raise a hand to shade her eyes from the bright sun as they exited the castle. It was, she mused, a mixed group, consisting of Silvi, her cousins, three guardsmen, two ladies in waiting, and one bard.

With a staff, and a wolf. The staff because she knew what Xena would say if she went wandering out without being, as the warrior put it, prepared for the worst, and the wolf because Ares simply refused to leave her side. Gabrielle briefly wondered if Xena spent a few hours.. ok, days.. out in the woods training the animal to stick to her like a burr on a hedgehog, and finally decided the warrior just hadn't had time.

Ares, it seemed, just decided to be his mommy's deputy. "You're even starting to get those looks of hers." The bard remarked as the wolf shot the nasally complaining Elanora one. "That's pretty bad, Ares."

He blinked at her and wagged his tail, then glued his nose to her knee, and followed as they made their way down the wide, cobbled path to the marketplace.

The air was cool, and Gabrielle sucked in a lungful of it with pleasure, stretching her body out and enjoying the warm sun on her bare arms. The long sloping road overlooked the market, where she could see the breeze snapping the colorful cloth banners of the stands around and it brought a kaleidoscope of smells to her, a mixture of roasting meat, spices, a hint of fragrant beeswax, and clashing perfumes. She curled experienced fingers around her staff, and caught up to Silvi, who was easing along, carefully making sure her skirt didn't touch the stones.

The bard spared a glance for her own garb, having decided to resume her Amazon style outfit, and was glad she didn't have the same worries. The warm air and sun felt nice against her mostly bare body, and she realized she'd really gotten used to the freedom of the sparse clothing, and it had been a long time since she'd felt self conscious about wearing it.

Her mouth curved up as she remembered leaving behind her village outfit for the first time, after the Amazons.. trading her long, pleated skirt and peasant blouse for the rough spun amber cutoff shirt, short skirt, and boots of her adopted Nation. It had felt… really strange, as though a lot more than her clothing had changed, and now, as she looked back along the curve of her own history, she knew it surely had.

"Do you like this color?" Gabrielle had questioned, plucking the rust brown skirt and her new cutoff shirt hesitantly.

The subject of her inquiry had blinked, and looked momentarily nonplussed, seated as she was against a log fixing a bit of Argo's tack. "Um." Xena's eyes had slowly traveled from her sturdy boots up to the cropped off top, and a faint, almost mischievous glint had appeared. "It's.. a lot different from that other thing." The warrior had answered, in a speculative tone. "Um… it.. looks.. nice."

"Do you really think so?" She'd begged reassurance. "I feel so.. um… " Her fingers brushed her bare stomach. "Um… "

One dark eyebrow cocked. "Ya look fine. Relax." Xena had sighed. "It's a lot more practical too… ya won't be tripping over this one."

Gabrielle had looked down, touching the edge of the skirt, which hit her mid thigh, exposing legs which had started lately to take on a ripple of muscular tone under the soft skin. "Um.. no." She'd exhaled, then sat down on the log next to Xena, tucking her booted feet under her, and wrapping her arms around her knees. Her fingers kept nervously plucking at the skirt, and finally the warrior looked back up at her.

"What's wrong with you?"

"N..nothing." Gabrielle had stood up and adjusted her new outfit again, pacing a little, and wrapping her arms around her body. "It's.. I just… It feels weird." She'd paused. "Different." Her eyes drifted to the long, roughly cut staff leaning quietly against her things. "I feel different."

Xena had put the saddle pad down, and studied her with a faint scowl. Finally she hoisted herself to her feet, and stalked over to where Gabrielle was standing, putting both hands on her shoulders, and rotating the smaller woman to face her. In silence, she'd adjusted the bard's new clothes, settling the half sleeves, and giving the belt a little tug. Then she'd leaned back, and given her a brief nod. "You look good." A pause. "I like it."

A faint blush had colored Gabrielle's face, but she'd smiled. "Really?" She'd glanced down, oddly finding herself much happier with her new outfit. She'd looked back up into those sparkling blue eyes gratefully. "Thanks." She told Xena, and she'd meant it.

Xena had merely nodded, and given the shirt one last twitch, letting her hand fall and brushing the bard's bare ribs with her fingertips accidentally.

Gabrielle burst into giggles and backed off, tucking her arms against her ribs. "Hey!" She'd looked up to see both of Xena's dark eyebrows lifted in a surprise, and a look of mild intrigue appear on her face. "That tickles." She explained a little sheepishly.

Very slowly, a sexy, diabolical grin edged its way onto Xena's face. "Oh yeah? I didn't know you were ticklish." She took a step forward.

"Um… well, I didn't either.. really.. I mean.. it's not as if I go around… Xena? What are you doing?" A pause. "Like I said, it's not like I'm used to going around practically half naked, I d… j… wh… YOW!"

Long fingers had tickled her ribs, and she'd ducked back, almost stumbling in her haste to get away from them. "Xena!" She'd squealed, grabbing one of Argo's blankets and wrapping herself in it. "Hey.. that's not fair!" She complained. "You've got all that leather covering you.. I can't get you back!"

A shrug. "I'm not ticklish.. so don't bother trying." Xena stated blandly, as she resumed her seat on the ground., and picked up her tack, a tiny grin continuing to play around her lips. "But that outfit definitely has possibilities."

Cautiously, Gabrielle had settled back down next to her, watching the play of light across her friend's face. The gentle tingles from her casual touch were still chasing themselves up and down her spine, and she'd decided right then…

She liked her new clothes. A lot. She'd folded the blanket, stretched out on her side, crossing her legs at her newly booted ankles, and enjoyed the pleasant breeze against her bare skin, every once in a while looking up to see blue eyes looking back at her.

Yeah.

Possibilities.

Gabrielle smiled to herself, as she moved her staff along, and the breeze once again brushed against her skin. That had certainly turned out to be some kinda possibilities, all right.

"Gabrielle, do you suppose a carved knife would be good?" Silvi chattered, turning to her from where she'd been talking to Elanora. "With hearts.. "

The bard winced internally. "Ah… you know, I've found it's better not to get stuff like that for warriors… they usually know what they want., and they're really, really picky about weapons and all that." She remembered the breast dagger incident fondly, as an exception, though she hadn't intended that for Xena. She certainly does make better use of it though..

"Oh." The princess mulled that over. "Well, perhaps… what then, do you recommend?" She looked at the bard brightly. "What are some of the things you have gotten for your love?"

Hmm. "Different things.. I guess… "She answered slowly. "Belt pouches are always good.. they never have too many of those, all that stuff.. those little armor bits, and wire thingies, and gunk they carry around.. comes in handy." She stifled a yawn. "You can have one engraved with your initials.. that kind of thing." The pouch Xena used to carry around her little personal stuff was a gift from the bard, a playful one after she'd been kidded one too many times about all the things she carried in her shoulder bag. She'd once found the warrior keeping a bunch of tiny teeth inside there, which she hadn't been able to coax an explanation about out of her to this day.

Silvi's eyes lit up. "Oh..what a tremendous idea!"

Gabrielle nodded, her eye caught by a nearby stand. "Here.. look." She ambled over, and picked up a nice bit of leather. "A belt… that's always handy.. " She explained, then held up another piece. "Have them cut out a pouch from the same color.. so it matches… make them.. um… do you have a color that's like.. yours?"

"Pink." Silvi beamed.

"Hmm.. maybe not.. warriors aren't really.. um.. pink.. kinda people. .what about.. well, here.. crimson?" The bard held up a sample of dyed leather. "They like leather."

The princess took it from her fingers, and examined it doubtfully. "They do?"

Gabrielle lifted the piece she was holding to her nose and took in a breath of it. "Oh yeah." She chuckled softly. "So do I , really." She confessed in a mildly embarrassed voice. "I didn't used to.. but I guess it just grew on me." It had taken her forever to get used to the earthy scent, when they'd started traveling together, since she was pretty much surrounded by it. Xena, of course, wore little else, and Argo's tack was layers on layers of the stuff.

Gradually, though… she'd started to like the scent, and even the feel of it, no doubt bolstered by many hours of hanging on to Xena as they rode double on Argo's strong back. Of course, Xena also took very good care of her gear, and the mare's - and never let them stay dirty, which probably added to the appeal as the bard had smelled badly maintained leather, and had no wish to repeat the experience.

Elanora peered over her shoulder. "Can't you just get him a scarf?" She sniffed.

Silvi glanced at Gabrielle in question, who solemnly shook her head no. "Gabrielle.. what's the most romantic thing you've ever given your sweetie?" She asked, nudging Elanora away, and picking up the piece of hide again, under the tanner's watchful eyes.

The bard leaned on her elbows. "Hmm… romantic?" My heart.. my soul… all that I am… oh, she means material things. Right. "Well.. it's kind of… I had learned how to make knots one night, when we were traveling, and I made this… kind of a knotted bracelet.. I guess." She vaguely realized they'd lost Vasi somewhere, and she peered around looking for him, then figured he'd probably gotten bored with the shopping and wandered off. Figures.

The princess sighed. "From your own hands? That is romantic… did your love keep it?"

A smile. "Oh yeah… still has it." She looked up. "Sometimes.. it's little things like that which mean the most.. not… gold and silver."

Elanora snorted. "I'd rather skip the romance, and get the gold." She shook her head, and wandered over to a scent stall, with one of the ladies in waiting, and a guard in tow.

Silvi clucked in disgust, then peered up at the tanner. "I would like this made into a pouch." She handed it over with a haughty flourish. "With my initials in silver on the front."

The craftsman took the hide, and felt its thickness, then gave Gabrielle an approving look. "Twill make a nice, soft carrysack, yer highness."

"I will have it today, if you please." Silvi instructed. "It is to be a gift." She produced a large coin, and handed it to him. "I think that will do."

He blinked, and accepted the money, bowing to her. "Aye, m'lady, it will indeed." He hefted the skin. "I'll start on it right away.. bring it up to the castle when she's done." He then turned and peered down. "Begging yer pardon.. would you be Gabrielle the Bard?"

She straightened up and gave him a friendly nod. "Yes, I am." Wonder what gave that away?

He dropped the skin, and took her hands, smiling at her. "My father was aboard Cecrop's ship." His face shone. "I can't tell ye how we felt when he walked back in th'door."

Gabrielle grinned outright. "Wow… that's great… I'm really glad he got off… that was a close one."

"Belaris.. his name was, and mine is Eler.. " The man pumped her hands. "He told us he's never seen the like of Xena jumping on that ship.. and how she figured a way t'get em off it."

"I remember him." Gabrielle said quietly. "He held the wheel steady.. he was one of the men who kept us from being drawn into the whirlpool."

Eler's honey brown eyes gleamed with unexpected pride. "Aye." He sighed. 'Thank you, lass.. fer given em back to us." His hands squeezed hers. "He described ye right down to a nubbin, he did.. said ye had eyes like the sea on a sunny day, and the prettiest smile he'd ever seen."

Gabrielle produced an embarrassed little chuckle. "Thank you… I'm glad he remembers me. " The bard replied, a smile crinkling her face. "I didn’t do a thing.. but I'm glad it all worked out."

He held up a hand. "Ah.. lass.. that's not the way me da tells it… twas not for you being pulled aboard, they'd still be out there." He protested.

That, Gabrielle acknowledged silently, was true. "Well, I'm glad it worked out." She repeated, giving him another smile. "Tell your father I say hello." She turned to see Silvi, Elanora, all the ladies in waiting, and both guards goggling at her. "Uh.. hi?"

"Cecrops!" Silvi squealed. "The Lost Mariner.. you know him??" She clasped her hands. "Oh my…"

Gabrielle gave the tanner a weak smile, and gently took the princess's elbow, nudging her away. "Yeeeaahh… you could say that." She exhaled. "I'll tell you the story as we walk."

She never got the chance, as they rounded the next corner, and all she could see were flying bodies, and grabbing hands. Instinct alone, and three years of living with one of the greatest warriors in Greece had her snap her staff up in time to deflect a large club which skittered off to her right, and then she was twisting, and dodging, slamming the end of the staff into a knee, and seeing daylight in the mass of attackers.

She let out a yell, which startled them, then clobbered a big guy just in front of her, who was trying to get a bag over the princesses' head. Silvi was screaming in terror, and so was Elanora, and the guards were buried beneath large, grim faced men. Ares dove in on her right, growling, and snarling, as his teeth ripped into woven cloth, and exposed most of the rear of one of the combatants.

"I don't think so!" Gabrielle barked, leaning against her staff, and slamming one guy in the side with a solid kick. He howled, and went down, clutching his ribs, and she took the opportunity to step into the opening he left and swing, feeling the resounding crack as her weapon hit the skull of the man trying to get the bag on top of Silvi. "Let her go, you jerk!"

She dropped to a knee, and executed her favorite reverse sweep, which took the legs out from under two of them, and dumped them heavily on the ground. Then she stood, and caught the one closest to Silvi with a vicious uppercut slash. Her staff hit his jaw, and she saw blood fly, as he collapsed, clutching his face. She got in front of the princess, who was kneeling, and stood her ground, whipping her staff around and warning them off. "Get out of here, you little creeps!"

In her mind, she heard Xena's chuckle. "You gotta work on those battlefield oaths, love."

It almost made her smile, but she didn't, she was too busy catching her breath, and watching in some disbelief as the men stumbled off, and they were left alone in the small, cluttered cul de sac. Slowly, she straightened up from her crouch, and put the end of her staff down, curling a hand around its familiar width, and leaning against it. "Whew."

"Oh.. Gabrielle…" Silvi sobbed, looking up at her with round, gray eyes. "You were magnificent… why… you're a regular hero!" She struggled to her feet, clutching the startled and embarrassed bard's arm. "You saved me!"

"Um.." The bard patted her hand. "Yeah… well.. anytime.. but.. who were those guys?" She asked. "And why did they want to kidnap you?"

Silvi stared at her, eyes bugging out. "K..k…kkk…id…. " The word trailed away as she fainted, caught fortunately by one of the shaken guards, who had struggled to his feet, and limped over. He fanned her feebly with one hand.

Gabrielle studied them, then raised her eyes to where Elanora was quietly standing, flicking her clothing into better order. The dark haired girl lifted her eyes, and looked boldly back at the bard for a long moment, then went to her cousin's side, and began patting her cheek.

Only then was she aware of the fact that her side hurt, and there was a long, raw scrape down her leg, and that she'd twisted her knee. And she sighed. Her soulmate was not going to be happy with her. "Come on.. we'd better get back up to the castle. " She stated quietly, using her staff to take some of the weight off her knee. The surrounding area had become strangely quiet, and other than themselves, deserted. She saw furtive eyes peering at them from behind flapping curtains, but they disappeared as she focused her attention on them.

Just what is going on here? Gabrielle wondered., as the guards gingerly picked up the swooning princess, and they prepared to start moving. Whose side were they really on?

Xena leaned against the table, studying the maps of the surrounding countryside with quietly intent eyes, checking angles and figuring what the best route of approach was. "Here.. ." She shifted her weight off one hand, and traced a route, as two of the senior soldiers peered over her shoulder. "He'll probably bring a small force through here, and leave the balance of his army.. " The fingertip moved. "Here, behind this rise, because we can't see them from the city."

The shorter of the two soldiers grunted. "You tink he's being straight?"

The warrior shrugged. "Never met him, so I don't know, but.. if I had a force that much larger than the one I was going up against… I wouldn't be." She paused. "I don’t care who's leading them."

"Eh." The older soldier grunted. "Ye're not going up against yerself then, though, eh?"

Xena gave him a look, then allowed a chuckle to escape. "I think I’m being sucked up to." She commented wryly, as she turned her attention back to the map. She kept her face expressionless, but a small, half forgotten part of her curled up contentedly around the compliment, giving her a guilty sense of enjoyment. Then she swallowed suddenly as an unexpected wave of nausea hit her. Whoa. She concentrated on the tabletop, which seemed to be rocking gently, and took several deep breaths, then reached over and grabbed the pressure point in her wrist, feeling the tingle as she hit it.

A long, teetering moment when she wasn't sure if she was going to be able to control her body, then the feeling slowly subsided. Gods. She chewed her lip and took a cautious breath. Well, I haven't heaved my guts up in years.. I'm not gonna start now.

"Genr'l?"

She turned her head to see Bennu standing there, holding a piece of parchment. "Yeah?" She swallowed a few more times to be safe, and straightened up "Is that the troop deployment?"

He blinked at her, his brow creasing a bit. "Aye… " He handed it over. "Ah… would ye like a glass o water, or somethin… ?"

Xena let out a cautious breath. Great. I must be as green as pea soup.. "No… thanks." She studied the paper. "Okay… the new guard positions here, and here are in place?" She gave him a sharp glance, mildly chagrined at her momentary weakness. "What about the preparations I asked for? Did those groups come back in yet?"

Bennu nodded, reassured. "The new ones are there, aye.. and the supplies and whatnot are in place…" A smile creased his face. "They gots some nice cheddar cheese… seller had a barg.. genr'l?"

Xena bit down hard on the inside of her lip, as the mere suggestion of the sharp smelling cheese played havoc with her insides. "Yes?" She crossed both arms over her chest, and forced the feeling down. "Cheddar, huh?"

He nodded. "Would ye like some? I could go… "

The warrior swallowed. "No.. no…thanks… I just had lunch." She assured him. "In fact, I’m going to go get some.. um.. paperwork I left upstairs. .I'll be right back."

She paced across the armory, and slipped out the door, where the cool wind brought her much welcomed relief. "Gods." Xena cast a look up at the fluffy white clouds over head. "Be careful what you ask for Xena… sometimes you get it." She rubbed her stubbornly rebellious stomach and winced, then headed across the courtyard.

As she got to the main doorway to the castle, a slim, dark haired figure stepped out, and lifted a hand to stop her. "A moment." The boy stated.

Xena stopped, and focused on him. She took in his dress, and his attitude, and concluded this was probably the boy cousin of the princess. "Yes?" She asked tersely.

He took in a nervous breath. "May I speak with you in private? I think I may.. have some information that might be of interest to you.. perhaps we… can be of use to each other."

Oh brother. Xena sighed inwardly I’m really not in the mood for this. However, the kid might have something she needed to hear so… "All right.. c'mon up to my place. " She turned and gestured him to follow. "And make it fast."

She pushed the main door open, and strode in, trotting up the stairs with an even, powerful motion. Her body had surprised her, really…after the full day's worth of hard fighting yesterday, and the mixture of herbs she'd been subjected to last night, she'd been sure she'd feel it in a big way this morning but… She felt the tough springiness of her movements, and grinned a little. Other than her rebelling stomach, everything seemed to be in perfect working order.

Damn, that felt good. The last few months it had felt like she'd been fighting herself tooth and nail.. everything had come hard to her, and she'd been subjected to aches and pains like she hadn't been in years. But now… She took a deep, pleased breath. Things seemed to be back on track, and she wasn't sure if it was the rest she'd gotten at home, or resolving the tension between her soulmate and herself, or a combination of both.

She strongly suspected the latter. They reached their door, and she worked the latch, shoving it open and surprising Mestre, who was just finishing up a fluffing of the pillows. The girl jumped, and gasped, then gave her a sullen look as she returned her attention to the bed.

"Away with you." The boy ordered, snapping his fingers, then turning and finding himself face to breastplate with an annoyed looking warrior princess. Startled, he cranked his head back, and looked up into ice blue eyes, which seemed to bore right through him.

"I" Xena stepped forward, forcing him back. "Don't." Another step. "Like." Now he was backed right up against the table. "Little boys who snap their fingers." She glared at him.

He opened his mouth, then shut it again. From the corner of her eye, Xena caught the expression on Mestre's face, which had eroded slowly from its blankness to a momentary glimmer of quiet appreciation. The warrior was visited by a brief memory of her soulmate's alter ego, in a different time, and found an echo of that look. She returned her grim stare to the boy. "Be nice!"

"L..l…look here… you can't.. " He stammered.

She let her eyes narrow. "Oh yes I can…" Her voice dropped low. "I can do anything I want." Sometimes, she reflected, it's good to be bad. She waited for Mestre to finish up what she was doing, then gave the girl a nod. "Thanks."

Dark eyes traveled over her appraisingly. "You're welcome." The servant replied in a soft voice. Then she picked up her cleaning supplies and left, slipping out the door and closing it behind her.

Xena sighed, then turned and walked over to their saddlebags, kneeling beside them and taking out her much used healer's kit. "Talk." She called over her shoulder, as she took out a combination of herbs, and poured a liberal quantity of them into a mug. She stood and strode over to the water basin, testing it's quality with a cautious finger to her lips before she used the dipper to fill the cup.

"Well?" She turned, and leaned back against the table the basin was on, swirling the cup gently as she let the herbs mix. The sharp, clean scent rose to her, and she took a sip gingerly, letting the medication slip down her throat. Definitely gonna need more of that if this stuff keeps up. She felt her grumbling insides settle down a little.

The boy folded his arms, and paced towards the window, peering out at the sky, very obviously collecting his nerve. Finally he turned and faced her. "You are in a trap."

Xena crossed one booted leg over the other, and took a longer sip of her infusion. "I am?" She asked casually. "How so?" She felt the herbs start to take stronger effect, and sighed a little in relief.

He studied her. "The warlord who is coming this evening is privy to a plan… to poison your army, and take control of the city."

She allowed one, only one, eyebrow to rise. "Really." She murmured, pushing away from the wall and crossing to the thickly stuffed chair. "Whose plan is it?" She dropped into the seat, and slung one long leg over an arm negligently.

Cautiously, he sat down as well, on the couch facing her. "His.. and the princesses'… some of the older nobles. "

Intelligent eyes observed him. "But not yours."

"No." He replied, frankly.

"Why?" Xena asked. "Don't tell me you like Garanimus."

The boy shook his head, and stood again, pacing nervously. "I hate him… in fact.. if you hadn't come, I'd have still been in with the plan, myself." He turned and looked at her. "Things are different now… I was down near the barracks, you'd scarcely think it was the same group of men."

"Still doesn’t explain why." Xena commented. "Seems to me you got a good chance to get rid of all of em.. what's the problem?"

He exhaled. "This… Framna… the princess is besotted with him. She intends to make him her consort." He turned. "He is not fit for that and she… she is barely a child, and not suited for ruling."

"Uh huh." The warrior mused, taking a deep swallow. "And you don't think her and him should be left in charge of this place, huh?" She nodded a little. "All right… I can see that… "

He perked up. "You can? I mean.. of course you can." His hands rubbed nervously as he walked back over, and sat down. "I have to do what's best for the city.. you understand?"

A slow, languid smile crossed Xena's face. "Oh.. I understand." She assured him in a silky voice. "So.. what's your plan?" A pause. "And how do I fit into it?" Tch. A little mental eyeball rolling. Seducing little boys.. gods, Xena… how low can you get? "Hmm?" She let her eyes flick over him appraisingly, and allowed her smile to broaden a bit.

Now he smiled back, more at ease, and flattered by her interest. . "I'd make it worth your while… truly.. it would be simple. Merely bypass the poisoned food, and overthrow this Framna… he will be discredited, and so will the princess.. her judgement shown to be gravely in error." He paused. "I will make sure the people know he intended to take control of the city, and that.. we.. prevented it."

The other eyebrow got it's chance. "Six to one odds.. that's not good." She objected quietly.

He leaned forward, and gazed at her. "Not to put a fine point on it, but I've been hearing nothing but the most incredible stories about you these past few days… I believe these odds do not disconcert you in the least." He hesitated, then added delicately. "But… perhaps I am mistaken."

Ooo… Xena almost chuckled. Playing on my pride, huh kiddo? Clever boy. Ya get a point for that. "What's in it for me?" She leveled a predatory smile at him. "Assuming we put you in charge… which is what I believe your goal is." She paused, very deliberately. "But.. perhaps I'm mistaken."

He almost.. almost smiled. "We understand each other. " He confirmed smugly. "We will need an army.. and the one you have now is a good size.. not to large, not too small.." Eyes watched her face intently. "Of course.. the city needs a military leader in that case… a royal commander of the guard, so to speak." He lifted a hand and gestured. "Larger quarters than this, of course.. and whatever servants you .. " His lips twitched. "desire."

Hooded blue eyes glinted back at him. "What happens to Garanimus?"

"What do you want to happen to Garanimus?" Came the answer. "That will be entirely up to you.. I hear you two have… history."

Xena watched him in silence for a long stretch, considering. He was nervous, waiting for her decision. It showed in his breathing, short and shallow, and the sweat on his brow. "All right." She finally said, very quietly. "Tell me about this poison plan."

A slinking cruelty entered his young face, unexpectedly. "Ask your little friend about it." His mouth formed into a smirk. "Ask her about the port she's going to ply you with tonight.. filled with enough drugs to knock out a centaur." He watched her face avidly for a reaction, disappointed when there was none. "Don't believe me?"

"Oh." Xena exhaled softly. "No.. I do."

His eyebrows lifted. "You're not surprised." He commented softly. "She thinks you trust her." He slowly smiled. "But you're smarter than that, aren't you?"

The warrior gazed back at him stolidly, draining her cup. "Never trust anyone, kid." She put the mug down. "Ya live longer that way." She stood, and stretched. "I got plans to make."

He stood as well, bracing his shoulders back in obvious relief. "I know I'm doing the right thing for my people." The boy stated virtuously. "And you won't regret it either, Xena…I promise you that."

Xena faced him, and felt ten years older than she actually was, seeing his youthful face. She held out a hand. "Keep your head down tonight… it's gonna be wild."

He grasped her hand gingerly, curling his fingers around her forearm and feeling the powerful muscles just underneath her soft skin. "Don’t worry.. I will." He released his grip, then walked swiftly out, leaving her alone in the room.

Xena sighed, and lifted a hand, scratching her head and running her fingers through her hair. "This has gotta take the cake for convoluted…even for something Gabrielle's involved in." She muttered to the empty space, gathering her papers up, then letting her gaze drop to the surface of the desk.

Gabrielle's diary was resting there, the corner of it holding down a piece of parchment, with a bold X on it.

"Hmm." Xena laid a fingertip on the scrap. "X marks the spot, or X means me.. what d'you think the odds are?" She tugged the parchment out, and unfolded it, startled when several small black items fell out. She peered closer, and grinned. Appleseeds.

The scrap, of course, had writing on it, and she took it with her outside, into the light, where she leaned against the balcony and studied it.

Hi.

I knew you'd open this. It could have been a treasure map, ya know.. with that big X marking where the treasure was, and maybe I wanted that to be a secret.

Yeah, right.

Thanks for the apple. It was delicious, and it was nice having something safe, and tasty to eat this morning before I had to go tromping off to visit Princess Poofey.

Be careful.. I know you're having a lot of fun with the boys, but those swords are sharp, and I worry about you sometimes. Which is kinda dumb, I know, but I can't help it. I hope you're not too mad about that.

I just wanted to warn you.. I'm going shopping with the princess. I promise not to come back with little frilly roses to attach to your scabbard, but beyond that.. you're fair game.

Thinking of you..

G.

Xena leaned back, and let the sweetness of the words wash over her, feeling a poignant pang when she remembered just how much she missed the little notes during their estrangement. Such a tiny thing… but she recalled finding an old one, in the bottom of one of her saddlebags, on the way to Chin.

It had hurt too much to open it. She'd just closed her hand around it, and stared out into the darkness of a cloud filled night on a choppy sea, and let herself feel the loss. She'd tried to throw it overboard, really tried, but somehow, that damn little packet refused to leave her hand. Instead, she tucked it, unopened, back where'd she found it.

Her brow furrowed, and she wandered inside, intending to collect her papers and return to the armory. But.. how did she end up digging in that bag? Before she knew it, her fingers were holding the dirt stained, tattered object in front of her eyes.

No. Her hand started to drop, to put it back away. Leave those memories, you fool.

She never understood how the parchment got unwrapped, and how she ended up holding it up to the sunlight streaming into the room, her eyes irresistibly drawn to the faded letters.

Xena.

We're both in a really dark place. And.. I know you're alone when you're going to read this, because you'll be on the ship.

And I won't. I just wanted you to know how hard this was for me. I thought.. it would be easy to turn my back. After all, we're not really.. even friends anymore, are we?

But it's not easy. It's tearing me apart in side so badly I can't sleep. I can't think straight.

I can't turn my back on you, no matter how hard I try to convince myself it's the right thing for both of us. So.. what I wanted you to know, even if you don't want to hear it, is that when that damn boat pulls back into the dock here, I'll be waiting for you.

It's stupid, because we hardly even talk to each other anymore.

But I can't give up. You mean too much to me, Xena. Don't you dare not come back.

Maybe, after you've been gone for a while, when we see each other again, you'll smile. And I'll smile, and it'll be okay, and you know, I realized yesterday, when I was looking across the fire , that the reason this is hurting me so badly is because I still love you.

Please.. be careful. Take care of yourself.

Come home.

Gabrielle.

Xena slowly sank down onto the chair, and let her head rest in hands braced on her knees. A flood of mixed emotions flowed over her, and she let them run their course before she raised her head, and shook it gently, staring at the parchment. I should have opened it. Gods. She probably thought I did, and I ignored it.

Would it have made a difference? The warrior stared blankly across the room. What would she have done if she'd read that, halfway to Chin?

Swam back. Her mind wryly supplied.

With a sigh, she stood, and very carefully tucked the parchment under her breastplate, glancing at the small stone it had been wrapped around. She recognized the pebble as one common around Amphipolis, and juggled it, then tucked it, too away. She'd have to tell Gabrielle about it later… the bard had to know her gentle plea hadn't battered against a wall of indifference.

In fact…she sat back down in front of the bard's diary, and hesitantly flipped it open to a clean page, the one past where she'd made her last entry. Picking up the quill, she bit on the tip to moisten it, then dipped it in the small ceramic jar of ink Gabrielle had left stoppered there.

Concentrating, she started to write, keeping at it for almost a quarter candlemark before she stopped, and reread her words. Well, no doubt about who was the poet in this relationship, she winced, but … Gabrielle was always saying, it was the thought that counted.

Rereading the page again, Xena certainly hoped so. Words certainly weren't her thing. With a sigh, she dated the entry, and then, at the bottom, signed it with a flourish, before she gently sanded the ink, and blew it dry.

Satisfied, she gathered her parchments up, and headed for the door, pausing in the entry to glance back at the silent diary, and chuckle. "Never live that down." She shook her head wryly, but smiled, as she slipped out the door and down the stairs.

The princess had come to, not long after, as they sprinkled her with water. She gasped, and blinked her eyes, staring up at the worried guard, then letting her eyes flick to Gabrielle's face. "What happened?"

The bard leaned against her staff, taking the weight off her knee. "You passed out." She advised her. "When I asked you who would want to kidnap you."

Her eyes rolled up again, but the bard tapped her smartly on the arm. "Hey.. c'mon now… it's not that bad. Do you know how many times I've been kidnapped? "

Distracted, Silvi peered up at her. "Really?"

Gabrielle nodded wryly. "Oh yeah… it happens all the time." She assured her. "Question is, who would want to do that to you?"

The princess blinked at her. "Whoever would want to do it to you?"

They all looked at Gabrielle, curiously. "Yes… " Elanora murmured. "I'm wondering too." Her eyes studied the bard.

Ah. Gabrielle chewed her lip. Dumb. "Well.. I… travel with Xena… remember?" She told them, slowly. "People think.. that they can get to her by.. um.. I guess threatening me." She saw the look of uncertainty she was getting. "You know.. to get her to do things, that sort of stuff."

"Really." Elanora replied. "Does it work?" Her face showed only mild interest.

"Uh… no.. no.. not really." Gabrielle lied. "I mean.. who am I, right? They just .. like.. assume things." She shrugged. "Anyway.. it usually works out okay... I mean, like you saw.. I can pretty much take care of myself. " She glanced down the lane. "We should get going.. someone should know what's going on .. that something happened."

"Oh yes." Silvi agreed, allowing the guard to assist her to her feet. "You were wonderful." She bubbled enthusiastically. "I could hardly believe it.. those men didn't stand a chance."

Gabrielle sighed. "Yeah.. that does come in handy sometimes." She was, however, aware of the cool look she was getting from the princesses' cousin, and made a mental note to talk to Xena as soon as she got back.

Before the girl could get any bright ideas.

They walked slowly back through the market, and Silvi insisted on continuing her shopping along the way, stating that she mustn't be seen to be afraid. She stopped at a water stand, and they all purchased mugs of lemon scented water, and stood in a circle, enjoying the breeze and the cool drink. "Gabrielle.. " Silvi turned suddenly. 'Tell us about Cecrops!"

The bard had been examining some small ear cuffs, debating on whether or not she could convince her soulmate to wear them. They were cute, just the small cuff, and a tiny pale blue stone set in them… and she decided she could probably get away with them. She held up a hand to delay Silvi, and turned to the jeweler. "How much?"

The man glanced at her shrewdly. "Ten dinars."

Gabrielle put them down. "I don't think so." She snorted softly.

"Awfully pretty, lass." The man chuckled. "Tell ye what, five dinars."

Green eyes fastened on him. "Three." Gabrielle crossed her arms over her chest and waited, deliberately not looking at the baubles.

He shook his head. "Crafting's cost me more than that."

She waited.

"Four." He finally said, giving her a look.

She smiled. "All right." She dug in her pouch and handed him the dinars, and he wrapped the cuffs up, tucking them into a tiny linen bag before handing them to her. "Thanks." Ares sniffed at the bag, and licked her hand as she put it away. "Stop that." She scolded the wolf.

He nodded at her, then turned towards the princess. "Anything for you today, your highness?"

"Not today." Silvi said, smiling at him. She pulled Gabrielle along the path, and waited until they were out of earshot. "What did you just do?" She asked, peering over her shoulder.

Gabrielle glanced at her, confused. "Um.. .bought something?" She hazarded.

"He told you how much, and you refused!" The princess objected. "How did you do that?"

"Well.. " The bard was glad they'd been sidetracked again from the Cecrops story. "He wants to sell it.. the price he asks is just what he wants to get for it.. not what he'll take for it." She explained as they walked, heading up the long, sloping path back into the castle. "Don't you do that?"

"Of course not." The princess looked shocked. "I just give them money, and they give me back what I want…I would never think of arguing about it."

Elanora caught up to them. "I’m sure it's quite different for her, your highness. " She commented, giving the bard a condescending look. "You don't have to scrimp on dinars." She fanned herself lightly. "It must be very depressing."

The bard felt her hackles rise, an interesting sensation that let a gentle, cool breeze touch the back of her neck. "I never thought of it that way, actually. " She responded in a clipped tone. "I just think you should get the most for what you have…and I know what things are worth." She eyed the dark haired girl coolly. "People don’t take advantage of me, that way."

"Oh." Silvi patted her arm. "I don't have to worry about that… no one would take advantage of me."

Gabrielle made a point of letting her mist green eyes fasten for a long moment on Elanora, before she shifted her gaze to the princess. "Of course not." She agreed wryly, as they reached the edge of the inner court. "Well, it's been great, but I have to go get some stuff.… "

Silvi held onto her arm. "Oh no.. no no… Gabrielle, you simply must come with me up to my rooms.. the healer must look at your wounds." She started walking, tugging the bard behind her. "You must… I won't hear of your not… and I want everyone to know what a hero you are."

"Um…" Gabrielle tried to stop walking, but her knee buckled, and she had to stumble forward. "No.. really. .I'm fine.. " She protested. "I just need to sit down for a while, really.. I have a bandage in my things in the stable, I can just.."

"Absolutely not." Silvi shook her head, continuing to drag the hapless bard forward. "Look.. you can hardly walk." She turned to Elanora. "Get Jiles… he must come to see Gabrielle at once."

The older girl turned on her heel and stalked off, followed by one of the ladies fluttering behind her.

"Silvi… " Gabrielle winced, as she came down hard on her knee. "Listen… really, I've got to.."

"No no no.. " The girl scolded. "You will come with me." They turned the corner, and stopped abruptly, faced with a tall, dark, and dangerous six feet of leather clad, armored warrior. "Zeus!"

"Not even close." Xena let her eyes flick over them, settling on Gabrielle's face momentarily, before turning her attention to the princess. "Is there a problem?" She inquired, blocking their passage neatly.

Silvi straightened, thrusting Gabrielle behind her. "Get out of my way." She commanded. "This is none of your affair."

The warrior's eyebrows rose. "That's debatable." She replied coolly. "I need to speak to Gabrielle."

"She's going to see the healer. You can wait." Silvi stated, but her voice shook.

The warrior's nostrils flared. "I'll take care of it." Her voice was flat, and cool.

"Certainly not." The princess replied, bravely.

"Silvi." Gabrielle put a gentle hand on her shoulder. "It's all right, really. Xena is a healer, also." She edged around the girl, trying not to limp too badly. The perceptible tremor that ran through her soulmate's body gave testament to the fact that she was holding herself back from grabbing the bard by pure will, and Gabrielle knew they were perilously close to blowing their cover. "I'll.. come up to see you after I get this looked at.. it's all right… really."

The princess looked very doubtful, but she finally moved reluctantly up the stairs, trailed by her entourage, looking back over her shoulder at them until she disappeared around the bend in the stairs.

The bard sighed, and turned to face her partner as warm hands gripped her shoulders. "What happened? Are you okay? " Xena asked anxiously. The sudden metamorphosis from threatening warlord to concerned lover was almost funny, and the bard had to bite her lip a little to keep from giggling.

"How'd you get hurt? What happened?" The warrior repeated, checking her over. "Is that a cut? What did you do to your knee?"

"Xena." Gabrielle tried to interrupt this flow of babbling.

"Did someone attack you? " The warrior went on. "Gabrielle, for the sake of the gods, what…"

"Xena, hush.." The bard put a gentle hand over her mouth. "Can we go upstairs? My leg's killing me.. I'll tell you what happened as we go."

Silently, the warrior wrapped her arm around the bard's waist, and supported her as she limped up the stairs. The warmth soaked through her, and she found herself leaning more and more against her partner, who obligingly took on the balance of her weight. "Thanks." She looked up at the quiet face. "Didn't meant to tell you to shut up like that… it's just been a really hectic morning."

"That's okay." Xena replied, glancing around. "Hades.. this is taking too long." She scooped the bard up, and bounded up the rest of the stairs, elbowing the door to their quarters open and dodging inside. After the door closed, she stood for a long moment, just looking down at the peacefully resting Gabrielle. "Comfortable?"

The bard wiggled her feet. "Very." She sighed, as she was gently deposited on the bed. "They tried to kidnap the princess… Xena, I really don't know what's going on here." She smiled as Ares jumped up, and curled up next to her, resting his muzzle on her thigh.

The warrior knelt at the bedside, and pressed her flat, examining the scrape across her ribs. "I do." She answered absently, moving down to probe the bard's knee, now slightly swollen and bruised. "You got the princess, who wants one thing, you got her nobles, who want another, and you got Garanimus, who's clueless and doesn’t know what he wants." She sighed, and stood. "Mild sprain…it's gonna hurt for a while."

Gabrielle folded her hands across her stomach and sighed. "I was hoping it wasn't." She turned her head and regarded her partner, who was gathering up things from her kit. "Six guys jumped us in the market.. I got a little over enthusiastic with a kick.. and I forgot to plant like you taught me, before I extended." She moved her leg, and winced. "I feel really dumb."

"Mmph." Xena ambled back over and dropped down to one knee again, unwrapping a soft bandage. "It happens… I've done that plenty of times." She reassured the younger woman, giving her a little pat on the leg. "But you need to watch out.. you don't want to overstress your body, love."

"Ah." Gabrielle gazed at her wryly. "So.. I should kick grubby thugs in a kinder, and gentler way." She remarked. "Is that what you're telling me?"

The warrior gave her a look. "Very funny." She growled. "No, that's not what I meant." She busied herself with her supplies. "I just… you need to be.. more careful, that's all."

"Mmhmm." The bard regarded her. "This is coming from the woman who told me she kept on fighting practically until she gave birth."

Pale blue eyes shot her a dark look. "That was different." Xena mumbled. "I didn't have a choice."

Gabrielle reached out and stroked her hair. "I know… but… Xena, I'm not going to let that stop me from doing what I have to do.. her guards were useless." She replied. "What was I supposed to do.. stand back and let those guys take her?"

"Hmph." The warrior grumbled.

The bard chuckled. "Grumpy thing." She tweaked her partner's ear affectionately. "I do love you, you know… and I know you're just worried about me."

Xena stopped what she was doing, and glanced up, her eyes softening. "I'm being a mother hen, huh?"

That got her an impish smile. "Yeah.. but I think it's cute."

The warrior scowled. "Cute, huh?" She wrestled her best intimidating look on. "I'm supposed to be this heartless killing machine, Gabrielle. You're ruining my reputation."

"Oo.." The bard cooed. "I love that face." She giggled, cupping Xena's cheek. "You're soooo mean."

They looked at each other for a long moment, then they both started laughing. "All right.. all right… " Xena shook her head and sighed. "I'll try to keep my overprotective instincts under control." She finally replied. "Oh yeah.. by the way, one of your princesses' family members made me an offer.. apparently they don't like the idea of a commoner becoming their ruler."

A blond eyebrow hiked. "Really?" She mused. "Well… that kinda makes sense… they're probably behind the guys who tried to kidnap us today."

"Maybe." Xena gently rubbed liniment on the bruised area, then skillfully wrapped it. "Offered me a job… cushy apartment.. my choice of body slaves… " She finished and slid up, using a small bit of damp linen to clean the scrape on the bard's chest. "All I gotta do is defeat Framna.." She glanced up. "So… what d'you think of him?"

Gabrielle reached up with one hand, and tangled her fingers in the warrior's armor, tugging hard. "C'mere."

Xena hesitated, then tumbled into bed next to her, stretching out on her side, and propping her head up on her hand.

"He's… " Gabrielle rolled over and snuggled up to her, ignoring the cool bite of the armor against her skin. "He's all right, I guess… he seems like he's attached to her.. .he's a lot older." She peeked up at the warrior. "Not that it matters, but.. she's really young."

Xena considered that. "You think she's capable of running this place?"

A negative shake. "No." Gabrielle answered promptly. "She's really not…he seems okay, I mean, he's nice and all that.. not like what I expected." She paused. "He has a very healthy respect for you."

That brought a faint tugging grin to Xena's face. "The princess certainly doesn’t." She combed her fingers gently through the bard's fair hair as she felt her nestle closer. "But I don’t much like the cousins, and Garanimus is gonna trash this place so… " She let her head rest briefly on the pillow, and breathed in her soulmate's warm scent. "I guess I go make a deal with the princesses boyfriend."

"This is complicated." Gabrielle complained wryly, giving her a look. "And don't you dare say it's because I'm involved." She warned jokingly.

"Me?" Xena widened her eyes innocently, pointing at her own chest. "Would I do that?"

"Yes." The bard tapped her on the belly. "You certainly would."

The warrior chuckled, and rolled over onto her back, folding her hands across her stomach and crossing her ankles. "You know me too well, my bard." She commented to the canopy, regarding its frilly whiteness with distaste. "The princess seems to have certainly taken a liking to you."

Gabrielle, busy with the buckle that held Xena's armor on, paused in her efforts and looked up. "She thinks I'm some kind of…I don’t know.. maybe it's because I'm so different than she is…" She considered briefly. "She's not a bad person, just really.. um.. sheltered, you know?"

One blue eye rolled around to regard her fondly. "And you're an experienced woman of the world.. sure.. I can see the fascination."

The bard burst into a giggle at this description. "I don't think that's it." She objected.

"Ah… I think that's exactly it." Xena disagreed, wagging a finger at her. "Look… she's probably never left the city.. and here you are, you've traveled all over, you're a famous bard.."

"Xena!" Gabrielle slapped her gently. "I am not." Ares' ears pricked up at the sharp sound, but he remained still, only darting a glance towards his taller mistress.

"You are too!" The warrior responded. "An Amazon queen… you're probably the most exciting thing that's happened to her since she was allowed to wear that little coronet." She folded her arms, obviously enjoying herself. "So.. what's it like being a celebrity?"

"Xena." Gabrielle mock glared at her. "I'm going to start tickling you if you don't cut that out. I am not a celebrity."

A flash of white teeth. "Sure you are…and then you go and whack the guys trying to kidnap her? I sense… a large chunk of hero worshipping floating around here." She reached over and tickled the bard's chin. "Not that you don't deserve that."

Gabrielle chewed on her lip, reluctantly acknowledging that her soulmate was probably right. Ew. She scrunched up her face. Worse than those Amazonettes. "She's just very impressionable." She finally muttered. "She'll get over it." Then she paused, and thought about that for a minute. "But you know…on second thought… " Now her eyes drifted to the relaxed profile resting on the pillow next to her. "I never did."

Xena scowled at her.

Gabrielle smiled sweetly. "Gotcha." She finished unbuckling the warrior's armor, and slipped it over her head, letting it rest on the bed's soft surface. "Let's talk about hero worshipping." She slid closer, and her eyes twinkled at her partner's glower. "I think I can discuss that with a lot of authority, don't you?"

"Gabrielle…" The warrior felt a blush start up her neck.

"See, the difference is, I have a real, honest, living and breathing hero that I get to spend most of every day with ." The bard replied softly. "Everyone else seems so ordinary in comparison." Her finger traced a line on her soulmate's skin. "I love it when you blush.. you look so cute."

Xena drummed her fingertips on her leather clad stomach. "You win." She conceded the tease war gracefully.

The bard grinned. "I know." She leaned over and kissed her on the nose. "I'll stop embarrassing you now." She snuggled closer, and put her head down on Xena's shoulder. "So.. how was your day?"

The warrior stifled a yawn, and shrugged lightly. "Not bad.. we got the watches and everything all set.." She replied. "Had the troops straighten stuff up.. did some drills…" Her eyes flicked to her partner. "Ended up being sick to my stomach half the day… you know, the usual."

Gabrielle glanced up, biting her lip. "Ooops… " She blinked. "Sorry." She patted the warrior's belly. "Hope that doesn't last long."

Xena laughed wryly. "Nah.. it's all right.. it kinda makes me… " She paused, then went on. "Like I'm part of it." She tightened her hold on the smaller woman. "Doesn't bother me.. you still have to do all the hard stuff."

Gabrielle sighed in contentment. "But not for a while." She yawned. "Are you gonna be mad at me if I use you for a pillow for a little while?" She asked, apologetically.

The warrior blinked her eyes open guiltily. "Um.. no.. of course not." She glanced to the window. "We've got a while before I have to check things out…um.. you go ahead." She watched the bard's eyes close, and felt the warmth of her breath as she exhaled even through her leathers.

Silently, she regarded the pale head resting against her, noting the soft glow of sunlight that outlined her partner's features. One of the bard's hands was curled over her ribcage, its fingers gently flexing against her, and she covered it with her own hand, smiling as their grips intertwined.

Lying here, with Gabrielle, her dilemma seemed so much less.. important. So what if she tricked Garanimus' army into surrendering? So what if she let everyone think they'd outsmarted her? What was important was that no one got hurt, right?

Xena sighed. All that would get hurt was her pride, really. Working with the army today.. she'd started to calculate exactly how she was going to defend the city against the much larger force.. what techniques, how she could set little traps.. at one point, she'd found herself really enjoying the planning, as she exercised mental muscles that had lain dormant for a long time.

They could do it, with her leading them.. she knew that and turning her back on that knowledge was.. tough. But she knew that going forward with it put her at risk, even more so than the rest of the army, because she was just such a natural target. She had a lot of confidence in her own skills, but…

But. You never knew what was going to happen, not in war. You could prepare, and be skilled, and have a plan.. .and some damn bastard could get lucky, and put an arrow through you when you weren't looking.

She wasn't going to put Gabrielle through that. Not now. There were more important things in life than winning wars, and the pride of one dumb, stubborn, half crazy fighter.

Right?

Damn, it stung. Xena stared up at the canopy. Her competitive nature was having an absolute fit.

She wanted to defeat Framna's forces. She wanted to be clever, and tactically brilliant, and to succeed despite the odds, so badly she could almost smell it. The past few days' immersion into her old life had cast hooks into her.. tugging out old reflexes and giving her a taste, again, of the excitement of commanding an army.

Not good. She took a deep breath, and felt Gabrielle stir, then wrap herself more tightly around her body, leaning her bandaged knee up against her partner's thigh. She could feel the gentle movement of the bard's breathing, and let it soothe her, let it remind her of who she was now. Of what was important.

She would, she knew, do what was right, and prudent.. and safe. Her jaw muscles clenched, then relaxed. For Gabrielle's sake.

She owed her that.

Mmmm. Gabrielle allowed herself the luxury of taking a long, slow glide up from sleep to waking, reveling in the warm comfort she felt surrounding her. The sun was slanting over her body, and providing a nice counterpoint to the soft, fragrant leather surface she was resting on. She drew in a deep breath of air full of Xena's distinctive scent and smiled, then let her eyes drift open.

"Hi." Xena remarked, glancing down at her. "Feel better now?"

Gabrielle stretched, then relaxed again. "Yeah.. except I'm really hungry." She gave Xena a mildly sheepish look. "We didn't have lunch."

The warrior chuckled tolerantly. "I've got some bread, cheese, and dried meat if you're interested." She paused, as Gabrielle nodded enthusiastically. "And some fruit.. "

"Where?" The bard rolled over, and swung her legs over the edge of the bed, dislodging Ares, who jumped off and gave her an outraged look.

"I'll get it." Xena offered, sliding off her end of the bed and standing. "Rest your leg." She ambled over to her carrysack, and dug out the supplies she'd gotten that morning.

Gabrielle ignored her suggestion and stood up cautiously, testing her knee. "It feels a lot better." She commented, taking a few hesitant steps. "Really." She continued on towards the small desk, seating herself behind it, and resting her hands on either side of her diary, missing the furtive look cast at her from her partner, who was portioning out food for the hungry Ares.

"Um… " Xena stood up, and headed in her direction, offering her a slice of bread liberally covered with meat and cheese, and two large plums. "How's that?"

The bard gently pushed the diary aside, and accepted the items, putting the sandwich down and biting into a plum with relish. "Oooo… " She chewed happily. "How do you manage to find the best tasting fruit in Greece?" She watched the slow grin appear on Xena's face. "Let me guess.. one of the many skills?"

"Practice." Xena replied, with a smirk. Then her expression sobered. "You..um… gonna do bard stuff?"

Gabrielle paused in mid bite. "I was going to update my diary, if that's what you mean." She replied, giving her soulmate a curious look. "Is that okay?"

"Oh.. yeah.. sure.. I was.. um.. I'm gonna go check on… the guard, and weapons, and things like that." Xena replied, padding over to the bed and retrieving her armor. "I'll… be a while.. you.. take your time." She gave Gabrielle a bright smile, then eased out the door, giving her a little wave. "Bye."

The door closed.

Gabrielle closed her hanging jaw, and stared at Ares, who stared back at her. "What… was… that all about????"

"Roo." The wolf glanced at the door, then trotted over to her and laid down at her feet.

"I think this whole pregnant thing is getting to her, Ares." The bard shook her head, finishing her plum and starting in on the sandwich, as she flipped open her diary. "She's losing it."

The handwriting caught her eye. So different than her own, careful script.. Xena's was bold and distinctive, slanted just slightly, with characteristic downstrokes. She'd have known its author even if her eyes hadn't been drawn to the signature, and she let her eyes absorb the name before she raised them and started reading.

Gabrielle,

You have this entire book recording your thoughts, and your feelings - I thought on just one page, you should have, in writing, what mine are.

I’m not very good at coming up with words - we both know that. It's hard for me to describe what I feel, especially when my feelings are so strong that sometimes it's hard to even just think about them.

We've been through a lot. I guess you know that us surviving it individually is pretty unbelievable, and the fact that we survived it and stayed together is something beyond unbelievable. I know that I did not deserve either one of those things, and so I guess I just lucked out because you did deserve them.

I look back at all the terrible things I've done in my life, and there was a time, in the last few months, that I almost added being in a clearing outside Potadeia that one fall day to my list of regrets, because watching us destroy something I held so close to my heart was killing me. I didn't understand what was happening, but I could feel the darkness inside me pulling harder and harder, and there were times when I walked the line, and almost let that take me over again, because I couldn’t see any point in resisting it, not anymore.

I really don't know what stopped me. Maybe it was that promise I made to you, way back when.

I never wanted to hurt you, or see you be hurt, but I've come to understand that, for better or worse, we're in this together, you and me. We might get hurt again, but that's just a chance we have to take, because I'm not about to give this up. I'm pretty good at getting what I want, and you're it.

I love you. That's just for you to have in print, in case anyone questions you or anything, okay? So there's not any doubt about it. Try not to spill water on the page when you read it.

You've brought a lot of stuff into my life that I never expected - I used to see things as pretty black and white, and now I've got all these colors that you've woken me up to. Like how nice a bird sounds in the morning, or how great it is to watch a sunset. Listening to your poetry and seeing the world through your eyes makes me realize just how much I missed, after Cortese.

It's like my life started over. I know I go backwards sometimes, and that scares you, but you'd better know that you're one of the only reasons I keep trying to go forward again. If you ever doubted how important you are to me, don't., okay? I would really be lost in the dark without you. Sometimes, when my head is full of all the nasty stuff I've done, I can look over at you, and remember just some dumb thing I did that made you smile, and that's enough to push that stuff back for a while.

I'm glad you've decided to share my life. You're my partner, and my best friend, and one of the most wonderful people I've ever known. You are the best thing that ever happened to me.

We share something pretty special, even I realize that. I know that it's the reason we made it through those dark times, and it's what brought us back together. But in the back of my mind, a little part of me kinda wants to believe that even if we didn't share that, if we were just like any other two people, that maybe we'd have chosen each other anyhow.

Someday, my bard - you'll be the one they remember. Your stories, and your way of living… that's what people are going to tell, and retell.. and all I'll be is just some fighter who kept you safe while you traveled the world.

That's okay by me.

Someday, when I'm too old to move around a lot, I'd like to sit on our porch, and let the grandkids run all over me, while they listen to you tell stories of the good old days.

Funny thing is, until I met you, I never thought growing old would ever be an issue for me. See how you change things?

I guess that's enough of that, huh? Last time I wrote this much, it was a demand for surrender from some major city near Thebes. I think I liked doing this better.

Xena

She read it through three times, before she finally lifted her eyes, and regarded the closed door. "You big chicken." She accused the absent warrior. "Afraid I might catch you being all mushy, huh?" Gabrielle let her fingers trace the bold letters with gentle pleasure, hearing her partner's tone in them effortlessly. Parts of it made her smile. Parts of it.. just reading them hurt. But it was real, and it was honest, and it was all Xena, straightforward in ways that very few people were.

"I would have picked you anyway." She whispered., feeling a tear slip down her face. "And you did deserve this, Xena.. I don't care what you say, or how many times you tell me you didn't." Ares nudged her hand, licking it and whining. "Ares.. you're mommy's a mushball."

"Agrrrr." The wolf chewed on her fingers lightly.

"Yes, she is.. and now.. I'm gonna go find her, and dig her out of whatever moldy armor bin she's hidden herself in, and tell her just how much I love her. Is that okay with you?"

Ares wagged his tail, and stood, trotting to the door, then turning and glancing at her in question.

Gabrielle grinned, and stood, closing the diary and moving around the table. "Ow." She winced, as her weight came down on her injured leg. "C'mon now, Gabrielle.. suck it up… it's just a minor sprain." Grimly, she flexed the limb, and walked around in a few little circles until the pain was tolerable, then grabbed her staff, and headed for the door.

It opened as she reached it, and Silvi wafted in. "Oh.. Gabrielle… thank the gods you're all right. I was terribly worried."

"Um." The bard sighed, and collected herself. "Yeah.. I'm fine.. really."

"That woman didn't.. harm you.. did she?" The princesses' face was concerned. "You seem.. upset."

"No.. no.. " Gabrielle held up a hand. "She.. all she did was wrap my knee up.. it's.. fine.. really.. I um… was just on my way out."

Silvi captured her upraised hand and held it, tugging her towards the low couch. "Gabrielle, I must speak with you."

Sighing inwardly, the bard followed her, and sat down, leaning her staff against the edge of the table close by. "Yes?" She patted Ares, who had wandered over, and seated himself persistently at her side. He gave the princess a decidedly grumpy look.

"Elanora thinks… I hardly know how to ask this. But…that woman.. "

"Xena." Gabrielle prompted mildly.

"Yes… she hasn't.. made advances on you, has she?" The princess asked.

"Advances?"

"Unwelcome attentions?" Silvi tried again.

"Unwelcome attentions?" Gabrielle repeated, hoping she wasn't being asked what she thought she was.

"Um…" The princess blushed, delicately. "Forced herself on you?"

"Oh!" The bard plastered a weak grin on her face. "Let's see… advances.. no.. unwelcome attentions… definitely not.. forced herself? No… no forcing that I was aware of." That's it Gabrielle… tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Her thoughts paused. Well, two outta three ain't bad, as Xena would say. "She's actually not so bad once you get to know her."

Disbelief ran rampant over Silvi's face. "I think she's horrid."

Gabrielle regarded her. "Why?"

"She's killed thousands of people, Gabrielle… and… and.. the stories.. the murders.. the plunders.. the rapes.. the pillages… " The girl spluttered.

The bard cocked her head to one side. "What do you think Framna does?" She asked, with devastating logic. "He's a warlord, just like she used to be."

Dead silence, as the girl just stared at her.

"It's all how you look at things, huh?" Gabrielle commented gently. "I used to think the same things you do.. until I met Xena, and got to know her.. and I found out that she was a lot more, and a lot less than all the stories I'd been hearing half my life."

Silvi stood, and walked to the window, clearly agitated. "You.. you sound as if you.. you like her."

"I do." Came the quiet answer. "I agreed to help you not to hurt her, but to keep people from getting killed in a senseless fight."

The princess turned abruptly, and faced her. "You're not being held against your will, are you?"

Gabrielle slowly shook her head. "No." She paused. "I never said I was."

A faint click caught her attention, and she turned her head to see a panel open, and Framna's tall form slip inside. Uh oh. Warning bells went off in her mind, and she reached unconsciously for her staff. Beside her, Ares let out a deep, low growl.

"I've heard what I need to, your highness." The big man said, seriously. "It seems Elanora was right.. she is a danger to us."

Gabrielle slipped off the couch, and stepped back, bringing her staff up. "I think you're making a mistake."

The man edged forward, watching her closely. "I'm sure she's told Xena our plans… " He murmured. "But.. I believe holding her will force that she demon to bend to our will in any case."

The bard straightened. "You're really, really making a mistake." She warned. "Xena's not here for a fight… she's willing to go along with your plan." She paused. "But if you pull something like this, I can't guarantee anything."

Framna held up a hand. "Just put the stick down, and you won't get hurt. That' s not my intention."

Gabrielle's temper rose. "You just stay where you are, and you won't get hurt." She snapped back. "You try anything, and I'll make you wish you hadn't." Oo. There.. that's better, huh Xena? Ares bristled in front of her, his ruff lifting as he lowered his head. "You are in way more trouble than I am, buddy."

The warlord stared at her, then lunged forward, reaching for her staff.

"Jerk." Gabrielle whisked the weapon out of his grasp and swung it down, smacking him in the knees with it, and taking his feet from under him. He fell with a heavy thud, and scrambled back to up with a wince. "Here I thought you weren't so bad." She pulled the staff back, then shot it forward, catching him in the chest with its end, and forcing him back.

Ares launched himself forward, growling hideously, and attached his jaws to Framna's hastily thrown up arm, twisting his head violently as he knocked the man off balance. The wolf shifted his grip, and went for the warlord's throat, narrowly missing it and sinking his fangs into his shoulder.

"Ares!" The voice cut through the growls, and Framna's yells, and the wolf obeyed its summons, releasing his victim and trotting over to the tall, dark haired form standing in the doorway. "Good boy." Xena stroked his head, then glanced over at her soulmate. "Can't leave you alone for a minute, can I?"

"Hey." Gabrielle leaned on her staff. "I was winning." She turned her gaze to the princess, who was huddled near the couch, clearly frightened half to death. "Silvi, you better sit down."

Xena closed the door behind her, and stalked across the room, barely giving the younger girl a glance as she reached the writhing warlord's side, and gazed down at him. "You're lucky I'm in a good mood." She commented coldly. "Or I woulda just let him chew on you for a while longer." Her icy glanced flicked to the bard. "Would you sit down and get off that knee?"

The bard rolled her eyes, and limped around to the front of the desk, settling in the chair with an audible sigh, then picking up her half forgotten sandwich and munching on it. "Yes, grandma." She replied around a mouthful, getting a twinkle in return.

Xena grabbed the warlord's tunic, and pulled him up, dumping him onto the couch roughly. "Lemme see that." She growled in disgust, taking hold of his wrist, and examining the fang marks. "You got damn lucky, buster." She informed him. "Now.. I think we need to talk. "

He regarded her in silence, holding his arm with his other hand, as blood dripped down it. Xena smiled, not one of her nicer ones, and leaned back against desk. "Or I can turn you over to Pounding Pauline, the Amazon Queen, here." She caught Gabrielle biting down hard on her lip at that one, and dropped a menacing look onto her face. "She can mash you into binding paste in under a quarter candlemark, lemme warn ya."

His eyes slowly went from her, to the bard, then back. "What do you want?" He asked, in a husky tone.

Xena smiled. "That's better. " She eased down into the chair. "And if you're really a good boy, I'll even dress those." She informed him silkily. "Now let's get down to business."

Gabrielle chewed on her sandwich, content to let her partner handle these negotiations. She seldom got to watch the warrior use persuasion.. Xena was much more likely to apply a more direct method of bargaining, and it was interesting to see a glimpse of her shrewder side even in the modification of her body language as she composed herself to strike a deal with the injured warlord.

Instead of standing upright, which emphasized her intimidating size, she chose to perch on the edge of the desk, leaning back and crossing her legs at the ankles. She also folded her hands together resting on one thigh, and cocked her head to one side, minimizing the impact of her sharp gaze.

Interesting. Gabrielle reflected, watching the shift of Xena's body under her leathers and armor, and managing to keep her hands from reaching out and touching only by an effort of will. She could almost feel the warm, rough texture of the hide under her fingertips, and how it felt when Xena moved around inside of it. The warrior took a breath to start speaking, and the surface tightened, sending out a tiny squeaking whisper of complaint at the strain. With an effort, Gabrielle tore her attention away from these fascinating details, and paid attention to the conversation.

"So." Xena lowered the pitch of her voice. "You're looking to make a bloodless conquest, eh?"

Framna regarded her very warily. "Conquest?" He murmured, giving Silvi a glance. "No… I have no interest in taking over a city. It's Silvi I want to help.. I want to get this place free of that bastard."

The warrior studied him. "And then what?" She asked quietly. "Let's say… your plan works. Garanimus' army goes to sleep, you take over… what then? What do you do with all of them?" She folded her arms across her chest, and shifted al little.

He shrugged one broad shoulder. "Those who wanted… if they were any good, which I doubt, could have stayed on with my army.. those that weren't… would have been free to leave. " His eyes fastened on her face warily, watching for a reaction.

"It would have worked just fine." Silvi spoke up, nervously. "It was a great plan, until you ruined it." This was spoken towards Gabrielle, who gazed back at her solemnly. "I cannot believe I was so grossly deceived by you." She gave the bard a hurt look.

Pale blue eyes pinned her. "Gabrielle didn't deceive you." Xena told her crisply, then she stood and strolled over to the window, forcing them to turn and watch her. "You staying here after that?" She inquired, reaching an idle hand out into the sunlight, and watching it dance across her palm. A gentle breeze blew in, stirring her dark hair and carrying a hint of brass and leather over to where Gabrielle was sitting. The bard breathed it in happily, but remained silent, chewing on her lunch.

He hesitated, then looked over at the princess. "If Silvi'll have me here, yes."

Xena turned, and leaned against the frame of the double doors leading out to the balcony, letting the warm light throw her face into shadow, and emphasize the sparkling glints that were her eyes. "All right.. here's the deal." She crossed her arms. "I've got no beef with you, and all I promised Garanimus was that I'd take charge of his army.. not that I'd do anything with it. "

They looked at her distrustfully.

"So… I'll let your little plan go ahead, on two conditions." Xena continued, holding up one hand and raising a single finger. "One, that no one, and I mean no one gets hurt." She lifted a second finger. "And two, I get to decide how and where to disperse all of Garanimus' army, including him."

Framna slowly stood up, and faced her, towering over them. "We outnumber you six to one… why should I agree to any conditions?" He eyed her appraisingly. Silvi turned so that she was facing Xena also, but stayed seated, almost crouching behind the couch back as thought that might protect her from the intimidating figure.

Xena smiled. "Two reasons." One finger again. "One, because you don't lose anything by it." A second finger, now pointing right at him, and suddenly the menace rolled off her like a dark wave. "And two, because I'll take that little army of a hundred and beat you if you don't." Her voice dropped low on the last few words, and took on a deep, growly texture, as her eyes narrowed at him.

Gabrielle felt a familiar chill skitter down her back as she watched her partner's dark side emerge, painting her with a feral quality that was so perceptible, even the tall warlord stepped back a pace. Gods.. The bard found her eyes glued to Xena's menacing form, watching the steady, even breathing as the warrior waited for Framna's response.

"You… are pretty cocky, considering you've only been in charge of them a few days" He temporized, his voice faintly hesitant.

Xena gave him one of her full grins, completely relaxed, and totally self confident, and Gabrielle could see Framna's own doubts multiplying right before her eyes. She grinned back at her soulmate, behind their backs, and gave her a thumbs up, and a wink, to which she got a shift of the eyebrow, and an extra quirk to her grin in response.

Framna took a breath, and glanced at Silvi. "I'll agree.. but I have a condition." He finally replied. "You, and that army, leave this city, and don't ever come back."

The warrior chuckled. "I don't think that'll be a problem." She pushed away from the door and walked towards him, extending an arm. "Deal?"

He hesitated. "How do I know I can trust you?"

The blue eyes facing him glinted softly. "You don't. You just gotta make a choice. Yes, or no." She turned her hand upmost. "Deal, or not?" She stood there, balanced, and alert, the toned muscles in her shoulders gently tensing as she waited.

Framna exhaled, then reluctantly extended his hand and gripped her forearm, tightening his hold tentatively, then releasing her as though she were something dangerous. "Deal." He stepped back, and Silvi rose hurriedly, moving to his side, and putting a trembling hand on his arm, a mixed look of fear and dislike on her face as she watched Xena.

The warrior crossed her arms. "Good." A crooked smile crossed her face. "See you at dinner, then." She added coolly. "Just keep quiet, and follow my lead, all right?"

A look of frustration and anger crossed his face. "No tricks."

Xena just laughed. "No tricks." She assured him.

Silvi straightened. "And you may leave your… " Her eyes went to Gabrielle for an instant, then went back to the warrior. "Your slave here. I do not wish her to be present at my table."

Gabrielle was on her feet before Xena could so much as open her mouth. "Just hold on one chicken plucking minute." The bard put her hands on her hips. "Xena, I want to know why everybody just assumes that I am some kind of personal slave of yours." Her voice was crisp with anger.

"I um.. " Xena pursed her lips, and rubbed the side of her jaw, as she peeked apologetically at her soulmate. "Because they don't know you?"

"Is it the leather? The sword, the boots? What?" The bard asked rhetorically. "Or.. let me guess… it's your height, isn't it?" Gabrielle faced Silvi, her mist green eyes snapping. "Listen, I am not any kind of slave, servant, or any thing else, you got that?" She stated firmly.

Silvi gazed at her in awed horror, then averted her eyes and moving closer to Framna.

"Yeah." Xena growled, slitting her eyes dangerously. "Just think.. if she were my size, with her attitude, you'd be in a world of trouble, now wouldn't you? Probably be swinging off the balcony by now."

Gabrielle turned amusedly exasperated eyes on her partner, but said nothing.

"She'll be there tonight." Xena continued coldly, staring right at Silvi. Then her eyes shifted to Framna. "You'd better get back out there to your army.. so you can make your little entrance." A pause. "Watch that outer ravine.. I saw snakes out there."

His eyes widened as she pinpointed the location of his forces neatly. "I will." He muttered, taking Silvi's arm, and edging towards the hidden door to the room. Xena followed along behind them, with Ares, growling, at her heels, shutting the panel firmly behind them and leaning against it.

"So.. Your Royal Shortness.. how are things in the dungeons?" The warrior inquired, her eyes twinkling. "What a couple of kids."

Gabrielle had seated herself, and now rested her chin on her hand, and with the other hand, crooked a finger at her soulmate.

Xena peeked around looking for another possible target, then pointed at her own chest.

The bard smiled, and nodded, and crooked her finger again.

The warrior strolled across the floor slowly, putting hands behind her back, until she ended up right next to the desk. "Yeeess?" She rumbled, in a low tone, cocking her head to one side, and gazing down at Gabrielle.

The bard stood, then hopped up onto her chair, and rested both forearms on Xena's shoulders. "You.. are the biggest, but cutest, leather covered chicken in all of Greece."

"Me?" Xena squeaked. "What.. I wasn't just intimidating enough? What'd you want me to do.. scare him into a quivering mass of gelatin?" She chuckled. "I threatened him with you twice, what more do you want?"

"That. " Gabrielle touched her forehead to the warrior's. "Is not what I'm talking about." She kissed her nose. "And you know it."

Xena's eyes dropped to the desktop, and her face took on an almost shy expression. Her fingers played idly with a fallen quill, ordering the feathers nervously. "Oh." She exhaled.

The bard breathed in the clean scent of her hair. "Do you know what a gift that was to me?"
She asked gently. "Do you understand how much it means to me to have those words, written in your hand, in something that is as much a part of me as that diary is?"

A flustered, and relieved grin edged Xena's lips. "I guess I do now." She lifted her eyes, and peered at the bard. "I did okay, huh?" She lifted a hand, and let it drop. "I'm.. not sure why I did that.. I know it was kinda rambling…it just.. sorta came out."

Gabrielle gently cupped her face, and gazed soulfully into her eyes. "Honey, you can ramble in my diary any time you want, okay?" She replied. "It was the most amazing surprise… and my birthday's not due for another.. " She paused, counting.

"Eight days, twelve candlemarks." Xena muttered, focusing her gaze on the bard's chest, which was even with her head. She glanced up as the silence lengthened to see tears rolling down Gabrielle's cheeks. "Hey… " She raised a bewildered hand to gently brush the moisture away. "You knew I'd remember.." Her voice trailed off. "Didn't you??" The last two words came out very hesitantly.

The bard circled her neck with both arms, and pulled her closer. "Yes." She took in a shaky breath, as she hid her face against Xena's shoulder. "I was just remembering what I got for my last birthday."

Puzzled, the warrior took hold of her. "What was that, love?"

"Us."

The soft whisper came right into her ear, and Xena clamped her jaw down hard on a surge of emotion. Had it really been just a year ago they'd stood in the rain, in a Centaur village, and crossed the line they'd been balancing on for so long before that? Of course it had. She knew that very well.

"It's today, isn't it?" Gabrielle breathed.

Xena nodded.

"They say.. that the first year is always the hardest." Gabrielle pressed her cheek against the warrior's neck. "Should be a breeze from now on, huh?"

The warrior smiled gently, and rubbed her back. "I'm gonna do my best to make sure of that." She lifted Gabrielle off her chair and set her down on the floor, brushing the top of her head with a kiss. "Glad you liked the note."

"Very much so." The bard agreed, giving her a final hug, and then releasing her, as they both turned on hearing a knock at the door. "Uh oh.. now what?"

"Damned if I know." Xena sighed. "Come in."

The door creaked open, and Mestre came in, carrying a tray with glasses, and a large pitcher on it. "Was told to bring this." The girl said, keeping her eyes glued on Xena, and managing to communicate intense disapproval in her rigid posture. "Have a care, ma'am.. tis a bit spoilt, I'm thinking." Now her eyes moved deliberately to Gabrielle, and held there, then went back to Xena defiantly.

The warrior sighed inwardly. I do have the knack of picking up the damnedest allies. "Thank you, Mestre." She replied. "I'll be careful."

Reluctantly, the girl nodded, then walked out, not without a few backwards glances. Xena waited until the door closed before padding over and sniffing the contents. "Port?" She gave Gabrielle a look. "I hate port."

"I know." The younger woman nodded. "I wanted to make sure that in the unlikely case I wasn't here when that got here, you wouldn't just guzzle it all down."

Both dark eyebrow shot up. "Me, guzzle?" Xena snorted. "Not likely, Gabrielle."

The bard limped over and patted her on the side. "Just kidding." She sniffed the jug and wrinkled her nose. "I know you only order it in taverns because you're convinced it's so bad, it's safe to drink."

Xena grinned, and nudged the pitcher. "No sickness could live in that, right?" She made a face. "So.. what's in there?"

The bard shrugged. "Four packets of whatever it is they're trying to give everyone tonight."

"Four??!!" Xena yelped. "Damn, Gabrielle…. Did ya think you were gonna have to take down Argo too?"

Gabrielle chuckled softly, and slid an arm around her. "Hey.. you're a big girl." She gave her a squeeze. "Besides, with you, ya can't be too careful, or so I led them to believe."

"Mmph." The warrior grumbled. "Me and my reputation.. it's a dangerous thing."

"Two dangerous things." The bard corrected absently, leaning against the warm leather surface, smiling a little as Xena's arm dropped over her shoulders. "Sorry I kinda blew my cover."

Xena shrugged. "Nah.. don't worry about it… wasn't gonna last much longer anyhow."

A nod. "So.. you gonna let everyone just take that stuff and go to sleep, right? "

"Nope." Xena shook her head.

Gabrielle tipped her red gold head up and stared at her taller companion. "Huh?"

A half grin appeared. "Never trust any plan that isn't yours, Gabrielle."

Continued in Part 8

Standard Disclaimer - These characters, most of them, belong to Universal, and Renaissance Pictures, and whoever else has a stake in Xena: Warrior Princess. This is written just in fun, and no copyright infringement was intended.

Specific Story Disclaimers:

Violence –Why does anyone ever disclaim violence in a Xena story? Of course, there's violence. Do you think we'd put out a story that consisted of pages and pages of Xena just.... fishing.. or something? She is a Warrior Princess, not a Mary Kay consultant. (no insult intended - some of my best co workers are Mary Kay consultants, and I purchase from them regularly) And Gabrielle is no slouch with that staff, either. So, yes - there is violence.

Subtext - C'mon. Even the show has subtext. Heck, sometimes, it's not subtext. Sometimes, it's maintext. But anyway, this is an alternative fan fiction story. That means, it's based on the premise that Xena and Gabrielle are more than just best friends. If that's not your cup of mint tea, there are many, many talented bards out in the Xenaverse who post general fiction, which does not follow this premise. Go find them. Enjoy them.

This is, of course, PG13 level involvement here, no more.

So - having read this lovely disclaimer, if you then read the story, and are shocked that Gabrielle and Xena are kissing each other, I can't help ya. If you're offended by it, send me your address, and I'll send you a bushel of citrus. We like to send that from here - we have to get rid of all of it somehow.

Any and all comments are always welcome. You can email them to:

mailto:merwolf@bellsouth.net

Promises Kept - Part 8

By Melissa Good

"Ouch."

"Sit still, and it won't hurt."

"Gabrielle!"

"You're such a baby." A rolling of mist green eyes. "I swear, Xena…you could get poked with half a dozen arrows and not say a word, but something like this?"

"It pinches."

"Well, just sit still for one blithering minute and it won't." Gabrielle got the cuff curled neatly around the edge of one tanned ear and sat back. "There.. now, does that hurt?"

"Mph." Xena watched pensively in the mirror as the bard fastened the other cuff, then stood back and gazed at her handiwork.

"Well?"

The warrior's ears twitched, and she gave her partner a long suffering, grumpy look.

Gabrielle smiled at her, and tipped her chin up a trifle. "They look really nice."

Xena's lower lip poked out, in a pout. "I can't believe I let you talk me into this." She grumbled, but cast a reluctant glance at the mirror. The two silver cuffs were neatly balanced on each ear, with the vivid blue stones catching the candelight, and matching her eyes with an almost total perfection. She realized just how ungrateful she sounded, and managed a wry grin for her waiting partner. "Serve me right if you never got me another thing, huh?" She wound an arm around the bard's leg, and leaned against her. "Thank you, Gabrielle.. they're very nice."

"Tch tch." Gabrielle draped her arms over the broad shoulders in front of her. "Such a curmudgeon." She gently straightened the edge of Xena's leathers. "If you're going to have to wear all the clanking bits, at least you should have something pretty on, too."

The illogical nature of the statement just made Xena laugh. "Right.. right… " She let her chuckling wind down, then stood up, and walked over to where her armor lay, gleaming dully in the mixture of crimson sunset and candlelight. She sat down and fastened her leg armor on first, tightening the worn straps behind her knees and fastening the brass buckles, then she lifted her breastplate over her head and settled the pieces, smiling as Gabrielle eased over and fastened the clasp under her right arm. She'd added the extra pieces to her shoulder armor, and now she thumped them down into place as the bard moved around and fastened the other strap.

"Between the two of us, we've got enough leather on to make a steer nervous." Xena commented, running a playful finger across the bard's Amazon gauntlet. "But.. you really do that justice, Gabrielle."

Gabrielle paused in her fiddling, and glanced down. "Do I?" She was dressed in her full Amazon regalia, complete with a ceremonial dagger strapped at her left hip. "I think I make too much noise." She hopped up and down, then winced. "Ow… gods.. "

Xena grabbed her arm. "Save the bunny routine for when your knee heals, all right?" The warrior warned her jokingly, then held her out at arm's distance and smiled.

Unconsciously, Gabrielle straightened under her scrutiny, sucking in a breath, and squaring her shoulders. Her Amazon leathers shifted as she moved, the rust brown leather sliding gently against her skin. Her pale hair was caught up in two braids, and pulled back from her face, exposing the twinkling ear cuffs of staves and quills, and the brilliant crystal pendant resting in the hollow of her throat.

She clenched hands inside the cutoff gauntlets, and flexed biceps unused to the confinement of the leather bands that circled them. "It takes a while to get used to this." She gave Xena an apologetic glance.

Xena nodded quietly. "I know… but relax.. you look great."

Gabrielle accepted the compliment with a grin. "Thanks.. so do you." She watched as Xena fastened a light cloak to her shoulder clasps, after she clipped her sheath to her back, and settled her chakram.

The warrior adjusted a bracer, then glanced up, and spread both arms out as she straightened up to her full height, with a questioning glance. "Do I pass muster?"

Solid black leathers, and warmly glistening armor plate, contrasting with tanned skin that rippled over the sleek muscles in her arms and legs, and dark hair let loose to cascade across her shoulders like an extension of her flowing cloak. Other than her ear cuffs, the only other ornamentation she wore was the pendant matching Gabrielle's, and the ring on her hand.

She looked, Gabrielle decided, about as intimidating as it was possible for her to look without actually having her sword drawn. "Wow." The bard whistled. "You're making my heart beat faster."

"If I have to put all this on to do that to you, I'm in trouble." Xena replied, wryly.

The bard smiled, and stepped forward, catching her hand, and pressing it to her chest. "Say my name."

The warrior did, and felt the skip under her fingers. She chuckled. "Is that all it takes?"

Mist green eyes gone suddenly serious in the dying light of the day gazed up at her. "One look… one touch… " She stepped up and circled Xena's neck with an arm, pulling her head down until their lips met. "One kiss. " She whispered when they broke apart.

Xena gazed down at her in peaceful dreaminess for a long moment. Then she gave her nose a little tweak. "C'mon… let's get this farce started, all right?"

"Right." Gabrielle agreed, giving a few last moment twitches to her outfit. "Ready Ares?"

The wolf, freshly brushed, and looking very handsome, was curled up near Xena's saddlebags. At the bard's question, he lifted his head, and pricked his ears. "Roo?"

"I'd say we're all ready… so.. " Xena checked to make sure she had enough weapons clipped to her, and bounced a time or two, just to settle everything. "Let's go."

They exited their assigned quarters, and paced down the stairs together, with Xena consciously slowing her steps to allow for her partner's injured leg. As they reached the foot of the stairs, the two guards stationed there came to attention, saluting Xena smartly. She gave them a nod, and continued on, crossing the large entranceway, and approaching the doors to the banquet hall.

They could hear faint music coming from within, and she gave Gabrielle a quick look before she signaled the door guard to open the large panels. "You ready, my Queen?"

Gabrielle felt a pleasant shock shiver down her back at the title. "You bet." She took a deep breath, and straightened her shoulders, assuming the mantle of authority this outfit bestowed on her. "Go for it."

Xena chuckled faintly. "Gotta work on your queenly dialog, love. " She muttered, then gave the doorman a nod. "Open em up."

The doors drifted open, and a wave of food smells, mixed with incense, and warm bodies washed out. Xena waited for the opening to be large enough to admit them both, then strode in, with Gabrielle close at her heels. As she cleared the entrance, all the soldiers present stood in place, with quiet deference. It sent a little shock wave running around the room, and a buzz followed it, as the city residents glanced uneasily at the still, disciplined faces.

Xena felt it, felt the animal surge of excitement at her presence that made her own blood rush, and she grinned, as she crossed the floor and watched all the eyes in the room follow her, and the Amazon Queen walking proudly at her side. She could see the serious, no nonsense look on Gabrielle's face as she scanned the room, and felt the startled reaction wash back on them from the watching eyes.

As they reached the head table, she caught Garanimus staring, wide eyed at her, and she gave him a look, which made him glance down, then back up, with a slow, appreciative smile starting to cross his handsome face. Casually, she took her seat, aware of the wave of motion as the soldiers sat down after she did. "Hi." She settled the folds of her cloak neatly. "Something wrong?"

Garanimus rubbed his eyes, and indulged in a long, frank stare at her. "Zeus' eyeballs, Xena…I'd forgotten what you looked like in all that." He let out a delighted laugh, then craned his neck to oogle Gabrielle, who gave him a cool stare back. "And uh… " One hand waved in her direction. "Where did um… "

"Oh." Xena took a cup from the table, and swallowed a sip of it's contents. "Didn't I mention Gabrielle is a queen of the Amazons?" She commented, innocently. "Damn.. I meant to."

He pointed. "You?"

Gabrielle looked at him, giving him her best imitation of one of her partner's dour looks. "Yeah, and you're really lucky we happen to worship sweet peas among other vegetables." She informed him. "Or I could have been really offended."

He goggled at her, then jerked his eyes to Xena's face, which was solemn, and impassive. "Uh.. right… sorry." He cleared his throat. "Word just came that Framna is at the main gate.. I'm having him escorted in."

Xena just nodded, and leaned back in her chair, resting her elbows on the arms, and steepling her fingers. She was vaguely aware of Silvi on Gar's other side, sitting stiffly, and shooting her evil looks. Her soldiers were scattered around at random, as usual, and were partaking from the platters and pitchers eagerly. At her side, Gabrielle was also daintily plucking goodies from the trays, and consuming them, occasionally offering a selection to the patiently waiting Ares.

She herself, didn't touch a thing, other than the heavy wooden mug she had clasped in both hands, full of plain cider. Her pale eyes moved ceaselessly around the room, watching soldiers, and citizens, servants and guards. She could feel the tension in the room, that was making gestures to frantic, and voices too brittle.

She could smell fear, as sharp and distinctive as thyme, and felt her battle instincts perking up, recognizing that as a signal. Eyes were watching her, and she ignored them, waiting for that large door to open again, and for the show to begin.

It seemed to take forever, but at last they did, and the voices died down, as Framna walked stiffly in, flanked by Bennu and one of her other lieutenants. They brought him before the dais where the head table was planted, and stopped, saluting.

Saluting her, Xena realized, as she lifted a hand in acknowledgement, then dropped it. She elected to remain seated while Garanimus rose in place, letting his long fingertips rest on the table, as he studied his opponent..

Framna had dressed the part, full leathers and armor, including his sword left in place by the guards at Xena's explicit order. His gear was in good condition, and well cared for, and was obviously functional. Now, he lifted his head confidently, and gazed back at them. "I have come to hear your terms." He paused. "Of surrender."

Garanimus laughed, not one of his nicer ones. "Hope you brought a sandwich. You'll be waiting a while." The soldiers around the room chuckled with him, a circle of low sound that echoed gently against the stone floors. "We're not surrendering, you low browed excuse for a mule handler."

Framna's eyes narrowed. "You are outnumbered and outclassed, dog face."

Gabrielle leaned over to where her partner was relaxedly listening. "Sounds like they know each other." She whispered.

Xena lifted a lazy hand and smothered a grin.

"I'm not outnumbered." Garanimus shrugged. "I have Xena." He darted a glanced towards the watching ex warlord. "And as for outclassed, my butt has more class than your entire pathetic army."

The tall, red haired man squared his shoulders. "One person does not an army make, you pigheaded fool." But his eyes darted around the room , to the disciplined stance of the soldiers, and Bennu's silent, menacing presence at his shoulder before he returned his attention to the front table.

"Sure it does." The blond man answered cheerfully, obviously enjoying himself. "You just gotta pick the right person…see, I happen to know Xena here.. " He half turned and gave the warrior an affectionate glance. "Could handle your whole army by herself.. the rest of the boys are just around to carry her sword, and bring her cold water, and that kinda thing.. so.." Another round of chuckles from the army, and a few low yells of agreement.

It was hard to keep a straight face, but Xena managed, making a mental note to kick Garanimus' butt later on for that remark. She maintained her slightly bored, slightly amused expression, and laced her fingers across her stomach, twiddling her thumbs idly.

"You're blushing." Gabrielle whispered, barely moving her lips.

"Too dark for them to see it." Xena muttered back, with a tiny chuckle.

"It would make a great story… " The bard breathed.

"Don’t you get any ideas." The warrior sighed, waiting for Framna's next salvo.

"I find that hard to believe." The redhead stated flatly.

Garanimus spread both arms to either side. "Try me." He cast his cards on the table. "I didn't ask you to show up here… go back out to your army then, and find out for yourself. You won't take this city."

Framna half turned, and now, for the first time, looked directly at the lounging Xena. "I have a better idea."

Uh oh. Xena sighed inwardly. There always has to be someone who can't follow a plan. She exchanged wry looks with her soulmate, then raised an eyebrow at the enemy leader. "And that would be??"

"A challenge." The tall man replied. "Between you, and I."

Xena folded her arms across her chest. "What'd you have in mind?" She asked casually.

He held up a hand. "First, you have to agree, that whatever I name as a challenge, you'll meet, no matter what it is… no backing down, no changing your mind." His eyes studied her. "Unless that disturbs you… and if so, we'll just do this the conventional way, and I'll be going out back to my army. It's a good night for fighting."

Xena stood, and stepped around the edge of the table, strolling down the two stairs from the dais and making her way over to him. She stopped within arm's length, and studied him. "All right." She let a faint grin edge her face. "You have my word." Now she waited, wondering what he had up his sleeve. She suspected she knew how to fight with more weapons than he did, just from the sheer number of years longer she'd been doing it, and even if he chose to forgo weapons and try a wrestling match…well, she had tricks of her own there, too, to compensate for his size and height.

He smirked, a somewhat unpleasant look, and rubbed his hands together. "We fighters can be such one dimensional types, don't you agree, Xena?" He turned his head, and pointed at the small group of musicians who were huddled to one side, waiting for this tedious business to finish so they could continue playing. "I aim to change that. My challenge is music... I will charm the good people here, and see if you can do the same."

He didn't look back at her, just gestured for the harpist to come forward, and when he hesitantly did, took the instrument from his hands.

A murmur ran around the room, and everyone looked at Xena, who had leaned back against the head table, and crossed her arms, an inscrutable expression on her face. Garanimus gave her a nervous look, then took a quick peek at Gabrielle, who had this.. He blinked. Had this completely delighted smile on her face for no apparent reason.

Framna settled the instrument, and fingered it, then started in to a nice melody, which he produced with respectable skill, if a little uneven meter. He circled the room as he played, receiving smiles from the city residents, and ended up in front of Xena as he finished, with a flourish.

"Well?" He asked her, a hint of triumph in his voice.

"I'd say you did this just to show me up and embarrass me in front of all these people." Xena remarked. "That's not nice."

He smiled. "You gave your word."

She nodded. "I did… so.. you want me to.. " She flicked a hand at his harp. "Make some kinda music, or something, huh?"

The room was silent with tense expectation. "That's right." Framna stated, with a smile. "A simple challenge, really… just to prove we're not all dirty, mindless, killers." He looked right at her. "Surely, that's better than me bringing my army in here, and wiping your ugly faces off the land… consider it.. a mercy on my part."

Very cold, very blue eyes lanced right through him. "Music?"

"Meet the challenge, Xena.. or admit you can't." He answered.

She shrugged. "Okay.. you asked for it." She straightened up, and let her hands drop to her sides, as she sorted through a list of possibilities and picked one of Gabrielle's very favorites. Then she closed her eyes, and took a breath.

And sang.

Gabrielle recognized the song by the second note, and she let a warmly contented smile cross her face, watching the jaws drop around the room as her soulmate's beautiful, powerful voice filled the chamber and soared above them, sending chills down her back as it always did.

Suckers. She would have started laughing, except she was too busy absorbing the tune, which Xena knew she loved, and enjoying the looks of total astonishment the tall, dark haired woman was getting from most of the listeners. She let her chin rest on her hand, and watched Xena's chest move as she took in breath to continue, her true pitch and warm, well rounded tones snaring in even the most skeptical of them.

They were spellbound, and when she finished, and the last gentle echo had finally left the stone, there was a stunned silence, which was finally broken by whoops from the army who stood and cheered their general in delight, which slowly spread into sheepish applause from the city residents.

Xena just folded her arms, and chuckled, watching Framna try to recover his composure. She stepped closer to the man. "I didn't appreciate that."

His eyes refused to meet hers.

"I really don't like it when people try to make a fool out of me." Xena continued, her voice taking on an icy coldness. "You try that again, and I'll break every bone in your body, you got me?"

Framna looked up at that, right into her eyes. What he saw frightened him. "I .. I got you."

"Good." The warrior growled. "Now tell Gar you want to stick around over night, to get details hammered out in the morning, and when he agrees, you go sit down, and shut up, understand?"

A brief nod. Xena gave him a last, dark look, before she turned, and gave a wave to her chanting soldiers, returning to her seat and settling into it with a little sigh. A hand settled on her wrist immediately, and she turned her head to see warm, green eyes sparkling back at her. "Surprise, huh?"

"It was perfect." The bard replied, with a grin. "And thank you for choosing that one.. I really like it."

Xena smiled back. "I know." She tore her eyes from Gabrielle reluctantly and returned her attention to Framna.

"It seems… we might settle this amicably after all." The warlord said, through obviously gritted teeth. "Perhaps we can hammer out the details in the morning?"

Garanimus was rocking back and forth in utter delight. "Sure!" He waved at the soldier's escorting the enemy leader. "Bring him over there… hey.. maybe you'll play the harp for us again later, huh?" He laughed, as they moved to a smaller, side table, then he turned to Xena, and slapped her in the shoulder. "You never told me you could sing!"

Pale blue eyes regarded him. "You never did anything that inspired me to demonstrate I could." She answered dryly.

"Ooooo… " The warlord gave her a look of mock hurt. "I'm wounded…." He leaned closer. "Seriously, Xe… that was great.. ya had me worried for a minute.. but I shoulda known better." He grinned. "Hey… swe… I mean, um… Queen Gabrielle… " He winked at Xena, who rolled her eyes, then he looked over at the bard. "You know any good stories about her?"

"Heh." Gabrielle chuckled. "You're kidding me, right?"

Garanimus gave her a charming smile. "Figured you did.. why doncha get up and tell a few.. just to kinda round the evening off." He gave Xena a poke. "Show these stuck ups we're not just dirt grubbers, huh?"

"Excuse me." Gabrielle tapped his arm. "My parents are farmers, and I don’t appreciate that term."

He blinked at her.

She smiled back. "Never assume." She gave Xena a gentle pat on the arm, and stood, watching the crowd's interested eyes track to her as she moved down from the high table and took her place in the center of the floor. The servers were still making their rounds, but the room quieted as they focused on her.

"My name is Gabrielle." The bard started. "And tonight I'm going to tell you a tale about Amazons, and Centaurs… " She took a deep breath. "And how faith and love can change the world. "

All Xena remembered, later, was green eyes, and a voice that seemed to speak directly to her, tugging out her memories, and coloring them with a new wash of brilliance. She could feel their connection, as solid and as real as the arms of the chair curled under her hands, and she allowed herself to get lost in Gabrielle's skilled talent.

As the bard finished, and accepted the resulting applause graciously, Garanimus leaned over her chair arm again. "She's the real stuff.."

Xena spared him a glance. "Yeah."

The tall warlord eyed her. "She's got you snared good, huh?"

The warrior just nodded.

He snorted softly. "Never thought I'd live to see that."

Xena finally turned and looked right at him. "Neither did I." She answered quietly. "Surprises me every single damned day." She picked up her cup, and sipped her cider. "All right.. enough socializing.. " Her voice regained it's crispness as she stood, meeting Gabrielle as the bard returned to her place. "See you tomorrow, Gar."

He looked up at her. "Yeah.. take it easy, okay?"

The warrior put her cup down, and nodded. "Yeah." She let her eyes scan the room, then she put a hand on the bard's warm shoulder, and guided her out.

Gabrielle kept quiet as she accompanied her silent companion up the stairs, concentrating on maintaining an even pace with her injured knee. She stumbled once, and that got a reaction from Xena, who paused, and took her arm, steadying her as they walked on.

"You're really mad, huh?" The bard ventured, after a minute. "That was a really nasty thing for him to do."

Xena shrugged. "Yeah.. it was.. but it backfired." She replied, as they reached the door to their room and she pushed it open. "It does show he has an independent mind, though.. and he's not intimidated easily."

The bard made a small noise of agreement. "You should have seen his face when you started singing…Xena, he looked like a centaur had just farted on top of him."

That got a surprised chuckle out of the otherwise grim ex warlord. "Yeah.. I guess I kinda surprised everyone.. except you, of course." Xena admitted, unclasping her cloak and letting it drape down over her saddlebags.

Gabrielle tugged off her own gauntlets, and dropped them on the desk, as she headed towards the fireplace. "I could use some tea.. can I get you a cup too?" She paused, and waited for an answer, as she put the water on, then turned. "Xena?"

The warrior had seated herself on the low couch, with her elbows braced on her armored knees, and was staring into a pensive nothingness. At the bard's call she glanced up. "Sorry.. what? Oh.. tea.. yeah.. sure. That would be great."

The bard nodded, and portioned out two sets of herbs. "What's wrong?" She asked, after a long, quiet moment.

Guilty blue eyes found hers. "Um.. nothing… I guess I'm just a little.. I don't know." Xena just ended up shrugging.

Gabrielle watched quietly as her soulmate studied her own hands, turning them back to front, then clasping them together, tensing her grip almost compulsively. She poured hot water over the herbs, idly drizzling honey from their supply into the cups as they steeped. After a minute, she stirred both of them, and picked them up.

"You know what I think?" She commented, as she handed Xena hers, and seated herself next to the warrior. "I think I know someone who doesn't like to lose."

Xena shot her a look. "What are you talking about? I arranged this whole thing, remember?" She protested, taking a sip of the tea.

Gabrielle just kept quiet, watching her face, and allowing one hand to rest against the tense back, rubbing it just… so.. in just the right spot….

It worked. After a moment, Xena's eyes closed wearily. "That obvious, huh?" She finally murmured, exhaling. "Well, you've called me on my ego before, Gabrielle… you can just start that lecture up now, I guess."

"Nu huh." The bard leaned over, and let her cheek rest against the taller woman's shoulder. "No lecture." She tucked one hand around Xena's arm, and squeezed it gently. "I was really amazed at how fast you got this army turned around… I think everyone else was, too.. it's more than you being in charge, Xena - those men want to please you." She watched the shuttered eyes. "They put their trust in you."

A slow nod. "And now I'm selling them out." The warrior whispered bleakly. "I can tell myself it's for the best of reasons.. but.. " She shook her head. "It hurts." She put the cup down on the floor and lowered her head into her hands, rubbing her temples with stiff fingers. "And I know I'm going to have to face them, and see that betrayal in their eyes tomorrow."

Gabrielle set her own cup down and slid sideways, then tugged at Xena's armor. "C'mere." She patted her lap. "Lay down, and let me work those kinks out."

The warrior hesitated, then gave in, leaning back and letting Gabrielle unclasp the armor from her shoulders, and lift it off, then closing her eyes as the bard's warm hands started at the base of her neck, and worked outwards. "I know… I know it's stupid.. " She muttered. "No one's gonna get hurt this way… I just… "

"Shh." Gabrielle concentrated on her work, feeling the tension start to relax under her fingers. "I know.. you've got this great big competitive heart in there…" She leaned over and brushed the warrior's forehead with her lips. "That doesn't like to surrender."

Xena gazed up at her for a long minute, then sighed. "You make me sound like an adolescent at their first festival wrestling competition." She mock grumbled, feeling herself start to relax.

"Oh no." Gabrielle started working on her neck. "I'm sure you won that." She paused, and nibbled Xena's nose. "Didn't you?"

Very slow, a grin appeared, wrinkling the skin at the corner of her partner's eyes and mouth. "Um… as a matter of fact…. " She paused, remembered, and chuckled. "Yeah." Ooo.. and had Toris been ticked off at her. Hadn't spoken to her for nearly a month afterward. "Prize was this really nice bridle…Toris was working with this dumb colt who wasn't worth a bunny's butt but he wanted the damn thing to have this nice looking stuff… he pranced around all week saying how he was gonna win it.. "

"Did he?" Gabrielle felt a wave of relief as she realized her companion was responding to her touch.

"Almost." Xena told her. "I decided no dumb horse that couldn’t tell it's right leg from it's left was gonna wear that pretty thing."

"You beat him." It wasn't a question.

"Ohhhh… yeah….. I sure did." Now Xena gave her a real, honest grin. "Then I gave the bridle to our old weaver's wife.. she had this pony, a real cute one, but he hated Toris.. used to bite his butt whenever he went by.. anyway.. I gave it to her and that pony wore that thing until he….." She stopped, and sighed. "He died in the raid."

Gabrielle wrapped her arms around her soulmate's neck, and hugged her. "I was never good at that stuff.. and anyway, girls didn't enter the wrestling and boxing.. we got to do weaving, and cooking… I never won anything."

Xena focused on her. "Bet you would now." She reached up and folded her hands around the bard's. "I know in quarterstaff there'd be no contest…Hades, I don't think I'd want to go up against you."

The bard snorted. "Come on, Xena."

"I'm not joking." The warrior protested, earnestly. "We're pretty evenly matched, Gabrielle…you've got much better technique than I do, and you're compact., so you’ve got a much better hitting angle."

Green eyes widened. "You're serious?"

Xena nodded. "Yeah.. I was thinking about it the other day… I mean, sure.. I'm stronger than you are, but that doesn’t count for a lot in quarterstaff." She blinked at her still stunned partner. "What's wrong?"

Gabrielle closed her eyes. "My brain is trying to get itself wrapped around the idea that you are telling me I'm better than you are with a weapon." She shook her head. "And I'm having the hardest time doing that."

Xena chafed her hands. "Gabrielle.. if you choose the weapon, you don't need a champion anymore." She said gently. "The Amazon Queen's perfectly capable of defending her own title now."

The bard's eyes popped open. "No… no that's not true." Her voice rose. "Don't you say that." Her breathing quickened. "Are… are you saying you don’t… .I… "

"Whoa.. whoa…. hey.. " Xena's eyes widened in alarm as she felt the bard's violent reaction.

Gabrielle jerked herself free, and untangled her body from her partner's then stood and paced across the room, wrapping her arms around her body tightly. She felt a solid panic rising, and couldn’t stop it, her mind whirling with Xena's words. Didn't she want to be …but.. I thought……

What in Hades did I do? Xena rose herself, and tentatively walked towards the now silent bard, who was standing near the window, staring out. "Gabrielle?" She said, hesitantly. "I didn't mean to upset you with that… I kinda thought it was a compliment."

"What, that I didn't need you anymore?" The bard felt the words leave her lips almost without permission. "Thanks. It made me feel great."

Xena was at a loss for words, so she tried a couple that generally worked. "I'm sorry." No answer. "I didn't mean for you to think I didn't want to be your champion… I'm very proud of that."

Gabrielle let out a slow breath.

"I just.. thought that if it ever happens.. and you wanted to… answer the challenge personally.. well.. you could." Xena finished, letting her voice trail off a little. "Please don't be mad." She heard the unexpected ache in her voice, and saw the bard's back stiffen.

Gabrielle turned, and gazed at her, apologetically. "I'm.. not .. sure where that all came from." She admitted softly, as she limped towards Xena, and fit herself into the waiting embrace. "I'm sorry… I don’t know why I reacted like that." She could hear Xena's heart hammering erratically against her chest, and almost kicked herself. "That was really stupid…of course it's a compliment."

Xena held her close, until her body calmed down, then considered what had happened. She finally pulled away from the bard with a wry smile. "I think I know where that came from."

Gabrielle had no interest in leaving her warm spot. "Where?"

The warrior reached down and gently patted her belly. "Right there." She curled her arms back around the bard's body. "You get a little more… um… "

"Emotional?" Gabrielle hazarded.

"Unsettled.. yeah… " Xena confirmed. "When you're pregnant."

"Oh. Great.." The bard groaned softly. "Just what I needed to hear." She put a hand against Xena' chest, above her heart. "Are you going to survive this?" She gazed up at her anxiously. "I didn't mean to.. get you all shook up like that."

Xena made her answer a kiss. "I'll live." She mumbled softly, as Gabrielle wrapped arms around her neck. "After all, you put up with my egotistical ranting." She breathed in a lungful of the uniqueness of Gabrielle's usual scent mixed with leather and decided she liked it. Her hands roamed gently over the bard's body, touching the smoothness of skin that shifted under her fingertips.

"Mmmm… " The bard murmured. "Cider." She let her arms slip down over the bared shoulders, and traced the outline of her leathers, hands coming to rest on the buckles that held them on. "We got any other plans for this evening?" She nibbled on the warrior's collarbone, smelling the faint hint of woodsmoke that clung to her from the hall. "Or can I have my way with you?"

Big, round blue eyes fastened on her face. "Yow." The warrior spluttered a little. "I don' t know… what are you planning on doing with me?"

"Oh." The bard undid one buckle, and gently licked the skin under it. "I'll think of something." She nudged Xena backwards, until the taller woman's legs hit the bed, then pushed her down onto it.

Xena allowed that, folding her hands quietly to see what the bard had in mind next. She watched Gabrielle remove her leg armor and boots, enjoying the candlelight's movement against her burnished skin, a lot of which was on display in the Amazon leathers.

Gabrielle finished her task, then crawled up the length of her partner's long body, and slid a hand over the front of her half unfastened leathers. "Now.. where was I?" She gazed down into darkened blue eyes. "Oh yeah." Her lips found their place, and she let her hands wander, impatiently pushing aside the heavy leather. She paused as her lips nibbled a ticklish spot. "I could just torture you." She felt Xena's skin tense in reaction, and grinned. "But I guess I'll be nice."

Suddenly a deep, seductive voice claimed her ear. "Nice?" Teeth captured her lobe. "Oh.. I don't think so."

"Uh.. did I say nice?" Gabrielle squirmed, then nipped at the soft skin under her lips. "Silly me." She managed to get ahold of both the warrior's arms, and held them down, then started in a campaign that finally had her soulmate helpless with laughter. Then the hands she'd been holding lifted up off the bed with little effort, and broke her grasp, coming to rest on her waistline and lifting her up. "Urk." She squawked, grabbing for a more secure hold.

Xena settled her down into a favorite spot, and kissed her. "My turn." She worked the bard's top off, and felt Gabrielle slide against her, bringing their bodies into warm contact. She let her fingertips brush gently up the bard's sides, feeling the muscles shift and the ribs suddenly expand as Gabrielle gasped. "You're getting more ticklish, yourself." She kidded the younger woman gently, as she explored the soft skin of her throat.

"M.. m mmore sensitive… to… " Gabrielle sucked in another breath as her partner's hands hit familiar spots. "you.. I.. I guess." She felt her breathing go out of control as her body responded, craving the contact, and demanding more.

"Oh yeah?" Xena whispered against her flesh, as she let her hands explore the bard's contours. She could feel Gabrielle's heartbeat pounding against her lips, and as the bard pressed against her, her own rate sped up, until they were in synch.

Then their connection surfaced, bringing them together, and blocked out the future for a long stretch of time.

Afterward, the bard rested contentedly, sprawled over her soulmate's comfortably relaxed body, listening to the wind tinkle against the chimes just outside the balcony door. "Guess we just wait for tomorrow morning now, huh?" She mumbled against Xena's skin, drawing idle pictures on it with one finger.

The warrior pried her eyes open reluctantly, and checked her time sense. "Actually.. I'm going to go make sure everything goes all right at the gate." She let her fingers run up and down Gabrielle's bare back, grinning when the bard mewled like a kitten, and arched her body into the touch.

"Feeling better now?" Gabrielle inquired, giving her a pat on the belly. "You seem much less tense."

"Tense?" Xena chuckled. "Gabrielle, if I was any more relaxed, I'd be asleep." She exhaled. "Unfortunately… because now I gotta get dressed and go sneaking." She tangled her fingers in Gabrielle's hair, and scratched the back of the bard's neck.

"I love when you do that." Gabrielle closed her eyes blissfully.

"I know." Xena replied softly, glancing down at her soulmate's candelit face. "Gabrielle?"

"Mm?" The bard kept her eyes closed.

"Do… do you remember a note.. that you wrote me, before I got on the boat to Chin?"

Gabrielle's body stiffened, and she raised her head, letting her eyes blink open. "I… yeah….I .. of course I do." She answered, giving Xena an anxious look. "What… what brought that up? "

Xena traced her jawline with a finger. "I read it for the first time today."

Real surprise. "Wh… I.. thought you would have… I mean, it was… you usually find that stuff.. um.. "

"I did." She let out a breath. "I did.. find it.. then, but I didn't have the guts to open it." Long pause. "I should have… I should have, because it would.. have made a difference." Her eyes unhappily met the bard's. "I just wanted you to know that."

Gabrielle exhaled. "Well.. I.. " A smile crossed her face. "Thank you.. for telling me that.. I always thought…maybe you just tossed all that stuff overboard."

The warrior gazed at her. "Hardly…I had all your little notes with me, Gabrielle.. and every day, I'd take one out, and read it." Her eyes dropped. "I think that's about the only thing that kept me going."

"Oh." It didn't hurt quite so much anymore, to think about the past year, Gabrielle realized. Or maybe it was just because she could think about it while cuddled up with Xena that removed the sting. "I didn't really have anything of yours… just my memories.. really. I went to sleep every night in Chin while I was waiting for you dressed in your shirt, though… they thought I was crazy." She paused, remembering. "Even after everything, I really, really missed you."

Xena smiled sadly. "I missed you too." She plucked at the blanket. "I thought about you all the time."

Gabrielle buried her face in her soulmate's shoulder. "I thought they were going to kill me because I wouldn't stop talking about you… I think I used to give Ming Tien a headache.. he would get this weird little twitch after I'd been around him for a while."

The warrior stayed silent for a moment. "I wasn't going to kill him." She finally said, almost to herself. "I wasn't… I didn't, until he… he egged me on, Gabrielle… it was almost like… he gave me the hairpin on purpose."

"You mean.. he wanted you to kill him?"

Xena shook her head. "I don't know… but I wasn't going to, until he called me over that one last time." She gazed off into nothing. "Something snapped." Slowly , her eyes refocused on the bard's watching face. "I should have told you when it happened. I'm sorry."

Another piece in the puzzle slid quietly into place. Gabrielle nuzzled her comfortingly. "It's all right." She told her, peacefully. "You were safe… that's all I cared about." She sighed. "I was too busy being overwhelmingly grateful that you'd forgiven me enough to talk to me at all."

They hadn't even discussed it… not that first night out on the boat home, when the high seas had made Gabrielle miserable, until quiet fingers had closed on her wrist, and she'd looked up into bruised, sunken eyes that wanted nothing more than just….

Peace. And they'd found it, for a brief time, on stormy seas, in each other's arms. If she closed her eyes, she could still feel that warmth, that had gently held her shattered soul together through the long night.

The warrior accepted that. "Mm." She gave the bard a brisk rub. "Gotta get up, love."

"Gotta?" The bard oozed over her, spreading warmth and comfort in her path.

Xena felt her body respond to the insidious attack with cheerful abandon, and she had a tough time convincing it otherwise. "C'mon… gimme a break … I want to make sure everything is nice, and peaceful.. so we can get the Hades outta here tomorrow."

The bard mock sighed, and rolled over, letting her head rest on one hand as she stretched out on her side. "What are you going to do about your agreement with Vasi?"

Xena allowed herself to be distracted by her partner's slim body for a long moment, before she thought about the question. "Nothing." She shrugged. "Framna's deal takes precedence.. if he asks, I'll just say Framna made a better offer."

Gabrielle absorbed this thoughtfully. "Xena?"

"Hmm?" The warrior had rolled out of bed and stood up, pulling her leathers from where they'd fallen. She stood outlined in golden light for a moment, her lithe form showing dips and shadows when she moved.

"What… would happen if… there was no deal? If you.. if the army really did have to defend the town?"

Xena grinned, and fastened the straps on her leathers. "Wanna see?" She padded over to the desk, and sorted through some scattered parchments. "C'mere.. I'll show you.. I had it all planned out."

Gabrielle meant the question rhetorically, and she had no real desire to leave her warm nest, but the warrior's enthusiasm was rare, and catching, so she scrambled out of bed and joined her, after retrieving a simple shift and tugging it over her head. "Okay.. I'm here."

Xena spread a map of the surrounding countryside on the desk, and one of the fortified parts of the city. "Look… this is where his army is.. " Her finger found a spot. "And it's not a bad position, but what he doesn't know is that he's at the bottom of a water slope here.. and here.. " The finger moved. "So first, he's gonna be fighting uphill. That's harder.. and second, you can do more stuff if you have time, and momentum." She picked up another sheet. "If his main force is here, then he's in a funnel.. I'd have small bands of hunters slip alongside these ridges here, and here.. and try to pick off as many of them as they could.. leading them up to here. " A finger. "This is the main stockyard for the city, and the market.. if you stampede the herds, they can only head down one way. " She traced the path down to where the army's position was. "That throws everyone into confusion."

Gabrielle stood quietly and watched her, seeing the intelligence and vivid interest light in her eyes.

"Once you get them off their stride, it's a matter of using your resources wisely." Xena continued. "You put your best archers on these walls here." She pointed. "Because as they're coming up the slope here, there's this one point where they have no cover." She took a breath. "Then you use traps and pitfalls here, to discourage them. By the time they're in siege position, you can knock out half of their fighting force, and that makes even taking the city problematical."

Gabrielle blinked at her, silently shaking her head just a tiny bit. "You're amazing."

Xena looked up from her plans and her brow creased. "No I'm not.. it's the basics, Gabrielle.. there's nothing amazing about it."

"You didn't need to bluff Framna. You were serious.. you would beat him, wouldn't you?"

A puzzled pause. "Yeah.. I mean, anything can happen, but…" A shrug. "With any luck at all, sure.. I'd win." She looked at Gabrielle. "You surprised?"

"That you'd beat him?? No no no…. " The bard waved a hand frantically. "I just… I didn't know you'd thought it all out… like that." She let out a surprised little chuckle. "I mean… you knew, one way or the other you weren't going to have to do that."

Xena rubbed her chin, and gazed down at the documents. "I… " She seemed a little confused. "Mental exercise, I guess… I haven't gotten to use that in a while." Her voice trailed off.

Gabrielle felt a quiet understanding come over her. She stepped closer, and put a hand on the taller woman's arm. "You miss this, don't you?" A pause. "No.. not the fighting… we get enough of that…but the army.. and the respect of the soldiers.. and the planning.. you miss it."

The warrior looked down at her hands for a long time, one finger tracing idle patterns against the parchment, before she took in a deep breath, and looked up to meet Gabrielle's patiently waiting eyes. She searched the bard's face for a few breaths, then gave a tiny nod of admission. "Yeah."

Xena felt this wasn't enough explanation, though, so she tried to gather her thoughts up. "It's like…I know we both have to use our minds all the time, Gabrielle.. to solve problems.. get ourselves out of things… but this is different. This is like.. okay, how would you feel, if the only people you could ever tell your stories to were children?"

Gabrielle's brows contracted. "Children?"

"Yeah." Xena eyed her. "As an audience."

The bard thought about that. "Children love stories…I like to tell them to kids.. but.. "

"But." Xena agreed. "There's no challenge, really, is there? You know they're going to accept what you tell them."

Green eyes shot up, in sudden comprehension. "Yeah… with adults it's different.. I have to persuade them.. use different techniques.. it's more complicated, and I have to slant my storytelling depending on the situation, who's there, what I'm trying to acc…" She let her voice trail off as she stared at Xena, seeing a whole new window of understanding open up. "That's why you like word puzzles." She breathed. "And guessing games…isn't it?"

Xena gave her a wry little grin, as she retrieved her armor, and began putting it on. "Don't get to use this much. "Her fingers tapped her head. "It's nice to be known for something besides brute force.. I guess that's where the respect comes in." She looked up. "My army knew… I could think my way out of a trap just as well as I could fight my way out of it…I guess that's what I'm missing… everyone remembers the fighting part, but not too many people remember the thinking."

Gabrielle walked over, pensively silent, and fastened the buckles dangling on either side of Xena's chest. She knew it was true… even she forgot that sometimes.. but if she thought back, to their past adventures, she could pick out the times when Xena would exhibit a well hidden, but gleeful delight in solving the most convoluted problems. Like how to battle a giant, and a warlord in the same day. Or defeat a god. Or when they'd gotten caught in that repeating nightmare.

A restless, active, intelligent mind, stuck in Amphipolis, relegated to figuring out how much barley to feed the horses. Gabrielle exhaled slowly. That, was a problem, no matter how much Xena assured her she was happy at home. Troubled, she looked up, only to have Xena cup her face.

"I don't want to go back to that, Gabrielle." Her voice was very soft. "It's just nice to practice once in a very long while."

"But… " A finger touched her lips, stilling them.

"No buts. No regrets." Xena insisted. "You keep me busy enough, my bard… just get me a few of those new wood puzzles for the winter. .I'll be just fine."

Gabrielle regarded her intently. "We're going to talk about this later." She warned gently. "I don't want your brains rusting."

Xena laughed quietly. "All right.. we'll talk later." She bent her head and kissed the bard. "Lemme go check things out." She settled her weapons, and ambled to the balcony, peering over with interest. "No sense in alerting anyone, right?" She powered her body up and over the railing, and sat on the top of it, planning her decent.

"Be careful." Gabrielle grumbled, glancing uneasily over the edge. "Okay?"

The warrior winked at her. "No problem." Then she leaped off the balcony, landing on a ledge just underneath it, and walking along it's narrow width as thought she were out for a stroll by the river.

"Yeah. No problem. " Gabrielle repeated, watching her nervously. "Did I ever mention just how much I hate it when you say that, Xena?" She kept her eye on the warrior until she jumped from one ledge to another, finally swinging gracefully down onto the cobblestones with a slight hop. Then she disappeared into the shadows.

The bard trudged inside, and limped over to the desk, leaning against it for a moment before shuffling the parchment together. She was about to sit down, then changed her mind and went to the lump of saddlebags, kneeling down stiffly next to her own, and digging inside. "Ah." She came up with two of their travel bars, and took them back to the desk with her, nudging Ares' sleeping form aside as she settled down in the chair.

"Aw, Hades." She cursed softly, standing back up and going to the fire, where she prepared more tea, and stirred it, bringing the gently steaming cup back with her. She set it down, then pulled her diary over and settled herself comfortably, taking a sip of the hot liquid, then nibbling on a trail bar. "Y'know, Ares… I think I'm glad we're going to visit the Amazons… especially for the Festival of Dionysus."

"Agrrro?" The wolf wagged his tail.

"Mm hmm, I am… maybe we'll even find you a girlfriend, huh?" Gabrielle mused, as she munched her trail bar, and smoothed a blank sheet of her diary down. "Would you like that?"

"Grrrrrr…"

'That sounds very noncommittal to me, Ares.. you're getting too much like your mommy."

"Roo?"

"Yeah, well, it's okay to show you like something, all right?"

A tail wag.

"That's better." Gabrielle smiled at him, then dipped her quill in the pot of ink.

Where do I start.

I've had to start with that statement for a few days now.. is that a bad sign? So much keeps happening, I have to stop and think about what I've put down before I put more down.

I'm still pregnant… I'm starting to kinda.. I don't know, I remember Lila saying she was starving all the time..and I am… but how can I tell if that's because I'm pregnant, or my usual appetite? I guess it doesn't much matter… Xena thinks it's 'cute', of course.. though I'm not sure how much of that is real, and how much is her trying to make me relax, and feel good about it.

I guess that doesn’t matter much either… whether she thinks it really is cute, or whether she's doing her best to make me feel good… they're both really great things, so… who cares? I'm laughing about that. Poor Xena.. she's gotten my part of the nausuea thing… but she's holding up pretty well, really…that and the food cravings… to see her face when she catches herself eating something she usually hates… it's soooo funny. She looks like Ares that time when Cyrene put a blob of apple butter in his mouth just to see what he'd do. He poked his tongue all out, and got this really disgusted look on his face.. that's what Xena does, only she usually keeps her tongue inside her mouth.

She's… been acting kinda strange, too. Quieter, in some ways, more open.. a few times tonight words just came bubbling up .. and that's so unusual for her. Like when she was telling about that bridle, and then again when she showed me her battle plan. I wonder if that's part of what we share too.

I'm finding myself.. daydreaming a little more, I guess.. I just get lost in these thoughts, nice thoughts, mostly about her, about us.. it's almost like I'm focusing more tightly on our life together. I've noticed that I'm touching her more.. I can't help it, it's like my body always wants to be in contact with her, and I hope it doesn't start driving her crazy.

That little temper tantrum I had tonight worries me. I totally overreacted to something she said, and I know I freaked her out a little. Her heart was pounding so hard… I hope I can realize what's going on next time and just kinda stop it. I don't want to put her through nine months of that.. it's not good for her. Or me, for that matter.. but I've got an excuse, at least.

She really feels bad about just turning the army over. It goes against all her instincts, and the fact that she's actually going through with it kinda amazes me. She wants to fight, especially after tonight at dinner, after Framna that jerk challenged her.

Boy, did she ever show him. I almost stood up and cheered when she just opened up and started singing, and all those stuck up people practically swallowed their wine goblets. Serves them right. I enjoyed that a lot, kinda like sticking your tongue out in front of everyone going nyah nyah… That's bad, but.. I can't help it.. I felt so proud of her, I could hardly sit still.

I realized something else, tonight. I realized..

A soft knock at the door interrupted her, and she looked up with a sigh. "Damn it, Ares…I hate when that happens." Her eyes located her staff, then she cleared her throat. "Come in."

The door slowly edged open, and Mestre poked a dark, suspicious head in, her eyes finding Gabrielle and narrowing.

The bard bit down several cutting remarks. "Come on in, Mestre."

The girl did so, followed by the bulkier form of Gramma. They both stared at Gabrielle intently.

"She's out by the gates somewhere, checking things." Gabrielle folded her hands over her diary.

Gramma gently shoved the younger girl out of the way, and moved forward. "Didn't see er leavin… " The old woman accused.

"By the door?" Gabrielle propped her chin up on one hand. "That's way too conventional for Xena. No.. she climbed down the outside wall." She assured her. "She wanted to make sure everything went as planned… she hates leaving things to chance."

Mestre had sidled over to the pitcher she'd left and examined it, then given Gabrielle a somewhat friendlier look. "We gots things to discuss wi her."

The bard leaned back in her chair, and pulled one knee up, circling it with her arm. "Let's see.. is it Vasi's doublecross? Elanora's plot? Framna's sleeping in Silvi's room? The soldiers didn't actually take the drug? Or is it something we don't know about yet?"

The goggled at her.

Gabrielle shrugged modestly.

Gramma sat down on the couch with a thump. "Ye're her lover?"

The bard blinked, not used to having the question phrased quite so bluntly. "Um… among other things, yes."

The old woman exhaled. "Word is.. 'is army's not pleased w'his bargain… Janas, our hunter just come back in, says he found em milling round… he's not sure what's the doings."

"Who… Garanimus' army?" Gabrielle asked, confused. "They're upset about surrendering?"

"Nah." Gramma shook her head. "T'other one's.. I'm thinking we might have kicked t'cow patty on this un."

Gabrielle froze. "Gramma.. they're about to open those gates." She was already rising, and grabbing for her boots. "Do you mean to tell me they might just attack instead of taking over peacefully?"

A shrug. "Dunno, little lass… s'why I came t'talk to the sprout."

The bard paused in her lacing. "The what?"

The old woman grinned toothlessly. "Little sprout.. s'what I call that tall, dark thing you run around wi." She sighed. "She was a cute little bugger, allus into something."

Gabrielle stood up and fastened a belt around her light tunic to keep it in place. "She still is." The bard muttered, grabbing her staff. "She's down by the gates… if they do attack, she'll be the only one there to try and stop them."

The cobblestones felt cool under her boots, and Xena reflected that fall was, indeed, underway. She slipped through the shadows, feeling the dampness of dew starting to form on the stones under her fingertips as she ran lightly along the mostly deserted streets, muted sounds showing where families were settling down to bed.

On either side of her, she could hear creaks and motion, people closing down their homes and animals shifting restlessly in snug stables, ignorant of her passage. On the wind, she scented woodsmoke, and different kinds of foods cooking, and a faint hint of rain in the air. She launched into a quick flip, to loosen her body up, and landed with a faint scuffing sound on the cobbles.

Down through the castle gates, then through the homes of the nobility, set a bit back from the narrow street, then through the middle class homes, where small workshops of the craftsmen and women sat next to their dwellings. Now the roads became narrower, and dirtier, and she was among the homes of the poor, who shared their tiny huts with their beasts, and whose meager belongings were clustered outside in neat piles.

The smell here was of bread and boiled wheat and vegetables, not the roasting meats and delicate scents of baking of the more affluent homes. Xena pulled to a halt near the edge of one crooked path, and put her hand on the wall of the nearest hut, peering around the corner to the large main city gates, closed tight now in the darkness.

She could see the torches mounted on the inside of the walls, which shed flickering shadows on the beggars huddled against the sheltering surface, and the quiet guard that stood there, in royal livery as she'd suspected.

The palace guards would offer to take the night watch so that her soldiers might enjoy the festivities, of course. Xena watched as they leaned against the closed gates, making low, ribald comments that carried to her sharp ears. She caught the familiar sound of her own name, and grimaced at the comment, then shook her head, and turned to watch as a small group of well dressed nobles issued past her.

She blended into the wall, watching them pass, their purposeful walk at odds with their casual conversation. They approached the gates, and the royal guards came to attention, saluting the foremost man, who looked carefully around, then gave him a nod of permission.

The wind blew lightly against Xena's face, and she stiffened, catching an unexpected scent on the wind.

Excitement. Fear. Sweat. A small force was supposed to be waiting on the other side of the gates, to enter, and take charge of the city, moving directly to the castle to overwhelm any opposition still awake after the drugged meal.

But that scent wasn't coming from a small force. Xena loosened the sword in her scabbard, and stood on her toes, catching another scent.

Burning canvas.

Beyond the city gates was the market, with it's colorful booths.

The guard unclasped the huge lock holding the gates closed.

Xena started running, drawing her sword as she did. "NO!!!!!!"

Gabrielle darted down the stairs, ignoring the pain in her leg as she ran, balancing her staff in one hand. "Come on, Ares." She called to the wolf, who was bounding at her side. "Let's go find mommy, okay?"

"Aagggrrrroooo!" The wolf howled, picking up her nervousness.

The bard bolted across the hall, and out the small side door that led to the courtyard where the troops were billeted. As she passed the well, she felt a stark, cold, bolt of emotion that almost made her trip and she stopped dead, clutching her chest. "Xena."

Panic urged her on, and she stumbled, falling to her knees painfully. She cursed, and hauled herself up, heading towards the first barracks door and slamming her body against it, hammering at the wood with her staff. "Open up!"

A long pause, startled, male voices, then the door jerked open, and she was almost overwhelmed by the tall, muscular Bennu. "Wait.. "

"Lass?" Bennu looked down, startled, and move a torch to where he could see her face. "What's t'matter?"

Gabrielle got control of herself, so she wouldn't sound like an idiot. "I think we're under attack."

He jerked. "What?"

She prayed for patience, when her heart and soul were dragging her elsewhere. "They opened the gates… and I think Framna's army is overrunning the city."

"Ares balls!" Bennu cursed, cupping his ears, and turning towards the gates. By now, six or seven other soldiers were standing at his back, clamoring to know what was going on. "Be still, damn ye bastards!" He abruptly blushed. "Pardon, lass." Then he listened again. "Y'hear that?"

Silence fell, as they listened.

Yells. Steel on steel. And suddenly, ringing on the damp air, a high battle cry that wrung a moan from Gabirelle's throat.

"C'mon!" Bennu yelled, at the top of his voice. "Just like the genr'l planned! Move yer butts!"

Men started running, fully clad, Gabrielle realized, and already armored. The next barracks over burst open it's doors, as more men poured out on hearing the alarms. "She knew." The bard breathed.

"Genr'l said.. best be ready… a drill, she said!" Bennu was buckling on his sword. "C'mon lads! To th' gates.. just like we practiced!"

Gabriellle felt the pull now, and she started running, heading down the long, lonely path, her boots and Ares' claws sounding unaturally loud on the stone surface. "Come on.. come on.. Ares… it's just her.. just her… against all of them. " She chanted, then almost slipped as a scent of animals came to her.

She skidded to a halt. "Wait… Ares… her plan.. come on.." She darted to the left, towards the stockyards.

The gates exploded open, under the force of many, shoving hands, and Xena watched in horror as the nobles before the gates were swept under the boots of the first wave of the army. They were trampled, and she saw a pikeman gleefully spit one of them, putting a splash of red against the rich green of his tunic.

What was she doing? Her feet were carrying her foreward, heading towards the oncoming army, but she wasn't stupid enough to believe she could stop them, or even appreciably slow them down. There were 600 of them, and she was only one person.

Right?

The gates were swinging open, and she knew if they got all the way back, there was no chance.. but on either side, two teams of draft horses were standing, wild eyed, watching the oncoming army.

A yell, in just the right place, and sting from her chakram, and the horses bolted, dragging a heavy cart behind them right towards the rushing men. They crashed through the front line, and smashed against the gate, holding it in a semi closed position. Xena headed for it, and leaped onto the back, meeting the first of the men with a wild, desperate yell.

Her sword slashed out, beheading two men at once, and she jumped down into the first ranks, cutting and stabbing. She pulled her chakram out and used it as a second edged weapon, cutting gashes into armor, and sinking it's edge into chests as men screamed in fear and disbelief.

Another yell, and she leaped forward, slashing and taking off an arm, a leg, she turned in one circle with her arms locked and gutted three men, leaving a pile of bodies in her wake.

Her blood was up now, and the part of her that was Ares was surging and awake, and she headed into the lines with a deadly, unstoppable fury. The half closed gates limted the flow of the soldiers, and as she killed her way forward, she let the falling bodies help her block the rush too.

The leaders of the attack realized what the bottle neck was, and two of them shoved men to either side, trying to get the gates more fully open, and directed the flow of the battle toward overrunning her with sheer numbers.

The line surged ahead, throwing her back, and then she stumbled over a body, and a wave of yelling soldiers swept over her, stabbing and clubbing her stunned form with battle maces.

Xena felt the blows connect, and a dark wave clouded her vision, as she felt her blood slick sword loosen in her grasp, and a boot catch her in the side.

No. She got her hands down on the ground and shoved up, throwing two soldiers off of her back, cutting up with her sword and gutting a third, whose blood spurted over her in a hot, moist wave. She grimly kept on, regaining her ground step by step, forcing the front ranks of the attacking army back to a standstill, jumping up on the pile of bodies from her earlier efforts, and keeping up a determined defense of the ten foot wide opening in the gates. "You're not getting in here, boys!" She yelled, spotting the leader of the troops heading towards her,shoving his men aside.

The tall Linnus. He drew his sword as he reached the knot of men around her and engaged her, driving her back by sheer weight. He was also fresh, and she had been holding the gates for almost half a candlemark by now, stressing her reserves to an almost incredible degree.

His technique was brilliant, and he was taller, and outweighed her by half again, and he was determined to remove this obstacle from his plans.

"What happened to an agreement?" She yelled, ducking under a blow that should have beheaded her.

"An agreement with him, not with me." Linnus snarled. "I'm not sitting here babysitting that bastard.. and handsoff? Like Hades." He slammed his sword hilt against her chest, shoving her back. "You fought a good fight here, Xena.. now give it up, before I spit you!"

"You offering me safe passage?" Xena replied, meeting his downward stroke, and deflecting it.

"Just get the Hades out of my damn way!" He yelled.

"NO!!!" She yelled back, feeling the dark energy surge, as her reserves exploded inside her. "You'll have to take me down, you stupid bastard!" She loosed her temper, and let the rage take over. Anger and will and sheer ability drove him back, into the oncoming rush of men trying to get inside the gate.

A rumbling overran the yelling, and before they could turn, thundering hooves and outraged braying floated in the opening. Xena heard it, but kept swinging, aware in the peripheries of her vision that she was no longer fighting alone, letting her fury carry her forward. Amounted horseman managed to squeeze in, and thundered past her, screaming in rage, as his arm swept up and he jerked his mount to one side at the last moment, smashing into her and rearing the horse as he brought down his mace in one, savage blow.

The stockyards smelled like… well, stockyards, but Gabrielle couldn't have cared less. She stumbled to a halt at the main gates, and threw them open, then slipped inside, nudging aside the large cows and sheep with impatient thrusts of her hip.

With a lot of effort, she reached the front shoots, and jogged them open, then turned and yelled at the animals.

They stared back at her, phlegmatically chewing their feed.

She yelled again.

They stared at her. "Mooo." The lead cow gave her a disapproving stare.

Gabrielle thought frantically. Then, she cupped her hands to her mouth. "Ares!!!!"

"Arrrooo!!!" He answered, back at the back of the stockyards. An uneasy stir greeted his wild howl.

"Come here, boy!"

"Rooo!" He stood on his hind legs, and yodeled at her, and the wind shifted.

Bringing the scent of wolf across the herd. With a wild bellowing roar, they scattered, running from it and almost trampling the bard in their haste to quit the suddenly stinking stockyard.

She waited for them to pass, then took off running again, dashing through the hay covered yard, and exiting back out onto the street. "Come on, Ares… " She panted, tucking her staff under one arm. "Let's get going… mommy needs us."

She pounded down the street, where doors were now being thrown open, and voices raised in question. "Stay inside!" She yelled, as she dashed past, aware now of soldiers catching up to her, and heading in the same direction. "Close your doors!"

Gabrielle joined a small clump of soldiers as they pounded down the last thin alley, and rounded the bend towards the city gates.

And, for a long instant, they all just stopped dead.

The gates were lit with torches, those in the walls and those held by the attacking soldiers, and much of the area around them was on fire. The gates themselves were partially open, and a huge crowd of men was shoving against them, yelling, and swinging weapons.

Standing in the opening, atop a pile of dead and dying, outlined in flames, was Xena, holding the gates against all comers. At the very moment, she was faced off against a very tall, brawny soldier, who was reeling at one of her blows.

"Ares…" Bennu breathed. "Come on!!!!!" He bolted forward, followed by the eager soldiers. "To t'genrl!"

Gabrielle found herself getting caught up in the excitement of the charge, and she gathered speed, running in their wake and trying to keep her soulmate in her range of vision. She dodged several clashes, as their soldiers began to fight with the attackers, and slipped around in back of where Xena was standing, seeing a fire in her partner's eyes more wild than she'd ever experienced before. She doubted if Xena even knew where she was, judging by the animalistic growls issuing from her.

A horse appeared, and she suddenly saw the danger, as the animal crashed into Xena's back, knocking the dark haired woman off balance. The rider swept his club up, and Gabrielle bolted forward, leaping up onto the edge of the wagon blocking the passage and slamming her staff into the screaming rider's face.

He was swept off his horse, which went thundering by, and she ducked the next soldier's pike, hopping onto pile next to Xena with a grimace. "Can't leave you alone for a minute, can I?" She yelled at her soulmate, while sweeping her staff in a vicious arc and nailing a soldier in the groin, doubting she'd get a response.

It took a long moment, as her presence registered, but then.. "Hey.. I was winning!" Xena answered, as she let out a fierce growl, gutting an opponent and sending a spray of blood everywhere. "Damn, you're a sight for sore eyes, Gabrielle."

"Always like to be appreciated." The bard responded. "Your army's headed up."

"I know." Xena ducked a wild slash, and kicked it's wielder out of the way. "I saw Bennu… you send those animals down?"

"Yep." Gabrielle crouched, then lunged forward, knocking the sword out of the hands of the next man to step through the gates. "I remembered your plan." She slammed her staff against an oncoming pike. "Gramma heard rumors this might happen.. so.. "

"They didn't agree with Framna." Xena pushed her current opponent back, watching him fall down the small hill of dead bodies she was standing on, and took a short breather, caused by the sudden blizzard of arrows being poured into the attacking army from the walls. She glanced to either side, and saw her troops in position.

Just like she'd planned it. The soldiers held their places, skillfully picking off the men wedged in the gate, and the attackers hesitated, then drove forward again.

Xena took a breath, and shoved the damp hair out of her eyes, and dove back into the fray, with a yell. "Be careful!" She hollered back over her shoulder to the bard.

Gabrielle lost track of how long she'd been in the fight, constantly watching out for her partner, guarding her back, swinging again, and again, and again, until she could hardly lift her staff. Finally, after what seemed like forever, and what was, she realized, several candlemarks, she realized she was right up against the gates, and that was Xena's muscular back in front of her, her hands pressed against the edges of the portal, shoving it closed.

Bennu's brawny arms shoved the locking bar in place, and then there was a brief silence. Only the flutter of torches, and the buildings on fire around them broke it, as Xena turned, and leaned back against the blood-spattered surface, her sword still clenched in her hand.

Archers manned the walls, and three squadrons of troops leaned on their weapons, exhausted, but successful, in pushing the enemy back, outside the gates.

Slowly, a chant arose. Xena's name.

It brushed against her like an ocean wave, stirring her short hairs, and prickling her blood with the dark, seductive energy of war. Xena locked her knees in place to keep them from buckling, and raised her sword, acknowledging the chant. "Get the wounded back to the castle courtyard." She raised her voice, hoarse with strain and effort. "Keep a guard on the gate, and get some water to put out these fires."

Men ran to do her bidding, as Gabrielle limped over, and put her back to the wall next to her exhausted soulmate. "You all right?" She ran her eyes over the taller woman, seeing the pain and stress written all over her. "You want to sit down a minute?"

Xena took a deep breath, and dug deep into her flagging reserves. "No.. I'm all right." She straightened, and looked around the gateyard. Bodies were everywhere, piled haphazardly amidst pools of drying blood, and she realized dully that the vast majority of them had fallen under her own sword. "No one was supposed to get hurt." She exhaled wearily.

Ares came galloping up, shaking his head violently as he shook a large, square of fabric. He trotted over and stood up, placing his paws against Xena's chest, and shoved the fabric at her. She took it an examined it. Framna's flag. "Thanks, boy." She gave the wolf a pat, and slung the flag over her shoulders.

Gabrielle put a hand against her blood spattered back. "This wasn't your fault, Xena… if you hadn't been here, they'd have swept right through the city."

The warrior looked around, then dropped her eyes to her gore covered hands. "Yeah. I'm a regular hero." She replied bitterly, then looked back up as Bennu trotted up.

"Genr'l!" He gazed at her with worshipful eyes. "We only lost six men.. last count fer them is twenty score." He looked around. "They're dispersing outside t'gates.. I think they're backing off." He took a breath. "At least.. fer tonight."

Xena pushed away from the wall. "Lemme go look." She knocked her sword against the gates, to get the bits of bone and gore off of it, then went to the rickety ladder which led up to the guard post, and pulled herself up it, tucking the sword under her arm.

Gabrielle watched her carefully, standing next to Bennu. "Thanks for coming out so fast, Bennu." The bard said quietly. "I'm glad you guys were ready.. and not asleep or anything."

"Ah." The soldier kept his eyes glued on his leader. "T'genr'l said she had a feeling something just weren't right.. wanted us to be up and ready just in case. " He blinked as Xena reached the top of the guard post, and caught an arrow as it sped towards her. "Bloody Hades!" He exclaimed, as the warrior dropped the arrow negligently at their feet. "She's amazin!"

Gabrielle pinned her eyes on her soulmate. "Yes."

Xena stayed up there for a long moment, then she ducked under the bar of the guardpost, and eased down the ladder, ending up at their side again. "They're settling for the night." She acknowledged. "But they'll be back ."

Bennu snorted softly. "Let em.. we'll just open the gates a bit and let you at em, genr'l" He looked around. "Never believed I'd see this… never forget it, none of us will."

The warrior just looked at him. "Put a guard on the walls, and the two back places I showed you." She answered quietly. "Tell everyone else to get some sleep.. they might need it." She turned, and took a breath. "Time for me to go have a chat with our friend the warlord."

Gabrielle pushed aside her own exhaustion as she followed her soulmate up the long, bloody road, taking a quick detour to grab a waterskin hanging against an abandoned wagon. She took a sip, then caught up to Xena, and passed it to her. "Here… get some of this."

"No.. it's all right.. " Xena mumbled.

The bard watched her catch herself in a stumble, then she sighed, and firmly took hold of the warrior's arm, pulling her to a halt with dogged determination. "Xena."

"Gabrielle.. I've got to.. " A protest.

"You've got to sit down for a minute." The bard overrode her, nudging her to a seat on a barrel they were passing. "Come on now.. just for a few seconds.. I need a breather."

Xena sat down, and seemed to consider this, then she turned to Gabrielle with a concerned look "Are you all right?" She put a hand on the bard's arm. "You didn't overdo it, did you?"

Gabrielle looked at her partner, who had just held off an entire army and was covered with gore, cuts, scrapes, bruises, and plainly exhausted, and patted her arm. "I'm fine.. just a little tired. "

The warrior nodded a little, marshalling her strength. "You saved my butt." She commented quietly. "You know that, right?" Blue eyes peered at her. "That guy on the horse almost had me."

The bard studied her quietly. Xena's hands were twitching, and her whole body was shivering in reaction. Gently, she pried the taller woman's hands off her sword hilt. "You sit here.. I'm going to wash this off for you, okay?"

Xena took a breath to protest, then subsided, sucking instead on the waterskin.

Gabrielle took the gore encrusted weapon to a small trough that had rainwater collected in it, and dunked it in, washing the length of it down and rinsing the hilt. Then she stood, and went back to the silent warrior, sliding the weapon back into her sheath and patting her shoulder. Xena had her eyes closed, though they slid open as the bard approached. "How are you doing?"

Bloodshot blue eyes blinked a few times. "Not real good." She admitted. "I haven't let.. things.. go like that in a long, long time."

Gabrielle had suspected that. She gently ran her hands through the sweat dampened hair, and stopped as she reached the back of Xena's neck. "You have a big lump here… " She told her soulmate. "Do you remember that happening?"

Xena thought, then shook her head. "No." A pause. "After a certain point, I don't remember much at all." She swallowed. "I…remember getting buried .. and I got real mad.. and then.. then I remember you being there." She looked down at her twitching hands, and folded them together.

"Okay." Gabrielle breathed out. "Well, you managed to save the day, love."

The warrior shook her head in disagreement. "No.. you did.. " Xena straightened a little, and regarded her. "If you hadn't realized what was going on, and brought help….what I did was incredibly stupid, Gabrielle.. I should have come back here and gotten the army."

Gabrielle gently caressed her face. "No.. you did something incredibly just you, Xena…if you'd have let those soldiers in, they would have slaughtered all those people inside the gates, and wrecked half the city.. that was so amazingly brave of you." She put a fingertip on her nose. "You knew I'd know something was wrong, and I did, even without Gramma's warning."

Xena watched her face. "I didn't want…." Her eyes dropped. "You to see that side of me again." She sighed regretfully.

The bard pulled her head over and hugged her very gently. "It's all right…it's part of who you are, Xena… I've… known that for a long time." A pause. "I've accepted that for a long time." She brushed the bloody head with her lips. "Come on.. let's get you cleaned up."

The warrior circled her with her arms, and held on for a long moment, then straightened, and stood up, leaving her arm around Gabrielle's shoulders. "Let's go."

The streets were in pandemonium as they walked through them, men and woman running back and forth, a buzz of voices filled the air which hushed as they were recognized, and they walked on in a cone of eerie silence, broken by the damp fluttering of the torches, and the soft rasp of their boots against the cobblestones.

Finally, one man stepped bravely into their path. "Is it true they destroyed the market?"

Xena stopped, and regarded him. "It's true."

Mutters met her words. "Bastards.. we thought they…" An awkward silence fell, as they looked at Xena uneasily, put in an uncomfortable position by their duplicity.

The warrior sighed. "You counted on the intent of one man, whose eyes were clouded by love." She started walking again. "His army felt otherwise."

A shocked whisper traveled through them. "You knew?"

Xena stopped, and looked at him. "Yeah." She paused. "I just didn't trust anyone."

The man stepped forward, holding a hand up. "You knew, and you defended the city anyway?"

The warrior's back stiffened, and she regarded him in brief silence. "People don't deserve to die because they're gullible." She finally answered.

The man moved back out of their way, and sketched a brief bow at her. "They were right about you." He glanced around, seeing nodding heads. "They said you weren't just another warlord."

Xena gave him a short nod, then headed on, leaving an excited buzz behind her.

The bard didn't say anything, but she could feel the gentle swagger settling back into her soulmate's walk, and she smiled to herself. She kept a steadying arm around Xena, as they walked up the long slope towards the palace, where soldiers were clustered, moving purposely back and forth.

Until they caught sight of them. Then items were dropped, and a yell of welcome went up, a cheer that turned into the vibrant chant of Xena's name, as the reserves came pouring out of the barracks, cheering wildly.

Xena sucked in a deep breath, raising a hand to quell the noise. "Save it.. save it.. there's still an army out there." She waited for them to gather. "They've retreated for the night, looks like."

"Damned right!" A short, stocky man yelled.

The warrior waited for the noise to die down again. "I don't know what's gonna happen tomorrow, but we've got to be ready for anything… full watches the rest of the night, and we'll see what we can arrange in the morning.. after tonight, they might be ready to give up."

Another wild yell, then the chant of her name started up again. She let that go on a short while, then raised her hand again. "All right.. all right.. get going." She watched them scatter, then looked up as one of the younger men trotted near. "What?"

"It's Garanimus." The boy stopped a few feet from her. "He got bad hurt, in the fight down there.. he's askin for ye." He hesitated, swallowing. "Healer says.. ye'd better hurry."

Continued in Part 9

Standard Disclaimer - These characters, most of them, belong to Universal, and Renaissance Pictures, and whoever else has a stake in Xena: Warrior Princess. This is written just in fun, and no copyright infringement was intended.

Specific Story Disclaimers:

Violence –Why does anyone ever disclaim violence in a Xena story? Of course, there's violence. Do you think we'd put out a story that consisted of pages and pages of Xena just.... fishing.. or something? She is a Warrior Princess, not a Mary Kay consultant. (no insult intended - some of my best co workers are Mary Kay consultants, and I purchase from them regularly) And Gabrielle is no slouch with that staff, either. So, yes - there is violence.

Subtext - C'mon. Even the show has subtext. Heck, sometimes, it's not subtext. Sometimes, it's maintext. But anyway, this is an alternative fan fiction story. That means, it's based on the premise that Xena and Gabrielle are more than just best friends. If that's not your cup of mint tea, there are many, many talented bards out in the Xenaverse who post general fiction, which does not follow this premise. Go find them. Enjoy them.

This is, of course, PG13 level involvement here, no more.

So - having read this lovely disclaimer, if you then read the story, and are shocked that Gabrielle and Xena are kissing each other, I can't help ya. If you're offended by it, send me your address, and I'll send you a bushel of citrus. We like to send that from here - we have to get rid of all of it somehow.

Any and all comments are always welcome. You can email them to:

mailto:merwolf@bellsouth.net

Promises Kept - Part 9

By Melissa Good

The stable had been turned into a makeshift healer's room, since there was plenty of space there, and it was quiet. Pallets had been hastily set up for the few wounded of their forces, and a separate area was set up for the wounded retrieved from the enemy forces that had fallen within the walls.

Two of the city's healers were working with the tall, skinny man who served as the army's first aid attendant, and they were kneeling over a pallet in the corner, liberally splattered with blood. As Xena and Gabrielle approached, the closer one nudged his partner aside, and they moved to make room for her.

Xena dropped to an armored knee beside the fallen warlord, and put a blood covered hand on the edge of the pallet. Garanimus' eyes were half open, and he had one hand curled up near his ribcage, where a huge wound was pumping blood out liberally. He slowly focused one her face, and a tiny quirk appeared on the corner of his lips. "F.. f. felt g…good to… " His other hand awkwardly found hers. "be.. on .. the winnin… side.. again."

"You fool." The warrior sighed heavily. "Damn it, Gar…what in Hades did you think you were doing?" She didn't attempt to staunch the wound, seeing its hopelessness instantly.

"S..tory my life." He coughed. "Almost.. got out, Xe… " His face tightened into a grimace. "Almost… "

"Damn." Xena cursed softly, aware of the gentle hand resting on her shoulder. "Since when does a warlord go out to the front lines, huh? What was that, Gar? "She reached over and set a pressure point, relieving some of his pain.

"F..forgot you c.. could do that, Xe..." He blinked up at her glassily. "An.anybody.. you… want me to… say hello to in Tartarus?" A ghostly smile now.

Xena's face twitched. "I'll see you there, someday, Gar… we'll talk." She felt Gabrielle's fingers tighten convulsively, but pushed that to one side of her awareness.

He nodded weakly. "Be like old times." His fingers tightened on hers. "Sorry I sold you out, Xe… thanks.. for comin here." Long pause. "Left.. you… with a mess… sorry…" His breath shuddered. "But… I… I got a.. great.. story to tell em when.. I get there.."

The warrior circled his shoulders with one strong arm, and pulled him close in comfort, as his body arched in pain. He let out a wordless cry, and buried his face into her armor, his fingers digging into her arm. "Easy." She muttered softly. "It's almost over."

One last shudder, and his body relaxed, slumping against Xena's lifelessly. She rolled him back over, and straightened his now still limbs, reaching over and shutting his eyes with faintly trembling fingers. "Goodbye, Gar." She uttered softly. "Have a safe passage."

The healers were silent, not looking at her, and she rested her forearms on her knee for a long moment, before exhaling. "Have his body wrapped for a pyre."

The older healer glanced up. "You'll tell his kin?"

Xena studied her battle stained hands. "He has none." She paused. "He's an orphan.. his parents were killed in a raid, along with his brothers, and sisters, when he was ten."

An awkward silence fell. "Where is he from?" Gabrielle asked, to fill it.

Xena lifted the edge of blanket over him and covered his face. "Amphipolis." She replied quietly.

With that, she stood, and took a breath, turning her head towards the door. "I'm going to go have a talk with Framna."

Gabrielle stayed mostly silent as she trailed along after her taller companion, out the large door to the barn and across the small courtyard. Halfway across Xena changed course, and went to the well, pulling the bucket up with short, sharp gestures, and dipping the water out with a soft splash. She drank with her eyes closed, but Gabrielle could see that her hands were shaking.

"Hey." The bard gently rested her head against one grimy shoulder, and wrapped an arm around her. "I’m sorry."

Xena let the dipper fall into the bucket, and turned around, sitting down on the edge of the well and resting her elbows on her knees. "No one was supposed to get hurt, Gabrielle." She uttered, softly.

"I know." Gabrielle rubbed her back. "I didn't know he was from home."

A faint shake of her dark head. "He was… just a kid.. when he followed me." She whispered. "I think he did it just because there was nothing else for him.. or maybe.. he thought it was exciting… " A long pause. "He was never that great a fighter.. mostly just lazy.. he loved making a big score, then just laying back for a while."

"You guys must have fought like Amazons and Centaurs, then." Gabrielle responded, gingerly brushing the hair out of her eyes.

"Mmm." Xena agreed softly. Then she sighed wearily, and stood up. "Let's get this over with.. " She glanced down. "I need to.. " Her body was covered in blood, and bits of gore, and black soot from the fires. She didn't finish the statement, though, she just shook her head and started walking.

Gabrielle sighed, then grabbed her staff, and hurried after her.

The two guards outside Silvi's quarters snapped to attention as they headed towards the door, their eyes regarding Xena avidly as she approached. "There inside, general." The taller of the two said, a nervous note in his voice. "Four people watching them."

"Thanks." Xena replied. "Open the door." She waited for them to do so, the entered, with Gabrielle at her back.

Inside, Silvi was seated on a banquette, her tear streaked face angry and upset, and the four soldiers had Framna pinned down in a corner, tied to a column. His face showed that his treatment hadn't been the most gentle. The soldiers turned as they entered, and grinned.

"There.. you and your stinkin army… ya weren't nothing against our general." The eldest of the guards grunted. "Smarmy bastard."

Framna stared out at the tall, dark haired warrior that faced him, all her exhaustion vanished, and her cool, intent gaze pinning him firmly down. She was covered almost from head to foot in battle gore, but moved with the easy grace of a large cat as she focused on him, and advanced.

Xena stopped a foot from him, and put her hands on her hips. And just stared.

"I didn't order that." The tall warlord rasped. "Linneus was acting on his own."

Pale blue eyes glinted. Armies sometimes turn, remember, Xena? "So he said." The warrior replied.

"Bring him here… he'll tell you." Framna insisted. "I didn't know."

"I can't." Xena answered him calmly. "He's dead."

Silence.

"I cut his head off." The soft, even voice continued. "Along with ten score others… so you better hope you didn't know about it, because if you did.. and that bloodshed is on your hands, I’m gonna cut them off." This last came out in a snarl.

Framna's nostrils flared hard. "Two hundred dead?"

"I lost count after that." Xena replied, flatly.

His hazel eyes clouded. "I"ll go out and talk to them. Get them to surrender." He mumbled, quietly.

"Yeah, you sure will." The warrior replied. "Or I'll come out after them, understand me?"

Framna looked at her. "I didn't before. Now I do."

Xena nodded, then turned her attention to the princess, who shied away from her gaze. "They destroyed the entire marketplace.. a lotta people died out there." She told the girl, shortly. "And the gates took a little fire damage, but other than that… " She exhaled. "Your city's in one piece. "

Silvi stared at her. "They were supposed to be our friends."

Gabrielle moved over toward her, and knelt down. "It didn't work out that way, your highness."

The girl gazed into the mist green eyes with a crestfallen look. "You were right." She told Gabrielle sadly. "It is all in how you look at things, isn't it?" Her eyes drifted to Framna, then dropped. "I thought you were foolish.. but you're not."

"Well…. " The bard watched her soulmate step closer to the captive warlord, and speak to him in a low voice. "I've seen a lot of things… I believe he didn't know this was going to happen, though."

Pretty eyes pinned her. "Really?"

Gabrielle gave her a smile. "Really." She replied. "Xena thinks so too."

Silvi regarded the tall ex warlord. "She killed all those people, didn't she?"

The bard exhaled. "She.. did what she had to do, yes."

Now the princess looked at her fully. "Were you fighting too?" One fingertip reached out and touched the bard's tunic. "You're all dirty."

"I was… fighting, yes." Gabrielle admitted. "I usually.. stick around Xena.. make sure no one clobbers her from behind, that kinda thing."

Silvi stared at her, pensively. "Isn't that dangerous? You could get killed."

Gabrielle felt exhausted. "It's dangerous.. but I'm really careful, and Xena kind of watches out for me, too." She looked up as a shadow fell over her, and found herself captured by serious blue eyes. "Are we done here?"

"For now." Her partner replied, crouching down next to her. "Time to go get cleaned up." She rested her weight on one knee, and met the princesses' wary eyes. "Garanimus is dead."

Silvi gasped, and covered her mouth with both small hands. "I hated him." She blurted breathlessly. "And now he's gone… I am glad."

Xena dropped her gaze to the floor, and shook her head, then she pushed herself up to her feet, and offered Gabrielle a hand up. The bard accepted, and allowed herself to be pulled upright, balancing against her staff. "Ow." She winced a little. "Forgot about that."

They made their way back down the hallways to their quarters, and Gabrielle was glad her taller partner deliberately slowed her steps. "I stopped thinking about this stupid knee of mine during the battle." She commented, glancing up.

Xena blinked a few times. "Yeah.. " She sighed heavily. "It's like that.. you .. lose track of the hurts until it's over."

Green eyes studied her face intently. "And.. it's over now, huh?"

"Oh yeah." The warrior exhaled, as they reached the door and she pulled it open, to let Ares run ahead of them. "Got a lot to do though… yet.. I just want to get some of this blood off me."

A blond brow quirked, as Gabrielle accepted that unspoken challenge. "Uh huh." She propped her staff up next to the bed, and put gentle hands on her soulmate's back. "Don’t stop here." She pushed her into the bathing area, and bent down briefly, pulling the stopper from the warm water basin. "C'mere."

Xena mechanically stripped her armor off, dropping it in pieces on the floor and finally stood in just her leathers, while her partner regarded her. "I'm a mess, huh?" She remarked tiredly, glancing down at herself.

The bard just stepped up, and slid her arms around her, hugging her very gently. She heard the slight noise as Xena swallowed, then the warrior returned the embrace. "Thanks." She murmured in the bard's ear.

"Anytime." Gabrielle answered, then backed off and unhooked the straps on her leathers, stripping them off of her, and hissing in sympathy as she saw the marks on Xena's tanned body. "Ouch."

"Mm." Xena eased herself into the water, which immediately turned pink and crimson as the blood washed off of her. She quietly took up the soap, and started cleaning herself, rubbing the clean smelling stuff down her arms and removing layers of soot and grime. She was vaguely aware of Gabrielle slipping around behind her, and felt the bard's hands on her hair, but the night's efforts were catching up to her now. She closed her eyes and tried to blink away the heaviness, but had little luck, and just finally kept them closed, working her way along by feel.

"Xena?" Gabrielle's voice sounded against her hearing.

"Yeah?" She reluctantly opened her eyes, and looked back over her shoulder, to see a concerned look on the bard's face.

"You all right?" The bard's hands felt gently around the lump on the back of her skull, and rinsed her hair gingerly.

What can I admit to.. and not worry her? "I'm a little tired." She confessed. "Rough night." And that, she judged, was mostly what the problem was… she'd overstressed her body beyond even her limits, in fighting off.. gods.. had she really done that? "Gabrielle?"

"Hmm?" The bard leaned on the back of the tub, and kissed her ear.

"Did I really stop an army tonight?"

Gabrielle leaned her head against the wet, dark one in front of her, and sighed. "Yes, you did."

"A whole army?"

"The entire thing, tiger." The bard assured her.

She thought about that for a long moment. "No wonder I'm so tired."

That forced a tiny chuckle from the smaller woman, who wrapped a warm arm around her neck. "Xena.. Xena.. Xena….come on, get out of that tub, and let me get something on some of these cuts… gods… there are a half dozen I'm going to have to stitch."

Obediently, Xena complied, pushing the memories of what she'd done out of her mind, and concentrating on the warmth of the fire, and how good it felt when Gabrielle draped a soft, linen shift around her. "Sit down." The bard requested, and she did, leaning her head back against the high back of the chair, and barely feeling the sting as gentle fingers attended to her wounds.

Gabrielle worked quickly, watching her soulmate give up the struggle to stay alert with an amused eye. The cuts were mostly superficial, and the bruises nothing more than what Xena usually had to deal with. They didn't worry her.

"Anything you need to do before you go to sleep?" She commented, biting off a grin.

Blue eyes popped open. "I'm not sleeping."

The bard gave her a look.

"The smoke got in my eyes.. I was just resting them." Xena protested, lifting her hands and rubbing her face. "Stings like crazy."

Gabrielle moved her hands away, and examined the body parts in question. "Wow.. yeah.. they're all red." She exclaimed, apologetically. "Gods, Xena.. you must be miserable."

She got the expected shrug in return. "Nah… I'm all right… just little stuff." The warrior told her, then fell pensively silent, studying the small nicks and cuts along her knuckles.

Gabrielle kept working as she saw the somber look take over her soulmate's face, and she waited a long moment, before breaking the silence. "You want to talk about it?" An old, old signal between them, almost since the beginning of their relationship.

The warrior gazed at her mutely, as though debating with herself, then finally spoke. "I hurt inside." She said, quietly. "I used to live for that feeling of utter rage, Gabrielle.. knowing I was unstoppable.. that was incredible." She exhaled. "And now it just leaves me feeling very empty ."

The bard stroked her cheek. "You've changed." She replied, simply.

Xena sucked in a breath. "You know.. I used to debate that with myself… but sitting here, feeling like I do right now.. I know I have." A slow shake of her head. "The old Xena would be slugging down a few ales with the troops, exulting in killing gods only know how many men." Her eyes seemed to focus on something very distant. "They all think I did some great, wonderful thing, Gabrielle."

"And you don't."

Blue eyes met hers directly. "I slaughtered other human beings."

"Xena… " The bard found herself in the odd position of defending violence. "They were trying to kill you, remember?" She reminded the taller woman. "And everyone else here, for that matter."

"I know." Xena sighed. "But what a senseless waste."

"Mmm." A soft agreement. "But how many more people would have died if you hadn't been here?" She stroked the soft cheek. "Those soldiers had a choice, Xena… the townspeople didn't.. they would have gone through those living areas.. all those innocent farmers.. and children.. they would have died, or been beaten.. their houses put on fire.. their possessions stolen…"

Xena gazed at her. "Pity I didn't think about that when I was doing it for ten years."

"Xena." The green eyes remonstrated her.

"I know." The warrior exhaled. "That was a stupid and pointless thing to say." She leaned into Gabrielle's touch. "Gar was wrong… he wasn't on the winning side.. he was on the right side, for a change." She paused. "And it does feel good."

Abruptly blue eyes flicked up and held hers. "You know what?"

"What?" The bard smoothed some antiseptic on a bad cut across her neck.

"I really like being a hero."

Gabrielle stopped, dead still, and just looked at her. "You're just right now getting around to deciding THAT?"

A tiny shake of her head. "No.. I'm just right now getting around to accepting it."

The bard smiled at her. "Will wonders never cease." She touched the end of her nose with a playful finger. "How are you feeling.. a little better?"

Lashes blinked. "Yeah…It feels…good to talk about it." She mumbled.

Gabrielle patted her belly. "After three years, you're finally catching on to that. "

Xena smiled a little, and looked down at her bruised and scarred hands. "Thanks for putting up with me all that time." She reached up and rubbed a spot of soot from the bard's forehead. "Time for your bath, Red."

"Tell you what." The bard replied. "I'm just going to wash off, and change, then I'm gonna come back here, and we'll share some tea, and I'll tell you a story. How about that?"

The warrior gazed fondly at her. "You're gonna make a great mom, you know that?" A tinge of wistful sadness crossed between them, acknowledged, but not voiced.

"I've had a lot of practice in the last three years." Gabrielle teased her gently. "Little sprout."

"Augh." Xena felt a blush color her skin. "Not you too." She glanced down, then lifted her hands. "Gabrielle, I am not little." A pause. "And I'm certainly not a sprout."

The bard chuckled, and stood up. "I.. " The room whirled, and she grabbed at the couch back, as Xena's hands caught her. "Whoa…" She murmured, as the world faded in and out. "Dizzy."

"Hey." Xena's voice sharpened, and she pulled the bard back down onto the couch, and cupped her face, patting her cheek lightly. "Stay with me."

Gabrielle's eyelids fluttered, and she clung to the tanned forearms bracing her. "Okay.. I'm here.." Xena's grip disappeared for a moment, disappointing her, then came back.

"Here."

Fingers touched the bard's lips, and she opened them in pure reflex, tasting something cool and sweet on her tongue. "Mm." She chewed the slice of plum, and swallowed, then opened her mouth for more. A larger piece obligingly appeared, and she sucked on that, swallowing the juice contentedly. Her head cleared, and she took a relieved breath as she focused her eyes on her soulmate's face. "Sorry about that."

Xena handed her another chunk of fruit, her own hurts forgotten. "Better?"

Gabrielle's brow creased, but she nodded. "Yeah… guess I’m just a little tired myself… " Wow… glad I picked now to do that.. not in the middle of the battle. Her body seemed to have settled down, though, and she returned her attention to her target. An idea surfaced. "Would you mind giving me a hand washing up?"

A charmed smile was her answer. "Sure." Xena carefully helped her up, and draped a supportive arm over her as they walked back into the bathing room. The warrior solicitously filled the basin with warm water, and got the soap, taking the bard's grimy tunic from her and tossing it over a sculpture of a stork standing nearby.

"Stand still." The warrior gently ordered, as she carefully lifted the faintly giggling bard into the tub, and hung onto her as she sat down in the warm, softly burbling water. Xena perched on the side, and started an industrious washing as Gabrielle leaned back , closing her eyes in utter bliss.

"You got kicked." Xena growled, in a disapproving tone, as she traced a dark bruise along her soulmate's ribs.

"That's from yesterday." Gabrielle mumbled, as she stifled a yawn. "They were too busy going after you to notice me tonight." She focused one green orb on her partner. "I surprised a lot of them.. there they were, swinging away, and all of a sudden.. " She splashed. "Bam!"

"Swept away by the attack of the superbard." The warrior drolly agreed. "Dunk your head."

The bard did, surfacing with a splutter. "Pah." She finished rinsing, and climbed out of the tub, suffering a brisk rub from her towel wielding partner. "Boy, I'm tired."

The warrior ruffled her damp hair. "To bed with you, my bard." She took a deep breath, and ran a hand through her own drying locks. "I wanna go check the outposts… make sure we're not gonna have any more surprises."

"Mmmhmm." Gabrielle wandered back into the main room, and retrieved a clean shift, which she snuggled into. "I.. thought you assigned someone to do that, before we came up here."

A nod. "I did… but it never hurts to be sure."

The bard nodded, then leaned against the taller woman, feeling the warmth as their bodies connected. Xena's arms reflexively wrapped around her, and she sighed, as she breathed out against the warrior's skin. "Okay.. but… " She paused, deliberately. "Will you just stay with me until I fall asleep? Please?"

"Sure…" Xena agreed readily, moving towards the bed, relieved that Gabrielle wasn't protesting her leaving. "You lie down, here.. " She tucked the bard into bed, and relaxed next to her, smiling a little as her younger partner snuggled up, and wound a persistent arm around her middle. She gently brushed the damp pale hair off the bard's forehead, and kissed it. "You need your rest, love… gotta keep your strength up."

Gabrielle nodded against her, nestling closer and sighing in contentment. "Feels good just to lie down." She murmured drowsily. "Relax." She felt Ares jump up onto the bed, and curl up against Xena's side, resting his muzzle on her hip. "Even Ares thinks so."

"Yeah." Xena agreed absently, watching the gently moving flames over Gabrielle's shoulder. The outlines blurred for a moment, and she blinked, wincing at the irritation from the smoke. The stinging forced her to simply close her eyes, which let her concentrate on the soft breathing that warmed her skin with hypnotic regularity.

Her own breathing slowed to match it, and she felt a warm blanket of comfort settling over her, separating her from the stinging cuts, and aching bruises she'd acquired in the fight. Her conscience made a feeble effort to wake up, but her body simply settled further into Gabrielle's embrace, demanding more rest instead.

Oh well. A few minutes wouldn't…

One mist green orb appeared, and rotated up to observe the now soundly sleeping warrior, then blinked. "Heh." Gabrielle smirked quietly to herself. "Stubborn thing." She exchanged a look with Ares, who yawned, and licked his chops, then she firmly closed her eyes, and let sleep take her, as well.

The soft knocking almost didn't wake her up. Gabrielle pried her eyes open in the gloomy darkness, and blinked, then took a breath as she recognized what the sound was. Startled, she glanced up to where her soulmate was still asleep, realizing just exactly how tired Xena must have been for the knock not to have woken her.

Wow. She slowly disengaged herself from Xena's warm embrace, and tumbled out of bed, tugging the blankets up around the warrior's sleeping form. She padded to the door in her bare feet, and put one hand on her staff before she cracked the door open. In the flickering torchlight of the corridor, she recognized Bennu's tall form.

Sort of, because the muscular warrior was drenched, and even his eyelashes were dripping water. "Um.. hi." Gabrielle kept her voice down. "Is everything okay?"

Bennu muffled a sneeze. "Aye.. aye… grand news. They're gone."

"Excuse me?" The bard stared at him. "Who's gone?"

"T'army." The man sniffled. "After it started raining, they ran off. I thought they we're just hidin.. so I ducked off after em… they split up.. arguin about who was gonta be in charge and all… said they were headed down Thebes' way."

"Wait." Gabrielle held up one hand." Framna's army?"

He blinked at her. "O'course Framna's bleeding army.. who'd you think.. ours?" He scowled.

"So… Xena gets to sleep in this morning, is that what you're telling me?" Gabrielle focused on the important details. "Because if there's no army out there, we don't have a problem that I need to wake her up for, right?"

"Ar… right." Bennu agreed slowly. "Other than what t'do about th' market, and the damn bastard prisner we got, and that girl hollarin t'let him go, and the stockyard floodin cause of t'rain."

"After breakfast." The bard pronounced. "Right?"

He exhaled. "Aye." A pause. "Y'know she's in charge, right?"

A nod. "I know that…but I also know it's easier to make good decisions when you're rested." She looked pointedly at him.

"Ah." He grunted. "I'll jest go take a nap, then."

"Good boy." Gabrielle smiled at him. She closed the door, and let her breath escape. Whew. Her eyes turned to the window, which was half closed, and spattered with heavy rain. A low, rumbling thunder crashed outside, and if it was close to dawn, you wouldn't know it.

With a yawn, she trudged back over to the bed and climbed into it, immediately finding herself surrounded by a net of warm, muscular warrior, complete with glinting blue eyes that peered at her in the semi darkness. "Hi." She buried herself in the warrior's embrace.

"Hi." Xena replied, her voice still rough with sleep. "What's up?"

"You scared em off, tiger." Gabrielle informed her. "The army all ran away."

An eyebrow hiked up. "Really?"

"Uh huh." The bard snuggled closer. "That's the good news."

Momentary pause. "What's the bad news?"

"I think they voted you in as Queen." A pause, in which several soft oaths fell. "Ooo.. I've never heard that one before… what does it mean?"

"Something you should never do with a dead fish." Xena grumbled, the sighed. "I guess I"d better…"

"Oh no." Gabrielle tightened her grip tenaciously. "Queens don't go wandering around drafty castles before dawn. It's a rule." She felt the hesitation and pressed her advantage. "Come on, Xena.. " Her voice gentled, and took on a serious tone. "You put yourself through a lot yesterday, and I’m sure there'll be plenty of mess ups to solve today… give yourself a break, and just get some more rest, okay?"

No answer, which meant she was at least thinking about it. Gabrielle reached up and brushed her fingers against her cheek.

"Gabrielle, I feel fine." The warrior finally responded. "I just… I consider myself responsible for what's going on here."

The bard sighed inwardly. "Okay… but.. you can wait until the sun comes up, Xena." She insisted. "If you can't rest, at least let everyone else get some."

"Hmph." There was a soft sound as Xena's head hit the pillow. "Yeah.. I guess you're right about that." She admitted.

A small silence fell. "How are you feeling?" Gabrielle asked quietly.

Xena shrugged. "Eh… I'm all right… " She lifted a hand to touch the back of her neck. "Neck's stiff…but that's about it." She gazed back at the bard. "How about you?" She slipped a hand down and patted the bard's belly gently.

Gabrielle captured the hand, and laced her fingers with Xena's. "Would you be at all surprised if I told you I felt great, but that I was hungry?" She admitted with a sheepish grin.

"Shocked." Xena assured her solemnly. "Do you want me to go get you something?"

"NO!" The bard poked her gently in the ribs. "I want you to just quietly lay there, and rest."

Xena sighed heavily, but remained quiet, her eyes drifting closed again. "You tricked me into falling asleep before." She accused, in a mumble.

"I did nothing of the sort." Gabrielle defended herself, stifling a yawn. "All I did was lay down, and ask you to keep me company until I fell asleep." She snuggled closer again. "It's not my fault you were over tired, and succumbed to this nice, soft, comfortable bed." She yawned again. "Can we get one of these at home?"

Xena's eyes were now firmly closed. "Could be trouble… I'd never get out of bed." She muttered.

"Annndd… that would be a bad thing?" Gabrielle teased. A cool, damp breeze blew in, carrying the scent of rain and wet stone to her. She gratefully burrowed deeper into the soft covers, inhaling a breath of clean linen, and her soulmate's skin with pleasure. A crack of thunder made her jerk, and Xena's arms tightened in reflex. "Glad we're not out there in this."

"Me too." The warrior agreed, then sighed. "I'm getting real soft in my old age."

Long pause. "Xena?"

"Huh?"

"Stuff a sock in it, you blue eyed, leather covered fraud."

Longer pause. "Gabrielle?"

"Yeah?"

"What's a sock?"

It was still raining hard when they woke up later, the dull gray light edging grudgingly across the floor and spreading across the pale covers. Gabrielle had gotten up, and donned a warmer tunic, then sat herself down at her diary, and scribbled for half a candlemark trying to get details of the previous day down before she forgot them.

Xena put together two cups of hot, herbal tea that smelled of apples and cinnamon, and was leaning against the balcony door, watching the rain fall and sipping her cup. "It's a mess out there."

Gabrielle glanced up at her. "Yeah… there's gonna be a lot of work to do after this stops."

The warrior nodded absently. "Well, we have lots of brawny soldiers… I'll put em to work." She stretched, and rubbed her neck. "I'm gonna go downstairs.. see if I can wrangle us some bread and cheese, or something."

A knock on the door prevented Gabrielle from answering. She traded looks with her partner, then put her quill down. "Come in."

The door opened wide, and a barrage of faces looked in. Two ladies in morning gowns entered, and motioned for a group of servants to follow. Two maids, two valets, and a woman with a tray wafted in, stationing themselves unobtrusively. The woman with the tray curtsied, then set her burden down on the small table near the window.

Xena and Gabrielle exchanged bewildered glances. "Um… good morning." The bard folded her hands over her book.. "What's all this?"

One of the women came forward. "I am Nancia." She informed the bard, stealing a quick look at Xena. "Her highness has sent us.. to properly care for you. She feels she has been.. remiss.. in attending to your needs."

Xena muffed a grin, and wandered over to the smaller table, plucking the linen off the tray and idly examining it. The girl who had brought it in, stood stiffly by, trying not to look at her. "Hey… look.. I think these are cucumber sandwiches." She called over her shoulder to the bard, who made a strangled noise. "At least.. they're green." She picked one up and examined it curiously.

"Um.. Nancia… it's.. that's really nice of the princess.. but .. um.. we're.. we can take care of ourselves just.. er.. fine." Gabrielle stood, and leaned against her desk. "I"d.. uh.. hate to think.. we were.. taking up your valuable time.. um.. right?"

"Tch tch." Nancia, lifted her prominent chin, and blinked her dark brown eyes at the bard. "Her highness was correct…I am needed here." She glided to where the bard was standing, and plucked at her sleeve. "What is this?"

Xena leaned against the doorframe, and just watched, munching idly on the little sandwiches. "These aren't that bad, Gabrielle." She commented. "But I don’t think they're cucumbers."

Green eyes glared at her. "This.. is a shirt." Gabrielle folded her hands together. "Is there a problem with it?"

Nancia sniffed. "Perhaps we can find you one which fits."

Xena came to the rescue, seeing the creeping red line on her soulmate's fair neck. "Oh.. she's got plenty that fit." She informed the woman. "That one's mine." She consumed another sandwich.

Nancia turned her attention to the taller woman, who returned her gaze evenly. "Yours?"

Xena stepped away from the door frame, and spread her arms, indicating her body. "Mine."

"I see." The woman sniffed again. "Well.. don't you have something a little more… " Her nose actually twitched. "Decorous?"

The warrior swaggered forward, ending up at arms length from her, and put both hands on her hips. "Lady, I'm a fighter. I don't do frills." Her voice was flat. "But I got something nice in leather if you're interested."

Nancia regarded her witheringly. "You are going to be difficult, I see." She turned her attention to the rest of the room, then let out a little shriek. "There's a dog in your bed!!"

Ares' eyes widened, from his comfortable position, and he lifted his head. "Roo?"

"He's not a dog, he's a wolf." Xena and Gabrielle muttered, simultaneously.

Nancia wafted over. "Shoo!" She waved her handkerchief at the somnolent wolf, who lowered his head and growled at her. "Stop that!"

Gabrielle took the opportunity to escape to her partner's side, and ducked behind her, examining the tray with a judicious eye. "Those aren't cucumbers." The bard gave her a look. "That's jellied grapes."

Xena licked her fingers. "They're good." She muttered in an undertone, keeping an eye on Nancia. "And those little cup things are, too."

The bard nibbled one, then shot her an indulgent look. "You and your sweet tooth." But she ate the rest, then poked through more of the tray.

"Leave the wolf alone." Xena sighed, moving forward. "Look.. I appreciate the princesses' thoughtfulness, but we're really fine, all by ourselves." She let a hand drop to Ares' head, and he licked her fingers eagerly.

Nancia tapped her on the shoulder with her folded fan. "I have my orders."

Xena's eyebrow rose. " I told you we're fine." Unconsciously, her voice took on a harder edge, and she straightened to her full height, which topped Nancia by a good half a foot.

"Tch." The woman fanned her. "You might, perhaps intimidate the little boys with their toy swords, but you do not intimidate me."

Suddenly, the vaguely amused, mildly frustrated woman she'd been facing vanished, and Ares' Chosen stood in her place. The blue eyes had gone ice cold, and Xena's whole posture had changed dramatically, from relaxed, to a fine, triggered tension that filled the suddenly quiet room with an uneasy chill.

"On second thought." The woman edged a polite smile onto her face. "Perhaps you do."

One brow quirked up. "Smart lady." Xena replied, quietly.

"Nevertheless." Nancia continued, bravely. "I have my instructions. "She clapped, and the two maids stepped forward. "You may give them anything you need cleaned. "

"Oh.." Gabrielle stuffed a small meat pie into her mouth, and dusted her hands off. "Ok.. we can do that." She limped across the room, and ducked into the bathing area, coming back with her tunic, and grabbing a few other pieces of their clothing. "They any good at getting blood out?" She held up her garment, which was richly stained with rust.

Nancia glided over, glad to be away from Xena's menacing form, and claimed the item. "We will do our best." She handed it, and the other few things to one of the girls, and shooed them out. "Now.. Petres here will take your boots, he can have them cleaned, and mended for you."

Gabrielle gave her soulmate a questioning look. Xena shrugged one shoulder. "All right." She pointed them out.

"Excellent." Nancia was recovering her composure nicely. "Now.. Selene here will take your underthings, and attend to them."

Warrior and bard looked at each other. Gabrielle put a hand on one hip. "This comes under sensitive chats, doesn't it?"

Xena's eyes twinkled mischievously.

The bard sighed, and scratched her head. "We.. um… " She looked up, to see Nancia waiting patiently, her hands folded over her petticoated waist, eyes blinking. "Let's just skip those, okay?" She nibbled her lip. "We.. um.. we prefer to take care of that, ourselves." A pause, and a disbelieving stare from Nancia. "It's.. a personal thing."

The silence continued. "It's… well, it's like Xena's weapons… she kinda doesn't like anyone else to touch them, you know what I mean?" Gabrielle went over to the pile of armor near the fire, and picked up a bit. "You wouldn't want to touch her weapons, now would you?"

Xena folded her arms across her chest, and fixed her best, bored, I don’t wanna hear it, don't wanna know about it ex warlord look on her face.

"You.. consider underthings a weapon?" Nancia asked, carefully. "Oh my."

"Well.. now.. it depends on whose they are." Gabrielle was aware that she was getting in deeper and deeper. "Xena here.. well, she can make a weapon out of just about anything." She turned in desperation to her partner. "Isn't that right, Xena?"

"Right." The warrior nodded. "We can take care of those, ourselves.. but thanks for asking."

Nancia relented. "Very well." A brief pause, and a sniff. "Are you two ladies sisters?"

Blue and green eyes met. "What clued you in.. the family resemblance?" Xena inquired, deadpan.

"A similarity in traditions." Came the politely worded response.

Gabrielle bit her lip to keep from laughing, but took a moment to reflect that, even with their differences, she and Xena were really more alike than either of them probably realized. Certainly, they were more like each other than they were like the snooty, primped up lady in waiting. "We're busted, sis." She remarked to the warrior, who had wandered back over to the tray and was scavenging ruthlessly.

A flicker of amused blue. "You'll have to tell mom that when we get home."

Another knock at the door, this time heavier. "C'mon in." Xena leaned against her favorite doorjamb again.

The door squeaked open, and Bennu poked his muddy head in. "Ah."

"Bennu!" A devilish grin crossed Xena's face. "Get in here…and bring your buddies with ya."

The tall fighter complied, tromping across the floor and shedding mud, leaves, rain and little twigs at every step. "G'mornin, Genr'l."

Xena eyed the look of absolute horror on Nancia's face, and chortled silently. "Siddown." She invited the walking mud puddle cordially. "Want some grapes?"

He squelched into a chair, and took one, gingerly. Xena dropped into the chair across from him, and slung one leg over its arm, leaning back and folding her hands over her belly. "So… how're things in the stockyard?"

A scent wafted over the room, causing the palace workers to edge towards the door.

"Messy." Bennu nibbled his grapes. "Damn beasties mucked up everywhar…gots dung to yer kneecaps, ye do." His eyes fell to his liberally coated boots.

Nancia fanned herself. "We… we will return…. Later." She shooed the remaining girls out, putting a hand to her mouth. "To.. to clean."

The door slammed behind them, and Gabrielle burst into giggles.

Bennu eyed her. "Was I interruptin somethin?"

Xena raised her eyes from where they'd been hidden in one hand. "Oh yeah." She nodded. "Good job."

The main hall was filled with sweating, damp, frustrated people by the time Xena and Gabrielle sauntered in, dressed in clean tunics, and short boots. Xena had decided to forgo her leathers in favor of something less abrasive on her abused body, and Gabrielle had just decided to wear one of her soulmate's comfortable old shirts because she could.

The merchants who had escaped the attack the previous day were clustered in a large group, many of them injured to some degree, and all of them furious about the loss of their stalls, and goods. A few of the castle stewards were talking to them, but it was obvious that the men, and a few women craftsmen were beyond soothing.

The more substantial citizens were in another group, equally upset, and they were casting looks of mixed fear, and intrigue at the soldiers who were clustered about, idly enjoying their changed status, that from occupying army to defensive force.

Silvi and her ladies were clustered around the head table, along with her cousins, and a few of the older nobles. Framna was not in view.

The chatter stopped as soon as Xena crossed the threshold, and all eyes turned to her as she crossed the stone floor, with Gabrielle at her heels, limping slightly. The warrior mounted the steps to the dais the head table was positioned on and ended up directly behind the chair Garanimus had used, her hand resting lightly on it's finely carved back.

Xena let her eyes drift across the room, studying the silent, and tense occupants, then she half turned, and took a step back, pulling a chair out and motioning her smaller partner into it. "Siddown." She told the bard, giving her a little pat on the shoulder when she complied, and placed parchment and her quill case on the table in front of her.

Then Xena moved in front of the large chair Garanimus had used, and put her hands on her hips, striking a challenging pose. "All right." I guess they're waiting on me. The warrior mused. "Bennu, bring him in."

The tall soldier saluted, then exited, taking two other men with him.

Xena evaluated the different groups as she stood waiting, noting the wary looks from the nobles, the suspicious looks from the merchants, and the smug grins from her troops. Her troops. Xena sighed. This wasn't going to be easy.

Gabrielle sat quietly, watching everyone else watch her partner. She felt almost invisible, which was all right, because there was so much anxiety in the room, she could almost smell it. She was content, for the time being, to observe Xena's handling of the situation, not willing to interject her diplomatic skills just yet.

In fact, she reflected, she was perfectly content to let Xena handle the whole thing, finding in herself a quiet need for peace and the security of the taller woman's presence that was almost disconcerting. The gentle, offhand pressure of the warrior's hand on her shoulder was very welcome, and she found herself unconsciously leaning against the pressure, wanting more.

As though reading her mind, Xena stepped closer, bringing a hint of their soap, and the herbs her tunic had been packed with to the bard's sensitive nose. She could also detect the faint, but pungent scent of the antiseptic she'd spread on her soulmate's cuts, and the warm spiciness that was just Xena.

It was a strange sensation, almost like being bathed in a sensual essence that got past her normal, everyday senses to some deep place, one she'd never really paid attention to before. She shook her head a little, and blinked, paying more attention as Bennu returned, with a bound Framna, bringing him precisely to the center of the room and giving him a shove forward.

The tall warlord was in fairly good condition, though. Xena had left orders to that effect and now she regarded him with a pensive look. "Your army took off." Her voice was noncommittal, but there was a perceptible hint of sympathy there, which Gabrielle could hear plainly.

He'd apparently heard this already, and had time to think about it. "Yes."

Xena leaned on the table, her weight resting on her fingertips. "Linneus admitted he did this on his own." She stated. "He said there was no way he was going to stand by and keep hands off when there was so much to be taken."

Framna winced. "We'd argued about it." He admitted. "I thought I'd convinced him."

The tall ex warlord nodded, and straightened. "Well, he's not around anymore. If I let you go, you could catch up with them, and take them back." A pause. "Probably a little wiser for the error." She waited for a reaction, seeing the stiff coldness in his face. "Is that what you want to do?"

He took in a breath, then released it. His eyes raised to meet hers. "No."

Xena let a brow curve up, and let her glance flick around the room, observing the range of looks the warlord was getting. "No?"

Now his eyes went to Silvi, who was studiously not looking at him "No… I… I'd rather stay here."

Well, well. Xena's other brow joined it's mate. "Why?"

Framna exhaled. "I just would. I don't expect you to understand."

Xena's laughter surprised him. He jerked his gaze to her, and watched in bewilderment as she chuckled.

"Framna, I'm probably the only person in this room who does understand." The warrior informed him wryly. From the corner of her eye, she could see Gabrielle's smile, and she shook her head. "Lotta people around here might have a problem with that, though."

He gave her a puzzled look, but nodded in understanding. "I know that." His shoulders slumped. "It wasn't supposed to be this way."

His humility was having an effect, Gabrielle noted, the merchants, while still angry, were murmuring amongst themselves, and the nobles were shifting uneasily. Silvi's face had taken on a half hopeful, half frightened look, and she now had her eyes pinned on Xena.

"All right." The warrior folded her arms across her chest. "This is what's gonna happen. I'll let you go, but… " She nudged Gabrielle. "Write this down." She waited for the bard to dutifully prepare a quill. "You can't leave the city, without the princesses permission. You can't go form an army. You can't go find your old one. You gotta stay here, and live." A tiny smirk curled one side of her lips. "Deal?"

Framna was looking up at her in complete disbelief. Then his own lips twitched. "Deal."

Xena half turned. "All right with you, your highness?"

Silvi got caught staring at her, and she blushed. Her cousins looked furious, the nobles looked uneasy. She only looked radiant. "Yes, I believe it is."

Xena hid a grin. "Good." She waited for Gabrielle to finish writing, the plucked the quill from her soulmate's hand, and scrawled her signature on the bottom. She motioned for Framna to come forward. "C'mere."

He stumbled to the table.

"Put your hands there." She pointed. He complied.

Xena reached behind her to where Garanimus' sword had been left resting against the chair, and pulled it from it's scabbard, then raised it over head and brought it down on the chains binding him with a thundering boom of steel on wood, and shearing of metal.

Everybody jumped, even Gabrielle, who knew by her soulmate's body language what she was intending. She glanced up. "I could have found you the keys." She muttered, in a low tone.

"Where's the fun in that?" Xena muttered back, then pushed the parchment across the table. "Sign."

Framna pulled bits of chain link off his skin and glanced at her, then took the quill she was holding out and complied. "I… never suspected you had a… "He stopped, glancing up at Xena speculatively. "Sentimental side."

Ice blue eyes stared intimidatingly at him. "Who says I do?"

Uncertain, the warlord glanced down at Gabrielle, who winked at him, then took the parchment back. "Uh… right."

She motioned him off. "All right.. now that we got that over with." Her eyes fixed on the merchants. "C'mere."

Warily, they approached her, some less than others, who recognized her as a friendly patron from a few days prior. The leathercrafter stepped forward, his arm in a sling. "We lost everything."

Xena studied him. "You're alive." She pointed out, simply. "Sometimes you can't predict what life's gonna hand you… ya just adapt." She shifted her gaze to the troops lounging around in the back of the room. "You'll get some help to rebuild your huts… but you're gonna have to pool your resources to get stock to sell."

They looked at each other. Some shook their heads.

Xena turned her formidable gaze on the nobles. "Healthy market's real important for a city this size." She commented. "It's to your advantage.. " She paused, and gave them a wolfish smile. "To help out."

"We… " An older man started, then subsided at her raised brow and nodded reluctantly. "Something can be arranged."

"Good." Xena bestowed a smile on him. Then she glanced down at her peacefully watching partner. "How 'm I doing?" She whispered.

"Mmm.. you haven't threatened to hit anyone.. not bad." The bard teased her. "You're getting better at this kinder, gentler thing."

A soft snort was the answer.

"Why don't you guys.. " She pointed at the merchants. "Get together with those guys.. " She pointed at the nobles. "And figure out what you're gonna do. " Now she motioned for Bennu to move forward. "We all okay?"

The soldier nodded briskly. "Aye…t'barracks are secure…we pit buried what was left from last night…so's they wouldn't start stinkin, and I got a bunch of us what would be animal wranglers to get t'beasties back into t'stockyard."

"Good." The warrior looked pleased. "After it stops raining, we go out and clean this place up… I'm gonna need woodcutters to go out, bring back some logs… we'll need the stuff to rebuild the market."

He looked at her, and nodded. "Alright."

She met his gaze. "They gonna have a problem with that?"

His pale eyes glinted softly. "Nah.. but we'd like to be speaking w'ye when ye gets a chance."

The warrior slowly nodded. "All right."

They filed out, small groups that produced a buzz of conversation, the nobles stiffly approaching the group of merchants, and gesturing them towards a smaller, more private room. Xena sat down in the chair, and watched them go, bracing one foot on a table support and wrapping an arm around her knee. "That worked."

Gabrielle leaned back, and watched as Silvi spoke with her cousins and retainers, with Framna watching quietly several bodylengths away. "They don't like him staying, not one bit." She commented softly.

Xena's mouth quirked. "I know."

"You're such a troublemaker." The bard accused with a grin. "And a romantic troublemaker, at that."

Blue eyes opened wide and innocent. "Me?" Xena pointed at her own chest. "Oh no. .I don't think so… not romantic. Nuh huh… not me."

Gabrielle gazed at her. "So.. you admit to the troublemaker part, though, huh?"

"Well." Xena remarked, reasonably. "I am an ex warlord. It kinda goes with the territory, y'know?" She buffed her fingernails on her tunic. "Rough, tough, mean… rude.. crude… it's kinda like a trademark."

"Ah." The bard folded her hands together. "I'll try to keep that in mind the next time you leave a rose on my pillow."

Xena gave her a look. "Um.. well.. I left the thorns on."

"No you didn't." Gabrielle shook a finger at her. "Smooth as a baby's butt."

Another look. "Hmph."

She was rescued by Silvi's approach, trailing a number of her retainers. The princess stopped in front of them, giving Xena a wary little smile. "Hi." The warrior gazed benignly at her. "Something we can do for you?"

Gabrielle rolled her eyes. "Silvi, thank you for sending people to see if we were doing okay.. I .. we.. really appreciated that."

Silvi beamed at her. "Is it all forgiven then? We truly were just trying to do what was best for the city."

"Sure." The bard smiled. "I don't hold grudges."

Everyone's eyes went to the darkly glowering Xena, who raised one icy eyebrow at them.

"She doesn’t either." The bard patted her soulmate's thigh in a friendly manner. "Really."

Everyone looked highly doubtful.

"No.. really." Gabrielle insisted. "She's much nicer than she looks."

Both of Xena's dark brows shot up at that, and she gave her partner an outraged glare.

The bard glared right back. "You're making this tough, Xena."

The warrior subsided, and crossed her arms. "I'm fine, Silvi… sorry it worked out the way it did." She hesitated, aware of the bard's fingers drumming on the table. "No hard feelings."

"See?" Gabrielle gave her a smile, then turned to the princess. "So.. what's on your mind?"

Silvi clasped her hands together. "Your mother must be so proud of you two." She beamed. "Nancia told me all about you're being sisters.. I think it's wonderful that you're traveling the world together.. it's so… so… family oriented."

"Oh yeah." Xena muttered, after a frozen moment in which she and her soulmate shared several of the same pungent, if silent, curses. "Definitely family oriented., right sis?"

Gabrielle rubbed her temples. "Absolutely."

"Oh yes.. it made everything make perfect sense, you know." Silvi smiled at them. "I can' t think why it didn't occur to me before." She put a hand on Gabrielle's arm. "Imagine, me thinking you were a slave… how silly of me… I have no siblings, you see." She paused. "Curious that you didn't mention it when we were speaking of your other sister, though>"

"Well. um.. " The bard scratched her jaw. "I was getting around to it."

"Whatever." The princess shrugged. "What I came to tell you was, a royal council has been called, and Edgevar.. he's my uncle.. he said I should command you to be there." This she directed at Xena, who blinked at her. "In one candlemark."

"Edgevar." Xena pronounced the name carefully. "He Vasi and Elanora's father, by any chance?"

Silvi put a hand up to her mouth. "You're so clever." She exclaimed. "That's exactly right."

"Uh huh…and what's this council for?" The warrior inquired.

"Oh.. well, you see, since my father died, we've been in the middle of deciding who is to take his place.. no one's been able to agree on what to do. " Silvi explained. "Now, Edgevar seems to think he has an idea we'll all like." She smiled at the warrior. "And he wanted you to be there."

Oh boy. Xena blew out a breath. "Why me?"

The princess blinked at her. "I have no idea." She shrugged. "It will be in the small hall… please don't be late." She gave Gabrielle a little wave, then turned, and glided away.

"What was that all about?" Gabrielle muttered.

"I'm nicer than I look?" Outraged blue eyes locked onto her. "What kind of crack was that?"

"Tch." The bard patted her hand. "I was only joking." She hesitated, realizing her partner was actually hurt by the comment. "Hey.. hey… come on now… this is me, remember?"

"Yeah… I guess that's why I didn't expect it." Xena replied, shortly.

Gabrielle gazed at her quietly. "I'm sorry." She curled her fingers around Xena's wrist. "I forgot about the tease threshold."

"It's not that." The warrior very obviously wanted to jerk her hand away, but was forcing herself not to. She paused for a long moment, then sighed, and dropped her head. "Wait a minute…what in Hades am I overreacting about this for?" She muttered, rubbing her temple.

They both looked at each other. Gabrielle grimaced. "Sorry." She muttered, as they both came to the same conclusion. "Guess we're sharing that, too."

Xena's arm muscles relaxed, and she turned her hand over, collecting the bard's fingers and clasping them. "At least we realize it." She sighed. "Sorry about that."

Gabrielle felt the warmth from her clasp travel up her arm gently. "Yeah… me too." Without thinking, she lifted their joined hands to her lips and brushed them across the back of Xena's knuckles, then turned her head as a throat cleared. "Oh hi."

Gramma was standing there, her gnarled hands clasped behind her. "I hate t'be interrupting such a lovely scene."

Both women blushed. Gabrielle went to let go of her partner's hand, but found her fingers clasped firmly. She glanced over at Xena's face, which was quietly intent, then let her hold resume as she looked back at Gramma. "It's all right."

Xena rolled her head to one side. "Thanks for that warning last night.. you probably saved the city."

The old woman snorted. "Nowt the way I'm hearing it, sprout." She motioned behind her. "Heard you got those damn grape bits for yer breakfast.. thought I'd bring something more that would stick to your ribs like."

A tray magically appeared, and the scent of freshly baked bread penetrated the damp heat. "Thanks." Gabrielle grinned at her. "Those things were.. um… they tasted okay, but there weren't much to them."

Gramma gave her a doting look. "Aye, and you having an extra mouth to feed, too." She chuckled at the bard's blush. "G'wan wi ye.. have at it." She stumped away, leaving them in an isolated peace up on the dais.

Gabrielle's brows creased. "Xena.. how did she know?" She gave her soulmate a bewildered look. "I know I don't look pregnant."

"Beats me." Xena broke off a portion of the fresh loaf and spread a bit of butter and honey on it one handed, then offered it to the bard. "Here."

Instead of taking it, Gabrielle nibbled the bread from her fingers, keeping her eyes firmly on her partner's shadowed face. She wondered briefly if anyone was watching them, then decided she really didn't care. As she finished the tidbit, she licked off Xena's fingers, and then kissed them.

A slow, charmed smile replaced the look of pensive anxiety on the taller woman's face. "You'd think someone here'd realize we're not sisters." The warrior commented, with a smile.

"They can bite my bardic butt." Gabrielle answered acerbically.

"Not unless they wanna live the rest of their lives toothless." Xena replied, wryly. "I hope this council thing isn't what I think it is." She added, stifling a yawn., then fixing the bard another piece of bread. "I don't wanna sit there an listen to them tell me why I should stick around here."

Gabrielle considered that. "You think they will?"

A shrug. "Maybe."

Green eyes regarded her. "Do you want to stick around here?"

Xena blinked, a little surprised. "No… why?"

'Just asking… I thought you were having a pretty good time with all the fighters… I mean, this isn't such a bad place, if you wanted to hang around here for a while and kinda… " She paused, then went on. "Kinda get a little of that back, again."

Xena went very still, and just looked at her for a long moment. Then she exhaled. "No." A tiny shake of her head. "I want to go visit the Amazons.. have a great festival, then… " A breath. "Then go home."

"Xena.. it's all right… I really don’t mind it here." The bard said gently. "We're close to home… you could stay here and spend some time working with these guys.. I think you'd like that."

Surprisingly, the warrior shook her head. "No… I mean it, Gabrielle." She replied with quiet firmness. "After last night.. I've had my fill." She took a breath. "It got too close..to the edge for me."

Gabrielle understood immediately. "Okay.. I've got you." She replied. "Home it is." She tore off a bit of the bread and offered it to the taller woman, waiting for her to start chewing before she continued, picking her way delicately. "Xena.. .can I ask you something?"

Blue eyes showed faint alarm. "Sure."

The bard looked around, then gazed at her. "When we were at… um.. Garanimus' bedside.. you told him.. you'd see him in Tartarus."

Xena's breathing increased visibly. "Yeah."

"Did you really mean that?"

Long, long silence. Finally the warrior's pale eyes closed. "Yes." Her voice rasped gently.

"Xena… " The bard found herself at a loss for words. "I thought… "

"That was before I made… all those mistakes… again." Xena managed to get out, in a clipped tone. "And.. I don't think I can make up for them.. that's all." Her fingers were clenched tightly around the bard's. "So.. but.. don't worry about it, Gabrielle.. I'm… I try not to think about that."

"I think about it sometimes." The bard quietly whispered. "I think about… how you can't really expect to get into the Elysian Fields if you do something like… kill a child."

Xena's face went absolutely blank for an instant, then she leaned forward, and released the bard's hand, bringing both of her own up to cup the younger woman's cheeks. "You.. are going to the Fields." Her voice brooked no disagreement. "Don't you even think for one instant otherwise."

Tears filled the bard's eyes. "Not without you I'm not." Her voice shook. "I can't make it on my own… I need my champion with me."

I never realized she felt… oh Gods. Xena felt a pain deep inside her. It's not my choice anymore, is it? "Gabrielle, listen to me."

Anguished green eyes blinked at her.

"I will always, always be there for you, understand me?" She wiped the tears from the bard's face. "Even in death, I will never leave you." She paused. "Ever, okay?"

A tiny nod. "Promise?"

"No." The warrior replied. "I don't promise. I swear." She stared intently at the smaller woman. "I swear to you, by all that I am."

All of a sudden, the damp, uncomfortable air of the room disappeared, and Gabrielle felt like she was floating comfortably on a cool cloud. Her heart took in the words, and snuggled itself around them, forcing a smile to her face as the dark anxiety dissipated.

She had no idea if there were more people around them, or if they were being watched, and she had to admit she couldn’t have cared less if there were, and they were. It wasn't important.. Only those blue eyes mattered, and the voice that told her what her soul craved to hear.

"Thanks." She replied finally, very simply.

And Xena merely nodded.

Gabrielle had found a nice, soft, padded bench outside a recessed window, and was curled up on it, just watching the rain fall. She'd left Xena to go make the rounds of her troops, and exchange grubby fighter stories, which she didn't have a taste for listening to. Just how you chopped someone's leg off…ugh. She didn't mind detail, but they took such glee in it.. and she knew her soulmate tended to get a little enthusiastic in return. Ares had elected to remain with her, and was curled up under the bench, his long tail poking out on the flagstones and only his yellow eyes peering forth from the gloom .

Ugh. She tucked her legs up under her body, and leaned against the stone sill, watching the sheeting rain fall against the water darkened wood and thatch of the city buildings. From here, this high up, she could see outside the walls, to the belt of rich green forest beyond, and the ruins of the market which squatted, charred and lonely, just outside the gates.

Rain had an interesting smell, she decided. Kind of rich, and spicy.. and it made the stone she was sitting against give off a brittle scent as well.

She reviewed the last conversation she'd had with Xena, and decided that emotional pregnant thing was definitely getting to both of them. What in blazes had made her bring up the whole subject of dying? Again? Not that she didn't appreciate.. no. Not that she hadn't needed to hear what Xena had said.. she had… but right there? In the middle of a banquet hall? Gabrielle. You need to get a grip on yourself.

She sighed, and rested her head against the cool stone. Got more than a promise though, huh? A tiny grin surfaced. Wherever we go, we go together, Xena.. just you get used to that idea, okay? And I don't care what you think…that place isn't going to be Tartarus.. and even if it is, with both of us there… we'll turn the place upside down.

Her hand dropped unconsciously to her stomach, and she exhaled. Does the baby change that? She regarded the rain in silence, as a soft spray of it touched her face. Last night, she'd gone into battle not even thinking about that, and she suspected Xena hadn't thought about it either. The warrior had seemed genuinely glad to see her there, and hadn't once told her to remove herself from the fighting.

Not that she would have, of course. Someone had to protect Xena's backside, and darned if she was going to let anybody else do that.

At least for now, anyway. She knew she'd have to stop doing that at some point, Xena's stories notwithstanding, since physical reality would eventually result in her doing probably more harm than good. But for now.. until it got too awkward, she had every intention of keeping up her martial skills.

Xena did say the better shape you were in, the easier it was, right? And she oughta know.

But the physical issues notwithstanding, what responsibility did she have to the baby? Would she back out of a fight to protect it, at Xena's expense?

No. The decision came easier than she expected. The baby had to take it's chances, just like she did. Just like Xena did.

She'd always said, where Xena went, she would go. Would she back off from that now? What if Xena died… would she stay, because of the baby? What if Xena had been killed last night? She forced herself to consider the possibility, because she knew, and Xena had admitted, that if she, Gabrielle, hadn't intervened, that would have probably come true.

What would she have done? Stood over Xena's body until they took her too?

She tried to imagine what it would have been like, and felt the horrible emptiness, remembered the pain of grief that had overwhelmed her when she'd had to spend a week enduring the reality of the warrior's death.

Would she deliberately stay alive, just for the baby's sake, and suffer that? What about after it was born?

She laid her cheek against the damp, rough surface of the rock, and sighed again. I'm in a morbid mood today, huh? Why not think about how great it's going to be to have a child, instead of wondering what I'd do…. Maybe it's the weather. Her eyes drifted out to the gray landscape, watching the gusts of wind blow thatch across the narrow city streets.

The warm presence caught her by surprise, and she turned her head, as Xena joined her in her little alcove. The warrior sat down, and gathered her up, pulling her into an unexpected, but very welcome hug. She cuddled against the dampish linen tunic, and let herself feel the reassuring strength of her partner's arms.

"Hey." Xena relaxed her hold, but didn't release her. "Whatcha doin?"

"Just thinking." Gabrielle replied, drinking in the sight of the warrior's dark good looks. Xena's hair was damp as well as her tunic, and she had a smudge of mud on her left cheekbone. The bard reached up and rubbed it off. "You done with your gory stories?"

The warrior gave her a sheepish look, and chuckled a little. "Yeah…" She looked over her shoulder. "Getting ready for that damn royal conference… wanna come with me?" Her eyes twinkled. "I might need protection." A grin. "You know the troops idolize you… said you did more damage with your little stick than ten of them with swords."

Gabrielle blinked in surprise. "Uh.. but I wasn't…. trying to do that, all I was doing was…"

"Protecting my butt." Xena nodded. "I know.. I told them that…it didn't help…it just made it worse, because they thought that was so… um…" She sniffed, and rummaged around for a good word for it.

"Romantic?" The bard teased gently.

"They didn't use that word." Xena muttered, chewing her lip. "More like a mother wolf defending her cubs." She paused. "Fierce…that's what they called it."

Gabrielle reached up and fluffed her bangs. "Well.. you are kind of cute.. like a cub." She picked up one of Xena's hands, and examined it. "Nice big paws, too." She tickled the palm, and watched the fingers twitch in response. "Fierce, huh?" Her face scrunched. "I don't know."

Xena grinned. "Yeah… I think that's a good description." She studied the smaller woman. "You all right? You look a little down."

I can't believe she noticed. Gabrielle marveled, as she pulled herself together. Used to be I'd have to practically break down in tears before she'd figure out something was wrong. "Weather, I guess… giving me gloomy thoughts."

Xena's brow creased, and she glanced outside, and Gabrielle amused herself by idly imagining that her soulmate was trying to figure out a way to change the offensive weather. That made her chuckle, and she patted Xena's chest. "Just a mood.. I'm over it." She put her arms around the warrior's waist, and leaned against her. "So… what are you going to do with those guys?"

"Oh." Xena left off trying to imagine a solution to the weather, and settled back, cuddling the bard to her. "I forgot about that.. yeah.. apparently Gar surrounded himself with lazy bums like he was… they like this place." She regarded the rain idly. "They were looking forward to kinda settling down."

"What?" Gabrielle picked her head up from the warrior's shoulder and looked at her in confusion. "Xena, they're an army..what do you mean they want to settle down?"

A shrug. "Happens..sometimes. You know, Gabrielle.. armies like that.. they're made up of kids, mostly.. or older men who get forced off the land.. but not professional soldiers. Most of these guys come from… well, kinda the same sort of places you and I did."

"Hmm."

"It's been a tough couple of years… Gar wasn't stupid.. he discussed his whole plan with his battle leaders before he brought them in here. They were in with his plan."

"Hmm." Gabrielle repeated. "So.. now what?"

"Dunno." Xena shrugged. "I got surrounded in the barracks.. they.. um… "

"Would follow you anywhere." The bard completed the sentence wryly.

"More or less." Xena chuckled sheepishly. "But given a choice.. they'd kinda like to settle down."

"Hmm." The bard said, for a third time. "So… we have to get the city to want to keep them., right?" She drummed her fingers against Xena's linen clad stomach. "We have to make those dumb stuffed shirts see the value in having a loyal fighting force, who, in addition, are burly cute guys who can move logs."

"Right." Xena agreed amiably.

"So.. what's the plan?" The bard asked.

"I was hoping you'd tell me." Xena replied, with a grin. "That's more your area of expertise than mine."

Gabrielle looked at her. "My plans somehow have ways of not working out, lately."

Xena looked right back at her. "I'm counting on you to come up with one."

"You're doing this on purpose." The bard accused, uncertainly.

No answer.

"You really drive me crazy sometimes, Xena."

Still no answer.

A sigh. "All right.. I'll see what I can come up with.. but no promises."

Xena bestowed a dazzling smile on her. "C'mon.. you can think about it while we listen to them babble at us." She stood, and offered the bard a hand up. "Honestly, Gabrielle… I'm about outta patience with these people.. I'm likely to just pick one of em up, and pound them to get what I want.. not a real good idea."

Gabrielle straightened her soulmate's tunic, adjusting the belt, and finally relaxing into a grin. "Yeah.. I could see you twitching with Silvi.. all right.. I see your point… let me shake my diplomatic skills out and put them to work." She was rewarded by a hug, which made her body tingle all up and down it's length as she found herself surrounded by slightly damp, but warm warrior. Xena's hands rubbed their way down her back, releasing tension , and she felt her dark mood dissipate completely, replaced by her more normal optimism.

"Come on, tiger." She finally, reluctantly pulled free. "Let's not keep the snoots waiting."

Xena slid an arm over her shoulders as they squeezed out of the alcove together. "Wonder if they'd catch a clue if I walked in there with you in my arms.. ya think?"

Gabrielle snorted. "No." She glanced up. "Sisters? Great Hera, Xena… I look as much like you as I look like Ares."

"Roo?" The wolf glanced up at his name, and wagged his tail.

"Not that it isn't a compliment." She hastily added, with a grin. "But I mean.. .what's that all about?"

Xena shrugged. "People see what they want to see, Gabrielle." She chuckled. "I could probably profess undying love to you in the middle of the banquet hall, and they'd all still think it was a touching exhibit of deep, sisterly affection."

"Clueless." The bard rolled her eyes.

"Oh yeah." Xena answered. "You got that right."

The older man's voice droned on, and on, and on. Gabrielle rested her chin on her hands and listened, as he went over the exact amounts, and conditions of the loans they were going to offer the merchants, at which percentage points, and to what terms they'd be held to.

She kept her eyes forward though, because she knew if she glanced sideways at Xena, and saw the warrior ripping a piece of her parchment up into tiny little bits, then pushing them around into weird patterns, she'd start laughing.

Not good.

Xena got bored easily, she'd long ago realized, unless whatever was being discussed interested her. Which this didn't , or the bard either, for that matter, but Gabrielle had developed a tolerance for this kind of thing during her long stints with both the Amazons, and in Amphipolis.

So.. her soulmate was bored, and when she was bored, Xena tended to fidget. The bard knew if she passed a quill and larger piece of parchment over, the warrior would start doodling, making crosshatched squares and filling them in randomly. The bits of parchment she was fiddling with now were a substitute, something to keep her restless mind occupied with while the noble went over the list of merchants…

Again.

"I still.. don't know if this is prudent." He finally summed up, with a sigh.

"Actually." Gabrielle cleared her throat. "You'll see a good return from that… I know from experience that people around the area will come to the market as soon as it's rebuilt, hoping to get bargains from merchants desperate to make up for their loss."

They all turned and looked at her, then at each other. "Really?" The noble murmured. "Bargains, did you say?"

The bard nodded. "Sure." She interlaced her fingers. "You'll also attract new merchants, who will see an opportunity to fill in the gaps."

"You've.. seen this happen?" A younger man spoke up, leaning forward. "In other places?"

Gabrielle shrugged. "Yes… it's not a nice consequence, but it's kinda basic to human nature, you know?"

Attention shifted her way. "Tell us more." The older man identified as Edgevar murmured.

As Gabrielle cleared her throat to start speaking, Xena smirked, and continued her obsessive patterning, shaping the bits into the head of a cat. She listened to her soulmate's descriptions, and was semi aware of the murmur of agreement from the nobles.

She needs this. Her eyes flicked quickly to Gabrielle's profile, then back to the table. I'm worried about her. It wasn't normal for her to have to push the bard into getting involved, and she'd felt a little guilty about it, but in truth, she really didn't have the patience for it, and she really wanted Gabrielle to regain confidence in her own judgment.

She turned her head slightly to watch the bard's body language, seeing the shift of bone and muscle across her shoulders under the rough linen of her tunic as she gestured, and the expansion of her ribs as she took breath to continue her argument.

Xena nudged a bit of paper into the shape of an ear, then put a whisker in place. Besides, Gabrielle was making some very good points, some of which hadn't occurred to her at all, and the nobles were sounding more and more enthusiastic about the rebuilding of the market. The bard slipped in a few verbal jabs about the troops doing the work, and she smiled to herself. That's my girl.

"Don’t' you think so, Xena?" The bard's voice, addressing her, caught her offguard, and she looked up guiltily.

"Right." She knew by the quirk at the corner of Gabrielle's mouth she'd been caught daydreaming though, and she mustered an apologetic grin. "Whatever you say, Gabrielle."

"Oh… I'll have to remember that." The bard's eyes twinkled, then she returned her attention to Edgevar "Basically, if you set the festival right after the rebuilding finishes, you'll get the most response, and make the most profit."

The older man nodded respectfully at her. "Sound advice, madam." He turned to Xena. "And how long will it take for rebuilding, do you think, general?"

Xena nudged a tail into place. "Oh.. that depends on the weather." She thought a minute. "If we can get wagons to go to the forest to bring the logs back, shouldn't take too long to finish up."

"Excellent." He paused, then exchanged looks with three of the older nobles, who nodded. "Now, we can move on to our next agenda item.. the regency." He straightened his ornate surcoat. "Silvi, you know that since your father's death, I have been your regent"

"I know." The girl smiled at him. "I think you've been splendid." She stood, and folded her hands. "And once I marry, I want you to know, you will always have a place here."

The older man winced, then forced a smile. "Thank you, your highness."

"I knew you must be worrying about that." Silvi went on. "But I want you to know, once my sweetheart and I are wed, and I am queen, I will make sure you have lots of things to do."

Gabrielle let her gaze flick to her soulmate's face. The cat was forgotten, and Xena was now listening, a look of sharp alertness etched into her angular features.

"That's… good of you." The man answered, slowly. "Am I to understand you believe you will be… marrying soon?"

"Oh yes." Silvi sighed happily. "Now that things are settled, we can be wed anytime… of course, it will have to wait until my dress is made, but… " Another sigh. "Framna will make a splendid consort… he looks so well in a uniform."

"Silvi… " Edgevar folded his arms. "After what happened… do you think he is appropriate for you to elevate him so?"

She looked confused. "But.. it all turned out fine.. we are free of that animal.. and it wasn't his fault, you see. He couldn’t stop that army from attacking.. we were just fortunate someone was here who could." She gave him an unhappy look. "He felt horrible about it, truly.. he's a good man, uncle."

"We will speak of this later, in private." The older man pursed his lips. "I do not think I wish to hand over a regency to a man who could not even know the temper of his own army."

"He's got a point." Xena leaned over and whispered. "That was really shortsighted of him."

"Mm." Gabrielle leaned back. "I don' t know.. but I seem to remember falling in love doing some pretty strange things to a certain ex warlord of my acquaintance." She got a look. "Especially in the absentmindedness department."

"I wasn't that bad." Xena muttered. "Was I?"

"I remember the night you fed Argo those stewed tomatoes." Gabrielle replied, keeping an eye on the low dialog between Edgevar and another older man. "Boy was she pissed off."

Xena chuckled. "Oh gods.. I remember that." She glanced up at the unhappy looking Silvi and sighed. "Okay.. okay.. so he get an allowance, but still."

"He loves her." The bard stated, gently.

"Yeah.. I know." The warrior rumbled. "I don't much like the uncle."

"Me neither." Gabrielle made a face. "Let me see what I can do."

Xena leaned back, and watched as her soulmate stood up, and paced over to where the nobles were clustered, running a hand through her fair hair and clearing her throat as she came up to them. "You go, Gabrielle."

"Listen, guys.. " Gabrielle started.

"Ah.. madam bard…we were just speaking of you." Edgevar interrupted smoothly. "Your contributions today were most valuable."

"Um.. thanks." Gabrielle mustered a smile. "Listen, about Framna… he's not so bad."

They exchanged glances. "We.. are not terrible concerned about that right now. " The regent rubbed his hands. "Actually, we were considering sidestepping the issue, and naming a different heir.. as you know, my son is of royal blood, and he is much better suited that his little cousin for the throne."

"Is he now?" Gabrielle put her hands behind her back. "Well.. um.. it's none of my business.. but.. isn't that kind of a hasty decision?"

"No no." Edgevar gave her a frosty smile. "It's been spoken of before.. we were just troubled about finding young Vasi a suitable wife to be his consort.. there is a.. dearth.. of such qualified ladies in our midst." His eyes fastened on her hungrily. "Now.. I believe we have found such… certainly you will agree that you, madam bard, would make a splendid consort."

The bard stared at him. "What?" She shook her head rapidly and rubbed an ear. "Did I hear you right.. you want me.. to marry your son?"

He smiled at her. "Exactly… and, don’t worry.. we intend to offer your sibling a very comfortable office… as commander of the city guard." He patted her arm. "You won't be separated from your family.. I know, myself, how important that is."

Gabrielle licked her lips and blinked. "Excuse me a minute." She executed a precise about face, and made a beeline for the casually watching Xena.

Continued in Part 10

Standard Disclaimer - These characters, most of them, belong to Universal, and Renaissance Pictures, and whoever else has a stake in Xena: Warrior Princess. This is written just in fun, and no copyright infringement was intended.

Specific Story Disclaimers:

Violence –Why does anyone ever disclaim violence in a Xena story? Of course, there's violence. Do you think we'd put out a story that consisted of pages and pages of Xena just.... fishing.. or something? She is a Warrior Princess, not a Mary Kay consultant. (no insult intended - some of my best co workers are Mary Kay consultants, and I purchase from them regularly) And Gabrielle is no slouch with that staff, either. So, yes - there is violence.

Subtext - C'mon. Even the show has subtext. Heck, sometimes, it's not subtext. Sometimes, it's maintext. But anyway, this is an alternative fan fiction story. That means, it's based on the premise that Xena and Gabrielle are more than just best friends. If that's not your cup of mint tea, there are many, many talented bards out in the Xenaverse who post general fiction, which does not follow this premise. Go find them. Enjoy them.

This is, of course, PG13 level involvement here, no more.

So - having read this lovely disclaimer, if you then read the story, and are shocked that Gabrielle and Xena are kissing each other, I can't help ya. If you're offended by it, send me your address, and I'll send you a bushel of citrus. We like to send that from here - we have to get rid of all of it somehow.

Any and all comments are always welcome. You can email them to:

mailto:merwolf@bellsouth.net

Promises Kept - Part 10

By Melissa Good

"He wants you to WHAT?"

Gabrielle had no idea how Xena managed to get so much volume into a vocal utterance that didn't carry beyond the two of them. "Marry his son." She squealed, gritting her teeth. "Xena.. I've had it about up to my TONSILS with the cluelessness of the Ares be damned people in this ridiculous little half butted peanut headed pseudo city."

Blue eyes widened, then blinked in surprise at this string of obscenity. "Um." Xena stood, and gently took her soulmate's arm, directing her to the seat she'd just vacated. "Okay.. you.. sit down here for a minute.. and I'll go talk to him, all right?" She patted the seething bard's shoulder gingerly. "Look.. I made a kitty cat for you."

Gabrielle fastened her eyes on the pattern. "A kitty cat." She started to methodically remove its whiskers.

The warrior took a breath, then headed in the direction of Edgevar. He looked up as she approached, and gave her a thin smile. "Hi." The warrior exhaled, and motioned behind her. "Gabrielle said you .. um.. made her an offer?"

His smile grew warmer. "Yes… forgive me for not speaking to you first.. but the opportunity presented itself, so.. " He rubbed his hands together. "They are of an age… she seems intelligent, if not very polished… "

"She's already married." Xena put a hand up to stop him. "So.."

He looked surprised, but not dismayed. "An arrangement can be made, I'm sure… an amount would have to be agreed on."

"Whoa.. whoa.. .no no." Xena waved her hand. "First of all, there isn't enough money in Greece for that."

"Hm." He folded his arms. "I hadn't thought that would be a problem.. since this fellow lets her go gallivanting around the countryside with you."

"Fel… aw Hades left ball." Xena cursed. "Look, just forget it."

"Ah… I see the problem.. " He relaxed, and held up a hand. "My apologies… I should have approached you first.. you are the senior member of the family… my mistake. I, of all people, being the senior in mine, should have realized that."

Xena blinked at him. "What?"

"Are you interested in the lad yourself? I hadn't thought… you are much older than he is, but still.. " The man rubbed his jaw, oblivious to the rising steam from the tall warrior. "I had thought to offer you a military position.. the highest one, of course… it seemed more your area of interest…. But I suppose we could.. "

Two big hands grabbed his shoulders and shook him, so hard his teeth rattled. "Hold it!" Xena growled, deep and low in her chest. "Now you look here… I'm not interested in your damn son. Gabrielle is not interested in your damn son. We're both married, and we like it that way. YOU GOT ME????"

He sniffed. "No need to yell." He shrugged off her hold. "I can see we need to negotiate.. perhaps I can send an envoy to your husbands?"

The absurdity of the situation got to Xena. She burst out laughing, unable to stop herself, and ended up staggering back, and leaning against the conference table. "No." She finally sighed, and straightened up. "You can't." She motioned Gabrielle to get up. "Come on." She watched the bard carefully gather her bits of parchment, and tuck them into her pocket, then grab her quill case. "Look…" She faced Edgevar. "Think about what you're doing, okay? Framna's not a bad guy."

Edgevar watched them leave, then clucked vexedly at his aides. "That was foolish of me… I should have known better than to not approach her first… she has a pride even greater than my own."

The aide sniffed. "We've got to figure out another way, then?"

"No no… give her a while to think about it.. we'll come to an arrangement. I'm not about to lose this opportunity… she'll come to her senses." He paused. "Maybe I can sweeten the offer somewhat.. you think she would like more servants?"

The aide shrugged. "Couldn’t hurt."

He nodded briskly. "Make it so."

"Y'know, Xena.. we really should have brought Salmoneus here. " Gabrielle mused, as she followed her soulmate's aggravated strides through the hall. "He'd have made a killing selling them vacation villas in Pompeii."

Xena stopped, and turned, putting her hands on her hips. "Can I take you to a vacation villa somewhere? For about a month?"

Gabrielle blinked in utter surprise. "Uh.. sure!" She grinned broadly. "How about a nice place on the beach somewhere… we can have one of those pit cookouts." She moved closer, and put a hand on the warrior's side, feeling the warm skin under her fingertips. "Just you.. me… and a handful of clams? How about it?"

"Mmmm." Xena reached up an idle hand, and ran her fingers through the bard's fair hair. "Gods… that sounds good." She murmured. "You're on.. as soon as we get outta here." She sighed. "Can you believe those people?"

The bard studied the wall for a minute. "I feel bad for Silvi…these guys are so slimy."

Xena drummed her fingers on her thigh. "Yeah… makes me wanna do something about it."

A tiny grin tugged at Gabrielle's lips. " Me too." She leaned against the warrior. "Now… sneaky, devious, clever plans to unseat nasty regents.. that's your department, partner."

Blinking pale blue eyes. "Sneaky? Me?" Xena let her mock innocent look slide into a wicked smirk. "I'll see what I can do." She kissed the bard's head. "C'mon… rain's still coming down pretty hard.. we've got some time to relax before the next round of disasters hit."

The room had been… cleaned. Xena paused reflectively by the couch, gazing at the dully shining stone floor. Experimentally, she scuffed a boot toe against it, producing a squeak.

Ares turned, startled, and yelped at her.

She squeaked again.

He yelped, and trotted over, giving her an outraged look.

Squeak.

Yelp.

"XENA!" Gabrielle threw a small, embroidered pillow at her, which she ducked. It flew out the window and landed in the rain, the pale fabric darkening quickly. "Whoops." She gave her partner a dour look , and headed for it.

"No no.. let me." Xena held up a hand, then went out onto the balcony, letting the rain drive against her body for several long moments. She grinned, and picked the pillow up, then crossed back into the room where Gabrielle was standing, hands on hips, watching her.

With a smirk, she shook her body rapidly, scattering water everywhere, then dropped the pillow onto the floor. "There." She flicked her fingers through her wet hair, and observed the now once again damp floor. "That's better." She rubbed the toe of her boot and got only a faint, scuffing sound.

Gabrielle burst into a helpless giggle. "You are such a brat." She walked over and untied Xena's tunic. "Here… I wanted to check those cuts anyway." She tugged Xena over to the fireplace, where her healer's kit was resting on a table, and got out the antiseptic, carefully recoating where she'd had to stitch the warrior's tanned skin. "You heal so fast I'm not sure there's a point to doing this, but…"

Xena watched her indulgently. "I think you enjoy it."

Gabrielle looked up, her brows creasing. "What.. seeing you get hurt?"

The warrior made a face. "No…taking care of me."

"Oh." The bard moved closer, reaching up to get a wound on the side of her neck. "Well…it's kinda… I mean, I hate having to fix stuff like this.. because I hate when you get hurt, but…I.. I guess it's… I'm glad you let me." A breath. "Because for such a long time you didn't.. I guess I always considered it a… a mark of your trust."

Xena put her arms around the bard and pulled her close. "I wish I could apologize for every time I pushed you away." She sighed. "I needed you so much, and I was so afraid to give in to that."

It was a startling admission, and Gabrielle tucked it away for later study, while she rubbed the warm back comfortingly. "It's all right… I finally figured it out once you started kinda letting me do that… you probably weren't gonna leave me someplace." She paused, reflectively. "It was a good feeling… I felt like I'd worked really hard and earned something."

Dark. Flickering firelight, and the soothing night sounds of the forest had surrounded them. She had been tugging her bedroll into place, and putting her skirt and cropped rust colored top to wash after the scuffle they'd gotten into with some thugs attacking the nearby village.

Xena was across the fire, seated on a fallen log with her long legs sprawled out haphazardly, working on a rip in her leathers. The warrior kept stopping though, and finally, she set her project down, and glanced across the flames. "Hey… Gabrielle?"

She'd looked up, curiously. "Yes?"

Blue eyes had danced uneasily across the camp, before finally fixing on her. "Could you do me a favor?"

Even now, Gabrielle remembered the startled feeling she'd gotten on hearing those words. A favor? "Sure.. sure.. what is it?" She'd gotten up, and looked around. "Do you need something.. one of your tools… "

"Um… no.. I… " Xena had taken a deep breath. "One of those guys clipped me in the back.. it's really bothering me.. can you take a look at it?"

It had felt like it had taken her forever to walk around the fire, and approach the quietly waiting warrior, but she finally got there, and had edged around in back of her, spotting the red stain on her shift and sucking in a breath. "You're bleeding."

Xena had nodded. "Thought so."

She'd knelt down, and gently pulled the fabric back, exposing the warrior's tanned shoulderblades to the flickering light. "Oh… it's a bunch of little cuts."

"Yeah.. it was a mace… " Xena had muttered. "There's some cleaner and stuff in my pack, there."

Gabrielle had nearly tripped, getting over there, and digging out the supplies, then hurrying back to her companion's side. She'd carefully cleaned the wounds, trying not to hurt Xena more than necessary. Of course, the warrior hadn't uttered a peep of complaint, but she could feel the skin tensing under her touch, and saw the flinch when she worked to get the wood particles out.

She'd never realized just how soft Xena's skin was before. It was like velvet under her fingertips.

"How's that?" Gabrielle had finally asked, uncertainly, as she finished putting a light coat of the sharp smelling antiseptic over the area.

Xena had hesitated, then turned her head, smiling at her over her shoulder. "Much better… thanks."

Gabrielle had smiled back. "Anytime."

"I know who I can come to next time, huh?" The faintest hint of gentle teasing had been in Xena's voice, strange, and warming, and new.

"Oh.. you bet." The bard had laughed, giving the broad back in front of her a hesitant, friendly pat. "But not too often, okay?"

"Okay." Came the quiet agreement. "Hey listen… my arm's a little stiff.. would you mind hanging on to the end of this while I finish up?"

Would she mind. Gabrielle almost laughed, as she seated herself on the log next to her taller companion, and steadied the leathers, holding them taut while Xena stitched. She'd felt at peace, and allowed the flames, and the steady motion of the warrior's hands to lull her.

She hadn't even remembered falling asleep there, leaning against Xena's shoulder. But she had remembered being put down on her own bedroll, and the faint pressure as the warrior brushed her lips over her forehead.

It had been such a wonderful feeling.

Xena sighed, and shook her head. "Glad you stuck it out." She ducked her head and brushed her lips against the bard's, feeling her body slide closer.

A knock at the door. Xena glanced up. "Where's my chakram?" She growled.

Gabrielle giggled against he soft skin of her neck, then reluctantly backed off, tugging the damp fabric closed and fastening her belt. "Maybe it's our boots."

Xena's eyes narrowed. "It better not be that clueless bastard."

The knock came again, a little louder. "All right.. c'mon in." The warrior snapped.

The door swung open, and Nancia drifted in, with a retinue. She stopped short when she saw the floor, and her plucked eyebrows arched. Her head swiveled, and stopped when she spotted Xena's damp hair and the warrior grinned evilly at her.

"I hate squeaky floors." Xena purred. "What do you want?" She added, lifting a brow.

Nancia wrestled the outraged look off her face, and folded her hands. "Lord Edgevar have assigned us to remain here, and provide you.. both.. with any service you find necessary."

Warrior and bard exchanged looks. "You know.. Nancia… not that we don't appreciate that.. " Gabrielle strolled over to her. "We do.. we do.. but.. see, we're not used to that kind of service… "

"Obviously." The woman sniped.

"And.. well, all these people.. in one small room.. it kinda makes us nervous." She leaned forward. "You really don’t want to make Xena nervous.. she starts playing with those sharp things.. it could get ugly."

Nancia sniffed. "We.. are trained to be inconspicuous." She waved her hands at the retinue, who took up unobtrusive positions around the outer walls. "You will never know we are here. Please… just do what you will… I will not interrupt."

Gabrielle exhaled, then sucked in a breath to argue, when warm hands fastening themselves onto her shoulders halted her. She turned to find Xena standing there, a peculiar look on her face.

"She said to do what I will." The warrior stated, gently cupping the smaller woman's neck with strong fingers. "Shall we?"

Oh boy…The bard let those blue eyes become her world and leaned towards her as Xena tilted her head and they kissed. Her hands went in pure reflex to caress the warrior's body, and she was barely aware of the strangled sound behind her as her heart started beating faster.

Gabrielle heard a squeak, and a growl from Ares. Another squeak, and a shuffle, but now the warrior was letting her hands drift slowly up Gabrielle's body, and she was losing the ability to figure out what the sounds were.

Or the inclination to care.

Except she did recognize the door closing, and she hesitated, then blinked up at her soulmate, who had the most diabolical smile on her face.

They were alone.

"Heh." Gabrielle leaned back, and regarded the taller woman with possessive pride. "You are sooo good." She sighed. "You think she'll tell anyone?"

Xena snorted softly. "What.. that backwoods country bumpkins kiss each other?"

The bard leveled a stare at her. "I am NOT a bumpkin, madam-run-around-in-mud -puddles-then-stomp-on-the-floor."

The warrior chuckled. "I don't give two centaur farts if she does…c'mere." She pulled the bard closer again, and continued her gentle exploration.

"What if they come back?" Gabrielle whispered, as her hands slipped under the linen tunic, and found warm skin. "You think they'd get a clue we're not sisters?"

A low, wicked chuckle. "Either that, or they're all gonna wanna move to Amphipolis."

The candles had guttered down, and Xena let them. She was sprawled on the low couch, watching the rain fall, with one arm draped over Gabrielle's snoozing body. The bard had her head pillowed on the warrior's lap, with one arm curled around Xena's thigh.

The taller woman let her fingers play idly in the soft red gold hair spilling over her leg, smiling a little as she felt the warmth of Gabrielle's breath against her skin. She exhaled, and returned her attention to the weather, which had worsened, and was now lashing against the window with vicious intent.

What to do? She considered the problem carefully. Silvi was too young, that was first. There was no question of that, and besides, the girl didn't have the sense the gods gave a centaur's hind hoof.

But… Edgevar wasn't much better, if a little slyer, and he left a bad taste in the warrior's mouth. Ditto his smarmy son. She withheld judgement on Elanora, because she'd only seen the girl once, but by Gabrielle's sniping report, she wasn't worth much either.

Xena sighed. What a bunch of losers.

That left Framna, who had, it was true, been duped by his own army. She had a certain sympathy for that, though… having had an army turn on her. Framna had gotten out of it easier than she had, she mused, remembering that gauntlet. Maybe he had some potential… he certainly played a nice harp.

Framna, and Silvi. Xena winced. Bennu and Gramma would be a better choice, but even she didn't think she could get away with that, short of either kidnapping or murder. She had to put something in place that wasn't going to be intrigued out of existence in a few candlemarks, which meant, it had to make a large percentage of the people involved happy.

Uck. I hate politics. She glanced down as Gabrielle stirred, and shifted a little, snuggling closer with a tiny sound. Of course, Gabrielle would be an excellent choice, but she wasn't giving her up, so forget that. Not that the bard would sit still for it, even for a few days, in fact, she'd probably pummel the warrior for even thinking about it.

And I sure don't want to be pummeled, Xena reflected, with a grin. Imagine, that jerk wanting to buy her cooperation… buddy, all the gold in.. in the world wouldn't be enough for a damn down payment. She regarded the pink ear fondly, and gently traced its edge with one finger.

"Too bad we scared away that fluffy woman before she could bring up lunch, huh Ares?" She muttered to the wolf, who was curled up against her other side, his muzzle resting on her knee. She was pretty sure the bard would wake up hungry, and there wasn't much left from their scavenged breakfast tray.

She made a mental note to remember to stock up on dried fruits and meats before they left to placate the younger woman's subtly increasing appetite while they traveled, a thought which caused a wondering smile to cross her face as she contemplated the cause.

A soft knock attracted her attention, and she raised a brow. "Too coincidental." She muttered to herself, then raised her voice slightly. "Come in."

The door opened slowly, and the dim light revealed Bennu's tall form. He edged forward hesitantly, then paused as he spotted her in the gloom. "Ah… "

"C'mon in.. just keep it quiet." Xena told him, watching as he padded around the edge of the couch, stopping in startlement when he spotted Gabrielle's slumbering form.

"Is… is she all right?" He asked softly.

The warrior nodded. "Yeah.. she's fine.. just a little tired, that's all." She leaned back. "What's up?"

"Ah.. well, t'fella's outside, wants ta speak to you." Bennu stated, scowling a little. "I'll tell em to come back later.. if the little lass is asleep, there." He started to reverse his steps, but stopped when Xena held up a hand.

"Who is it?"

"Framna." The tall soldier stated, briefly.

Xena sighed. "No.. I'd better see him…no sense in delaying it. Just give me a few minutes to wake up my partner here, and let him in."

"Aye." He grunted, reluctantly. "He's not so bad a fella, I guess." He turned, and ambled out, shutting the door softly behind him. Xena could hear his low, rumbling voice just outside, and she turned her attention to the sleeping bard.

"Hey… sleepyhead… " She traced a gentle line down the fair haired woman's face.

"Mmm." Gabrielle stirred, and snuggled closer.

"Gabrielle…."

Slowly, a green eye opened, and peered up at her resentfully. "My pillow's talking… this is not a good thing."

The warrior chuckled softly. "Sorry, love.. but Framna's needing to talk to me, and I thought you'd prefer to be conscious for that."

"Depends." The other eye peeked open, and the bard rolled over onto her back, resting her head on her soulmate's thigh, and stifled a lazy yawn. "Will you get rid of him like you did Nancia if he gets boring?" She crossed her ankles, and folded her hands across her stomach. "I liked that."

"Did you now?" Blue eyes gazed at her affectionately. "Me too."

They regarded each other in quiet peace for a long moment, then Gabrielle sighed, and stifled another yawn, as she rolled over and pushed herself upright, ending up against the back of the couch next to Xena, and gazing out at the nasty weather. "Uck."

The door opened a bit, and Bennu poked his tousled head in. "S'allright genr'l?"

"Yeah." The warrior stood, and stretched muscles stiffened from providing pillow service. She turned as the door opened wider, and Bennu led Framna in, and motioned him forward. "Siddown." She gave him a cool nod, watching as he nervously took a seat. "What can I do for you?" Bennu took a position near the door, his hands braced behind him.

Gabrielle pulled her feet up and sat cross legged, pulling the cloak she'd been covered with around her against the damp, cool wind coming in from the balcony. She watched Framna curiously, seeing the anxious twisting of his hands. His entire attitude had changed so radically since the previous day, it was almost like looking at a different man. She idly petted Ares, and the wolf crawled closer to her, and snuggled up, having been abandoned by his taller mistress.

"I… " The ginger haired man studied his hands and exhaled. "I hardly know what to say to you."

Xena had wandered over to the window, and now she turned, and shrugged. "There's something to say?" She folded her arms across her chest, and leaned against the balcony door, a faint mist of rain dusting her skin. "I thought I made myself clear this morning.. was there something you didn't understand about what I said?"

He paused, then looked up at her. "Only… why?" He asked, clearing his throat a little. "For all you know, that attack could have been my plan… the city would have been destroyed.. why? Why trust me?"

Xena regarded him coolly. "Does it matter?"

Framna nodded. "It does.. to me.. because I have to know the reason for things…. You were right, what I did last night in the hall.. that was to embarrass you." He hesitated. "I haven't given you any reason to do anything other than have me tossed in the dungeon on bread rations, and instead…. " His arms lifted and dropped. "I don't understand, and I want to."

The warrior turned, and regarded the weather. "Live long enough, you eventually learn that it doesn't pay to think the worst of everyone all the time." She commented softly. "You also learn to tell when people are telling you the truth." She finally turned, and faced him. "I know what a bad person is, Framna. I am one."

Gabrielle sucked in a breath, her hackles standing right on end as she formulated her indignant response to her partner's self description.

A long finger hand lifted, and blue eyes caught hers. "I've done stuff so bad you're toes would curl if I told ya about it… so believe me, there's nothing here that can match any of that."

Hazel eyes watched her, uncertainly. "I don't… "

"But see… last couple of years, what I figured out is, do good things to people, and most of the time.. they turn out better for it." The warrior continued. "And the more you do good stuff for people, the better you start to be."

The bard subsided. "Good thing you clarified that." She muttered, fiddling with Ares' tail and giving her soulmate a grumpy look.

Xena gave her a quietly affectionate grin in return. Defending her had become such a damn reflex with the bard.. briefly, her thoughts drifted to a desperately whispered exchange in Chin.

"If you think for one minute I'm going to stand by while they k…kill you.. .Xena.. don't ask that of me!" Gabrielle's tear stained face, etched with weariness, and anguish stared up at her. "Not after this.. not after.. please.."

"Listen to me!" Xena had stared right back, willing her to hear the words, and move past the emotion. "Gabrielle.. we've only got one chance, you hear me? Only one chance.. and I don’t know if I can do it.. all I can do is try.. but… I can't do it if I have to worry about you… please… just…" Her voice had broken. "Trust me."

The indecision on Gabrielle's face had been painful to behold. "What if it doesn't work?" She finally asked. "Then what? Xena.. .I can't… I can't watch you die again."

"Gabrielle… I can't get out of this stock.. we have no way of escaping… I'll try my best, I promise you that.. but if it doesn't work, you… if you don’t interfere, Ming Tien will let you go." She'd looked right into those ravaged, green eyes. "My stuff's near the pier, with a merchant named Ha Po… he knows…your name."

The bard had started to shake her head violently. "Gabrielle.. please… take it… you can sell the chakram.. it'll get you home."

"Xena…there is no home for me." The bard had whispered, and sank down, her head in her hands. "Not without you… oh gods.. what have I done?"

"Gabrielle." It had hurt, but part of her, an icy, cold aching part, had warmed. "Listen to me… listen… this is the only chance we have. " We. She'd deliberately said that. "Just… don't interfere, no matter what.. don’t' move, don't try to stop them… we don't have time to argue about it."

And finally, exhausted, Gabrielle had looked up at her, there in that stinking dungeon, and dully nodded. "But I'm not going back there if it doesn’t work." She'd rasped, her voice so strained it was almost unrecognizable. "Not and have to live the rest of my life knowing I killed you."

It really was… Xena reflected, the best and only reason the whole damned thing worked. The knowledge that she couldn't let Gabrielle feel that. And the bard had done… incredibly well. Only one twitch, one involuntary, almost animal surge, stopped almost as soon as it had started, when they'd drawn near her with the knife.

A reflex.

Always.

Framna looked carefully from one woman to the other. Then he fixed his eyes on Xena. "Um… you're not really sisters, are you?" He asked, hesitantly.

"Ooo.. " Gabrielle reached over, and patted his arm. "You get baklava points!"

The warrior chuckled. "No.. we're not." She crossed over, sat down next to the bard, and patted her leg. "Though.. if I had to have a sister, this would be the one I'd want."

The bard blushed gently, and looked down, then glanced at her partner. "No offense to Lila.. but.. I feel the same way." She tucked her hand around Xena's arm, and rested her head against the warrior's sturdy shoulder.

"Oh." He rubbed his temple. "That's what you meant… in the hall." He muttered. "About you being the only… ye gods and little fishes.. now it makes sense."

Gabrielle rolled her eyes up towards Xena's face. "Do you hear a bell ringing?"

Xena started chuckling, then she sobered, regarding Framna. "Look.. you've got a problem here." She'd made a decision, somewhere between his comments and Gabrielle's warmly comforting touch on her arm. "Edgevar doesn't want any part of you, and he's looking to replace Silvi as heir."

Framna's head shot up. "Bastard." He spat. "I thought that was in the works… damn stuck up piece of… " He stopped, giving Gabrielle an apologetic look. "Sorry."

"Poop." The bard completed his statement. "I've heard the term." She paused. "I've even fallen in it a few times." She turned her head. "Xena, why does everyone think I'm such an innocent?"

The warrior gazed at her , examining her open, youthful face with it's fringe of red gold hair and striking green eyes. "Haven't a clue. "She answered mildly. "Maybe if you wore leather more often, they wouldn't."

Gabrielle snorted. "You just like it that way."

Xena grinned, then turned her attention back to Framna.

"It's not her fault.. " Framna's voice became a good deal more animated. "I know.. she's so young.. she hasn't had practically any experience.. she'll grow into the thing, I know she will." He stood, and paced. "They don't give her a chance... I know.. how that stuck up … snootball treats her.. like she's a child." He turned. "She's not!"

Xena had braced her elbows on her knees, and she was resting her chin in her hands, watching him in silence. Her pale eyes slid to her partner's face, and saw the gentle smile there, then went back to the tall warlord. "She's pretty inexperienced, though… she's gonna need a lot of help." She warned. "And so are you… this isn't a picnic, and it’s not like running an army."

He sighed. "But her uncle… " He slumped down in to the chair again. "I'm not… damn… I'm a fighter, Xena… I don't know how to work around all this political stuff." He chewed his lip. "What's his plan? He'd have put that runt on the throne before now if he could have, the little sneak."

"Oh." Gabrielle had been quietly listening, and now she spoke up. "Easy.. he wants me to marry Vasi." She enunciated the words carefully. "Oh.. yeah.. and he wants her to run the city guards." This with a nod at her taller partner.

Framna blinked. "Ah…well… um…" He rooted around for something to say. "He's got good taste?"

One dark eyebrow edged up at that. "Oh.. you've got potential in this political thing." Xena assured him dryly. "No.. we've just got to figure out a way… " She let the thought trail off.

"Well.. you could just go kick him around a little." Gabrielle kidded, leaning against her.

Slowly, Xena smiled. "Yeah… "

"I was joking." The bard added, hastily.

"No no.. that's a great idea, Gabrielle." The warrior rubbed her hands together. "Listen.. listen.. everyone always expects… I mean, with the leather and all… yeah… that might just do it. " She nodded. "Great idea, partner."

"What???" Gabrielle turned, and grabbed her sleeve, tugging her closer. "What are you going to do?"

A slow, feral smile appeared. "Live up to my expectations."

"Are you sure you need the whip?" Gabrielle asked, peering curiously at the taller woman standing near the bed. "I mean… it looks kind of.. "

Xena finished tying the leather thong off around her waist, and let the ends dangle. "Vicious?"

"Uh.. yeah." The bard eyed the dark leathers, gleaming dully in the soft candlelight, flickers of which glanced off the hammered armor sections. Her soulmate had added some pieces of glinting chain mail, making the overall effect more… well, she hated to say dangerous, because Xena always was, but… "Intimidating, yeah."

Smirk. "Good." The warrior adjusted the long, curved dagger that was hanging at her hip, and straightened a bracer. She glanced up at her doubtful looking partner. "What?"

"Um.. nothing." Gabrielle lifted both hands, then let them drop. "Nothing… I just wish you'd tell me what you're going to do… especially since I'm going with you." She popped a remaining bit of lunch in her mouth and chewed it, licking her fingers.

"Gabrielle…"

One blond eyebrow rose, and the bard put her hands on her hips.

Xena sighed. "Okay.. okay… but you gotta play it right." She walked over to the bard, and tugged on her shirt. "And that's gotta go."

Green eyes opened wide. "You want me to go naked?" She spluttered, in disbelief.

"Mmm…. " The warrior thought about that. "Um.. no.. no… but… see, Gabrielle, we've gotta.. uh.. impress… on Edgevar just what a..um.. dangerous… deal he's gotten himself into."

"Uh huh." Gabrielle replied slowly. "Dangerous.. well, okay, that is your specialty…but I… " She paused. "Let me guess… the Amazon outfit again, right?"

Vigorous nod of agreement. "Yeah.. only this time, all the clanking bits, okay, Specially those long, curved, tooth necklace things."

"Neck… Xena, what for?"

"You're gonna go accept his marriage proposal." Xena grinned, putting an arm around her. "And I wanna make sure he knows exactly what he's getting into."

Gabrielle turned, and put both hands flat on the warrior's chest. "I'm gonna what? Xena, have you lost your mind? " She reached up and held a palm against the taller woman's forehead. "You don't feel warm.. here.. you'd better lie down."

"No no.. listen.. " Xena resisted her tugging hands. "He doesn't know anything about the Amazons.. you can tell him some stories bout how Amazons drag their men around by the hair.. and stuff like that."

"Xena." The bard held up a hand. "Amazons don’t do that." She stared at the taller woman in puzzlement. "They don't allow men in the village at all.. which you know perfectly well."

A dark brow lifted. "They would if they could and you know it, but he doesn’t know they don't… we're trying to scare him… c'mon, if you're gonna do this with me, you gotta be a wicked, bloodthirsty Amazon warrior."

Gabrielle tilted her head and gave her partner an appealing look. "Me?"

Xena regarded her. "Well.. maybe you should stay here." She patted her shoulder. "Look.. I can handle this… you just relax… finish up lunch.. this won't take long."

Native stubbornness raised it fuzzy head. "No.. no.. I can be bloodthirsty." Gabrielle protested. "Really… " She bared her teeth and snarled, getting a weird look from Ares. "See?" She growled at the wolf, who walked over and licked her knee. "Ares, you're supposed to be scared!"

"Roo?" He sat down, and poked his tongue out happily, looking up at her.

Xena regarded the bard. "Y'know.. honey… " She began, delicately.

"Oh." Hands on hips. "Don't start with that.. I know that voice… that's the "Gee, Gabrielle.. why don’t you go and investigate this neat bed of rocks I found while I go kick some butt" voice." She straightened her shoulders. "I can be vicious.. you'll see." She paused, and glanced up. "So.. what's the plan?"

The warrior blinked. "Um… actually, I'm kinda playing it by ear." She admitted. "I was just going to go in there, and kinda shake Edgevar up.. see what happens."

Gabrielle sighed, and scratched her jaw. "Figures." She trudged over to her bags and pulled her leather outfit out. "Okay.. okay.. I'll just follow your lead." She gave her partner a look. "We keep em on a leash, huh?"

Xena grinned. "Yeah.. I'll give you one of Argo's bridle straps…you can um… " She motioned with her hands. "You know." She watched the bard slip into her Amazon gear, chuckling as the bard struggled with the catches. "Here… " She walked over and adjusted them, sliding her fingers over the bard's soft skin with a sense of pleasure. "Too bad you don't have a mask with you."

Gabrielle snorted. "Oh please… do you have any idea how hard it is to breathe in that thing?" She finished settling the belt on her skirt, and sighed. "Okay.. let's go." She fluffed out her hair, settling her bangs with impatient fingers.

Xena backed off. "Remember.. bloodthirsty. " She warned, holding back a smile at the bard's cuteness.

The bard tried to twist her face into a scowl. "Right." A sigh. "C'mon, Ares… you can be vicious looking too."

"Agrrroo?" He panted, then licked her knee again. "Roo?"

Edgevar paced up and down in front of his desk, ignoring the restless form of his son sitting on the plush settee near the window. "I'm sure there's a way."

"Father… " Vasi protested in exasperation. "She's an uncultured peasant.. I can't marry her!"

"Don’t be stupid." The older man snarled, turning on him. "You will, and that's that… she's not polished, true, but that can be changed, and you have to look at her good points. " He faced the window. "She's intelligent, she's strong.. you know she'd bear children well…what's the problem?" His brow wrinkled. "I thought she was quite fetching in that gown."

The boy slumped back in the chair. "Another commoner… are we plagued with them?"

Edgevar opened his mouth to answer, but was spared the effort when the door to his room was kicked open, and flew back against the wall with a tremendous bang. He jumped. Vasi jumped.

Xena entered, pausing in the doorway for effect, and to allow Gabrielle to step around the doorjamb where she'd been pressed for safety from flying splinters. "Hello, boys." The warrior purred, with a smile.

Father and son glanced at each other, and two sets of swallowing noises issued from them. "Well.. eh.. hello." Edgevar replied, hesitantly.

The warrior swaggered forward, twirling the end of the whip that was tied loosely around her waist. "We were just.. thinking.. about your offer." Twirl. "Right, Gabrielle?"

The bard batted her lashes. "Right." She edged around her partner, and strutted over to where Vasi was sitting, perching on the arm of the settee. "Hi there." She waved a curved tooth from her necklace at him playfully.

Vasi looked up, licking his lips nervously. Surely, she hadn't seemed so menacing before, had she? He watched as the fair-haired woman drew a wicked looking dagger out, and began running it across her skin lightly. "Um."

Xena bit the inside of her lip, and circled the two of them, advancing on Edgevar, who backed up a step nervously. "You know… your offer… we find it.. interesting." Xena untied her whip, and snapped it out expertly, circling a small statue with the end, and jerking it back towards her. She caught it and examined it idly. "Is this Plato?" She tossed the statue onto the desk.

"Eh… " The older man swallowed, watching the whip carefully. "Eh.. well.. yes… it's.. surely… eh.. "

The whip circled out and tickled his neck. "Cat got your tongue?" Xena moved closer, letting a wicked smile cross her face as she closed in, forcing him back. She reversed the whip, and touched his jaw with the end, tilting his head back. "Funny.. you sure could talk before."

Vasi yelped, as his ear was tickled with the edge of Gabrielle's dagger. He ripped his attention from his father, and focused it on the green-eyed woman almost draped over him. The smell of leather was overwhelming, mixed with the edgy tang of steel from the knife tracing his jawline, and the vague scent of herbs coming from the bard's fair skin. "Y'know… in the Amazon village… we love little boys like you." Gabrielle breathed, watching his eyes widen to an almost unbelievable extent. "We all take turns… " She traced his ear again. "Then we let our friends the centaurs join the party."

"T..t…th… ce…centa…centaurs?" He squeaked, edging away from her. "Wh… wh.. what do… they.. um… uh.. do?"

Gabrielle smiled sweetly. "What do you think?" She leaned closer. "You ever heard the term hung like a centaur? You get points for how loud you scream."

He screamed, in a very soft way.

Xena almost bit her tongue right through. She turned, and smiled at Edgevar, who was staring at Gabrielle and wincing, his legs reflexively crossing. "Oh yeah… those Amazons really know how to throw a party.. if you know what I mean." She chuckled softly. "They like beards, too." She tugged on the regent's whiskers. "I think we're gonna like it around here… whatcha think, huh Gabrielle?"

The bard playfully blew in Vasi's ear, watching him flinch. "Can I tie him up and watch him squirm?" She cast a seductive look over her mostly bare shoulder.

Xena circled her leather around Edgevar's neck, and tugged. "Oh yeah… and these rooms got those nice.. thick.. walls… right?" She pulled the regent close, until they were nose to nose, and he was forced to allow his eyes to cross as he stared at the hypnotic pale blue ones. "See.. if Gabrielle gets the puppy there… I'm gonna take you, okay?"

He squeaked.

"Tell you what…" Xena continued, in a low purr. "You boys c'mon down to our place after dinner.. we'll show you our.. toys.." Her brows waggled. "Hmm?"

"Yeah… " Gabrielle giggled. "You'd be surprised what you can do with a nice set of horse's tack." She ran a finger down Vasi's neck. "All those straps and buckles…"

His jaw went rigid, and he rolled his eyes at her. She blew him a kiss. "See you tonight?"

Xena released Edgevar, and sauntered over, looping her whip around the bard's neck. Gabrielle took a coil of it in her teeth, and chewed appreciatively. "Mmm…. love this stuff." She stood, and followed the warrior as she strolled to the door, still munching on the whip.

They both turned at the doorway, and waggled a hand in farewell, then slipped out the door, slamming it behind them.

A few lonely splinters dropped off, tinkling to the stone floor in the utter silence.

Outside the door, Xena fell against the wall, shaking with silent laughter. The bard regarded her, removing the whip from her teeth and twirling it. "Did I do ok?"

The warrior slowly slid down the rough stone, holding her stomach.

"Guess so." Gabrielle smirked, as she moved closer and started nibbling on Xena's leather armor. "Ycvzrw… vs trof argele ofnt sg db."

Xena pushed herself up, and grabbed the bard, lifting her in her arms as she started down the hall. "I will never, ever underestimate your capacity for naughtiness ever again, my bard." She promised fervently. "That was perfect."

Gabrielle slipped her arms around the warrior's neck, smiling with complacent pleasure. "Thanks.. now.. what in Hades was that supposed to accomplish? Besides being a lot of fun, and giving you a good laugh?"

The taller woman chuckled softly. "It's like fishing, Gabrielle.. ya get your bait, stick it on the end of the line, and toss it in." She trotted up a small set of stairs that led from one hallway to the hall they had their quarters in. "And ya see what you get." She paused, and regarded her fair-haired soulmate. "Centaurs?"

A soft giggle answered her.

"Argo's tack? Where do you get this stuff from?"

"Oh.. " The bard blinked innocently. "Haven't I told you those Amazon stories?" She smiled sweetly . "I got to hear lots of stuff when I was with them there that month.." Long pause, while Xena opened the door with an elbow, and slipped them both inside. "Have you ever.. um… She lifted the whip end, which was curled around the taller woman's neck.

Xena arched an eyebrow at her. "What do you think?" She asked, dropping onto the bed with the bard still in her arms. "Given my wicked, and evil reputation, and the many years I spent as a warlord, one woman among an armyful of lusty men?"

Gabrielle studied her face intently. "Nah." She finally said, brushing her nose with the whip end playfully. "Not your style." It was true, she felt it.. Xena would have no need to dominate anyone in bed.. she could just kick their butts every other way. No.. her partner was a sexy, seductive lover more interested in pleasure than pain.

The warrior kissed her gently. "So much for my reputation." She admitted, with a wry chuckle. "Drago used to have a set of shackles he used with his lovers… I would sit in his tent for HOURS trying to figure out how he managed to use them upside down."

The bard snuggled closer. "Upside down?"

"Yeah." Xena kissed her again, with gentle enjoyment.

"Weird."

"He could do it on a galloping horse, too."

'Xena!.. why on earth would he want to do that?"

"Think about it a minute, Gabrielle."

Long pause.

"Oh." Another pause. "Ow."

"Oh yeah.. he had bruises in places that would make Aphrodite blush." Xena chuckled, then sucked in a breath as Gabrielle's inquisitive fingers found their way under her armor. "Hey that…"

"Tickles?" Gabrielle inquired, exploring further.

"Nu uh." Xena returned the attention. "Bet a centaur couldn’t do that…."

A low, easy chuckle spilled from the bard's mouth. "Not unless he had a very talented tail."

"It's got to be here somewhere, Ares." Gabrielle muttered, as she peeked around yet another wooden door. "They said, down the hall, down the stairs, around the corridor, turn left, and it's somewhere in this area."

The wolf padded along agreeably in her shadow, sniffing with animal interest at the periodic hangings. They'd been looking around for about half a candlemark by now, and the bard was starting to lose her patience.

"I know they can't read much." She sniped, moving along and jerking open yet another door. "Ah." She poked her head inside and got a strong whiff of the familiar smell of parchment. "This must be it." She eased inside and blinked, looking around at a fairly small room which was lit by the reddening sunlight that had, at last, chased the clouds away. "Well.. at least it's got a window." She sighed, moving into the center of the room.

It was… dusty. She rubbed her nose in pure reflex, and padded to the center of the roughly round chamber, which was filled with shelves covered in very dusty parchment scrolls. Some, on the lower shelves, were bound into volumes, and everything had a look of neglect about it. "Figures."

"Roo… choo." Ares sneezed.

"Yeah, I know what you mean." Gabrielle replied, as she spotted a small desk near the window, and walked over to it, wiping the top clear of dust with one hand. "Okay..well, it's quiet in here, there's a table, a chair, and a nice sunset. " A pause. "I'll cope." She laid down her scroll case, her diary, and a new parchment, then walked to the window, and leaned against the sill.

The library was high up in one of the side towers of the castle, and she could look across and see the balcony of the room they'd been staying in. Outside, the weather had cleared up, and the sun was painting the entire front of the castle in golden light, a wave of which was entering the window she stood at and warming her. "Mmm… that feels good, Ares." She closed her eyes and drank it in, pulling in a breath of cool, still moist air that was filled with the scent of wet stone, and pungent hickory from the castle kitchens.

Xena had changed her leathers for linen, and ambled out to start the clean up process, promising to find the bard later for dinner. Gabrielle had briefly thought about tagging along, but the need to get some details down, and finally catch up her diary urged her to let the warrior go have her fun, and to find a quiet place to sit down and work. She'd had to ask six people before someone even admitted they had a library, and another two after that until she'd found someone who knew where it was.

Sort of, anyway. It had finally been Gramma, of all people, who had scratched her head, and mumbled a few minutes, before providing the bard with her requested information.

So, here she was.. surrounded by parchment so dusty it was probably older than she was. "Oh well.. it's kinda nice in here." She scuffed a toe against the faded, but not very worn rug that graced the floor, and moved to the desk, pulling the chair out and seating herself in it.

The sun warmed her back, and lit her work, sending beams of light down that captured the disturbed dust motes, and spilled along the mahogany wood of the desktop. She opened her quill case and removed a favorite one, sharpening the point against the small whetstone, and opening her diary to her unfinished entry from the previous day.

What I realized was…

Okay, I'm back. I had to stop up there, because all Hades broke loose, and something had to be done pretty fast about it. Gramma came to warn me about something, and we realized that the city was under attack. I put Xena's plan in place…

That sounds so weird. It's true, but it does sound so weird.. like it was a planned thing or something. Of course, it wasn't, but I got lucky, and I was in the right place, at exactly the right time.

Exactly the right place, to see some guy heading towards Xena, and her too tied up with about a dozen other things to stop him, and at exactly the right time for me to get my staff up in his face, and knock him away from her.

I did that. Me, the little girl from Potadeia…I stopped some big guy on a charging horse from hurting my best friend. I used to dream about heroic stuff like that, but I never really thought I'd be the one doing it, you know?

Of course, when it comes to heroic… well, Xena managed to stop an entire army from overrunning the city, until I could get there with help. Is there anything more heroic? Not that she thinks of it that way, naturally. Everybody else does.. but not her.. no, to her it was just another instance of her dark side getting loose.

Xena, Xena, Xena.. what am I going to do with you? You just risked your life, not even thinking about it, just threw yourself in front of those soldiers to protect the citizens of this city, some of whom tried to kill us the night before. If I ever decide to write a dictionary of terms, next to the word 'hero' is going to be a sketch of you. Of course, it's gonna be a well used sketch, because it's also going to be next to beautiful, noble, brave, gorgeous… you get the picture.

I wasn't going to let anything happen to her. No way. Not now.. not when things are…wow. I thought I'd never get back to that place where I'd look at her, and get that intense feeling… but somehow I have.

Somehow… I think I owe a big offering to Aphrodite. When we go to the Amazons, to the festival. I'm gonna do that. I know Artemis is the Amazon's patron, but…Aphrodite must be up there, watching over me, there's no other way around it. Today I looked up as Xena came into our room down there, and she smiled.. I smiled.. and everything was perfectly okay.

I don’t know how we did that, and to tell the truth, I don't really care. I just know something I thought I'd lost forever has been given back to me, and nothing, not Hades, not Tartarus, not every god in Olympus.. not Dahok.. nothing, is going to take that away from me again.

Life is risky. What I was going to say up there, about what I realized.. is that there isn't anyplace safe. And that's not a bad thing for me to say, it's not like I don’t feel safe with Xena, I do.. more than ever, I think. It means that I've realized that as long as we live, we run the risk of loss. Of each other, of our family, of this child I'm going to bear… but we can't let that stop us from doing what our destinies are leading us to do.

I wouldn't have stopped Xena from trying to stop that army. I don’t think she would have tried to stop me from stopping that guy who was heading at her. We can't hide in Amphipolis, not when there are so many people out there that need help, and to be honest, I won't.. I won't have her stagnating there, and giving up her potential just for the illusion of safety. After all, a tornado could hit Amphipolis. It almost did. Or a fire, or a war… Xena would say, especially with me living there.

She's such a teaser. I love her for that. She's risking so much in opening herself again, but it's making her so happy I think she thinks it's worth it. Of course, so do I… I think she got used to feeling that joy in our relationship, and not having that… is so painful I still start crying when I think about it.

Dumb, huh? I'm just glad I got a second.. no, what is it now.. third chance? Yeah, third.

So.. enough about that.. we won the war, I guess, because the other army ran away, and they put Xena in charge of the city. She's trying to work things out for them, and we went through the silliest little scene with the regent, Edgevar, and his son. Imagine, me, a fierce, bloodthirsty Amazon warrior… in kinky leather.

Ooo.. that was fun. Xena was pretending to be on the prowl for the regent, and I got to terrorize that weenie little Vasi.. I threatened him with advances from a centaur, and I don’t think I've ever heard a man make a noise like that before. It sounded sort of like Toris when Xena grabbed him in the privates during that wrestling match they had before we left. I wonder if it's going to make a difference. I guess we'll find out. I think Xena had a good time, though.. she was laughing so hard on the way back she almost dropped me.

I guess I shouldn't have let her do that.. carry me, I mean.. but.. if I close my eyes, even now, I can feel how wonderfully warm, and secure I felt, and I can almost smell how great she smells, and how her voice just goes right through me, and wraps around me and…

Okay.. okay… so I'm nuts.

That's all right.. it's a nice kind of nuts. Honey covered walnuts, I think.

She stopped writing, and bit on the end of her quill, then removed it from between her teeth and stared at it. "What the…" Tentatively, she stuck her tongue out , and tasted the end of the quill, then sucked on it, as a pleasant, minty taste filled her mouth. "Hey!"

Ares, who had curled himself up on the rug under the table lifted his head and peered up at her exclamation. "Agrroo?"

"It tastes like mint, Ares!" Gabrielle laughed, as she examined the quill. Then she dug the rest of the assorted instruments out of her quill case, and tasted them, finding an assortment of flavors ranging from the mint of the first, to a rich, buttery cinnamon that tickled her senses. "How on earth did that happen?" As she put the quills back, she found a small curl of parchment in the very bottom of the case. "Ah hah."

Uncurled, and laid against the smooth, beautiful wood of the desk, it proved to have writing on it.

Hey…

You suck on the ends of these things so much, I thought you might want to have them flavored.

Love, X.

Gabrielle laughed gently. "Mushball." She folded the strip of paper up, and tucked it back inside the case. Then she regarded her quill for a moment before she sucked cheerfully on the end of it.

Xena leaned back against the well, crossing her ankles as she watched the activity bustling around her. Men were swarming everywhere, glad to be out of their barracks and into the sunlight, splashing through puddles left on the cobblestones. A group of soldiers crowded by, carrying thick poles wrapped in canvas on their shoulders, and another group was placing Garanimus' shrouded body on top of a pyre, along with the few other victims of the raid.

"Grand to see t'sun, eh?" Bennu trotted up, a linen packet tucked under his arm. He perched next to her, gazing at the pyre. "Pity, that."

The warrior nodded. "Yeah." She sighed.

"He usta tell stories bout you, y'know." The soldier offered, hesitantly. "Long nights, round the campfire… we'd get to eggin him on, and he'd be telling things about you."

Blue eyes regarded him soberly. "I can imagine." She paused. "We didn't part on good terms."

Bennu looked down. "Nah.. t'wasn't like that." He swallowed. "He… I think he wished that hadn't a happened." A breath. "I.. remember t'night he found out y'were living down a ways… he got this.. he said he twas glad ye managed t'find a way home."

Xena turned her eyes to the pyre, her face impassive. "If this hadn't happened, I was going to invite him there." She exhaled. "It was his home, too."

"Ah." The tall man blinked awkwardly. "He was.. no the best soldier."

"No." The warrior agreed, sadly. "He just didn't know anything else." She watched the body bearers finish their work, and climb down from the pyre. "After it's done.. I'll take some of his ashes back there.. I know a place I can put them."

"I'm thinkin he'd a liked that." Bennu offered gently. "You'll no be stayin, then."

Xena turned her head, and looked at him. "No." She replied. "You knew that.. I've got things I gotta take care of."

The tall man nodded. "Aye… t'was too much to hope for, I guess.. " He gave Xena a shy smile. "D'you think they'll let us stay then? Seems a bit friendlier this morning, then do."

The warrior folded her arms. "I'm working on it, Bennu… I'm working on it… if not here, then I'll find you a place, I promise."

He fell silent, for a period for a time. "Ye dinna have to do that."

Xena returned her eyes to the pyre. "Yes I do."

"Hello?" A male voice, uncertain, called from behind them. "Hello?"

They both turned, and watched as a man in a frilly tunic hurried up, carefully dodging around the puddles in the courtyard. He came closer, peering at Xena doubtfully. "I say.. are you… are you that… Xena.. person?"

Both dark eyebrows shot up, and Xena straightened, glaring at him. "Yeah. Whadda you want?"

He stepped hurriedly back, holding out a scroll. "Here. Take that."

Bennu towered over him, snatching the item from his hand. "Gimme tha, ye… " He carefully turned, and took the three or four short steps back, handing the parchment to her. The man hurried off, disappearing into the small door that led inside the castle hall.

"What the.. " Xena watched him go, then just shook her head. She unrolled the parchment, and read it, then read it again. "Son of a bacchae." She cursed roundly. "That sneaky, mule headed piece of…. " She swallowed the rest of the oath, then read the parchment again.

"Bad news?" Bennu inquired, cautiously.

"They just named the new regent." The warrior advised him, grimly.

"Ah." He took a breath nervously. "Who're they duping into that thankless job?"

Pale, ice blue eyes raked over him. "Me."

Gabrielle nibbled on a trail bar as she rewrote a story section for the third time. "I don't know Ares.. you think I can get away with blaming our being on that ship to the Fates?"

The wolf's eyebrows twitched.

"Guess not." She chuckled, and kept writing, stopping only when she detected the sound of the door opening. "Damn." She looked up in annoyance, folding her hands over her parchment as a small, fair head edged hesitantly in. "Oh.. hi, Silvi." She paused. "You.. looking for some light reading?"

The princess pushed the door open, and glanced around with a distasteful look. "Goodness.. it's messy in here." She entered, though, and carefully shut the door behind her. "Am I disturbing you?"

Gabrielle almost said yes, then her kindlier instincts, triggered by the princesses' obvious discomfort, won out. "No.. no. I was just working on a story.. I could use a break." She made a point of leaning back, and stretching her arms out. "Something wrong?"

There was one more chair in the room, a backless stool, really, obviously used for maneuvering between the shelves. Silvi dragged it over to the table, and settled herself on it. "I have a terribly personal thing to ask you."

The bard ran through a list of possible questions, and winced internally. "Uhm…. Sure." She responded slowly. "If I can answer it, I will."

Silvi leaned on one arm. "I need your help, Gabrielle.. I know… that I was unkind.. to you last night, and I am sorry for that."

Gabrielle patted her arm. "Don't worry about it… there was so much going on, it was hard to keep track of who was a good guy, and who wasn't… don’t feel bad."

The princess sighed in relief. "You're so sensible. I'm glad… I felt awful when I thought you were working against us.. I should have known better. You're a good person, Gabrielle…and you are terribly brave… I've been hearing stories about you all day."

The bard gave her a weak smile. "I… didn't do that much… um… did you say you needed help with something?" She changed the subject hastily.

"Oh.. right… well, it's this. Are you any good at kissing?" Silvi asked, seriously.

Whatever question she expected, that wasn't it. "Uh." She felt her jaw working, and had no idea what to respond with. "W… Is there a reason you're asking?" She replied, tentatively, uncomfortably aware of the girl's hand on her arm.

"Of course." Silvi leaned even closer, glancing around as though she was afraid of being overheard. "You see.. I don't know anything about that.. and.. well… I mean, what shall I do if Framna tries to kiss me?" Her voice rose to a squeak. "I'm afraid I'll do something ridiculous… laugh, or bite him or…"

Whew. Gabrielle relaxed. "Oh.. no.. it's… you won't, Silvi… it's not like that… you just kinda… um… you just know what to do, that's all."

"Everyone says that!" The princess wailed. "And I know I won't.. Elanora said that about riding horses, and I fell right off, and I do still, every time."

The bard laced her fingers together. "Um.. well, it's not the same thing.. it took me a while to learn horseback riding, for instance.. but kissing.. well.. that kinda… " She reached up and scratched her jaw. "Kinda came naturally, I guess." I can't believe I'm having this discussion. "You'll be fine.."

"No no.. I won't." Silvi disagreed. "I shall make the worst fool of myself.. Gabrielle, you simply must help me." She stared firmly at the bard. "Show me how."

Gabrielle's throat worked a few times. "Er.. how.. what?"

Silvi gave her an exasperated little look. "To kiss, of course… come on now, Gabrielle…with your romantic nature, surely you can do that."

"Oh.. um… to be honest, I never really thought about.. um.. how.. I did that.. I just… you get close, and .. well, it's a hug thing, and then… um… your eyes kinda… and um… " She lifted her hands and let them fall. "It just happens."

The princess scowled, politely. "Does it tickle?"

"Tickle??? No." Gabrielle shook her head. "Why would it?"

"Well.. he's got those little bristly hairs.. I thought they might tickle." Silvi mused.

"Oh…um… " Forgot I don’t have to worry about that… " Well, yeah.. I guess they might.. but you probably won't notice."

"What if our teeth collide? I can't abide that.. it makes me shiver." The intent question came back. "Do you open your mouth, or not?"

Gabrielle felt a blush coming on, and she was glad of the ruddy sunset painting her skin. "Um…" Think of it as practice, Gabrielle… you might have to be doing this with a daughter someday.

"Do you keep your mouth open?" Silvi's eyes searched her face, avidly.

"Well, yes." Gabrielle felt the warm flush. "I.. I do.. actually.. and um… teeth.. never have been a problem." She cleared her throat. "You.. kind of.. I mean, with your tongue.. you… uh.. ." She stopped, almost dizzy with the amount of blood that had rushed to her head.

Silvi stared. "Your TONGUE?" She stared down at her own, puzzled, as she stuck it out. "What do you do with THAT?"

I'm gonna die of embarrassment, right here, right now. "Wh… I… when you kiss.. you kinda.. um.. touch.. or.. mm.. explore.. the other person's.. mouth.. with it."

"Oh.. my … gods… " Silvi's eyes popped. "You must be making that up."

Gabrielle shook her head. "No.. no.. it's… Silvi, you kinda have to do it to understand.. it's really hard to explain."

"But I don’t know how!!!!" She wailed, then slapped the table. "Gabrielle, please.. show me, right here."

The door opening, Gabrielle decided, was the sweetest, most welcome sound she'd ever heard. And the sight of the tall, dark haired person who opened it was even sweeter. "Xena."

The warrior strode in, giving Silvi a nod. "Gabrielle.. you won't believe what just happened."

Silvi was giving the taller woman an uneasy look.

"No no no.. " Gabrielle stood up, and held up a hand. "Hold onto that thought… I really need your help here, partner."

Xena took a breath, then glanced from the bard to the princess, and clamped her jaw shut. She raised an eyebrow at the bard in question. What the Hades is up here? Gabrielle's redder than a pomegranate.

"Silvi here is very concerned about kissing."

The warrior's eyebrow quirked. Oh. That explains it.

"Right.. yes.. and she was just asking me to demonstrate. " Gabrielle went on. "So.. she knows what to do with Framna."

"Ah." Xena walked around the other side of the table until she was standing next to her soulmate. "I see." She paused. "So.. you gonna demonstrate for her?" She watched the blush gently travel up her partner's fair skin. "I'm game." She added, helpfully.

Gabrielle turned to face her, then looked back over her shoulder at the nervously watching Silvi. "Okay.. now.. pay attention, all right?"

Silvi nodded.

"Okay.. well, first, you have to get closer to the person." She stepped closer to the warrior, letting Xena's warm scent fill her nostrils. Her body reacted to her soulmate's proximity and she had to force herself to keep her hands still. "Then.. you can usually put your arms around them. " She did so, and felt Xena's arms slip comfortably around her waist. "Like that."

"Very well.. that looks easy so far." Silvi commented. "What's next?"

Gabrielle looked up, watching the crimson light from the window paint Xena's face, sparkling off her eyelashes and bringing out the faintest of mahogany highlights in her hair.

"Gabrielle?" The princess prompted. "What's next?"

"Um." She found her eyes wandering up and connecting with the pale blue ones stained almost violet. "You.. look at them." She drank in the barest hint of a smile that was tugging Xena's lips. "And.. you let yourself feel how much you love them. " The ice blue eyes softened, and she felt herself starting to lose track of what was going on.

"And?" Silvi asked.

Gabrielle tightened her hold around Xena's neck, and the warrior obligingly ducked her head lower. "Then you… " Their lips brushed. "You just kinda.. " A longer, more intense contact, and she suddenly felt her body slip out of her control, and slide against Xena's, a warm, seductive tide crashing around her that made her forget about Silvi for a long, sweet period of time.

They broke apart very reluctantly, maintaining eye contact. "Like that." Gabrielle finally murmured.

Silence.

"Silvi?" The bard turned her head, to see an empty place where the princess had been, she jerked, startled, then glanced up at her equally started partner. "Uh… "

Xena blinked, then moved a step closer to the table, and leaned over it, producing a chuckle.

Gabrielle held onto her shoulder, and peered over as well. "Oh.. centaur poop." She put a hand over her mouth. "Did we do that?"

The princess was lying on the floor, limbs askew, passed out cold.

"If anyone sees me carrying the princess through the halls unconscious, they could get the wrong idea, Gabrielle." Xena muttered, as she glanced both ways before exiting the small, winding stairway. "Considering the circumstances."

Gabrielle, juggling her parchment and scroll case, stopped and looked at her. "What circumstances?"

Xena's brow creased. "Oh..right.. you told me to shut up, so…."

"Xena." The bard clucked softly. "I did no such thing."

The warrior rolled her eyes. "You wanna hear this, or not?"

Gabrielle rubbed a hand on her upper arm. "Sorry, tiger, of course I do." She peered around a corner. "So.. what's up?"

"Edgevar's gone." Xena paused, and listened, then padded forward.

"Gone where?" Gabrielle looked at her, puzzled. "What do you mean, gone?"

"Gone, as in nowhere to be found, as in goodbye, as in ran off, as in.. "

"Okay.. okay.. I get the idea." The bard waved a hand. "But he'll be back, right?"

Xena shrugged one shoulder, then motioned the bard ahead of her. "Took his silverware and frilly shirts with him.. can't think of where he'd be going with those on a temporary basis except for a bardic competition in Athens. You think??"

"Waitaminute." Gabrielle stopped, and faced her. "Are you telling me he abdicated?" Her voice rose in astonishment. "As in… "

The warrior sighed. "Look.. open the door, all right? Someone'll be by here any minute."

With an evil look, Gabrielle pushed the door to their quarters open, and held it while the warrior maneuvered her burden in, then watched as Xena crossed to the couch and laid the limp princess down on it. "She musta hit her head." The warrior muttered, checking the girl's skull. "Yeah… hit the leg of that desk, I guess… she's got a bump here."

Gabrielle ambled over, and crouched next to her, leaning on the warrior's back for balance. "So… he's gone."

"Uh huh… Gabrielle, could you get my kit? I wanna give her something to wake her up. "The warrior replied, absently, still checking the discolored lump on the princesses' head. "Oh.. and the kid, too."

Halfway to the saddlebags, the bard stopped, and goggled at her. "We scared them BOTH off?" She exclaimed, astonished. "No centaur poop.. really?"

Xena looked up. "Yeah… the kit?"

Gabrielle grabbed it, and trotted back over. "Wow… did you expect that to happen? I mean.. what a great plan, Xena…. It worked perfectly!"

The warrior mixed a few herbs together, letting a pungent whiff drift up that caused Gabrielle to jerk her head back in startlement. "Yow."

"Um… no.. I .. well, I didn't know what he'd do.. wasn't really expecting him to take off like that…. "Xena lifted Silvi's head up, and waved the mixture under her nose. It took three passes, but the girl eventually jerked, then her eyes fluttered open.

And immediately grew huge and round as she realized who was leaning over her.

"Relax." Xena sighed. "I’m not gonna hurt you." She released the girl, then sat back, feeling the sudden surge of warmth as the bard's body leaned up against her. Gabrielle's hands fell onto her shoulders, and the bard's breathing pressed gently against the back of her head. "You passed out." Fingers flexed lightly against her neck, as Gabrielle worked on loosening her tense muscles.

"M.. my head hurts." Silvi said, in a confused whisper. "I.. .you were… I was surpr… I don't understand." Her eyes went to Gabrielle's face. "It seemed so real."

Gabrielle glanced down at the dark head resting against her chest, then looked back up. "That's because it is real." She replied quietly. "I.. don't think I could fake something like that."

The princesses' expression grew even more confused. "But.."

Xena gathered up her supplies, and stood, moving away from them, towards their gear, and leaving them facing each other. She remained silent, leaving the explanations to her soulmate.

Gabrielle walked over and sat down in the chair next to the couch, leaning forward and resting her elbows on her knees. "I guess we shouldn't have told Nancia we were sisters." She admitted wryly. "It kinda confused things."

Silvi blinked at her. "You mean… you're not???"

The bard rubbed the side of her nose. "Um.. no." A shake of her head.

"Oh." The princess murmured. "I guess I can stop having my ladies research your village customs, then." She chewed her lip. "We were quite enchanted by your family values." Then she looked up. "Is everything you told me just a tale then? All your words about love.. and about… everything…"

Gabrielle was shaking her head again. "No… everything I told you was the truth, Silvi.. I said I believed in love, and in love at first sight… for me, that happened three years ago." She shifted slightly, and interlaced her fingers. "I was getting water at the river with a group from my village, when we were caught by slavers."

"Oh my." Silvi put a hand up to her mouth.

"I… I was kind of discouraged at home… " Gabrielle looked down at her hands. "I was having a really bad day, and that just kind of made it worse, you know?"

"Of course!" The princess exclaimed. "What did you do?"

"Well, it looked kinda bad for us, until Xena showed up, that is, and just kicked everyone's butt… and when I looked at her… " She paused, trying to think of a way to phrase what she'd felt. "It was like… " Her eyes drifted to where the warrior was kneeling, as she studied the strong back, and well muscled thigh within the range of her vision. "It was like I'd known her all my life."

Blue eyes glanced briefly back at her, then went back to their task, as Xena tucked away her supplies, then stood. She turned, hesitating, then ran her fingers through her hair.

Gabrielle correctly interpreted her actions, and held out a hand. "Hey… c'mere a minute."

Xena complied, moving over to the chair and looking down at her, as the bard's outstretched hand came gently to rest against her leg. "I'm gonna… "

"Go check Argo." Gabrielle completed the sentence with little trouble, giving the warm skin under her fingers a little tweak. "Right?"

She got a quick, but dazzling grin back. "Something like that, yeah." Xena gave a nod to Silvi. "If you guys are gonna talk about all that mushy stuff, anyway." She gave a shrug. "You certainly don't need me around."

Green eyes pinned her reproachfully. "I'd rather you stay… you need to explain to Silvi what's going on."

Xena blinked. It was rare for the bard to deliberately challenge her actions. "Um… all right." She meekly replied, then went to the other chair, and dropped into it, slouching down into its softness and resting her head against the back.

The bard gave her a fond look. "Thanks… oh, and thanks for the quills." Her eyes twinkled mischievously. "Nice surprise."

Xena suddenly found something desperately interesting involving the buckle of her belt.

Gabrielle bestowed an affectionate gaze on her, then turned back to Silvi. "We've been together ever since."

The girl's eyes slid to the surly warrior, then back to her. "Together as in… " She paused, delicately.

"Um.. part of the time, yes." Gabrielle replied, blushing a little. "We started off being best friends."

"But.. then..you… she… you're… " Silvi spluttered. "You're.. ugh.. how immoral!"

Bard and warrior exchanged insulted glances. "What?" Xena leaned forward a little, a menacing edge curling across the low, vibrant tones of her voice. "What do you think is immoral?"

Silvi's eyes widened. "Just.. wantonly living together… how horrid!"

Gabrielle scratched her nose. "Actually, we're married." She informed the girl mildly, then watched her start in horror. "Uh.. to each other, I mean." She hastily indicated Xena, and then herself.

Silvi chewed a finger. "Oh.. I suppose that's different…" She looked thoughtful. "My uncle says my duty is to get married, and have a baby… I think I want to do that… do you like being married?"

The bard nodded. "Very much." She paused. "And.. um.. speaking of your uncle…. " She half turned and cleared her throat. "I think Xena should tell you what she just told me."

Silvi turned wary eyes to the dark haired woman. "Yes?"

Oh, great. "Well.. it… seems he's left." Xena admitted, slowly.

The princess stared at her in puzzlement. "Left?" A worried frown shaped her pretty mouth. "What do you mean? He was just here.. I spoke with him before lunch."

Xena exhaled. "Yeah.. I know.. I.. we talked to him for a while too.. but.. um… " She leaned forward, and tugged a piece of parchment out from where it had been tucked into her belt, then scanned it. "He and Vasi decided to … leave."

Gabrielle got up, and walked over to her, perching on the arm of her chair as she read the document over her partner's shoulder. "Xena!" She gave her soulmate a sharp look. "You didn't mention that part!" She poked the document with a fingertip.

"I was getting around to it." The warrior muttered. "Silvi… I can't really say what their reasons are, but it's true.. they're gone."

The girl suddenly looked very lost. "But… what shall I do now? Who will take care of me.. of the city?" She sat up slowly on the couch and hugged herself. "Am I queen, now?"

Silence. Xena licked her lips, and felt a friendly hand slide smoothly down her back. "No.. your uncle left a regent for you." She finally said, very quietly. "Me, actually."

Startled eyes. "Y.. you?" Fear now, in Silvi's voice.

"Yeah." Xena leaned forward, and offered her the parchment. "G'wan, take it."

The princess hesitated a long time before she extended an arm and gingerly took the scroll, then read it. She let it fall into her lap with a despondent look. "It's true." She whispered, then looked up at the warrior fearfully.

Gabrielle had an arm around her partner's shoulders, her thumb gently rubbing against the skin of her upper arm. Xena was quiet, and expressionless, but the bard could feel the tension in her body, and she knew her soulmate was bothered by the girl's obvious terror of her. "Silvi… don't look so worried… you're in good hands, here."

"I'm.. not planning on sticking around." Xena stated, quietly. "Someone else can do it … you got any preferences?"

Silvi pulled herself inward, and nibbled her lip, a distraught look on her face. She didn't answer.

Gabrielle lifted her hand, and threaded her fingers into Xena's dark hair, gently massaging her neck. "Hold on…Silvi, the plan was.. when you got married, you'd take over, right?"

The girl responded to the bard's gentler voice. She looked over at her and nodded. "Yes… I'm sorry. .I suppose it's just shock.. I .. I never expected my uncle to do that." She paused. "Why did he? I told him he'd always have a place here… I don't understand."

"Maybe it wasn't enough." Xena said, bluntly. "He was planning on.. " She stopped, when she felt the pressure of Gabrielle's fingers against her neck. "Um.. I mean, I think he enjoyed being in charge.. maybe he went someplace he could do that." The pressure released, and she felt a gentle pat in its place. "Kinda.. cleared the way for you."

Silvi brightened. "Oh.. well… yes, I suppose that might be true." She regarded the warrior with a slightly calmer air. "Could you put my Framna in charge? That would be perfect…if I'm to be married to him anyway."

It went against her grain, Xena realized. That the girl would so willingly want someone else to take charge of her… but after all, she reminded herself, Silvi was young.Yeah. She's older than you were when you lead an army against Cortese, remember? The warrior sighed inwardly. But she's not me. I can't judge her by my standards. She's just a kid. "I'll think about it… lemme talk to him.. see what we're gonna do."

A slightly awkward silence fell.

Silvi eventually cleared her throat. "May I ask… why.. you are married?"

Gabrielle gave her a puzzled stare. "Huh?" Xena simply remained silent.

"Well… the whole purpose of being married is to have children and produce an heir, and… " Silvi stopped, obviously confused.

The bard shrugged. "No it's not. I know lots of people who are married and never have kids, and besides, I'm pregnant."

Silvi's face went blank. She stared at the bard, then at Xena, then back at the bard. "Well. I suppose I can now tell Elanora her little 'this is how life is' theory is wrong." She stated, smugly. "Obviously the man doesn't go to Athens and give an offering to Apollo, and that's how babies occur."

Frankly, Xena didn't know what to do. Half of her wanted to burst out laughing, the other half wanted to slide down into her chair in embarrassment. She could feel Gabrielle's fingers twitching against the back of her neck, a glance told her the bard was struggling with much the same dilemma.

Finally, Gabrielle turned, and put a fingertip on Xena's nose. "This does NOT, do you hear me, NOT come under sensitive chats."

"Sure it does." Xena replied immediately.

"No it doesn't" The bard shot back.

"Yes.. it does.. and besides, it's good practice." The warrior disagreed.

"Been there, done that already. Your turn." Gabrielle tapped her nose.

Xena sighed, and turned to the princess, who was watching them with a bewildered look. "Apollo doesn't have anything to do with it." She stated flatly.

"Well.. obviously. "Silvi replied. "Aphrodite, right?" She looked quite proud of her self for figuring it out.

"Umm…. no." Xena shook her head. "It… there really aren't any gods involved."

The girl looked astonished. "There aren't?"

"No…um…" Xena glanced around the room and started fiddling with the clasp on her belt. "You.. know you were.. um.. asking Gabrielle here about kissing?"

"Good start." The bard approved, in a very low tone.

Silvi blushed. "Well.. yes.. I mean.. all the poems talk about that…but what does that have to do with babies?"

Xena nibbled the inside of her lip. "Look.. didn't you ever have puppies.. or a kitten.. or something?"

The princess shook her head. "No.. I wasn't allowed."

"Uh huh… okay, did you ever go into the stables.. in the springtime?" The warrior tried again, aware of the giggles running through her partner's body.

"Stables!" Silvi looked shocked. "Never.. why would I?"

Xena sighed. "You never wondered where baby animals came from?"

The princess thought about that for a minute. "No, actually, I never did."

Damn it, I conquered half of Greece, I should be able to do this. "Okay." Xena's voice took on a no nonsense tone. "Listen, this is how it goes. Two people decide they want to have a kid, right?"

"Right." Silvi nodded, watching the warrior's face with interest.

"Right. So they lie down together… "

"What?" The princess giggled. "Lie down?"

Xena paused. "Well, it doesn't have to be lying down, you can… " Gabrielle snorted softly and she stopped. "Yeah, lie down, okay? They lie down together, and they have sex."

Blank look. "Have what?" Silvi glanced at Gabrielle.. "What's that?"

Bard and warrior exchanged glances. "I don’t think we'd better do a demonstration of that, tiger." The bard stated, deadpan. "After what happened the last time."

Xena could feel the giggles struggling to emerge, and she firmly clamped down her jaw, making the muscles on either side of her face stand out in the fading light clearly. "Right." She managed to reply, in a strangled voice. "Silvi… uh.. sex is the act of making love."

The princess's brow contracted. "How do you 'make' love? Is it like 'making' a cake or something?"

Gabrielle folded her arms, and stared at the ceiling. "Well.. let's see. " She murmured, more to distract Silvi from her suddenly helpless soulmate than anything else. "You get the ingredients together.. lots of soft stuff, lots of sweet stuff… you mix them all up… you bake them until it's exactly ready.. then enjoy… yeah, Silvi… I guess you could say it's kinda like making a cake."

Xena covered her face with one hand and just started laughing.

Gabrielle felt her partner lose it, and just started in herself, losing her balance and presenting Xena with a lap full of giggling bard. The warrior's arms closed around her in reflex as she tried to stifle her chuckles. "Whoa… take it easy there, Gabrielle.."

The bard wiped her eyes, and gazed up, enjoying the indulgent smile on Xena's face. "Sorry." She lied. "Didn't mean to land here." Lied again.

"Oh yeah." The warrior snorted wryly. "I'm believing that."

Gabrielle sighed contentedly, and wiggled her feet, which were hanging over the chair leg. Then she turned her head guiltily and regarded the watching Silvi. "Um… sorry about that.. it's just… I don't think either of us has had to do the birds and the bees thing before."

Silvi's eyes were fastened on Xena's face in puzzled fascination. "You look quite different when you smile." She blurted.

The bard rolled her head to the left, and regarded her partner, who had been caught with one of her sweeter, and more gentle looks on her face. "Yeah.. I always tell her she should do it more often." She teased, watching conflicting emotions flash across the warrior's expressive features. She folded her hands over her stomach, and just let herself feel the warmth and the love that was so much a part of their bond.

It felt so wonderful. She closed her eyes blissfully, and felt Xena's hold on her tighten just slightly, just enough for her to know that Xena knew exactly what she was feeling. She knew if she opened her eyes, she'd see the warrior gazing down at her with that quietly loving look that Xena reserved for her alone, and that.. that was something she wanted Silvi to see.

She opened her eyes, and met blue ones patiently watching her, framed by a tanned face whose features were just, but not quite, creasing into a grin. You wanna know what love is, little girl? She thought silently in the princesses' direction. This is love. This is what it looks like. She lifted a hand and very gently brushed the few strands of dark hair back that had fallen into Xena's eyes. "Time for a haircut."

Xena rolled her eyes and gave a mock groan. "Again?"

The bard tugged a dark lock. "Grows fast." She turned back to Silvi, who was watching them in rapt fascination. "She's really nice, once you get to know her… augh!" Gabrielle squirmed, as long fingers found their way under her tunic and began tickling. "Xena!!! Cut that out!"

"Nice, huh?" The warrior growled, finding a more sensitive spot just along the bard's ribs.

"Yahhhhh!!!!!" The bard squealed. "All right.. all right.. you're not nice, okay!!!???" The tickling stopped. "I'll get you for that later." She panted, giving her soulmate a mock glare.

"Promise?" Xena teased.

"Troublemaker." Gabrielle grumbled, then turned her head. "Like I was saying… warriors are great. Everyone should have one… they're clean, they're built pretty sturdy, they're great for reaching things on top shelves…" She felt Xena start to chuckle again. "You gotta feed them a bunch, and they do take a lot of personal care, but… not a bad deal, all in all."

Silvi giggled. "You're quite funny."

The bard's face wrinkled up into a smile. "Thanks." Her eyes warmed. "I try." She could see that the princess was more at ease now, and she was no longer giving her taller partner those wary looks. Good. She snuggled contentedly into Xena's embrace. The warrior's hand, still under her tunic, was stroking softly in idle patterns across the skin of her belly and she felt very much like a spoiled puppy curled in a favorite lap. "It's gonna be okay, Silvi… you've got a council that at least listens to advice.. and your staff here is very loyal."

The girl's brow creased as she considered that. "I often…. I wondered what it would be like, really… Father told me he'd find a good leader to marry me, so that I wouldn't have to do what he did.. but… I have wondered what it would be like to sit, and make decisions that affected everyone's lives."

Xena's brows lifted in mild surprise. Didn't think she had brains enough to even wonder. "It has its moments." She said, slowly. "Especially when you make the right decision, and everyone is better for it."

Silvi blinked at her. "Why… yes… I see what you mean." A pause. "But what if you make the wrong decision?"

The warrior shrugged. "That's how you learn to make the right ones."

"I see." The princess pressed her knees together, and nibbled a fingernail. "Can we talk more about this sex thing now?"

Gabrielle hid her face in the soft fabric of Xena's tunic, and giggled.

Xena sucked in a breath, then let it out. "All right." Her voice became brisk. "Look… let me lay it on the line for you."

"Is that part of the laying down together thing?" Silvi asked, with interest. She no longer seemed intimidated by the warrior, but then, considering that Xena was sitting there cuddling the fair-haired bard, that, perhaps, wasn't surprising.

"No." The warrior replied. "Sex is… " She sighed. "It's an act, between two people, where they fit various body parts together, and it sometimes results in a child."

Silvi stared at her. "You're joking." She covered her mouth with one hand. "Come now.. that's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard." She giggled. "That's as silly as making an offering to Apollo.. you might as well tell me that babies don’t grow inside heads of cabbage."

Gabrielle felt Xena sigh, and she lifted her head, to peer up at her soulmate. The warrior was peering back down at her with a desperately helpless look, and she finally relented. "Okay.. okay… " She looked at Silvi. "Silvi.. babies don’t grow in cabbages.. they grow inside people." She patted her belly. "I got one in there right now."

The princesses' jaw dropped. "You must be kidding." She stared at the bard's slim waistline. "That's impossible."

"No it isn't..they start off real, real small… and they grow. In about… "Here she glanced up at Xena, uncertainly. "How long?"

"About two months or so." The warrior quietly replied.

"Wow.. okay, in about two months or so, they get big enough to start poking out." Gabrielle continued.

Silvi rubbed her forehead. "You… you're serious about all this." She mumbled. "Has everyone been telling me lies all my life? Or is this a lie?"

"Silvi.. " Gabrielle gazed at her. "People tell other people things… that aren't true.. because sometimes the true things are either too complicated, or too painful for them to say." It was a truth she'd come to understand over the past year. "And, when people really, really love you, it's almost impossible for them to tell you things that hurt.. so they have to lie, because it comes to a point where what's going to hurt more, them lying, or you knowing the truth?"

She could feel Xena's heartbeat pounding against her cheek, and she slid a hand up, covering the warrior's and interlacing their fingers together. Are you listening? I hope so. "And when you think of it that way, Silvi.. you understand that when things are done because someone loves you, then lies can be forgiven."

The girl stared at the floor, then very slowly, looked up at her. "That is… a very beautiful thing to say, Gabrielle.. but.. my uncle never loved me." She put her hands in her lap. "I used to think I knew what love was.. but sitting here, and watching you… I've come to understand that I never really did." She stood up. "Does Elanora know of this yet?"

Xena shook her head.

"I will go inform her." The princess straightened her dress. "She will be surprised, no doubt." She turned, and glided towards the door, turning as she reached it, and looking back at them. The last glow of sunset backlit the chair, creating a crimson halo around Xena's dark head, and throwing the warrior's sharp features into shadow. "Thank you.. for all the.. information."

"Silvi." Xena's low voice shivered the air between them, and the low light in the room shot glints off her pale eyes. "He loves you."

The girl stopped dead still, and looked at her. "Did he tell you that?"

A smile, visible as a flash of white against tanned skin. "We're enough alike for me to know."

Silvi looked happier, as she let out a breath, then turned, and walked through the door.

It closed behind her, leaving two sets of eyes regarding each other soberly. "Did we do the right thing?" Gabrielle asked softly.

Xena's lips pursed, and she was silent for a few seconds, then she nodded firmly. "Yeah." She pulled the bard closer, and rested her chin on the fair head. "You were right… better he left, and left her some illusions, then stayed and had her find out what a snake he really was."

Gabrielle lifted a hand, and watched the last rays of the sun color it in gold and red, as she captured the light in a cupped palm. "I feel for her." The bard mused, quietly. "Her whole world's being turned upside down." She looked up. "I hope she's as lucky as me."

A flash of memory from the preceding year went through Xena's mind, and she wondered, briefly, whether 'lucky' was the term the bard really meant. Then she looked at the contented, peaceful look on Gabrielle's face, and accepted the fact that it really was. "Tomorrow morning, I'll call a session with all those stuffed shirts… turn over the regency, and we're outta here. How's that?"

The bard nodded. "Yeah.. I mean.. " Her eyes roamed the room. "The bed's nice.. and I like the tub.. but.. .I gotta tell you, Xena.. warthogs in the wild are smarter than most of these people."

They chuckled together. "Looking forward to going to the Amazons?" Xena inquired idly. "I promised Pony a rematch on that archery competition thing."

"Yeah.. " Gabrielle smiled. "I'm glad you're okay with that… we going to try getting out to Jessan's after the festival? I really want to see his little kids." She played with the lapel of Xena's tunic. "And…I wanted to talk to Wennid…just some questions about this stuff.. you know.. what we can expect.. that kinda thing."

Xena thought about that. "I don’t see why not… " She answered. "I don't think the weather's going to be anywhere near as bad as last year.. we should have good traveling." She shrugged. "Would have headed there first, except for this little detail.. .if we go now, we'll miss the festival, and I know we'll never live that down, so…"

"Mm." Gabrielle chuckled a little. "That's true…but you know what? I'm having a great time out here, but I'm also looking forward to getting home… I dreamed last night about our cabin."

"Huh.. so did I." Xena murmured, surprised. "I was.. um… sitting in that chair near the window.. it was raining out.. and I was repairing a trap… you were… um… "

"Sitting in front of the fire, reading a scroll." The bard whispered, her eyes widening. "I was… " her hand drop to her stomach. "It was months from now..I could feel the baby moving."

Now Xena's eyes grew round. "You called me over to feel it."

They stared at each other. "Wow." Gabrielle breathed. "Xena, that's very strange.. we dreamed the same dream."

"Yeah." Xena's voice was very soft. "Strange.. but it was nice.. I remember feeling really happy." She glanced down. "Hey.. maybe it's an omen, huh?" A hesitant smile edged her face.

Gabrielle laid her head down, remembering. There had been a peacefulness about the dream that had really appealed to her. She recalled clearly looking up from her reading, and glancing over her shoulder, and the odd, strange feeling of movement inside of her body. Was is an omen? She remembered the open, delighted look on her soulmate's face when she'd called out to her, and fervently hoped so. "Could be… it felt so real."

"They lit Gar's pyre this afternoon." Xena remarked quietly. "I took some of the ashes.. .I figure I can at least bring part of him back home."

Gabrielle patted her gently. "I'm sorry… I wish I would have been there with you." She fell silent as she realized when they'd both stood at a pyre last. Maybe it was better I wasn't. She reflected. Gods.. some things still hurt, don't they? If she closed her eyes, she could still feel the heat from that double fire against her body, and hear Ephiny's voice trembling over the crackling flames.

She could still feel the rending of her soul when Xena walked off.

Tears leaked from her, as she was unable to fend off the memories, and she felt the warrior's heartbeat suddenly double as Xena felt her distress.

"Hey… hey.. " The warrior gently cupped her jaw, and turned her face up anxiously. "Gab? What's wrong?" Panic rose in the normally steady voice. "Did.. I mean.. you wanted to be there? I know you .. I mean I know you didn't like him.. I just… I looked for you but.. I… Gabrielle?"

Calm down. The bard swallowed, and captured her soulmate's hand, hugging it to her. Calm down, and relax.. it's over. That's in the past. "Sorry." She took a shaky breath. "Just some bad memories."

Silence. Then the sensation of a hand softly stroking her hair. She sniffled, and reached around Xena's body, hugging her as hard as she could. The warrior hugged her back. "Xena?" She whispered.

"Mm?" A low, rumbling response, felt more than heard.

"Don't ever leave me."

"Gabrielle, I swore to you… "

"No.. not that.. not… that kind of leaving." Gabrielle was aware that she was shivering.

And then a solid, wonderful warmth surrounded her, cutting right to the core of ice she felt inside, and melting it as though it were never there at all. "Never." The word reassured her, and she took it, tucking it away into the dark places that still haunted her.

"Was it the pyre?" Xena's voice again, very gentle.

She nodded against her. "Yeah… it just hit me wrong… that was one of the few times in my life that I seriously considered just… just giving up."

"Yeah." Xena's voice cracked. "Me too." She exhaled. "I… found a little cave.. not far from the village.. that first night.. and …" Long pause. "And I… sat against the wall, there in the dark.. with my sword pressed against my gut.. my hands on the hilt just shaking… I wanted so bad to end it."

Gabrielle stilled even her breathing. I've never been able to ask her about that night. "But you didn't… just like I didn't."

"It hurt so much." Xena breathed, barely audible. "But I couldn't do it.. I couldn’t… I knew if I did, it would mean… I'd never… never… ever… see you again…. And.. I'd lost so much… so… much… "

The bard felt her tears soak into Xena's tunic. "I almost went after you."

"I might have killed you." The voice was faint.

Gabrielle nodded tiredly. "I know." Curiously, though, she felt a quiet peace. "But that's all in the past now… and I… that's where I want it to stay." Xena's fingers gently wiped the tears off her face. "Sorry."

"It's all right." Xena replied quietly. "It's better to get it out… we had some pretty rough stuff happen to us."

The bard nodded. "I know… besides, the good parts still outweigh the bad ones."

"Yeah?" The warrior stroked her hair.

"Mm.. for instance, listening to you try to explain sex to Silvi. That was a good part." The bard rallied, pushing the dark memories back into their holding place. She patted Xena's chest, feeling the dampness from her own tears under her fingers. "That was… very special."

Xena forced a quiet smile. "Yeah.. well…. I still think that comes under sensitive chats."

Gabrielle smiled. "All right… " She conceded. "I'll get the next one, okay?"

"Deal." The warrior replied. "You all right?"

The bard nodded. "You?"

Xena also nodded. "How about I grab us some dinner, and we spend a quiet night here."

Gabrielle perked up. "That sounds great." She reluctantly eased off the warrior's lap, and stood, stretching stiffened muscles with a wince. "Maybe I can finish the story I was working on… " She dropped onto her back on the bed, next to the snoozing Ares, who popped his head up and gave her a look. She ruffled his fur, and he crawled over, rubbing his head against her side and licking her.

"Okay.. I'll be right back." Xena promised. "Maybe I can find some cherries."

The bard smiled up at the canopy. "I'd rather have an apple."

Morning's light poured in the open front doors as Xena dodged by the council room, heading into the kitchen of the castle. She could hear voices raised inside the room, and she sighed, but the warm glow that had come from Gabrielle's very affectionate waking up shielded her from what was promising to be an unpleasant session.

The kitchen smelled of fresh bread and herbs, and the warrior spared herself a nostalgic grin, reminded of her mother's much smaller space back in Amphipolis. She spotted Gramma near the hearth wall, and changed directions. The older woman half turned to get a spice jar as she approached, and spotted her.

"Ah!" The cook dropped her spoon, and wiped her hands off on her apron. "Mornin there, sprout… I'm hearin you set the place on its ear, eh?"

Xena lifted both shoulders in a shrug. "Something like that.. yeah.. ."

Gramma sidled closer. "S'true that bistard Edgebutt hared off?"

The warrior nodded. "Uh huh."

"S'true he left ye in charge?"

"Uh huh."

"Hah… s'true ye told im ye were goin t'pull 'is parts off?"

"Uh.. no." Xena scratched the back of her neck. "Not exactly."

The old woman chuckled. "But ye're in charge.. right now?"

"Yeah.. for a little while.. until I go in there and straighten everything out." Xena explained. "Then we're leaving… I got someplace I gotta be."

Gramma nodded, her bantering air gone. "All right then… c'mere a minute." She reached out and grabbed a bit of Xena's leather armor, and tugged, drawing the warrior after her into a small storeroom. She carefully opened a small, flat box and drew out a parchment, and a quill. "Ye' can do this then… it's no much, and I don't think ye'll worry about it." She handed the scroll over.

Xena studied it, her brows creasing. "Gramma.. the staff here is indentured???" She looked up sharply. "That’s…Gods, you should have told me before now.. I would have… "

A wrinkled hand, laid on her arm. "Nah." Gramma sighed. "Most of us.. we're old.. best we stay where we are, eh? They're bound to take care of us, then, sprout.. a freeman they can boot, but not us.. and I've got noplace else t'go."

The warrior looked her right in the eye. "That's not true. You've got a place to go if you want one."

A faint smile creased the cook's face. "Still all fists and fire, ain't' ye." She chuckled softly. "Ye haven't changed a bit, Xena.. last time I saw ye was when those hooligans we're throwin rocks at t'pigs, and ye were chase'n im out the stockyard wi a stick."

Xena allowed a smile to flash, briefly. "That was a long time ago." She replied quietly. "And I went a long way away from that in between then and now."

Gramma nodded a bit. "Aye. .I've heard.. but t'important thing is, ye came back to who ye were." She sighed, and indicated the parchment. "These kids.. they're young.. still gots time to do things w'their lives.. some as may choose to stay here.. but some.. "

The warrior laid the scroll down, and held out her hand. "You got a quill?" She waited for Gramma to retrieve one from the box, and a small pot of ink. Xena dipped the end of the quill in, and paused, then signed her name neatly to the bottom of the document. "I see Mestre's name is here."

"Aye." Gramma stated, quietly.

"She's a good kid." Blue eyes flicked to the cook's face, with glinting intensity.

"Aye, she is." Came the soft reply. "She's taken quite a shine to ye."

Xena smiled. "Decided I wasn't so bad, huh?" She blew her signature dry, and handed Gramma the parchment. "There… can I trade that for some of that bread I smell baking? I promised Gabrielle I'd bring in some breakfast if we're gonna be stuck in that room for a while."

The cook carefully put the scroll away, running a finger long it's length before she closed the top of the box. "Aye.. surely." She answered finally, with a little catch in her voice. "Come along then, sprout."

Xena got her basket of warm rolls, complete with a small crock of honey butter and a few thick, still warm slices of ham that Gramma had tucked in there from a roast they were just taking off the spit. She spotted the bard standing near the far wall, speaking to a nervous looking Silvi, and she headed that way. Gabrielle was dressed in her travelling gear, and one arm was curled around her staff, but that was more for support on her still sore knee than any danger she though she might find in the council chamber.

A loud argument spilled out of the room as she ducked by, and she sighed. On second thought, maybe not. She'd spent about a candlemark speaking with Framna, who was slightly bewildered at this turn of events, and she was grudgingly satisfied with his responses, though she could have wished for a more experienced administrator for the city.

Well, that's what they have the council for, I guess. She sighed inwardly. I'm not really happy with Framna.. but then, I wasn't happy with Edgevar, either… best of all evils, huh? "Hey." She stepped up close to the bard, and held up the basket. "As promised."

"Oo." Gabrielle peeked under the linen cover and gave her an approving look. "Nice…" She glanced up. "Everything work out all right?"

The warrior waggled her free hand. "Yeah.. more or less.. I got Framna to agree to take on the rest of Gar's army… he and Bennu have thrashed out a kinda working relationship.. I think that'll be okay." She resettled her armor with a shrug of her shoulders and let out a breath. "C'mon.. let's get this over with."

The room's angry sounds quieted as they walked in, bard and warrior flanking the slight princess, who nevertheless managed to keep her head up as she was escorted to the front table, and took her seat.

Xena sat down to her right, in Edgevar's seat, and Gabrielle quietly settled next to her, the bard's mist green eyes surveying the room full of councilors and nobles with interest. The warrior found Framna's eyes in the rear of the room, and she looked right at him, then turned her head and looked at the chair on the left of Silvi, then back at him. An eyebrow quirked.

He got the message, and gently eased his way through the crowd, until he stepped uncertainly around the table, and sat down quietly at Silvi's side. Xena gave him an approving look, then she stood, and put her hands on her hips, letting her pale eyes rake the room. "All right."

They looked back at her with varying degrees of fear, interest, intrigue, and outrage.

Xena motioned to the patiently waiting bard. "Read it."

Gabrielle stood up, and unfurled the parchment, letting her eyes run over it for a minute before she took a deep breath to begin reading. Her ribs stood sharply out for a moment, and the muscles in her abdomen tensed, then her clear voice rang out over the hushed room.

Be it known to all present, that I, Edgevar, regent of Elios, have come to the end of my long, and noble service to the city. Pursuant to that, and to mark the coming of age of our royal heir, I remove myself from the city, so that affairs might be ordered without prejudice to my station.

I hereby relinquish all claims to office, and do graciously tender my resignation as regent.

Because our noble heir is not yet betrothed, I feel honor bound to provide the city with a sure, and strong hand until such arrangement can be settled upon. As such, I proclaim, as my last sigil of office, that the title of regent in my absence pass to the most gracious and honorable Xena of Amphipolis, until such time as our heir can assume her station.

May Zeus watch over you all.

Edgevar, Regent.

Gabrielle rolled the scroll up, and set it down on the table, then gave Xena a glance, as she seated herself and folded her hands on top of it. "That's it."

Xena nodded, then looked out at the room. "Any questions?" She let her voice drop into a dangerous growl.

There wasn't as much disagreement in the room as she'd expected there to be. A few faces were dark, but most of them were either thoughtful, or openly grinning. That was a surprise. A representative of the merchants managed to catch her eye, and he winked. Xena let a quirk tug her lip in response. "Hmm.. that wasn't so bad." She muttered in a low tone, which got a grin from Gabrielle, swiftly hidden behind a hand.

"Well… that was nice of him, but I think you all realize that I'm not the type to stick around very long." The warrior finally stated, surprised again at the disappointment that faced her. "Your princess has accepted an offer of betrothal from Framna here, so it's a moot point anyway."

A man stood, bracing his hands in his belt, and lifted his chin as he addressed her. He had hair as dark as her own, and pale, interesting, gray eyes. "What if that army comes back? No offense.. " He ducked a head towards Framna "But we all know who stopped them."

They all looked at Xena, nodding. A low mumble of agreement ran around the room. "Look.. " The man went on. "We know… we made mistakes, but we were desperate.. most of us… we just want a safe place to live.. and peace to go about our lives… I haven't slept so well in a year as I did last night."

Gabrielle watched her soulmate out of the corner of her eye, seeing her in the odd position of being caught entirely off balance. Xena had expected the city to be outraged at Edgevar's defection.. she certainly hadn't expected them to be glad, or that they would want her to stay on. But hey.. they weren't dummies, right? Gabrielle reflected. I'd certainly choose her over an untested girl and a guy whose army mutinied on him.

Part of her wished.. briefly, that they could stay on, just for a little while. She'd gotten to see this whole other side of her soulmate, and she kind of wanted to explore that a little. Xena had absorbed the troops reverence like a sponge, and she felt, at the root of her heart, that this was something her partner sorely missed.

It was something she was willingly, knowingly giving up as they shaped their lives in a different direction, and Gabrielle knew that she was making a conscious choice to do so, but…

But.

Xena took a breath, and leaned forward, resting her weight against her fingertips. "I'm … glad I could help out." She started, slowly. "I know most of you didn't expect anything good to happen when Garanimus called me here…but things worked out. " She paused, and straightened, feeling their attention focus tightly on her.

Believing in her. In the back of the room, Bennu stood, a look of quiet loyalty in his warm eyes. Two of his sergeants flanked him, their armor gleaming gently in the torchlight. Proud.

For a moment, she wavered, considering a nice, secure place, full of comforts, full of company for Gabrielle, where the bard could show off her skills, and be surrounded by the kind of pampering she thought her partner deserved. She glanced to her right, and found mist green eyes gazing trustingly back at her.

Power was being held out to her on a platter, the opportunity to exercise skills she'd left to quietly rust. An army to run, councils to preside over. Respect. Honor.

No. That's how it all starts, right? You just wanted to protect Amphipolis. What happens if you decide to 'protect' this place? A few cities around here, not to well defended…easy pickings. She taunted herself darkly. Too much temptation. "I'm glad I could make things come right here, but I have things I have to do.. and a home I have to get to."

Disappointment. "Amphipolis isn't far from here." Xena reminded them. "I keep track of my friends."

More grumbling, but they looked like they felt a little better about that. "Bennu, get up here."

The tall man ambled forward, a small package tucked under his arm. "Aye?" He ended up in front of her, his head lifted high.

"Have you taken a vote?" The warrior asked, quietly.

"Aye." He answered, just as quietly. "We'd like to stay."

A murmur ran around the room again.

Xena nodded. "You gotta keep this place clean." She warned. "Or else."

He smiled at her. "Yes, Genr'l."

She smiled back, then looked up. "You need a defense force. I know this one's not what you expected, but they're good men, most of them have secondary skills you'll find useful." She informed the councilors. "They're farmers, and woodworkers, and leathercrafters.. some of them are smiths…don't waste them."

"What if.. they start acting like they did before?" The dark haired man objected. "Hassling merchants, and trashing the place.. then what?"

Bennu turned, and faced him with dignity. "Ye don't dump dung in ye're own bed." He uttered. "But ye might in someplace ye're just visitin." He glanced over his shoulder. "Besides…I'm not awanting the genr'l to come back and kick my butt."

Xena gave him a frank grin. "Smart boy."

Hesitantly, nods went around the room. "We… " A small, stocky man with the earth stained hands of a farmer stood up gingerly. "There's yardlands lying fallow a league out of town.. we've been looking for some to farm it.. most of us are afraid to go out there because it's on the fringe… there've been raiders. " He glanced at Bennu. "If any of your lot be interested.. send them to me."

The warrior crossed her arms over her chest, and gave the farmer a warm, approving smile. Most of the army was younger sons, with no chance for land at home, she knew some, at least, would leap at the chance.

Bennu nodded at him. "Aye.. that I will." Then he turned and faced Xena. "Genr'l… kin I ask ye a favor?"

Silence fell, as they all listened in interest. Xena paused, then nodded warily. "Sure."

He stepped forward, and took the folded packet from under his arm, splitting it in half and unfurling one of the pieces. Garanimus' standard, a black dagger on a red field. "I… know ye're taking a bit o'him back wi ye.. I thought… you could take this along too."

Xena stepped around the table and moved down to his level, reaching out and taking the dusty standard. "All right." She replied quietly, laying the fabric over her shoulder. "I'll do that."

Bennu nodded, and took a nervous breath. "It's not… ah.. if we're gonta stay here, it's not a good flag to be under anyway, eh? All bloody and all." He cleared his throat. "I was… tha is.. we.. " His eyes drifted back to the two sergeants, then back to her. "We were wondering… if ye'd mind… terrible.. if.. we used this one instead."

He unfolded the second packet, a dark, inky black linen bisected by a yellow hawk's head.

Xena sucked in a startled breath. Her standard. She looked at it, frozen for a long moment. "Haven't seen that in a long time." She whispered.

Bennu looked at it, draped over his large hands. "T'was Gar's….he'd take it out sometimes… tell us stories."

The warrior reached out and touched the fabric, which, by its crisp look had been well cared for. Oh Gar. Her mind remembered the tow headed boy he'd been, and her jaw clenched. "There… are a lot of folks out there that don’t look at this as an honorable standard, Bennu."

"Aye.. well.. they don’t know you, I'm guessing." The soldier answered with a smile. "Can we?"

Just like a little boy. Xena exhaled. Part of her was intensely flattered. Part of her was wary of that standard flying again. But she looked into Bennu's eyes, and realized that no matter what her answer was, she was going to leave a part of herself here. "Sure." She finally replied. "Maybe you'll give it a better reputation."

He grinned. "Thanks, Genr'l." He turned and gave the sergeants a thumbs up. Then he turned back and glanced over Xena's shoulder, as Gabrielle walked quietly up, and peered at the standard.

"Take care of that." The bard commented, with a gentle twinkle in her eyes. "She doesn't give it lightly." She raised her hand, and turned it knuckle outmost, at the level of his eyes, and watched him focus on the signet she wore.

Bennu's face creased into a broad smile. "All the more reason t', then… "He glanced up at the silent Xena. "She workin on t'reputation too?"

The warrior put an arm around her partner's shoulders. "She single-handedly rehabilitated it, as a matter of fact." She held out her free hand. "Good luck, Bennu."

He grasped her arm in a firm grip. "You too, Genr'l…ye c'n come visit sometimes, eh?"

"Sure." Xena released him, and let her eyes sweep around the room. "All right… weather's good, and it's time to get to work fixing this place up. Gabrielle and I are taking off… the rest is up to you."

And slowly, they stood, honoring her.

The courtyard bustled with activity as they stood outside, with Xena meticulously adjusting Argo's saddle. The mare was standing patiently, as the warrior tugged straps tight and adjusted buckles with practiced hands. They'd said goodbye to the palace staff, and had reluctantly accepted small parting gifts from Framna and Silvi. Now they were relatively alone, as the city tried to get back to normal.

Gabrielle had made sure everything got packed, and she was leaning on her staff, munching on one of the rolls Xena had so helpfully obtained. The courtyard was filled with sun, and she took a deep breath of the clean air, enjoying the feeling of warmth against the skin of her back, and her mostly bare shoulders. "We ready?" She asked, as the warrior finished her fiddling.

Xena grinned at her, and lifted the saddlebags up, tossing them over Argo's hindquarters and settling them in place. "Almost." She gave the bard a look. "You anxious to get going?"

The bard sauntered over, tearing off a bit of her roll and offering it to her taller partner. "Well.. I've never been to a harvest festival at the Amazons.. it sounds fun."

Xena accepted the tidbit, and chewed it. "Fun… yeah… it should be." She admitted. "Y'know, they do have some pretty interesting customers revolving around the festival and joinings during the festival." She finished her task, and vaulted aboard the mare, settling her feet in the stirrups and wrapping the reins about one hand before she extended the other down to Gabrielle. "C'mon."

To her surprise, the bard shook her head. "I'll walk.. I want to get the kinks out of this knee." She faced into the breeze, and let it blow her hair back. "Mmm… what a great day."

The warrior regarded her. "You sure?" She freed her feet from the stirrups, watching the bard's nod. "Okay." Argo snorted as she slid off the mare's back, and joined her soulmate. "I'm sure I can find a kink to get out too." She informed her, as she started walking down the wide lane that led down to the city gates.

Gabrielle gave her an affectionate look, and caught up, splitting another roll in half and handing her a portion. As they made their way down the street, they attracted attention, and Xena found herself returning a surprising amount of friendly hails.

At last, they were at the gates, and Gabrielle looked up at the fire scarred portals, which she'd last seen by torchlight. They were open now, allowing the streams of workers in and out who were rebuilding the market, and the fire damage on the guard towers was being fixed

To one side of the gates, a set of workers were clustered around a square wooden surface, which seemed to have words burned into it. They were carefully affixing it to the inner wall, and as the warrior and bard approached, the workers turned and hailed them.

Xena and Gabrielle exchanged glances, and changed course slightly, until they were near the small group. 'What's that?" The bard asked, ambling forward to see it. The hard working craftsmen backed off, and wiped their brows, standing proudly as she read it.

It was a plaque, of sorts, the letters burned into the hardwood, which was polished and bound in copper sheathing.

On this spot, two fortnights before the Fall Solstice, an attacking army was brought to a standstill by the skill and ferocity of a single warrior, who saved the honor of the city, and the lives of it's people without regard to her own safety.

Here, Xena of Amphipolis wrote herself into our history, and showed us all the meaning of the word courage. We honor her.

Gabrielle grinned, and gave them a thumbs up, then turned and spotted the visible blush on her soulmate's tanned face. "I like it!" She trotted back to Argo's gear, and tugged out a slip of parchment and a quill. "Wait… I wanna make sure I get it down right."

A small groan from Xena, who managed a weak grin to the craftsmen. "Um.. thanks." She rubbed her eyes, willing the flush from her skin. Great. Just great. "Gabrielle.. we gotta get going."

"Mmph?" The bard took the quill from between her teeth, as she'd been spreading the parchment flat on a stone. "I thought you said we didn't have any schedule?" She glanced up at the plaque, and started copying. "This'll make a great ending for the story."

The warrior sighed, and turned away, resting her arms over Argo's back and regarding a few birds flying overhead. A few moments later the bard patted her back.

"Got it.. okay.. lets go." She remarked cheerfully. "Perfect ending… " She waved a hand as they started out the gate. "And as they got to the gates.. a plaque was being raised… "

"Gabrielle…"

"Honoring the courage of the great warrior.."

"GABRIELLE…"

"The city is forever in her debt… augh!!!" Squirm. "No fair… stop it… Xena!" Another squirm. "All right.. all right.. I'll stop!"

They ambled on. "What was that before about interesting customs of the Amazons?" Gabrielle remembered suddenly.

Xena grinned, but remained silent.

"Xena?" The bard walked backwards, peering at her. "What were they?"

A dark brow arched. "I guess I could be persuaded to remember.. for a price."

"A price!" Gabrielle's voice was indignant. "No way."

A pause. "What's the price?"

The warrior pointed at the parchment she'd been tucking away.

"Oh no." Gabrielle shook her head. "Nu uh, Xena.. I can just wait until we get to the Amazons and ask Ephiny."

A shrug. "Okay." Xena replied amiably, as the dust of the road began to kick up around her boots, and the sounds of the city faded behind them. It was a beautiful day, sunny, and with a touch of coolness in the air to remind them that summer was almost over. The fields on either side of the road gave off a heavy scent of wheat near to harvest, and the breeze that stirred their hair was thick with rich, green smells.

In the quiet, only Argo's footfalls seemed very loud. Ares was trotting off the road a little, rabbit hunting, and their soft boots made only a gentle, scuffling sound. Occasionally, the soft jingle of Argo's bit clanked, as the mare played with it, her head bobbing up and down in time with her rhythmic strides.

It was quiet, and very peaceful.

"All right." Gabrielle growled, handing the parchment over. "But these things better be good."

Xena smiled. Lasted a quarter candlemark longer than I thought she would.. she's getting better. "Which do you want to hear first… the one where the entire village gets to kiss you, or the one where you have to hang upside down by your ankles?"

Dead silence. "WHAT????"

Xena chuckled. It was going to be a great day.

The End