XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS

“HEART OF A WARLORD”

An Original Xena Story

ÑÓ1996 by Patricia L. Givens

Jadzia7627@aol.com

January 1998

Here we go again:

The characters Xena: Warrior Princess and Gabrielle are owned in their entirety by MCA Pictures. I have borrowed them here in an attempt to write something vaguely amusing and time consuming for the hard core fanatics at Saddlehorn (I’m giving you more time to run, Lucy! You owe me!) This is an original story and all elements, other than the main characters, belong to me. (C’mon, MCA, even you can’t claim rights to the gods!) This story is for adults, over the age of 18 (Or whatever the age of consent is in your town.) If you live in a state that prohibits this kind of thing, for Athena’s sake, MOVE!

Important note: This story is another of the ‘First Time’ variety. In regards to this particular epic, Life From Death never happened.

To give credit where credit is due, thanx to all the authors on S.H. You guys are inspirational, even if you do drive up my water bill. Thanks also to COMX111 for listening to my story ideas and saying ‘WOW!’ at the appropriate times.

One last note, for those of you that read The Labrys, you will recognize a certain character here. While the name, attributes and personality are the same, the character has, in fact, been re-invented for this story. I am writing this here so that you all aren’t scratching your head in confusion trying to figure out what the hell is wrong with me!

No flat-abbed Warrior Bards, cynical ex-warlord princesses, or possessed Xena dolls were harmed during the creation of this story. However, an entire bag of double dipped, dark chocolate covered macadamia nuts was tragically consumed during a particularly long writing session.

Feedback…feedback…ambrosia…

May the Prophets Walk With You!

Jadzia7627@aol.com (DAx =/\=)

There are only four questions of importance in life.

What is sacred, of what is the spirit made, what

is worth living for, and what is worth dying for.

The answer to all of them is the same…

Only love.

-Juan de Marco

Chapter One: Kindred Spirits

It was wonderful! Gabrielle walked around the bazaar with a huge smile on her face. She hadn’t seen this many merchants since they had left Athens. The town of Meztlan hadn’t looked very big when they reached it’s gates just two hours ago. It was only after they had entered that she and Xena had realized it’s actual size.

Metzlan was built against the side of a mountain, or so it had appeared. But instead of coming to an abrupt stop at the mountain’s base, a huge cavern had been dug into the mountain itself. The cavern housed the Main Bazaar, a conglomeration of nicknaks and trinkets amongst sword and arms dealers, food booths, mercantile and sundry shops, along with many taverns ,inns and resident housing. Soldiers were prevalent everywhere she looked, keeping the peace and keeping everybody moving. Even she had been ushered along when she had stopped for too long in one place. Gabrielle didn’t mind though, there was just as much to stare at a few booths down.

The colors were the best part. Having almost no sunlight in the darker areas of the cavern, merchants had strung brightly colored fabric in front of numerous torches, creating the warm glow of a rainbow where there would have only been shadows.

“Paradise!” Gabrielle reached into her pouch to check her funds. Pursing her lips, she thought about the warning Xena had thrown back over her shoulder before going off on her own to find a smithy for Argo.

“Whatever you buy, you carry!” Xena had called, her smile flashing briefly in the waning sunlight. “Don’t expect me to make room in the saddlebags!”

‘But Xena didn’t see this place!’ Gabrielle rationalized to herself. ‘Besides, there has to be something she needs here, too.”

With a grin, she headed into the bazaar, lost in her sudden quest to find the perfect gift for her friend. The first booth she came to had several tables covered with every kind of dagger a warrior could want. She picked up a few of them, aware of the merchants watchful eye, and set each one down with a small shake of her head. Xena liked to pick her own weapons.

Gabrielle moved on to the next section of shops, stopping briefly to buy several vials of herbs from a pretty young girl. Tucking them into her pouch, she noticed an Alchemist’s symbol hanging outside of a large, black tent. She normally avoided such places, especially if Xena was around. “But Xena isn’t around.” She smiled to herself. With a firm nod of her head, she slipped inside.

The interior of the tent was as dark as the exterior, lit only by three small torches. It seemed as though the shadows actually weighed her down as moved quietly from table to table. At the last table, she found an exquisite crystal, shot through with silver, hanging from a delicate silver chain. She picked it up carefully, surprised at it’s weight, and gazed at it in admiration.

“Like it, don’t you?”

Gabrielle started violently, her hand flying to her throat. She hadn’t heard anybody enter. Looking around quickly, she saw a dark figure emerge from the shadows. It was a woman, with eyes the color of honeyed wheat, her skin as dark as the shadows around her. She was beautiful. When she smiled, Gabrielle found herself smiling too. “I’m sorry,” She stammered. “I didn’t know anyone was in here.”

“No,” The woman stepped closer and placed a cool, dry palm on the bard’s arm. “It is I who should apologize. I saw you were transfixed by the Lath. I shouldn’t have spoken until you were done.”

“The Lath?” Gabrielle looked down at the necklace dangling from her fingers.

“I am Emony.” She pulled the chain gently from Gabrielle’s hand, raising it in the air so that the torch light could catch it. The bard gasped when the crystal illuminated from within, the embedded silver throwing the light back out, each vein of mineral glowing a different color. “And this is a Lath.”

“It’s beautiful.” Gabrielle breathed.

Emony laughed. “You don’t negotiate very well, do you, Gabrielle? Your delight is too apparent on your face.”

“Well I-,” She looked up quickly, her smile fading. “How did you know my name?”

“I know many things.” The woman moved around her in a circle.

“I...I think I should be going.”

Emony grabbed her lightly, pulling her back. “Don’t be frightened, Gabrielle. I won’t hurt you.” Her eyes widened as she studied the Bard’s face, then she doubled over in laughter. “I am not a God, dear little one.”

“You can hear my thought’s!” She accused. “What are you?”

“Just a woman. A very talented woman.”

Gabrielle swallowed and looked back to her hand, curiosity getting the better of her. “What is a Lath?”

“A jewel.” She gazed at the necklace lovingly. “A gem, a stone. Something pretty, shot through with the bone of the earth, copper, silver, gold. And charmed.”

“Charmed?” Gabrielle felt her stomach drop.

“Yes, a light charm. Each varied,” Emony grinned. “Each pure.”

“What’s the charm on this one?”

“It allows the wearer to see the truth.”

“Kind of like...a lie detector?”

“No, child.” Her laughter was soft. “It allows the wearer to see the truth within.”

Gabrielle shook her head. For some reason, it felt foggy. “That’s all?” She frowned. “What kind of truth is there in a stone?”

“It depends on the person wearing it.”

“I wonder...”

“...If she would like it?” Emony finished for her. “You’re friend, you care for her...” It was a statement, not a question. She studied the bard closely. “Perhaps you should wear it.”

“What does that mean?”

But Emony only smiled, her face closed. Her eyes settled on the bard’s with frightening intensity. “One dinar.”

“One dinar?” Gabrielle asked, incredulous. “That’s all?”

“As I have said, you are not a good negotiator.” She slipped the necklace into a pouch and held it out. “One dinar, for you, right now. Take it and go...or just go.”

Gabrielle wondered at the coolness that had crept into her tone, but decided not to ask. She dug out a coin and laid it in the woman’s palm, taking the pouch from her fingertips.

It wasn’t until she had turned to go that Emony spoke again. “Remember, Gabrielle, truth has a price. Not measured in gold, but in the blood of the heart.”

The next moment, she was outside, the noise of the vendors and their patrons loud in her ears. She looked back at the tent and saw Emony shrink away, receding into the darkness within. A man passing by saw where her gaze was directed and stood in front of her.

“Don’t think about going in there, miss.” He shook his head seriously. “That woman is insane. And an odd bird at that. Never comes out, we never see anyone go in, yet she’s still fed and fresh.” He made a sign to ward off evil spirits. “Aye, a witch, that one. No need for a nice girl like you to be going in there. Come with me, I have a booth set up, lotta nice thing’s a girl could want.”

Gabrielle nodded absently, following him to his booth, which was tucked into the very back corner of the cavern. She smiled when she noticed that he had been telling the truth, he did have delightful things on display. Long, shimmering silk skirts, soft leather sandals, headdresses and light coats, the type one would see in a castle courtyard. She took her time with each one, wondering what this would look like on her, what that would look like on Xena. In the end, she shrugged. None of it was made for a woman traveler. She came to the last table and saw a pair of combs. They were made of wood, well buffed and polished, with gold and silver inlaid to form the Amazon symbol for freedom. They were obviously made by a talented craftswoman, one with a good eye for symmetry and grace. Gabrielle picked up each one and slid them into her hair, pinning the red-gold tresses back out of her eyes. They felt wonderful, she only wished she had a mirror.

“They look good on ya, missy.” The man said from behind her.

“They are very nice.” Gabrielle pulled them from her hair and held them in her palm. “Where did you get them?”

“Some Centaur was selling them down in Amazon territory. He mumbled some nonsense about his wife having made them. But we both know how the Amazons feel about Centaurs.” He winked.

“I know that they have found peace.” Gabrielle said stiffly. “How much do you want for them?”

The man scratched his head. “Five Dinars.”

“What?” She frowned. “You should have been a brigand. That’s robbery.”

“Well,” He moved a little closer and the bard realized just how grubby the man was. “If you don’t have enough, I’m sure we could work something out.”

“Uhm, no thank you.” She backed up slightly, suddenly very uncomfortable in his presence. “Why don’t we just forget it.” She started to put the combs down, but he grabbed her roughly, causing her to drop them to the floor.

“I saw that.” He grinned darkly. “You tried to steal them! Do you know what they do to thieves in Meztlan?” He ran one dirty finger across his own throat. “Now be quiet, or I’ll call the guards.”

He bent to bring his lips to hers and she struck out with her knee, catching him the upper thigh. Not a direct hit, but close enough to make him scowl in pain. Pulling back his hand, he struck her across the face.

Gabrielle stumbled slightly, and braced herself against a table. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw him advancing on her. Before she could react, a figure jumped across his booth, and two long, shapely legs drove themselves into his chest. She closed her eyes in relief as the familiar sounds of Xena pummeling someone senseless reached her ears. With the sound of a hard punch and a low moan, it was over.

“Thank you.” She smiled up into a face she didn’t recognize. A puzzled look crossed her face. “Who are you?”

The warrior laughed at her confusion and Gabrielle found herself drawn to her smile. She was tall, nearly as tall as Xena, with sandy hair hanging in curls down past her chin. Her facial features were delicate and looked slightly out of place with her well muscled body, but she was beautiful nonetheless. There was something about her nose that made her think of Ephiny, but her eyes were like nothing she had ever seen before. At first, they appeared hazel, but the flickering torch light brought out deep green and gold colors that took the bard’s breath away. She was embarrassed when those eyes twinkled in amusement. “You’re welcome.”

Gabrielle watched as she adjusted her armor over her lean frame. The armor itself was nondescript, well oiled black leather covered in mail, adorned only by two brass dragons, their bodies curled snugly over each of her… “Uhm,” Gabrielle blinked to clear her thoughts.

“Are you all right?” The warrior’s amusement turned to concern at Gabrielle’s tone. “Did he hurt you?” She turned the bard to the side, looking for any undetected wounds. Finding none, she retrieved Gabrielle’s pouch from where it had fallen and began to hand it back. A she did so, it fell open.

“What in Hades…” Her voice trailed off as she pulled out the Amazon neckpiece Gabrielle had inherited from Terreis. A dark expression replaced her smile. “Where did you get this? What merchant?”

“No merchant. It’s mine.”

“Don’t lie, girl. This is the neck dress of an Amazon princess. I hardly think you hold that title.”

Gabrielle scowled, her hand shooting out to snatch the necklace back. “For your information, I happen to BE an Amazon princess.” She quieted. “Maybe not by birth, but by Right of Caste…” Her jaw went slack in amazement when the warrior’s face fell, a single tear escaping to slide down her cheek. “Are you okay?”

The warrior nodded. “Terreis.” She whispered. “Oh, Goddess. I’m so sorry.” She looked back to Gabrielle. “I am sorry for the offense, Princess. I pay you homage.” She bowed at the waist, pulling her bodice down to reveal a necklace of her own.

“You…You’re an Amazon!”

“I was once. I still honor their ways when I can.” Her eyes twinkled again as she took Gabrielle’s hand and raised it to her lips. “Paying my respects to a Princess as lovely as you, well, that’s MY pleasure.”

Gabrielle blushed. “How did you know Terreis?” She regretted the words immediately as she watched the warrior’s face change.

“I haven’t time now.” She glanced behind her, to a group of bored looking soldiers. “My men get restless easily, as do most men.” She smiled. “I’ll be at The Raven’s Claw tomorrow should you want to find me. I can say I’d be pleased if you did.” She bowed one final time and, with a wink, disappeared into the crowd.

Gabrielle watched her go, then, realizing how much time had passed, ran for the fruit stand where she was supposed to meet Xena.

The warrior was scowling when she caught sight of her, a scowl that slid into an easy smile at the familiar blonde head running her way.

“Xena!” Gabrielle called. “I’m sorry I’m late.”

The warrior’s smile vanished, as did her admonishments, when she saw the bard’s face. “Gabrielle?” She took the young woman’s chin between her forefinger and thumb, turning her head to see the steadily darkening bruise on her cheek. “What happened?”

Gabrielle smiled at the warrior’s soft tone. “Nothing. I’m fine.”

“This is not ‘fine’, Gabrielle.” She held her chin a few moments longer. “Who did this to you?”

Gabrielle watched as warm blue eyes turned to pieces of ice and felt her heart catch in her chest. “It’s okay…really. He already got what was coming to him.”

“Gabrielle, did he….” Her voice trailed off. She sighed in relief when the bard shook her head.

“What did you do to him?”

“Well, I kneed him, but I missed and he hit me. But then, this warrior jumped out of the crowd and beat the stuffing out of him. She was unbelievable…”

“She?” Xena’s eyebrow rose. “Unbelievable?”

Gabrielle laughed. “Well, she wasn’t better than you, though.” She squeezed the warrior’s arm. “No one is better than you.”

“MmmHmmm. What was her name?”

“I...” She blushed. “I don’t know.”

Xena shook her head in amusement. “Come on. Let’s go find an inn.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Four hours later, Xena watched as Gabrielle slept peacefully, the sheets from her bed tucked firmly beneath her. It hadn’t taken long to get the whole story from her. By the end of dinner she knew all about the combs, the merchant and the nameless, ‘unbelievable’ warrior. AND her invitation. Xena frowned. She didn’t like it. She didn’t know why, but she didn’t like it.

She stalked the room quickly, checking each entrance to make sure it was secure, then slipped out. It only took her five minutes to reach the bazaar, her long legs carrying her with a purpose that dared anyone to try and stop her.

As it turned out, she needn’t have worried. The shops were all open, the crowd still immense. She strode to the far back, heading straight for the merchant that had attacked Gabrielle. He was easy to find, bruised as he was. Without preamble, she grabbed him by the collar and pushed her face in front of his.

“Wh-what?” He stuttered, his eyes full of fear.

“I was told you could help me.” Her voice was low and venomous. “I’m looking for a pair of combs with an Amazon design. I was told you had them.”

“I used to,” he rushed. “But a little blonde harlot stole them earlier today.”

Xena’s grip tightened as she lifted him off the ground. “Gabrielle stole nothing from you. And If I hear that you’ve been saying she did…”

“Wait! Th…then it must have been that other woman. The tall one, the one that hit me! She must have stolen them. I don’t know warrior! I swear, I don’t have them!”

Xena shook her head in contempt and let him drop to the floor. “You’re not worth my time. But if I EVER hear of you trying again what you tried with my friend…” She slammed her fist onto a table, breaking it at the legs. “Understand?”

The merchant nodded quickly and scrambled to get out of her way.

Xena left as quickly as she had come. When she reached the Inn, she hesitated before heading upstairs. Changing direction, she entered the common room and ordered a port. Looking around, she spotted a man watching her from the corner. With a smile and a nod, she invited him to join her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gabrielle stretched and opened her eyes. It was still dark. She rolled over on her side and reached out to find Xena, who usually slept beside her when they stayed at an Inn. Her hand slid over cool, empty sheets and she sat up in confusion. Looking around, she spotted Argo's saddlebags and relaxed. “I wish she’d tell me when she’s going to go roaming.”

She reached for the waterskin Xena had left by the bed and took a long drink. When she set it back down, her fingers grazed over her bag and she pulled it to her. Rummaging through it, she found the pouch that Emony had sold her and slid the contents into her palm.

Perhaps you should wear it.

The Alchemist’s words repeated in her mind as she stared down at the stone on the end of it’s chain. There was no light for it to reflect and it looked rather harmless, just a faintly pink crystal, murky at the center.

With a smile, she slipped the chain over her head and laid back against the bed, closing her eyes slowly.

She was asleep almost instantly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Xena stared at the man across from her. He was very young, no more than twenty, and he had a nice smile, but his eagerness to talk was beginning to wear thin. She had invited him over to see what information she could glean from his wide open manner, only to learn rather quickly that he had little knowledge of any use to her. She had thought about excusing herself several times already, but found herself drawn to him somehow.

He had said his name was Sylas, and he was exactly what he appeared to be, a young, dumb farmhand heading off to seek adventure from the world. She would have laughed at him, had it not been for his eyes. They were a delicate, pale blue and made to stand out that much more clearly by the wild mop of red-gold hair at his brow. His smile was genuine, and very easily given, the innocence in his face familiar, yet still hard to bear.

“The road’s a hard place, Sylas.” Xena muttered absently, after he had rattled off a dozen excited questions. “And once you’re on it, you usually find yourself wishing you were home.”

“Do you?” He looked somewhat crestfallen.

Xena felt a familiar pain in her chest and swallowed. “Yes.” She said quietly. “Most days.”

“Then why don’t you go home?”

“Because sometimes it’s better to miss a place, then try to settle and discover that you don’t belong.” She looked up at him and sighed, knowing her words would not be taken as she had meant them. “Sylas, why don’t you get me another port?” She shook her head sadly at the eagerness on his face. She watched him walk up to the bar, his back straight, shoulders squared, so proud to be sitting with the Warrior Princess…

Xena grinned as she realized what she was doing. It had been a long time since she had lain with a man, a fact made very obvious by what she was contemplating. Normally, she wouldn’t have looked at him twice. It wouldn’t have mattered who or what he was, he was too young and she would have passed him by without so much as a thought.

She watched him from across the room, wondering if that was exactly true. There was something about him, something about his eyes, his smile…something she found very appealing. Beneath his youth and adventure lust, there was something…familiar…

Sylas turned to smile at her and she suddenly knew what was so appealing about him. Her jaw dropped as she recognized his eyes, his mouth, his hair…his smile. “Gabrielle..?” Xena returned his grin halfheartedly and then looked away, her mind struggling with this new revelation. Others followed closely behind it. Like the fact that she hadn’t noticed a man in longer than she cared to remember and the fact that her favorite place was by Gabrielle’s side, whether on the road, the battlefield…or in a bed. With a small groan, she remembered that it had been her idea to come to an inn tonight, Gabrielle had been fine with sleeping under the stars. Xena shook her head and downed what was left of her port. When Sylas returned with a fresh drink, she grabbed it and downed that one as well.

“Ahh…” He looked at her in confusion. “Maybe I should get you another one?”

Xena nodded curtly and he wandered off, less confidence in his stride. She laughed softly at his lack of enthusiasm. She had no intentions of sleeping with him now and he must have sensed it. Xena thought briefly of finding another man, of driving these new, and very strange, thoughts from her mind by making love until she couldn’t think.

Somehow, she knew that wouldn’t work and resigned herself to another hour of conversation…and a night of sleeping on the floor.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gabrielle was running.

She didn’t know why, or even where, but the dark taste of fear burned hot in the back of her throat, pushing her legs when all she wanted to do was collapse. In truth, she couldn’t even see more than five feet in front of her, that was as far as the radius of light around her extended. The rest was murky darkness, filled with deeper shadows that seemed to move and shift restlessly.

But something worse was chasing her. Something dark and hateful, something she couldn’t fight, something she couldn’t defeat, not with a staff, not with her words. And it terrified her more than anything she had ever known.

Instinctively, she knew that it was gaining ground, it’s twisted legs carrying it fast along the path behind her. Gabrielle looked around in panic. Nowhere to go, nowhere to hide, the light went wherever she did. She felt a sob break free from her lungs as a hot breath coursed along her back.

The next instant, a hand flew down from above her, grabbing her by the front of her shirt, hauling her up into the darkness while the light continued on without her. Beneath her, she sensed a shape, so vast as to be unimaginable, pass by with a snarl of rage that shriveled her heart in her chest.

Gabrielle gasped for air, grabbing the arm the still held her beneath the rise of her breasts. She clung to it for her life, breathing “Thank you.”, over and over again to a person she couldn’t see.

Blackness enveloped both of them now, but she could feel the pounding of her saviors heart, could feel a softer breath against her neck. She started when gentle lips brushed against her throat, licking lightly at the point where her skin pulsed with the strength of the blood beneath it.

“Gabrielle…” She heard her name whispered softly, the voice low, but feminine, and her own heart sped up in shock. A woman held her! A woman kissed her skin, biting gently, just hard enough to make her shiver.

And oh, how she shivered, shaking like a willow leaf against the armor her captor wore. She felt a breastplate against her back as the woman pulled her closer, running soft lips lower across Gabrielle’s skin as one hand pulled her shirt away from her shoulders.

“Oh...” She breathed, her head falling back as the woman’s other arm loosened it’s grip about her stomach, sliding upwards to curve around the swell of her breast. Warm kisses were placed against her cheek and she turned her face to meet softly parting lips, parting her own to allow the tasting of her mouth.

Gabrielle felt a sweet tightening of the muscles in her thighs, felt a warm wetness on the fabric that brushed against her labia. With a shudder, she arched back, offering herself to the woman behind her. She held her breath when a strong hand wandered down her stomach, sliding beneath the fabric of her skirt to comb through soft, curly hair.

A moment before that hand claimed her, a light began to glow around her body. The woman holding her released her quickly, backing away from the steady glow. “Wait,” Gabrielle pleaded. “Don’t…!”

But she was gone.

With a small cry, Gabrielle sat up and looked around the room in panic. “The inn.” She whispered. “I’m at the Inn with Xena…Xena!” No one answered her call.

She realized that she was panting and tried to calm her heart. It was then that she noticed a warmth against her skin. Looking down, she saw a soft glow emanating from beneath her shirt and reached her fingers in slowly, closing them around the Lath.

Gabrielle pulled the gem away from her and opened her palm, her eyes going wide at the light it contained. When Emony had showed it to her, it had only reflected what it had received. This….this was a burning all it’s own. She turned it in her fingers, eyes captured by the colors that flashed across her face. “You were the light.” She whispered.

Perhaps you should wear it.

She heard Emony’s voice as though the woman were in the room and pulled the Lath from around her neck with more than a little unease.

Sighing, she slid out of bed and tucked the necklace back into it’s pouch, burying it at the bottom of her bag before she walked out the door. She hurried down the stairs and went straight to the tavern, unconcerned with the amused glances people gave her uncombed hair and bare feet.

When she spotted Xena sitting with a handsome young man, Gabrielle felt herself get angry. She moved stiffly through the crowded tables to bend down and look into Xena’s eyes. “What are you doing?”

The warrior’s confusion was apparent. “I’m having a drink. This is Sylas.”

“Hello.” She said coldly, barely acknowledging him at all. “Did you plan on coming up anytime tonight?”

“Gabrielle, what’s wrong?”

Xena’s voice held very real concern and the bard felt herself melt. “I…I had a dream.” She whispered. “I woke up, and…and I was confused and you weren’t there and…”

“Okay.” The warrior smiled gently. “I’m coming up right now. We can talk.” She turned to Sylas. “Thank you for the company and the conversation.” She fought the urge to ruffle his hair. “Do me a favor and go home, okay? Before they bring your body back…to bury you there.”

His confused gaze followed them as they left the tavern.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Two: The Raven’s Claw

Xena slid the bolt into place, locking the rest of the world out, then turned to study Gabrielle, who was staring absently down at her pouch. She couldn’t remember her ever being this upset over a dream. In fact, the young woman had never mentioned any of her dreams at all. “Are you all right?”

Gabrielle looked at her, her gaze locked on Xena’s breastplate. “I’m fine.” She finally shook her head. “I just…I needed you…and you weren’t here. Who was that guy anyway?”

Xena noticed the way the bard’s nose wrinkled at the mention of ‘that guy’. “Just some farmhand. He was looking for an army to join’”

Gabrielle snorted. “I bet that’s not all he was looking for.”

“I thought he might have some information about your savior. But he didn’t know anything.”

Gabrielle glanced up quickly, caught by Xena’s choice of words. Savior. She remembered the twin dragons curled across the Amazon’s chest. They certainly qualified as a breastplate. “I’m…I’m sorry.” She looked at the floor. “Maybe I’m just tired.”

“Why don’t you get some sleep?” Xena pulled out a bedroll and laid it out near the fire.

“What are you doing?”

“I thought I’d sleep by the fire,” She had no intention of getting in bed with Gabrielle. “Besides, sleeping in a bed makes you soft.”

“Really?” She smiled and Xena stared at the way it lit up her face. “I think you’re safe. Besides, I could really use someone next to me…please?”

Xena looked into her eyes and knew there was no way she could refuse. Nodding, she began to unbuckle her armor. “Must have been some dream. What happened?”

Gabrielle moved her hands away, unfastening the straps with small, quick fingers. “I was being chased. I couldn’t see what was chasing me, but whatever it was, it was horrible.” She took off Xena’s boots. “It felt like…I don’t know…like death was running at my heels.”

“What happened?”

Gabrielle flushed. “I woke up.”

Xena nodded slowly. For a moment, she looked as though she wanted to say something, but let it pass instead. She washed up quickly in the water basin, then slipped into bed wearing only her shift. Gabrielle followed her, tucking herself snugly against the warrior’s body before pulling her arm across her stomach.

“Better?” Xena asked, her arms tight around the bard, willing herself not to think…about anything.

“Yes. Thank you.” Her voice trailed off as she slid into sleep.

Xena continued to hold her tightly, until her breathing evened out. Then she loosened her grip and moved a little further away.

If she had wondered why she had been fascinated by a man who looked like her friend, holding Gabrielle like this had given her the answer. Somewhere, between the friendship and the arguments, she had developed feelings for the bard. And holding her felt a little too good. She rose on one elbow and looked down at Gabrielle’s sleeping face, finding it as beautiful in repose as it was when she was awake.

Xena shook her head in anger. “What in Hades am I thinking?” She whispered. Gabrielle was her friend, she wouldn’t betray that. She wouldn’t try to create something that just wasn’t there.

She’d rather lose Gabrielle, than hurt her that way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Xena was up well before dawn, her sword polished and her armor in place. She watched Gabrielle sleep, an unexplainable aching in her heart, and repeated what she had told herself just the night before. Gabrielle was young, she had her whole life in front of her. A life that should be filled with her own happy memories, not the dark ones she seemed so willing to share. Even knowing that, it had been a test of her resolve to leave that warm bed, especially after the bard had whimpered in disappointed, trying to throw her arm across the warrior, even in her sleep.

But then, Gabrielle had always craved physical closeness, touching her arm when they were speaking, holding her hand when she was upset. It was a wonder the girl was still a virgin.

Xena felt her heart turn to lead. The idea of a man…touching… She shook her head. She could only hope that the man who finally won Gabrielle’s heart would be good and kind. That he would take care of her the way she deserved to be, that he would love her the way she deserved to be loved.

She finally woke her about an hour after sunrise, steeling her heart against the lazy smile she got in return. “Hey, wake up sleepyhead. Time to get going.”

“Going?” Gabrielle rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. “Where are we going?”

“You said you had a date remember?” She frowned at her own choice of words. “The Raven’s Claw is about half a day’s walk from here. If you hurry up we can get breakfast along the way.”

Gabrielle brightened at the mention of food. She stood up, wrapping her arms around Xena in the process. “Thank you.”

Gabrielle…

Her head shot up quickly, connecting solidly with the bottom of Xena’s chin. “Ow…” She rubbed the sore spot. “What did you say?”

“I said you’re welcome.” Xena rubbed her jaw.

“Oh.” Gabrielle turned away, her face red with embarrassment. She pulled on her traveling clothes and laced her boots quickly, not wanting the warrior to have to wait for her. When she was almost done, Xena grabbed the saddlebags and headed for the door.

“I’ll go get Argo from the stables. Meet me downstairs in ten minutes?”

Gabrielle nodded absently, waiting until she was gone to pull the Lath out of her bag. She dangled it from her fingers, staring up at the stone with resignation. “You’re going to haunt me, aren’t you? All right…you win.” She fastened it around her neck, hiding the stone beneath her shirt. “Show me.”

Taking a deep breath, she headed downstairs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A staircase?

Gabrielle looked up a series of white, alabaster steps, following the line of them until they split in two directions, each heading a different way up the mountain in front of her.

“Lot of mountains in my life these days.” She whispered to herself. “And I always seem to be at the bottom of them.”

“Of course you are…”

The bard jumped slightly, turning in a circle to find the woman she knew would be behind her. “Emony? What are you doing here?”

“You called for me, Gabrielle. You challenged the Lath to show you. I am part of the Lath, as it is part of me.” The woman’s dark skin seemed to shimmer in the torch light. She reached out with one perfect hand to touch the stone around Gabrielle’s neck. “This stone…it is a creature of my making. It holds a piece of me within it’s substance.”

“Uh huh..” The bard looked at her as though she were crazy. “Okay, then why don’t you tell me why I'm here? First I’m being chased. Now, I am expected to climb a mountain.”

“You didn’t mention what came in between.”

“Oh, you know about that?’ She turned towards the stairs, a redness creeping into her cheeks. “I didn’t understand that either. Tell me what I’m supposed to do…please.”

Emony looked at her, eyes full of tenderness. “I cannot, little one. You must choose.”

“Choose what?” She heard frustration in her own voice.

The Alchemist laughed. “Are you always this thick, Gabrielle?”

A spark of anger jumped from her eyes as she stood a little straighter. “Only when I get dragged into dreams that aren’t mine!”

“Oh, but Gabrielle…this is your dream.” She started to fade away. “Listen…for your name.”

“My name?” She shouted into the empty air. “What about my name?”

“Gabrielle?”

The bard jumped upright, nearly sliding off of Argo in the process. If it hadn’t been for Xena placing a hand against her thigh, she would have made a very rapid descent, indeed.

“Are you all right?” The warrior looked very concerned. “What is going on with you?”

“I’m fine.” She looked around, here eyes taking in the trees and grass of the nearby forest. Not an alabaster stair in sight. “Was I asleep?”

“I hope so.” Xena finally smiled. “Otherwise you are getting very odd.”

Gabrielle grinned. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. Thank you for keeping my backside where it belonged.”

The warrior glanced at her hand, realizing she had never moved it off Gabrielle’s leg. She pulled it away quickly and rubbed it against her neck. It was very warm, and carried the scent of Gabrielle’s skin along with it. She nodded and turned Argo back along the trail.

“So, what is The Raven’s Claw anyway?”

Xena sighed. “A place I never thought I would see again. It’s a tavern, Gabrielle, where warrior’s go to drink.”

She blinked at the sound of her name, but she had missed actually hearing it. She desperately wanted to ask her to say it again, but that would only have worried her friend more. “A tavern?” She decided to concentrate on the subject at hand. “In what city?”

“No city.” She laughed. “No city would have it. Too loud, too uncontrollable.” Xena quieted. “Too deadly.”

“Deadly?” Gabrielle’s face slackened in understanding. “What happened?”

The warrior kept walking, her thoughts unspoken. “Later.” She whispered, handing the bard a stick of dried meat.

Gabrielle accepted the food in silence, wondering who was more haunted at that moment, her or the warrior beside her.

**********************************************************************

Xena pulled Argo to an abrupt stop. A large compound had appeared in front of them, sporting ten foot high walls that hid the interior.

"Let me guess." Gabrielle joked. "We're here."

"Yes." Xena resumed their pace, shifting her sword to make it more visible. She walked stiffly, her back very straight, until she stood in front of the gate, with a guard trying to stare her down.

"What do you want, woman?" He sneered. "Get away from here."

"Open the gate." She said evenly. "Or suffer…and then open the gate."

The guard laughed. "Who do you think you are?"

"I think I’m Xena." She smiled, reaching for her chakram.

The guard's face contorted, his fear causing him to back up quickly, his head connecting solidly with the gate behind him.

Gabrielle laughed, she couldn't help it.

The guard regained his composure and advanced on the bard, pointing his sword up at her. "You think it's funny-"

Xena stepped between him and his easier target. "Let me make something perfectly clear," Her tone was soft, almost a lover's voice. "Anything happens to her, and I get VERY angry." Her finger caressed the edge of the chakram, then traced the patterns that adorned it's side, getting the guard’s attention.

Gabrielle's eyes followed Xena's fingers too, but she reacted in a much different way. The guard merely swallowed and called for the gate to be opened, while Gabrielle had to fight to control her breathing. Her gaze never left Xena's hand as it rubbed against the steel beneath it. When her finger traveled over one of the blue gems, the bard gasped softly and looked away, avoiding the warrior's questioning look. She couldn't have explained her reaction if she wanted to.

They entered the walls in silence, Xena looking at Gabrielle from time to time, trying to decipher what had just happened. In the end, she decided it was just wishful thinking, the younger woman wasn't even looking at her. Her eyes were taking in the compound, which was really a series of smaller huts, thrown together quickly, and linked by the surrounding wall. The only building with a look of permanence was down at the very end.

"That's the Raven's Claw." Xena pointed. "Why don't you go ahead? I think I made my point to the guards. You'll be all right." She turned away, frowning. "I have to go stable Argo."

"Are you sure? I can wait.."

"No. Go ahead. I'll be along soon." She turned and walked away.

Gabrielle watched her go, wondering what she had done to upset her, then shrugged sadly and headed for tavern.

She recognized the place the minute she walked in the door. It was just like any other tavern she had been in, except, maybe a little worse. There were armed men everywhere, and she received interested looks from most of them before spotting a head of light, curly hair on the other side of the room. Gabrielle walked up with a smile. “Hello.”

The Amazon stood quickly, surprise plain on her face. “Hello.” She smiled back. “I didn’t think you would really come.”

“Well, I couldn’t resist the chance to learn more about the woman that saved my virtue. It’s going to make a great story.”

“A story? You’re a bard?”

“Yes, yes I am. I even won admittance to the Athens Academy for Performing Bard’s, but I didn’t go.”

“Apparently.” She held out her hand and Gabrielle grabbed it firmly, her own hand wrapping around the other woman’s forearm. “You know the ways of a warrior. How very…unexpected.”

“Well, I travel with a warrior.”

“Do you. Ah.” Her face fell a little but her voice remained light. “Well, then, my name is Zo. I am very pleased to see you again.”

“Gabrielle.” She introduced herself. “What does Zo stand for?”

“My first name.” Her eyes sparkled at Gabrielle’s laugh. “It’s just Zo. Please…come have a seat.” She waved her hand at the bartender, who brought a fresh round of drinks.

“So,” Gabrielle sipped her wine. “How did you know Terreis?”

“She was my Princess…and I, her promised one.”

“Promised one?”

Zo grinned. “Her lover, Gabrielle. We were meant to be betrothed.”

The bard’s heart skipped a beat. Two women, betrothed. “What happened?”

“A thousand things,” She whispered. “I failed her and she had no choice but to turn her back on me. It broke my heart to see it, just as it broke her heart to do it. I destroyed half of the encampment before they captured me…and put me into exile.”

“So…you’ve lost her twice then.”

Zo looked up at her. “You are a bard.” She squeezed Gabrielle’s hand. “So tell me, how did you come to be in Metzlan? In the booth of such an unsavory merchant?”

“I came with my friend. We were traveling through this region when her horse threw a shoe. We only stopped to find a smithy, but then I saw the bazaar and those wonderful combs…”

“These?” She held up her hand and Gabrielle saw the combs, her fingers wrapped around them.

“Yes!” She accepted them with a smile.

“They’re yours.” Zo offered. “I thought he owed you at least that much.”

Gabrielle slid them into her hair, turning her head from side to side so that the Amazon could see them. “What do you think?”

“Very becoming.” Zo’s voice was low, and there was something in it that Gabrielle recognize, something familiar. They stared at each other for a few moments, until the Amazon broke the silence. “So, my Princess, a meal was part of my invitation. What would you like to eat?”

“You don’t have to call me that, Zo. Gabrielle is fine.”

“The title suits you well. You have the grace and beauty of an Amazon princess, if not the size. Maybe you were not born into it, but the Gods seem to have corrected their mistake.”

Gabrielle’s jaw dropped. The warrior’s voice was sincere, her eyes smiling. “Thank you.” She whispered.

“Oh, very much my pleasure…Princess.” Zo took her hand again and continued to hold it. Gabrielle studied her face as the Amazon called for their dinner.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Xena sat outside the tavern, drawing idly in the dirt with the tip of her boot. She didn’t remember how long she had waited, only that she had stabled Argo, got into three fights, and now the cold was working it’s way directly to her bones. She gritted her teeth against it and looked back at the door. Inside, there would be a fire, a few cups of port, maybe a leg of lamb…and Gabrielle. She looked up at the moon and smiled sadly.

She waited another quarter of an hour, before throwing open the door to sample the warmth inside. Her eyes swept across the room carefully, coming to rest on Gabrielle’s smiling face. She forced herself to walk slowly as she went to join them.

When Xena was less than five feet away, she heard the woman sitting with Gabrielle ask, “So tell me about this friend of yours…”

“She can do that for herself.” The bard smiled, waving a hand for her to join them.

The Amazon turned and Xena felt her legs stop moving. The moment seemed to hang forever as she stared down into that face.

Gabrielle stood and came to her side. “This is my friend, Xena. Xena, this is-“

“Hello Zo.” Xena said quietly. “It’s been a long time.”

“Yes, Warrior Princess,” Gabrielle noticed the Amazon moving to the edge of her chair. “It has.”

Without another word, Xena launched herself at the woman, knocking her to the floor.

"What are you doing?" Gabrielle tried to grab her from behind as Xena gripped the Amazon's shoulders and slammed them against the ground. "She saved my life!"

"Stay out of this, Gabrielle!"

The bard stood back, she had definitely heard her name that time. She waited a few moments, trying to find anything different within herself. But there was nothing....except a feeling of disappointment that she didn’t understand.

"Gabrielle!"

She looked over Xena's shoulder to the woman pinned beneath her, confused at her lack of response to Zo calling her name as well. She saw that the Amazon's face was turning red and shrugged helplessly.

"Get...the staff!" Zo wheezed. "Knock her out!"

Gabrielle frowned, "I can't. I'm sorry!"

Zo stared at her for a few moments before nodding. With a huge effort, she flipped Xena back, landing a hard punch to her stomach. Xena stumbled slightly as the air left her lungs and the Amazon was on her in an instant. "Ah, Xena! I told you I would best you one day! Looks as though that day has come!" She wrapped her hands around the warrior's neck and pushed back with all her strength. Tables and chairs flew everywhere as soldiers slipped quickly out of the way, making bets as they went.

"Zo...Zo...Zo...Zo." Gabrielle heard the Amazon's men begin to chant under their breath. Grabbing the man closest to her, she whispered in his ear. Immediately, he began to chant as well. "Xe-na...Xe-na...Xe-na...Xe-na..."

Everyone in the bar joined in until they were all chanting for one woman or the other. Only Gabrielle remained silent.

Zo laughed as she kicked the warrior's legs out from under her, then launched herself upwards, pointing her foot out for a devastating blow against Xena's head. Gabrielle watched her come down as though she were moving in slow motion, a sick feeling starting at the bottom of her stomach.

At the very last moment, Xena slid to her left, causing the Amazon to land hard on her right leg. With one arm sweep, she knocked into Zo's knee, causing the already strained muscles to give out completely. She hit the floor hard and Xena knelt on her shoulders.

"You were saying?" She smiled.

Zo struggled for a few moments before giving up, exhaling her frustration loudly. "All right. You win. Get off."

"No." A huge grin covered the Warrior Princess's face. "Say it."

"Never!" The Amazon gritted her teeth.

"Just say it. It's the only way you're going to get me off of you."

Zo sighed, accepting that it was useless to fight her. "All right!" She turned her face away, mumbling under her breath.

"What was that?" Xena grinned.

"I said, 'Warrior Princess, you have bested me. I offer myself, in anything you would ask of me, in any truth you would have me tell.'" She bucked her hips beneath the warrior. "Now get off of me, damn it!"

Xena laughed and climbed to her feet, offering her arm to the Amazon. Zo grabbed it and allowed herself to be pulled upright.

"You've gained weight, Xena. You're a lot heavier than you used to be."

They stared at each other for a few moments, and then started to laugh. Zo held out her hand, and Xena clasped her arm, pulling her forward to squeeze her shoulder.

"Zo...How long has it been?"

"About four years. Much too long." She quieted somewhat. "Gabrielle told me about Terreis. Thank you both for trying to help her."

"Excuse me!" Gabrielle stepped between them. "Could someone please tell me what just happened here?"

"I'm sorry, Princess." Zo squeezed her arm affectionately and Xena's eyes narrowed. "I know your friend. Xena and I go way back. Don't we?"

Xena nodded. "Zo and I used to fight together...and with each other." She pushed the Amazon's head back good naturedly. "Of course, she was a lot tougher then."

"And you were a lot thinner." Zo rubbed her back as she laughed.

Gabrielle threw her arms up in frustration. "Could the two of you please let me in on the joke next time? I thought you were going to kill each other."

"I'm sorry, Gabrielle." Xena said softly, causing a shiver to run up the bard's spine.

"Well...okay then." She tried not to smile and failed. “So how did you two end up fighting together?”

The three of them took their seats, laughing, while astonished soldiers watched. One man took a few steps forward, but Xena stopped him with a raised eyebrow. “Yes?” She asked softly.

“Uh...nothing. Sorry.” He turned tail and ran from the Inn.

Zo laughed. “Still got the Xena touch, I see.” She looked at Gabrielle. “You’re taste in companions has definitely improved.”

“Seeing as how I used to travel with you, I’d agree as well.”

The Amazon made a face at her. Then smiled. “So, I hear you’ve left the ways of the warlord behind.”

“Yes. A...friend...showed me the light.”

“A friend?” Zo snorted into her ale. “I’d say more than a friend. Everyone knows the love story of Xena and Hercules.”

“The love story?” Gabrielle leaned forward. “I mean, I know you were close but...you never said you were in love with him.”

“That’s because I’m not.” Xena gave the Amazon’s a dark look. Still up to the same old tricks. “Hercules and I are friends, nothing more.”

Gabrielle nodded, apparently satisfied, but Zo only grunted, “Uh huh.” She grabbed up a hot biscuit as they were set on the table. “So tell me then, oh mighty Warrior Princess, what did knock the warlord out of you, if it wasn’t love?”

Xena was silent, she didn’t like the turn of the conversation. “It’s a long story, Zo.” She glanced at the bard and then frowned when she saw the Amazon watching her. “I’ve had a lot of help.”

The bard turned to look at her, a smile on her lips. She reached under the table and closed her fingers around Xena’s hand. The contact only lasted for 20 seconds or so, but the warrior felt it’s affects much longer than that. “Anyway,” Xena cleared her throat. “What have you been doing these last four years?”

“Traveling, working for one warlord or another. Hearing your legends every time I turned around. Being interrogated about what you were really like.” She smiled. “No offense, but it got a little tiresome, so I decided to make my own name. And no one has asked me about you since.”

Gabrielle felt the warrior beside her stiffen.

“What do you mean, ‘make your own name’?” She grabbed a leg of some kind of bird and began to eat.

“I mean that I spent the last year rounding up your men, Xena. After you killed Darphus, they pretty much scattered to the four winds. It took me a year, but I found your best...and started my own army.”

Xena stared her in the eyes, the meat forgotten. “You’re leading an army?” She leaned forward. “For who?”

“Myself.”

She threw down the food and drained her port. “You’re a warlord.” She shook her head. “I should have know. Some things never change.”

“Oh...come on, Xena.” Zo continued to eat, undaunted. “You and I were always a lot alike. We liked the same food, the same weapons, the same...” She glanced at Gabrielle and then grinned at Xena’s glare. “Entertainment. You had to know that I wouldn’t just disappear quietly.” She held up a hand at the warrior’s protests. “Now, I know you’ve become a ‘good’ girl, but there’s nothing in your new rules that says two old friends can’t get together and share a meal, is there?”

“As long as it ends with the meal.” Xena’s voice was low.

But Zo only laughed. “How’s the food, Gabrielle?”

The bard looked up, “It’s good.” She mumbled, concerned about Xena’s rapidly darkening face. “Thank you.”

“No need to thank me.” The Amazon took her hand. “I would like to ask for the pleasure of your company after you are done. A nice, PRIVATE, walk would do wonders for me...and you.”

Gabrielle smiled, enjoying the attention she was receiving. “I’d like that.”

Xena scowled. “I’d better go check on Argo.” She stood and felt Gabrielle’s hand on her hip.

“Argo? You just stabled her. She’ll be fine.”

The warrior looked down at her with clear, cold eyes. “I’ll check on her nonetheless. We have a room here. Top floor, second door. I’ll leave it unbolted.” She turned to Zo and nodded. Wordlessly, she left the tavern.

Gabrielle cast a confused glance at Zo, who just smiled. “More wine, Gabrielle?”

The bard shook her head absently and asked for a cider, glancing over her shoulder a few times before settling back into the easy conversation they had shared earlier in the evening.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Xena walked quickly towards the stables, her breath leaving a mist-like trail behind her in the cold night air. "A warlord." She muttered to herself. "A warlord...and Gabrielle stayed with her!" She shook her head, oblivious to the soldiers that quickly sidestepped to get out of her way.

When she reached the livery, she waved away the stable boy and grabbed her saddle, throwing it across Argo's back with well-practiced ease. She cinched it tight and picked up her bridle, stopping to scratch the horse's nose before sliding it over her ears. "Well, Argo. Gabrielle seems to be busy with her new friend, what's say you and me go for a ride?"

The horse nickered, butting her head into Xena's back. "Don't you start." The warrior frowned. "She's an adult. She can take care of herself. Maybe it's time she did." As she swung into the saddle, she wondered briefly which one of them she was trying to convince.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gabrielle glanced over at the woman beside her. Zo had been silent for quite a while and she was beginning to wonder if she had said something wrong. They had left the tavern and the compound to walk a short distance through the woods to a spot where a hot spring bubbled up from the ground. The Amazon had been quite animated while describing it, making her stillness now a little unsettling.

Gabrielle almost jumped out of her skin when Zo reached down and took her hand. She was quiet for a few moments, then she smiled. "What's this for?"

The Amazon grinned. "You look like someone who likes to be touched." She shied her eyes away. "I know I'm happy to oblige."

The bard thought about that, and about Zo being promised to Terreis. It didn't seem so strange anymore.

"Did Xena ever mention me?" Zo broke into her thoughts.

"No...not that I can recall. How did you meet her?"

The Amazon was silent for a few moments. "She's the reason I was exiled."

Gabrielle stopped dead. "What?"

Zo turned to look the bard in the eye. "Melosa sent me out to prove myself worthy of her sister. I was to find and kill a man that had raped and murdered an Amazon." She squeezed Gabrielle's hand a little tighter. "I chased him here, and attacked him in that very tavern." She started walking again. "Turns out he was one of Xena's men. And I was wrong, he hadn't done anything. She stopped me from killing him, knocked me around pretty good, while the real rapist attacked and killed two of my guard. She killed him Gabrielle. She killed the man I was sent for,...and so I failed, my friends and my Queen. She became a hero to the Amazons...and I lost Terreis."

Gabrielle looked at her sadly, "Zo....I'm sorry."

The Amazon shrugged. "It was a long time ago."

The bard smiled. She had seen Xena do this a hundred times, hide her feelings behind indifference.

"Anyway," Zo continued. "Xena came looking for me when she heard I'd been exiled. She accepted me into her army and trained me herself in the art of being a warlord." She smiled. "We fought all the time and I never even came close to beating her...until today."

"Sounds like she was important to you."

The Amazon stopped. "She was the most important thing in the world to me...until we parted four years ago. I hated her for a while after that."

"Why?" Gabrielle asked softly.

"Because she kicked me out of her army. She brought me back to this place, where we had first met, and left me here. Without an army...without a friend."

"I can understand why you would hate her." Gabrielle squeezed her arm. "But she must have had a reason."

"Oh, she did." Zo ran one hand through her hair. "I worshipped her. I swore my allegiance to her. I even called her my warrior princess, a name that spread like wildfire across any land she entered. I loved her and I think she loved me. But the first time I called her Princess to her face, something in her eyes changed. Something went cold. I think she finally understood what I had done."

"What did you do?" Gabrielle whispered.

"I won her heart, Gabrielle, and tried to give her one that belonged to someone else." She swallowed. "I didn't know it then, but I just traded one princess for another. I didn't know it, but she did." Zo looked away. "So she left me."

Gabrielle was speechless, but only for a moment. "Can't you see? What she did was as much for you as for her?"

"I know that now. Four years gives a person a lot of time to think. I was wrong, she was right. Wasn’t an uncommon occurrence in those days.” She smiled weakly. “I stopped blaming her quite a while ago. I was the one that failed, she just finished what I couldn’t. And I never thanked her.”

Gabrielle squeezed her hand, her breath catching when eyes made gray by the moonlight stared deep into hers. They were a breath apart, no more than that, and she found it very easy just to lean forward. She closed her eyes when she felt the Amazon’s palm against her cheek, raising her hands to place them on broad, strong shoulders.

A moment before their lips actually touched, Gabrielle heard horse snort behind her. She turned, shocked to see Xena less than ten feet away, understanding what Zo had meant by seeing coldness in those clear blue eyes.

Xena stared at her, taking in her half closed eyes, the hand gently touching her face. With a curt nod, she turned Argo and rode off into the darkness.

Chapter Three-The Middle Ground

“Xena! Wait!” Gabrielle took three steps forward and then turned back to Zo. “I’m sorry….I have to…I’ll see you back at the Inn!” She turned and chased after her best friend, leaving the Amazon to kick her boot into the dust.

“Xena!” She called again, following the sounds of Argo crashing through the underbrush. She was amazed, normally Argo was pretty quiet. Maybe Xena wanted her to follow…she couldn’t be upset enough to be this careless. Gabrielle knew she worried about her, but it couldn’t be the kiss…well, the almost kiss. “Xena?”

She came to a stop after ten minutes, panting hard from the all-out pace she had been trying to maintain. A shiver went up her spine when she realized that the only sound in her ears was that of her own labored breath. “Xena”? Gabrielle’s voice was a whisper, but it echoed through the dead of the forest as though it were a shout.

“What do you want, Gabrielle?”

The bard let out a small squeak of alarm and spun on her heel. Xena stood behind her. She took a few deep breaths. “You know, I really wish you wouldn’t do that. You scared the Hades out of me!”

The warrior’s face took on a slightly sarcastic look. “I’m sorry.”

Gabrielle was stunned. “What’s wrong with you?”

“What’s wrong with me?” Xena circled her. “Maybe you should be asking what’s wrong with you.”

“Me? There’s nothing wrong with me.”

“Oh no?” Xena stepped in close and looked down into her eyes. “She’s a warlord, Gabrielle. You’re consorting with a warlord.”

“Consorting? I wasn’t consorting. She’s my friend. She saved my life.”

Xena snorted. “Sure looked like consorting to me.”

“Oh,” Gabrielle crossed her arms. “You mean the kiss.”

The warrior’s head shot up, then swung away to hide the pain in her eyes.

“You still think of me as a child. Well, for your information, women can be betrothed to women. It happens all the time among Amazons.”

Gods, Xena thought. She thinks I’m upset about her kissing a woman! She would have laughed if it hadn’t been so depressing. “I know that.”

Gabrielle did a double take. “You knew that?” Her voice was very small. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Xena smiled. “I am not mad that you kissed a woman.”

“Well, I didn’t really. You kind of interrupted. But that’s not the point.” She stared into her eyes. “I’m an adult and I can do what I want to do.”

“Is this what you want to do? Or are you so grateful to Zo that you’d do anything-“

“That’s ridiculous!” Gabrielle cut her off. “If that was the case I would have kissed you a long time ago…well… if you had wanted me to.” She swallowed and turned away, unsure of the tremor in her voice. “I think you should trust me on this one.”

Xena had had enough. She grabbed the bard by her arm and swung her around. “Gabrielle, you don’t know what she’s capable off. She’ll use you…”

“No…no she won’t. I know what she did to you was cruel, but it’s in the past and she’s changed.”

Xena’s face went slack at Gabrielle’s words.

“That’s right.” She confirmed. “Zo told me about your past together. She told me what she did and she is sorry. But it doesn’t color who she is now. People change, Xena. You, of all people, should know that.”

“It isn’t the same!”

“Oh, it isn’t?” Gabrielle took on her stubborn stance.

“No! It isn’t.” The warrior took her face between her palms. “I wasn’t an Amazon Princess.”

Gabrielle’s jaw fell. “What?”

“You are an Amazon Princess, Gabrielle. You can give her back the one thing she has always wanted…her name… her title, her place among the Amazon’s. It’s just a bonus that you took Terreis’ place…this way she even gets her Princess!”

The bard pulled away violently. “That’s why you think she likes me? It couldn’t possible be because I’m nice, and warm, and yes, maybe even slightly good looking? It has to be because I have something she wants?” Gabrielle frowned. “Besides that, I mean.”

“No..” Xena shook her head again. “Oh, Gabrielle. I don’t think that’s all your worth, but I know her. Zo will use you for what she needs and then get rid of you without a thought. She was always ruthless. She’ll hurt you, Gabrielle. Don’t give her the chance!”

Gabrielle looked at her, her face closed. “Why not?” She said quietly . “I gave you a chance.”

Xena watched her walk away, her heart aching. “Not this one.” She whispered.

Climbing up on Argo, she headed off through the trees.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I don’t believe her!” Gabrielle pushed her way violently through the bushes. “You’d think she would trust me, just a little bit by now!”

“Gabrielle?”

She squeaked in alarm for the second time that night and felt herself getting angry. “ZO? I thought I said I’d meet you back at the inn.”

“I…I’m sorry. I’ll go.” The Amazon turned slowly, smiling when she heard the bard’s voice.

“No. Wait.” Gabrielle caught her arm. “I’m not mad at you. I’m the one who should be sorry.” She returned Zo’s smile. “You just startled me.”

“Well, I do apologize, my Princess.” She bowed gallantly. “But I wasn’t about to leave you all alone in a thieves wood…I’m not like some…” She shot a look of distaste in the direction Xena had gone.

“She didn’t.” Gabrielle was irked that she defended Xena so automatically. “She knows I’ll be okay. She has faith in me.” Yeah, right. She added to herself.

“Well, whatever.” Zo offered her arm. “May I escort you back to the inn?”

“Please.” Gabrielle felt her mood lift as she strolled with the blonde warrior, her eyes traveling often to look at her face.

“I wanted to tell you, Princess, that I will be gone in the morning.”

“Gone?” Gabrielle repeated and Zo heard the note of disappointment she was looking for.

“Yes. I’m taking my men up to Honor’s Pass. It’s a days ride from here. They need a place to meet their families in safety, and I’m going to give it to them. I’ll be gone for five days.” She turned to her and smiled. “I truly hope you are here when I get back.”

Zo walked with her all the way to the bottom of the Inn’s staircase, talking about her men as they went.

When they finally came to a stop, she relinquished the bard’s arm with no small amount of regret. “Well, my Princess.” She looked as though she would try to kiss her again and Gabrielle held her breath. But she only took the girl’s hand, raising it sweetly to her lips. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Zo.” She flushed slightly and headed up the stairs, the Amazon watching her as she went. When she had disappeared beyond the top step, Zo took her knife and carved her symbol on the bottom post, throwing a glare out to every man in the common room.

My property.

It was a message they all heard….and heeded.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gabrielle knew before she even opened the door that Xena wouldn’t be there. She felt a slight panic for a moment before her faith rushed in to save her. She’d be back. She always comes back. The bard felt a little ashamed of herself; she had said some things she shouldn’t have. But Xena had always forgiven her in the past. She would again.

Wouldn’t she?

With a bone weary sigh she lowered herself onto the bed and closed her eyes, her hand going unconsciously to the heat above her breast.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Xena rode hard. She wasn’t going anywhere…well, not anywhere that she knew, her only thought was to tire herself out, to run until she wouldn’t be able to do anything but sleep.

She smiled when she saw the lights of a camp up ahead, and her smile only widened when she saw the group of men gathered around the fire and heard the sounds of women crying from somewhere beyond them.

“Slavers.” She whispered. With a dark grin, she unsheathed her sword.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The hands were soft and warm and Gabrielle smiled, her back arching as they brushed across her skin. They pulled away for a moment and she whimpered, wanting nothing more than for them to continue their lazy exploration of her flesh.

Gabrielle…

the sound of her own name came like honey, sweeping through her heart with a warm strength that took her breath away and left her aching and weak. “Yes…” She whispered.

I Love You…

“I love you, too…” She heard herself speak the words and fought to open her eyes. Fought to see the person she had just proclaimed her love for, had just offered herself to. But her eyes would not obey her, they were focused on a rainbow of colors, colors so bright and yet they did not hurt, that played across the inside of her eyelids. She moaned when she felt lips against her neck, traveling downward to dip into the valley between her breasts. “Yes…” Her voice was a whisper as her hands found hair and twined it between her fingers. One moment straight and then in curls, all softer than any silk she had ever felt. “Oh…oh….”

The lips had moved lower and been joined by hands, pulling at the belt around her waist. She lifted her hips to allow it to be pulled away. “Yes…”

The colors swirled brighter, and began to hum, drowning out the feel of the lips on her skin.

Gabrielle?

Then, only blackness and something hard beneath her body. She opened her eyes and sighed when she saw the mountain.

With a grunt of frustration, she climbed to her feet, her skirt nearly falling off in the process. She noticed her belt on the ground a few feet away and snatched it up quickly, embarrassment warring with anger. When she was dressed, she turned and contemplated the mountainside. It hadn’t changed, same two staircases, same two directions. She saw a rock nearby and sat down heavily, blowing the hair out of her eyes.

“If this is my dream,” Gabrielle muttered, her frustration strengthening her voice until it was a scream. “Why do I have to be here? I was perfectly happy where I was, thank you very much!” She listened to her words echo back from the alabaster, her lips curving into a smile. “If this is my dream…I can do what I want!”

Gabrielle stood and faced the mountain. “I don’t want to choose.”

The ground beneath her began to shake and Gabrielle lost her balance, falling forward as the mountain split open and a third staircase rose into view directly in front of her. She looked up and smiled. It went straight up the middle!

“Hmmm.” She nodded. “That’s more like it.”

She climbed the steps easily, finding the path less steep than the other two appeared to be. When she reached the top, the steps ended abruptly, the last hanging off over the edge of a cliff. Looking to her left, and then to her right, she saw that the other stairs continued, winding down the far side of the mountain to disappear into the craggy rocks below.

Gabrielle grinned and stepped over to the edge, leaning as far out as she could to see what was beneath her.

“Oh…” She breathed. The view was incredible.

It was a beach. White sand stretching out as far as she could see, marred only by the mountain rocks that encroached on both sides, extending halfway down the sand to create a u-shaped cove. The water was a deep, clear blue that rang a memory in her heart. She could hear the waves lapping against the shore and the birds calling from overhead. It was beautiful.

“So this is the middle ground?” Gabrielle smile. “I think I can deal with this!”

She inhaled deeply, enjoying the peaceful setting, until she heard someone calling from beneath her. Gabrielle knelt down on the last step and bent over the edge as far as she could, surprised to see the rest of her staircase shattered on the rocks below.

A woman stood there, amidst the rubble, calling out sadly to the sea. Her hair was gold, shot through with red and silver, her skin very fair over a slightly muscular frame. She wore a dress that shimmered in the new morning sun, one half silver, one half black, her outstretched arms covered with leather gauntlets from her elbows to the top of each hand. Each gauntlet held one jewel, an opal on one side and an onyx on the other, both flashing brightly as she threw her arms out in supplication.

Gabrielle cocked her head to one side, trying to shut out the world around her, and heard the woman’s cry carried faintly on the wind. There was a sadness in her words that broke the bard’s heart.

“I will not!” The woman cried. “I will not…”

“Do you need help?” She called, her voice breaking with emotion.

The woman looked up and Gabrielle felt her heart stop beating. “No.” She whispered as she recognized her own face, well lined with age and very bitter, staring back at her.

“I will not!” The woman called, rage in her voice, then turned back towards the sea.

Gabrielle was transfixed for a moment, her eyes glued to the small, sad figure below her on the rocks. Because of that, she did not see the sky darken until it had turned deep gray. Only then did she look around in confusion, the song of the ocean drowned out by a new, much more ominous sound.

The sound of horses and men…advancing from both sides.

The Generals came first, two striking figures atop large, pale mounts, one in silver armor, one in dark, dark black. Behind them came the soldiers, hundreds of them, some on horseback, some on foot, all heavily armed and strictly disciplined. They met in the center of the cove, both Generals turning to face the woman below.

The silver warlord pulled off her helm, spilling dark chestnut hair out into the wind. Her eyes were the color of the sea behind her and Gabrielle knew her immediately, despite the age and scars so evident on her face.

“Xena?” Tears fell from her eyes. “No…please…”

The black warlord tore off her helm and Gabrielle gasped. “Zo…Gods, no! Don’t do this!” She saw the other Gabrielle look up at her. “Stop them!” She screamed.

But the woman only shook her head, whispering into the wind, “I will not choose.”

Gabrielle watched in horror as both warlords nodded, pulling their helms back on before backing up to face each other. Each raised a hand…and charged, their armies following behind them.

“NO!” Gabrielle fell to her knees, her eyes shut tightly against the death below her. She heard Xena’s battle cry, heard it cut short as though by a blade, and then nothing…

She didn’t know how long she stayed like that, down on her knees, her head hanging into her hands. It might have only been an hour, but when she finally started to move again, it felt like an eternity.

Gabrielle opened her eyes slowly, surprised to see brown earth beneath her knees, instead of clean, white alabaster.

She was back at the base of the mountain, three staircases winding up away from her.

“Can you still handle the middle ground, Gabrielle?”

The bard turned quickly, relieved to see the beautiful, dark face, and the pale honey eyes staring intently into her soul.

“Emony…” Tears still slid down her cheeks and she looked very lost. “Why?”

The alchemist walked to her side, taking her hand gently. “Choose one, one loses… choose none, all lose. You had to know.”

The bard dashed her tears away. “Well, I certainly know now. It felt so real.”

“It was real.” Emony moved away. “One reality that might have been.”

“They would have gone to war for me?” Her voice held something of a child’s wonder. “Like they did for Helen?”

The witch shook her head sadly. “Think on that, little bard. How romantic did you find that end?”

Gabrielle nodded. “I have to choose. Whatever that means.” She sighed. “But, choose what? Zo…she wants…me, I think. Xena…”

“Do not think on it as what they want. Think on it as what you want. And then you take responsibility for your own choice.” She smiled. “Listen, Gabrielle. Listen for your name!”

“My name?” An edge of steel crept into her voice. “Would you mind telling me exactly what I am supposed to be listening for? They’ve both said it...”

Emony came to stand right in front of her, so close that the bard could feel her breath. “In love, Gabrielle.” She smiled. “The person that says your name in love, the way it is written on your heart, is your destiny.”

“Oh, well…that would have been nice to know-“ Her words were cut off by Emony’s lips, soft against her own. She felt her body react strongly, felt her hands go to the back of the alchemist’s neck as her senses left her unguarded.

A moment later, Emony pulled away, and Gabrielle could feel the regret in her lips as she did. The witch swallowed. “Remember what I have told you.”

Gabrielle raised her fingers to her lips, touching them where they still tingled. “Why?” She whispered.

Emony smiled sadly. “Because. It is in your nature for a woman’s lips to evoke in you such a response. I wanted you to know it. One will get there before the other, neither should be first.” She trailed her hand down Gabrielle’s cheek. “If I had a life…” She shook her head fiercely and moved away, turning her back. “The name on your heart, Gabrielle.” The witch faded from view.

Listen for the name on your heart…before it is too late.

It was barely a breath, carried on the wind, and Gabrielle turned to watch the middle staircase crumble behind her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She woke just before sunrise, a name on her lips that she couldn’t remember.

Gabrielle looked over to where the saddlebags sat against the wall. With a determined look, she went to them and pulled out her quill and parchment. She scribbled a note as fast as she could, then grabbed her staff and left the room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Four-Warlord

Xena looked around her, smiling at the men groaning at her feet. "Had enough, boys?" She heard a twig snap behind her and slammed her leg out, catching her assailant in the throat. "It's not nice to sneak up on a lady." She looked down at him. "Now, why don't you make this easy on yourselves and just give me the key." She glanced over at the box across from them, it was no more than six feet long and six feet high, but they had crammed five girls inside of it, leaving them nothing but tightly spaced bar's to see out of. One of the girls was crying...

Rage closed around her heart. "This is that last time I'm going to ask. If you make me look for it, I guarantee it's going to hurt."

"Here...here." One of the bleeding threw her a large iron key. "Take them. There will always be others."

"Not for you." She jabbed her fingers into his throat. "Do you feel that? Getting a little painful up here?" She thumped her fingers against his brow. "You'll be dead in seconds, unless you pay attention. You're a soldier, you must have some sense of duty. Tell your leader that if I hear of any more slaving in this area, I'm going to come looking for him...." She leaned down to stare into his eyes. "After I finish with you. Do you understand?" The man nodded quickly, gritting his teeth against the pain, and she released him.

He fell to the ground, gasping for air. "She won't like it...she'll probably kill me herself."

Xena turned back. "She?" Her eyes turned even colder as her hands ran over his armor, roughly pulling it away from his body. "Where is it?" The man remained silent, wincing when her hands ran over his arm. With a snarl, she ripped the leather away...to see an emblem on the cloth beneath.

Twin dragons, curling in on themselves.

She wrapped her fingers around the emblem and tore it from his shirt. "Zo..." She growled, her voice feral. The man started to rise and Xena slammed her hand into his head, knocking him unconscious. She tucked the emblem into her bodice and strode over to the cage.

Sliding the key home, she twisted the lock open, "Come on. Everyone out."

They filed out one by one, each of them looking at her fearfully. They hadn't heard anything she had said to their captors. Before she could speak, one of them stepped forward and there was something about her that reminded Xena of Gabrielle, even though she was blond with brown eyes.

"Is this going to be much better?" She put her arms out to the sides, a protective gesture towards her friends. "Who do we get sold to now?"

Xena smiled. Yep, definitely reminded her of Gabrielle. "You're not going to be sold." She said softly. "You're free. Get out of here." She walked over to the fire and picked up a water skin, throwing her head back to take a long drink.

"You're bleeding."

She turned around to see the blond standing behind her. "I know."

"Let me help-" The girl reached out to touch her and Xena pulled away.

"Look-" She put her hand up. "What's your name anyway?"

"Kyla."

"Look, Kyla, I'm fine. I can take care of myself. It's your friends you should be worried about. Take them home."

"And why do you think I'm trying to help you?" She crossed her arms in a gesture so distinctly Gabrielle that Xena felt her heart ache. "This wood belongs to thieves and brigands. How far do you really think we would get? Did you save us just to let us die?"

Xena looked from her face to each of the faces behind her. She pulled the emblem from between her breasts and stared at it for a few moments. Gabrielle would be back at the inn by now, asleep and safe. With a sigh, she realized it would keep. "All right. Give me a minute and I'll take you home."

But Kyla didn't listen. She tore a piece of cloth from her skirt and knelt in front of the warrior, wiping the blood away from a short gash in her thigh.

"I said I could do it-"

"Listen," The girl said softly. "you saved us and I acted like an idiot. Let me apologize okay? I am very good at this."

Xena looked at her for a moment before nodding quietly. She stood very still as the girl continued her gentle ministrations. A few moments later, even the slight pain she had been feeling disappeared. She looked down at the pale hand against her thigh and stared. There was no mark, no cut...no scar. "Who are you?"

"Just a girl. My grandmother was a great healer. She taught me everything she knew." Kyla stood. "No more to it than that. Now, about taking us home...."

Xena grinned. "Which village?"

"Well, Tala is from Menos...to the east, Rylan is from Treton...to the north, Seian and Larina are from Meztlan, and I'm from Denal...to the west."

The warrior cocked one eyebrow up as she took in the girls impish grin. With a sigh she tucked the emblem away. "All right. Tala, Rylan, Seian, and Larina...you girls are first. If I have to ride all night, so does Kyla." She smiled and whistled for Argo. Grabbing the saddlehorn, she swung herself up. "Are any of you hurt?" Xena looked at each of them closely. "Argo can carry two."

Each girl turned to look at Kyla.

"What's wrong with you?" Xena demanded.

"I can't walk very far. They broke one of my legs when I was captured. It's still sore."

The warrior's look turned to one of respect. "You are a good healer."

"Unfortunately, some things still take time." She waited expectantly until Xena offered her arm and managed to control most of her shock when she was lifted bodily onto the saddle in front of her. "You're a strong woman."

"I drink a lot of milk." Xena grunted and headed them towards Menos.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Xena looked up at the sky, taking in the moon as it disappeared slowly into the horizon. She sighed.

"What's the matter?"

The warrior looked at the woman sitting in front of her. She had thought Kyla was asleep. They had already returned the others to their villages and all that remained was the healer. It was very late...or very early...Xena hadn't decided which. "I thought you were sleeping."

"I was...I was dreaming," She shifted and Xena became very aware of her hair as is blew softly across the top of her breasts.

"About what?" She tried to redirect her thoughts.

"About you. About the camp and the men you defeated. About how incredible it is going to sound to the people of my village. I think they might believe it a bit more if you told me your name."

She chuckled. "Xena."

Kyla turned abruptly to stare up into her eyes. "The Warrior Princess?"

Xena nodded. "Once."

"I've heard about the things you've done. The people you've helped." She slid a little further back and Xena's arms had to go around her waist to hang on to the reins. "So?"

"So…what?" It was a little terse, but Kyla was making her nervous...and she didn't like to be nervous.

The healer only smiled and leaned back a little bit more. "So where is she?"

"Who?" Xena did NOT want to discuss Gabrielle with this woman.

"You know." Kyla grabbed her arm, shaking it lightly. "The little strawberry blonde bard you’re rumored to..." Her voice trailed off.

"Rumored to *what*?" The warrior’s voice turned to steel.

"Travel with." Kyla finished, a smile curving her lips. "Or is she just part of the myth? Something light to make up for the dark? Someone to 'change' you...someone to 'save' you."

Xena pulled Argo to a stop. "Are you a healer or just a bad storyteller?" Her voice was cold.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hit a nerve. There are so many stories about the two of you, how you fight together, take care of each other, how you're inseparable and, well, here you are....separated."

Xena opened her mouth to argue and closed it slowly. Kyla had a point. "She's...waiting for me."

"Is she? Hmmm." The healer chewed her lip. "You are very beautiful, Xena. But just how long do you think she'll wait?"

The warrior slid off the horse, leaving Kyla's back cold where it had just been so warm. "Enough." Her voice was very soft as she took up Argo's reins and began to lead her. "I don't want your opinion. You don't even know me...or Gabrielle."

"No...but I know OF you both. Sometimes that can be enough."

"Enough for what?"

The girl smiled. "To understand what's beneath the stories and the legends. Some things can not be defined within friendship. They go beyond it."

Xena looked up at her, taking in her pale skin, so radiant in the waning moonlight, her dark eyes that still seemed to sparkle. She couldn't be more than eighteen. "How would you know?" She was shocked when the healer dropped her eyes.

"I know." Her voice was very soft. "She won't wait forever, Xena. They never do."

In that moment, she looked so much like Gabrielle that Xena's mouth fell open. She started to speak but Kyla jumped down off of Argo's back, wincing when she landed on her sore leg. "Home's right there." She pointed to a hut, one of many, tucked away between the trees. "Thank you, Xena. For saving my life And the lives of those other girls."

"But-"

"Another time..." Kyla stepped in close and drew herself up to the warrior's cheek. She place a gentle kiss there before turning and heading home. "Another time..."

Xena watched her go, curiosity burning in her chest. She stood there, thinking about what the girl had said, until a pink light caught her attention and pulled it towards the horizon. With a determined look, she jumped into the saddle and rode towards the Raven's Claw as though Hades himself were at her heels.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

An hour later, she stormed into the Raven’s Claw like an errant tornado, scaring the innkeeper quite badly when his door hit the wall hard enough to knock down mugs from across the room. He watched as the warrior took the stairs three at a time, her long legs recoiling powerfully beneath her. When he realized where she was going, his eyes widened. “Sweet Athena!” Grabbing a clay pitcher of wine, he hurried to his room, barring the door behind him.

Xena stopped outside of their room to pull the scrap of fabric from her bodice. She opened the door slowly, not wanting to startle the sleeping bard, and latched it quietly behind her. She had only taken two steps into the room when she gave in to the truth.

Gabrielle wasn’t there.

She had recognized the way the room felt as she opened the door, but she hadn’t believed it. It felt like any house, any room, when it’s owner wasn’t there. Too still…inanimate. She looked to the wall and saw her saddlebags leaning there, a brief hope passing through her chest that Gabrielle might have just…gone for a walk?

She sighed. Stupid, that was stupid. Gabrielle was hardly ever conscious before dawn. And they ‘went for a walk’ every day.

Xena sat heavily on the bed, her hand running down the cool, neatly made sheets. Gabrielle *had* been here. She could still catch a hint of that oil she was so fond of rubbing on her wrists and, just faintly, the scent of her hair. She shook her head, “Is this how much she’s gotten to you?” Xena berated herself. “You’ve fallen to talking to yourself and sniffing pillow cases. Damn it!” She laid back, and heard something crumple beneath her head.

Xena rolled over, her hand reaching back to pull out a folded piece of parchment, her name across the front readable in the new morning light. She felt something go cold inside of her as she unfolded it, felt another wall go up where Gabrielle had worked so hard to tear them down. Her eyes checked every point in the room, only falling to the paper when she had nowhere else to look.

Xena,

I’m sorry I couldn’t wait until you got back, but I would have missed Zo.

She’s taking her men out to a safe spot for them to meet with their families.

And I decided to go with her. Maybe it’s better that we spend a little time apart

anyway. I’ll be back in five days. If you’re not here, I’ll meet up with you in

Delphi. And Xena, I’ll be there. I promise.

Gabrielle

The warrior’s hand closed around the parchment, crushing it within her fingers. She knew that Zo would use the next five days to try and persuade Gabrielle to break her word. Xena was standing and halfway to the door before she realized that she had moved, only stopping when she heard a memory ring in her ears.

*I am not a child, Xena*

No…no, she wasn’t. But she didn't know the truth about Zo. Would she listen? Would she care? Or was it too late?

With snarl of frustration, Xena threw the crumpled paper to the far side of the room. No matter what, she couldn’t go chasing after her right now, or Gabrielle would think she was treating her like a child again. That would be slightly less than productive.

For the first time in her life, Xena didn’t know what to do.

*******************************************************************

‘She is beautiful.’ Zo thought to herself, looking down at Gabrielle’s sleeping face. She had been surprised when the girl had shown up at her door, and even more surprised that Xena wasn’t right behind her. She had asked to come with her and Zo had been more than happy to acquiesce. The bard had even managed to stay awake for most of the morning, even though she looked like she hadn’t slept very well the night before.

When they had made camp early in the afternoon, Gabrielle had eaten half of an apple, and fallen soundly asleep. Zo had carried the girl herself, to lay her in the pillows of her own tent.

“Excuse me, sir.”

Zo turned to see her second standing at the tent flap. He knew better than to enter her quarters...ever. Every man in the camp did. “What do you want, Draxen?”

The soldier cleared his throat nervously. “We have a problem.” Her eyes rose to meet his and he felt his hands begin to sweat.

“When you say problem,” She pulled a blanket over the sleeping bard and joined him outside. “Do you mean a ‘you forgot to have someone wash my horse’ kind of problem, or a ‘there's an army advancing on us’ kind of problem?”

Draxen looked at her in astonishment. His warlord was…in a good mood? He smiled. There must have been more to the little redhead than he had thought. “Somewhere in between, I think.”

She rolled her eyes. “Let’s go.”

Zo followed him casually, throwing dispassionate glances at the men around her. They were all well trained soldiers, but they were still just men. Draxen was the only one who even had her complete respect. But then, he feared no one but her. Which made him brave…and smart.

Their destination was the general’s tent, a large enclosure that faced the path leading up the mountain. Draxen pulled the flap open before her and she stepped inside, her good mood evaporating when she saw the men within.

Four of her soldiers, all of them beaten black and blue, stood with their heads hanging, eyes hidden from her view. She didn’t even have to ask who did it. “The girls?” She nodded at Draxen’s negation. “Anything I should know?” The four men looked at each other. Slowly, one of them stepped forward. She didn’t remember his name. “Well?” She asked impatiently.

The soldier pulled his armor off to show her the rip in the tunic beneath.

Zo’s lip curled, “Ahh…well. I can see how that might become a problem.” She smiled. “BUT! I do think I have a solution.” She turned to Draxen and nodded. “Do it. Thank you for your honesty, boys.” She called over her shoulder as she left. "For that, I'll make sure you don't die...if I can help it."

Six well armed guards entered the tent as she left, stripping the men of their weapons and armor. "Stake 'em out." Draxen growled. "Cover their eyes and gag them." he watched the men being led away, then hurried off to make sure his lord’s horse had been washed.

**************************************************

Gabrielle stretched and sat up, smiling at Zo’s back as she worked at a makeshift table a few feet away. “Good afternoon.”

“You mean ‘good evening’ don’t you?” The Amazon turned, her heart aching at the sight before her. The bard’s hair was tousled, strawberry blond locks that had freed themselves from her binding lay in disarray across her bare shoulders. Zo’s eyes widened. “Where’s your shirt?”

Gabrielle looked down at herself and blushed. “Sorry. It was hot.”

“Ahh.” Zo rummaged through a trunk beside her and came up with thin, white cotton shirt, the sleeve’s long and voluminous, the collar a low V tied across with a strip of leather. “There are some breeches in the trunk on the other side of the room. They're fairly light as well. Both would be better up here than what you normally wear, for more reasons than just the weather. Besides,” Zo’s finger rubbed casually against the shirt's collar. “It’s called a poet’s shirt. I couldn’t imagine anything more fitting for you.” She smiled. “Except maybe me.”

Gabrielle flushed again, had she really just heard that? “How…how long did I sleep?”

“About five hours.” She picked up a glass of cider and placed it in the bard’s hands. “You’re just in time for the celebration.”

“What celebration?” Her eyes brightened.

"My men always celebrate when they're with their families." Zo stood up and Gabrielle noticed that her armor was gone. In it's place, she wore a black shirt, styled exactly like the one she had just given her, and dark red breeches tucked into black kid boots. The color was a little brooding, but all in all, she looked much softer.

"You look...nice." Gabrielle smiled shyly.

"Thank you." Zo came towards her and sat on the edge of the platform. Leaning back into several large pillows, she reached out and picked up a lock of the bard's hair. "So do you." Her eyes were very green and when they met Gabrielle's pale blue, the bard felt her heart skip a beat. “Gabrielle, I was wondering…”

“What?” Gabrielle wasn’t sure if she had said the word out loud, she couldn’t hear over the pounding in her chest.

Zo smiled and leaned forward, placing soft, full lips against the bard’s trembling mouth. She felt her hands begin to shake slightly when the girl’s arms went around her neck and slammed them against the bed to keep them still. She had thought she might be falling for this spunky, little blonde…now she knew for sure. Reluctantly, she pulled away, her smile widening at Gabrielle’s sound of protest. “Later,” Zo whispered. “My men are waiting for me. Get dressed.”

Something in the Amazon’s voice sounded very much like a command and Gabrielle felt her back stiffen.

“Please?” Zo laughed, holding her hands up. She had seen the quick look of defiance flash in the bard’s eyes and it delighted her more than any subservience ever could. She took Gabrielle’s hand. “Please, I would like it very much if you accompanied me to the celebration.”

Gabrielle smiled. “Give me a couple of minutes.”

After Zo had left, Gabrielle stood and let the blankets fall away. There was a mirror directly across from her and she studied her self in fascination, thinking that the girl looking back at her was different somehow.

She didn’t know if that was good or bad.

Gabrielle grabbed up the clothes Zo wanted her to wear and began to pull them on, glancing up occasionally to watch the stranger that was wearing her face. When she was done, she nodded in satisfaction. Breeches suited her.

Her last thought before leaving Zo’s tent was of Xena. She wondered what the warrior was doing with her time alone.

Chapter 5-Emony

Xena looked down into her wine, her thoughts as dark as the liquid she drank. She had fought herself for the last year, fought to keep Gabrielle out because, on some level, she knew how much it would hurt to lose her. How much it was hurting now. With a frustrated sigh, she slammed her fist against the bar and drained her cup, nodding to the keep for another.

"I doubt that will help...your head or your hand."

The voice was female and Xena turned towards it, her gaze coming to rest on eyes like honeyed wheat. They stayed there for a moment, then traveled across the woman's face and down skin as dark as the night outside. There was something about her that Xena found familiar, but she didn't have the energy to try and figure out what it was. "Whatever you want," She growled. "I'm not interested."

Emony laughed. "How decisive you are. Pity you aren't always so."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Xena swung her eyes around to glare at the woman.

"You're heart aches, warrior, and yet you do nothing."

Xena's voice was low and dangerous, "Get out of my mind, witch."

"I'm not in your mind. I'm looking at your face, your hands...the way you're sitting."

"Go away."

Emony placed a hand against her cheek. "There is more at stake here than you know." Her hand fell away. "More at stake then the life of a bard."

"Gabrielle?" Xena pushed her wine away and turned her full attention to the alchemist.

Emony nodded. "I know your heart, Warrior Princess. You love the way you live. Sparsely, without experiencing the joy."

"And Gabrielle?"

Emony frowned, her eyes contemplating the floor. "I..." She laughed. "Gabrielle defies explanation."

Xena smirked. "I've felt that way myself, at times."

"Her heart is pure," Emony continued as though she hadn't spoken. "And therefore questions everything. Not to find fault...but to find wonder."

Xena felt herself becoming hypnotized by the witch's voice. "Gabrielle deserves wonder in her life." She shook her head to break the spell. "She deserves her own life."

The alchemist smiled sadly. "You have no idea, do you, of how much wonder there is in your soul?"

The warrior looked up incredulously. "Give me a break."

"I'm trying to...if you would but listen!"

"All right," Xena cleared her throat and tried not to roll her eyes. "I'm listening."

"Your heart is the sweetness beneath the bitter shell. A sweetness that Gabrielle has tasted just enough to leave her wanting more, even as she is unaware of what it is she wants."

"What about Zo? Gabrielle seems fairly sweet on her."

"Can you not see it?" Emony's voice took on a note of exasperation. "The Amazon is the warlord *you* once were. In her, Gabrielle sees the possibility of what you have become. She hopes..."

"For what?"

"To replace the one she is so certain can never love her."

Xena's mouth fell open. "Gabrielle has never said or done anything-"

The Alchemist cut her off with a stern glance, impatience flashing in her tan colored eyes. "You are a perfect match," She snapped. "You both listen but do not hear. I have already told you that she is not aware of what her heart seeks. Think on it, warrior."

"Yeah...I'll do that." Xena looked back into her cup.

"Don't think to long, Xena." Emony whispered. "For if her choice is wrong..."

"What?" The warrior looked up. When Emony didn't answer, she grabbed her arm. "If her choice is wrong? What?"

The Alchemist's eyes became distant, then clouded over. "Gabrielle's heart is such, that it can hold only one. Not at a time...but ever."

"That would be her choice." Xena argued, her heart aching even as she said it.

"If she chooses Zo, the Amazon will grow more powerful with every beat of Gabrielle’s heart. When that happens, a Warrior Princess will once again ride havoc across the land. And the bard’s love will blind her to it.”

Shock hit Xena in the chest as she realized what Emony meant. “But-“

The witch just shook her head. “With innocence on her side, no one will ever be able to stop her.”

The words rang back through Xena’s mind as she jerked upright. She looked around quickly, her heart thumping painfully in her ears. She had fallen asleep at the bar! There was no sign of the witch. She looked down at the wine in front of her before shoving it away, a snarl on her lips. Never! She had NEVER done anything this stupid in her life. She had made mistakes, yes, but to fall asleep in a room full of warriors who would wear her death like a badge of honor? So this is what it came to…without her.

“Gabrielle..” Her voice was a whisper as she finally understood. It didn’t matter if the bard could never love her. She was in danger, and no matter what, even if it cost their friendship, she had to know the truth about Zo.

Somewhere, deep behind the walls that surrounded her heart, Xena knew this was the last chance she would have. And that, without Gabrielle in her life…

Xena stood quickly, frightening several of the tavern’s patrons with the speed of her ascent. Her eyes were clear, her muscles tensed as she scanned the room, looking for the one person that would have the information she needed.

He saw her a moment before she saw him.

The innkeeper slid out from behind the end of the bar and hurried to his rooms, sliding the thick cross bar in place behind him. He had assumed that the warrior hadn’t cared that much about the girl when she hadn’t come for him before. That was just fine with him. Xena or Zo…the wrath of either would undoubtedly prove deadly. He backed away from the door, sending a quick prayer up to Athena before pouring himself a glass of wine. He had only taken a sip when he heard strange sounds coming from his tavern.

Going to the door, he placed his ear against it and listened, hearing the sounds of furniture being thrown to the side. He frowned, “She better not be bustin’ up the place!” His eyes widened when he heard her yell. There was no mistaking it. By the time he finally understood what she was doing, it was too late.

Xena’s boot heels connected solidly, sending every ounce of her body weight into the door in front of her. By moving the benches to the side, she had picked up ten feet of running room and it was a devastating blow, snapping the cross bar in two and most of the door as well. What was left of it came down on top of the groaning innkeeper, and Xena came down on top of that.

“Hello.” She smiled. “I have a couple of questions. I suggest you answer them.”

“Yes…of course.” He wheezed. “Please…I can’t breathe.”

“Enough time for that later.” She went down on one knee to stare him in the eyes. “I’m looking for my friend, maybe you’ve seen her? Talkative, strawberry blonde? Goes by the name of Gabrielle?” She pressed a little harder. “You may have seen her with another woman, blonde, a little shorter than me? Do you know who I mean?”

The innkeeper opened his mouth to lie, closing it quickly when he saw the anger in the warrior’s sky blue eyes. He nodded.

“Good.” Xena eased up a bit. “Now we’re getting somewhere. Where are they? And Why did you run from me?”

“Bla…Blackthorne Mountain.” He winced. “Zo went up to Blackthorne Mountain, took her men to meet up with their families. The little girl went with her.”

“She is not a little girl.” Xena was surprised at the anger she felt to hear Gabrielle described that way. Wasn’t that how she had always thought of her? “Why did you run from me?”

“Who wouldn’t run from you?”

Xena smiled. “Flattery will get you nowhere.” She increased her pressure again. “Why?”

“She…uh…she told me you’d be coming. And that she’d kill me if I helped you find her.”

“Mmmhmmm.” She sat back on her haunches. “And what do you get if you throw me off track?”

The man paled. “I…I don’t…”

“Save it.” Xena stood and rocked back and forth. “Have you ever heard of pressure points?”

“Honor’s Pass!” He sputtered. “She’s up at Honor’s Pass!”

The warrior grinned and stepped down. “You know something?” She grabbed his hand and hauled him to his feet. “I believe you. Do you know why?”

The innkeeper looked at her, wondering if Celesta would have blue eyes too, when she finally came for him. “Why?”

Xena leaned in close, her breathe caressing his face. “Because no one is THAT stupid.”

He watched her leave, his heart trying to beat it’s way out of his chest, then sent one of his men out to Honor’s pass. Oh, he had no intention of warning Zo. His only intention was to know the outcome, before it hit him in the face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Ow,” Gabrielle reached into her shirt and pulled the Lath away from her skin, glancing down her blouse to see if the rock had left a welt. Zo smiled and leaned in closer to get a look at it.

“What is that?” She reached out a finger to touch the glowing stone, only to pull it away when the heat seared into her skin. “No wonder you said ‘ow’. How do you wear that thing?”

“It’s a Lath.” Gabrielle held the amulet up by it’s chain and stared into the swirling colors. “And it doesn’t always do this. It’s usually just pale pink, with silver shot through it, and really rather cold. It’s been getting warmer for the last hour now, though. I wonder why. Huh.” Her brow furrowed in concentration.

The Amazon felt her hands tremble slightly when the firelight caught Gabrielle’s face, the childlike expression of wonder that the bard wore impaling her through the chest. She placed her hand over one of Gabrielle’s. “Maybe it’s trying to tell you something.” She smiled.

Gabrielle turned her attention back to the warrior as the stone began to cool. They had spent the last two hours talking, about their pasts, about themselves. The only subject Zo had shied away from, was Xena. She refused to listen to or believe anything Gabrielle said about her. Aside from that, the celebration had been wonderful. Zo’s soldiers had turned into entirely different creatures. They had become men with wives and children, men not so unlike those she had known in her own village.

And Zo. Zo had become a friend, a confidant…and something more. Every time she looked at her, she felt her pulse quicken, felt herself become…nervous. It was not unpleasant, just confusing. Especially when every thought of Zo was followed by a thought of Xena. Xena smiling, Xena laughing, practicing with her sword, or maybe just brushing down Argo. The way her arms would move, the way her muscles would bunch, the way-

“Gabrielle?”

She started, embarrassed to find Zo studying her, a look of concern on her face.

“Are you all right?” The Amazon touched her cheek gently.

“Yes,” Gabrielle took a deep breath. “I’m fine. I’m sorry…what were you saying?”

Zo smiled. “You look lovely tonight.”

“Me?” Gabrielle croaked. “Uhm…thank you.” She squeezed the warrior’s hand. “So do you.”

“I was saying that maybe that stone is trying to tell you something.” Zo moved closer, closing her hand around the now cold crystal, using it to pull the bard gently towards her. “Maybe it can sense how I feel about you.”

“How you feel about me?” The bard’s voice was soft, her pulse wild. “How do you feel about me?”

“Like this.” Zo closed the distance between them, her lips possessing Gabrielle’s, as her hands ran down to the small of her back.

Gabrielle didn’t hesitate, her own arms found their way around the warrior’s waist. She couldn’t help but compare that waist to Xena’s, until Zo’s tongue parted her lips and slowly tasted her mouth.

Once again, it was Zo that pulled away, although she didn’t go far. She stayed within the circle of Gabrielle’s arms until the bard pulled them away in embarrassment. “That was…” She swallowed. “That was nice.”

“Yes.” The Amazon smiled, her voice soft. “It was.”

Her gaze burned into Gabrielle, making her feel warm and weak as she tried to return it and ended up looking away.

“Are you tired?” Zo whispered. “Are you ready to turn in?”

Panic hit Gabrielle like charging Centaur. Her breathing became irregular as she thought about just exactly what that meant. She had no misconceptions as to what Zo was asking and knew that, if she shared a bed with this woman, she wouldn’t be a virgin come morning. “Not yet,” Gabrielle smiled at Zo’s look of disappointment. She place her fingers under the Amazon’s chin, bringing her head up so that she could gaze into the green-gold of her eyes. “Tonight.” She promised. “Just not yet.”

Zo smiled, sure that once she had made love to this girl, she would own her forever. Until then, she was content to wait and follow the bard’s lead. “Well, then, my Princess,” She stood and offered Gabrielle her hand. “Would you like to dance?” The smile she won with that invitation was enough to set her heart to pounding again.

“Yes, please!”

All eyes watched them as they moved a little ways off from the campfire. Zo nodded to the musicians and they started to play a slow, sensual rhythm that began with just the drums, then added the lyre and a flute. Gabrielle was self conscious at first, and very aware of Zo’s men, watching her with interest. They didn’t look disapproving, they looked…protective.

She allowed Zo to maneuver her into the crook of her arm and stayed there, moving with her in tandem, almost as though they had joined into one person. Gabrielle had never been a good dancer, but she found that if she looked into the Amazon’s eyes she could almost predict when and where she was going to move. “They love you, don’t they?”

Zo shook her head. “I’m sorry? Who?”

“Your men.”

The warlord looked behind her, to those she considered to be the cream of her elite guard. “Yeah, I guess they do.” She laughed. “There’s no accounting for taste, eh?”

“Oh, I don’t know.” Gabrielle felt the storyteller in her take over. “You’re their leader, their commander. You’ve led them to victory in battle, and brought them home to their families…what’s not to love?”

The last part of her sentence was said very softly and Zo fought the urge to ask her what she meant. Somewhere in there, there had been a question, and she wasn’t sure if she wanted the answer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Xena jumped on Argo bareback, not even sparing time to throw the horse’s bridle over her head. Instead, she guided Argo with her knees, twining her finger’s through the mare’s pale mane. “C’mon, Argo.” She clucked under her breath. “You know, deep down, that you like her.”

The mare nickered, bringing a brief smile to the warrior’s face. “Be nice.” She squeezed hard with her legs. “Yah!”

Argo took off at a breakneck pace, Xena holding on with very little effort. She knew every gait her mount had and, so far, nothing had been able to throw her.

As she rode, she thought back to the time before she had known Gabrielle. Not when she had been a warlord, but after that, after Hercules.

Hercules. She smiled sadly. At one time, she had been certain that he would carry half of her heart with him forever, the other half lost with Marcus to the underworld.

But then she’d met Gabrielle. She had looked so weak, so…childlike when she first saw her. She had ordered her to stay away, but Gabrielle hadn’t listened. Something she had been grateful for every day since. Not that she would have admitted it. Xena had worked hard to keep up the walls around her heart, to keep up her defenses. She met Gabrielle’s openness with reticence, not wanting to know, not wanting to care. When the same had been asked of her , she would shut down, cutting off whatever part of her had been reaching out to the bard.

**You love the way you live. Sparsely, without experiencing the joy.**

The witch’s words haunted her, all of them. Part of her found comfort in knowing that, by going after Gabrielle, she was serving the greater good, and not just herself. Another part of her wanted to scream at the rationalization. **You love her!** it goaded. **Admit it, for once in your life!**

For the first time, Xena let the words wash over her, let them go wherever they wanted to, which ended up being the heart she had always thought she’d lost.

“Goddess!” She swore, shaking her head. “When did this happen to me?”

Argo only nickered in reply, her whinny sounding suspiciously like a laugh.

“Thanks a lot.” She crouched down as a low branch threatened to sweep her from the horse’s back. “You could have warned me.”

The mare nickered again, throwing her head a little to the side.

“I know, I know. I should have been paying attention.” With great effort, she managed to blank out her thoughts, focusing on the path before her, and the battle that might just be waiting at the end of it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gabrielle looked down into her goblet, her eyes trying to focus on the amber liquid within. She had had way too much wine. Funny thing, that. Considering that she didn’t even like wine. But somehow, each cup had tasted better than the last, each drop sweeter as the moon grew large overhead. She glanced up and found Zo watching her, a small, gentle smile curving her delicate lips. She felt a warmth begin to spread, up from the bottom of her stomach, a warmth that she knew wasn’t caused by the wine. Draining the last few mouthfuls, Gabrielle stood and turned to the Amazon, holding out her hand. “Now.” Her voice caught. “I’m ready to turn in.”

Zo’s eyes brightened. “Yes, my Princess.” She took the offered hand, rising gracefully to her feet. “Draxen?”

Her second in command turned towards her, smiling. “Yes, sir?”

Gabrielle glanced at the woman standing in Draxen’s arms while he conversed with his warlord. She was tall, as tall as Xena, with dark hair pulled back behind perfect ears, and clear blue eyes. There were delicate tattoos running from her temples, down along her neck, to disappear into the turquoise dress she wore low on her shoulders. Zo had told her they were tribal. Gabrielle wondered if they went all the way down…and felt her mouth go dry at the notion of finding out.

**It is in your nature for a woman’s lips to evoke in you such a response.**

In that moment, she knew that Emony had been right. She didn’t even know Draxen’s wife, hadn’t ever spoken to her, and still her body was reacting strongly. She felt like a child just discovering candy, the sweetness an addiction she would crave for the rest of her life. She turned her attention back to Zo, wondering if she was just part of this new found addiction. Wondering if she would think the same of Xena.

But the invitation had been made and there was no time to think now. She would just have to wait and see.

“Yes, sir.” Draxen nodded at his Commander, surprised when she held out her arm for him to grasp.

“I’ve had a private tent set up for you. Enjoy it.” Zo smiled at his astonishment before taking Gabrielle’s arm lightly and leading her from the celebration.

They walked slowly, Zo letting her set the pace as they headed for her tent. There was shouting behind them, followed by a round of laughter that the Amazon joined in on. “Most of them will still be out there in the morning.” She pulled the bard a little closer, putting an arm around her as protection from the chill night air. “The first night is always rather wild.”

“So I gather.” Gabrielle willed her body to stop shaking, her heart was beating so loudly in her ears that she could barely hear the woman walking beside her. “Zo…I…I…” She stopped and took a deep breath, trying to pull her thoughts together. “I need to tell you something.” Her eyes met Zo’s and held them. “I’ve…never…”

The Amazon nodded, taking the younger woman’s face in her hands, she gently kissed the corner of her mouth. “It’s okay.” She smiled encouragingly. “We don’t have to do this tonight.”

Gabrielle felt like crying. She was so understanding! With a firm nod, she made up her mind. “No. I’d like to…to try. If you could just…be patient with me?”

“Of course.” Zo pulled her into a tight embrace, her breath caressing Gabrielle’s neck. “Anything for you.”

Gabrielle laughed. “Thank you.”

“Thank *you*.” Zo opened the flap to her tent and followed her inside.

Xena felt her heart breaking as she watched the two of them and steeled herself against it. She had arrived at the encampment just in time to see Zo leading Gabrielle from the fire. She watched, her fingers curled tightly into fists, as the Amazon kissed her, held her, and then led her, smiling, into a nearby tent. When the light inside was extinguished a short while later, Xena shut out the ache in her chest. “Not now!” She whispered to herself, anger burning in her belly. “Do what you came to do, and feel sorry for yourself later.”

When she had her emotions under control, she moved off to scout the perimeter of the camp. If she was lucky, she would be in and out without anyone every being the wiser.

If she was lucky.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gabrielle sat on the edge of the platform, her foot worrying a spot on the rug beneath it. It wasn’t until Zo wet her fingers and pinched out the candles that she actually looked at her. Moonlight streamed through the seems overhead and caught in the gold of Zo’s eyes, taking her breath away.

The Amazon advanced on her slowly, going to her knees when she was in front of her. With a small smile, she began to unlace Gabrielle’s boots. She almost hated to do it, Gabrielle had looked so good, her light tan breeches tucked into her dark brown boots, her poet’s shirt open to the bottom of the V, creamy skin glowing in the moonlight. But then, anyone that looked that good IN clothes… The boots gone, Zo placed a kiss on each of her ankles, her soft lips sending a shudder through Gabrielle’s legs.

“Oh…” Gabrielle curled her fingers through soft, blonde hair, her other hand going to the back of Zo’s neck.

“Yes…” The Amazon stood, leaning into Gabrielle, forcing her back onto the softness of the pillows. Her lips found a pale throat, a pulse fluttering wildly, and bit there lightly as the bard moaned beneath her.

“Zo…” Gabrielle whispered, her senses overloading as the warrior laid against her. All she could feel was Zo, all she could hear, was Zo. Even the scent of her, like fresh cut wood and sweet wine, filled her nostrils, causing her to tremble violently. “I think…this is too much…too soon.”

The Amazon pulled away and looked down at her, supporting herself by her arms. In her eyes, Gabrielle saw passion and more than a little wine, along with something else. Something primal, and yet still tender. “I love you,” Zo whispered, burying her face in strawberry blonde hair. “Gabrielle.”

The bard’s eyes widened as understanding slammed home. She heard Zo saying her name over and over, while she listened to her heart.

With a small, gentle smile, Gabrielle touched her lips to Zo’s, and laid her palm against her cheek.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 6-The Name On Her Heart

Xena looked up at the moon and sighed. It had traveled more than a quarter of the way across the sky since Gabrielle and Zo had entered their tent. She had done a thorough perimeter check and guard count, she had checked their mounts, their arms, and even their supplies before forcing herself back to this spot to wait for an opportunity.

About an hour before dawn, Zo emerged from her tent. She spent a few moments looking back inside before she turned and strode towards the fire.

“Didja have a good night, sir?” A soldier called to her as she passed by. Xena felt her heart go cold when the Amazon threw her head back and laughed.

“What do you think, Lykus?” Zo smiled and waved him away, taking a seat around the firepit. She stared into the flames for a few minutes before lowering her head into her arms. Seconds later, her shoulders began to rise and fall rhythmically, telling Xena she had fallen asleep.

The warrior wondered briefly why she hadn’t just stayed with Gabrielle, but she was far too angry to give it much thought. In one night, in three hours actually, Zo had taken everything that she wanted. And then bragged about it afterwards, as though Gabrielle were nothing but a common whore. The rage inside of her was immense and Xena knew that, if she had been near enough, she would have killed the Amazon, and to hell with the consequences.

But she was not near enough and to kill her now would destroy anything the bard did feel for her.

Xena set her jaw, a cold look creeping into her eyes, and headed down into their camp. She almost hoped some overly enthusiastic guard would see her, that would at least giver her an outlet for her frustration. But none did. She reached the back of the warlord’s tent without incident and pulled out her breast dagger. A memory of the day she had taken it from Gabrielle threatened to break through her new found calm, but she pushed it away, using the blade to slice into the fabric wall, as close to the seam as she could get it. When she was satisfied that no one would notice her handiwork, she slipped inside, her eyes closing in pain at the sight that greeted her.

Gabrielle was stretched out across a sea of pillows, her lithe body at rest beneath the blankets she had pulled up under her chin. Her face looked so innocent, eyes closed, soft cheeks flushed in the moonlight.

And Xena finally understood. This is what she had wanted every morning, when she had woken up irritable and sore, to see the bard sleeping peacefully less than a few feet away. She had wanted to wake up with this face right beside her, nuzzled in her hair or resting warmly in the valley between her breasts. Why had it taken her so long to see it?

Her anger resurfacing, she reached out and shook Gabrielle, trying to ignore the quick look of pleasure that touched the bard’s face upon seeing her.

“Xena?” She whispered groggily. “What are you doing here?”

“There’s something you need to know, Gabrielle.” Her voice was flat and cold. “The woman you’re in love with is not only a warlord, but a slaver as well.”

“What?” Gabrielle tried hard to focus her eyes. “Are you talking about Zo?”

“YES!” Xena’s patience broke. “I caught some of her men just west of the Raven’s Claw. They had five women in a cage and they were hunting for more. I took this from one of them.” She pulled the scrap of cloth from between her breasts and threw it at her. “Look familiar?”

“It’s Zo’s coat of arms.” Gabrielle threw it back. “But you’re wrong, Xena. Zo caught those men yesterday. They were acting against her orders.” Her nose wrinkled in distaste. “She had them staked out for a week as punishment. If you go out by the fire, you’ll see them. So you’re wrong.”

Xena shook her head in disbelief. “Gabrielle, don’t you see? She knew I’d be coming, so she turned against her own men!”

“I really think you’re grasping at straws, Xena. Why don’t you just admit what’s really bothering you.”

The warrior felt her back stiffen. “What might that be?”

“You’re jealous.”

“What?!?”

Gabrielle sat up, the covers still held modestly about her neck. “I’ve finally met someone I like to be with, almost as much as you, and you’re jealous.”

It was too much. Xena turned away. “Goodbye, Gabrielle.” She meant to leave, to get on Argo and ride until they both dropped. Maybe she’d go find Hercules and lose herself in his arms for a few days…

She stopped just inside of her makeshift door, something from her past resurfacing before she could pull it back. “You will listen to me.”

Gabrielle flinched at the look on her face and tried to back away, but Xena grabbed her around the shoulders, one hand covering her mouth. The blanket fell away and she was surprised to find Gabrielle fully dressed, wearing everything except her boots, but she didn’t have time to ask questions. Being as careful as she could, Xena dragged the bard out of the tent and away from the camp, to a glade where Argo was waiting. When she was sure they hadn't been followed, she released her grip on Gabrielle's chin.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” The bard was livid. “Are you insane?”

“Shut up, Gabrielle.” Xena pushed her up onto the horse before jumping up behind her. “Hold on. YAH!”

Gabrielle was facing backwards and had to put her arms around the warrior to keep from sliding off. “Like this wasn’t hard enough WITH a saddle.” She mumbled, her face against Xena’s breastplate.

Xena didn’t reply, just pushed Argo faster, her knees tightening around the mare’s body. They rode like that until well past dawn, Xena silent and brooding, with Gabrielle wrapped tightly around her. She tried not to notice, but the bard smelled so good. Her thoughts were drifting in that direction when Argo stumbled badly. If she hadn’t grabbed the back of Gabrielle’s breeches, the bard would have made a very rapid descent.

“Thank you.” Gabrielle whispered after the warrior had lowered her gently to the ground. “For not letting me fall.”

Xena thought about her choice of words. She had already let Gabrielle fall, now all she could do was try to save her from the impact. Sliding off of Argo, she looked around. “We can’t stay out here.” She spotted the wood peak of a barn in the distance. “There. Let’s go.”

They walked in silence, Xena leading a lame Argo, Gabrielle following behind them. That gave Xena hope. At least she knew Gabrielle was willing to hear her out. When they reached the barn, Xena spotted a man working the fields beside it and hailed him. He walked up slowly, wary of them, and did not take her arm when she offered it.

“What do you want?” His voice was even, but Xena could hear the fear beneath his calm.

“We’re not here to make trouble.” She pointed to Argo, who was noticeably favoring her left foreleg. “My mount’s gone lame. I’d just like to use your barn, and maybe your tools, to see if I can fix her up.”

The farmer studied the two of them, weighing the trouble that might be following them against the trouble the looked to be themselves. Finally, he nodded. “All right. Just make it as quick as you can…and leave me out of it.”

Xena nodded and tossed him a few dinars before leading her Argo into his barn. “Close the door.” She nodded to Gabrielle. “We need to talk.”

Gabrielle pulled the door shut behind her, sliding the crossbar in place before turning to face her. “All right. Start talking.”

“I’m really sorry for all of this.” Xena placed her hands on the bard’s shoulders. “But you need to know that I’m telling you the truth. I came across those men in the woods and they *were* holding those women for Zo. She IS a slaver. She IS a warlord and she IS using you. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“You don’t think this hurts?” Gabrielle whispered.

“I know it has to, with how much you…care for her.”

The bard looked up, hearing the pain in Xena’s voice as she said those last few words.

“But you have to believe me!” Xena’s fingers tightened. “You know I’ve never lied to you, Gabrielle. I don’t think I could if I tried.”

“I know you haven’t.” The bard broke her grip and moved away, trying to put space between her and the warrior. She couldn’t think when she was near. “So tell me something then.”

“Anything…if it means that you’ll believe me.”

Gabrielle turned to face her. “Why did you really do this?”

Xena paled. “I did this to stop you from making a mistake. She would have hurt you. You might have ended up on an auction block somewhere…” She swallowed. “And then I’d have to kill her.”

“Why?”

“Gabrielle…” Xena’s voice was low and full of warning. “Stop.”

“No, Xena. Tell me why.”

The warrior turned away and Gabrielle screamed behind her.

“Why can’t you just tell me how you feel?!?”

Xena didn’t turn around, she didn’t trust herself to. Instead, she walked away, going to stand beside Argo. “Now is not a good time for this, Gabrielle.” She grabbed the mare’s leg and pulled it up for inspection. The cause of her lameness was apparent, there was a stone wedged between the hoof and the shoe. “I’m sorry, girl.” Xena rubbed Argo’s neck for a moment before pulling out her dagger. She went to work on the stone silently, ignoring the bard when she came up behind her.

“Not a good time?” Gabrielle’s voice was thick with emotion, her eyes flashing with anger as she grabbed the warrior’s arm and spun her around. “So when is a good time, Xena? When is the right time to fall in love? I’d really like to know.”

Xena could only stare at her, her mouth set in a grim line.

“The truth is,” Gabrielle continued, her voice soft. “There is never a good time or a right time. Love isn’t something you can plan for. It isn’t something you can set aside until you have time to deal with it. The truth is, love is something you trip over. You stumble and fall into it, usually hurting yourself in the process, and you wish to the Gods that you’d seen it so you could have gone the other way. But in the end, it was there, and you fell, and that’s it. There’s nothing you can do about it!”

Xena’s jaw dropped slightly at the smaller woman’s passion. She closed her eyes and felt a soft palm against her cheek.

“We have right now, Xena. And that’s all we have. So you tell me, right now, how you feel about me. Or you let me go back to Zo, and you leave me alone.”

Her word’s ripped through Xena’s heart, leaving it bare and exposed, but still she could not speak. Gabrielle stood in front of her for a few moments more, before dropping her hand and turning away. She had reached the door before she heard the warrior behind her.

Xena’s voice was filled with pain and felt tight in her throat. “Gabrielle…”

It was barely a whisper, but Gabrielle heard it. And she felt her heart fill with joy, felt the sweet pain of it coursing through her body. This was the truth in her heart, this voice, these tears…this face. Now she understood why she had turned Zo away, why she hadn’t given in to the warlord’s sweet words. This was the name written on her heart, and it could only be spoken by Xena.

“I don’t…” Xena continued, unaware of the change in Gabrielle. “I think about her…touching you…” The words were forced out, bitten off in anger. “I think about her…making love to you…”

“She didn’t.”

The warrior’s eyes shot up and she reached for her, turning the bard to face her. Unbelieving hope warred with mistrust, but this was Gabrielle. And Gabrielle wouldn’t lie…not to her. “But…”

“I told her no, Xena. I tried to send her away but she passed out, so I let her sleep for a while. But I didn’t give myself to her. She’s not the one I love.” Gabrielle stepped closer until her breasts fit under Xena’s and she could feel the heart pounding beneath the armor. “You are.”

The warrior closed her eyes when she felt soft hands against her arms.

“Say it again.” Gabrielle whispered, reaching around to unfasten her breastplate.

“What?” Xena trembled as the armor fell away and Gabrielle pressed her lips against her throat.

“My name.” The bard’s voice was ragged, her hands sliding down Xena’s back to caress the swell of her hips. “Please…”

“Gabrielle…” She whispered, bringing her mouth down to capture the smaller woman’s lips. The dagger fell from her fingers as she brought her arms up to pull Gabrielle closer. She smelled so good, and it wasn’t her perfume…it was her. It was the scent she had lived with every time they had ridden together, every time they had slept together, using their bodies to keep away the cold. It was unlike anything she had ever known. A sweet, light musk that clung to the bard’s fair skin. Xena felt herself getting lost in it.

And her lips…so soft, so eager. She parted them gently, her tongue tasting the sweetness of Gabrielle’s mouth as her arms tightened around her body. When she felt Gabrielle’s tongue shyly brush against her own, Xena thought her desire would kill her then and there. Nobody could want something as badly as she wanted her and she knew that Gabrielle would be as passionate a lover as she was a bard.

That thought sent a shock down Xena’s spine that settled between her legs, making her groan. She pulled her lips away, trying to regain her balance, only to have Gabrielle shift her attention to the top of her breasts. “Gabrielle…you’re making me crazy.” Her voice was low and very husky. “It’s getting very hard…to control myself.”

The bard looked up, her eyes clouded with passion. “Then don’t.” She whispered.

Xena groaned and gave in. With one motion, she swept the bard off of her feet and carried her to a pile of hay off on one side of the barn. She laid Gabrielle down gently, pulling off her arm bands and greaves before reaching for the laces on her boots. She worked them slowly, trying to calm her heart, before sitting to pull them off. Her hands trembled when Gabrielle’s fingers brushed against her side. She sat very still as they traveled across her back to pull at the laces that held her leathers together.

Gabrielle held her breath as her hands ran across Xena’s shoulder blades and down along her spine, her fingers parting the leather as they went. When it was loose enough, she slid the straps off of Xena’s shoulders, her palms traveling down to cup around the fullness of her breasts, her nose buried in soft, chestnut hair.

Xena arched back against the woman behind her, one hand going to the back of Gabrielle’s head, while the other traced the fingers gently teasing her nipple through the thin fabric of her shift. She felt the bard’s breath, warm against her neck, as the smaller woman whispered in her ear.

“I…want…I *need* you against me.” Her teeth nipped lightly against Xena's neck. “*Please*!”

The warrior smiled, pulling her leathers off as she turned in Gabrielle’s arms. “Anything,” She whispered. “Anything for you.”

Gabrielle laid back, her hands tugging nervously at the shirt still tucked into her breeches.

“No.” Xena stopped her. “I want to do that.”

She nodded silently, her eyes fluttering closed when strong hands pulled the shirt free to slide across her stomach. Gentle fingers traced across each of her ribs to trail around the swell of her breasts. For a moment, there was nothing, and then there was the feel of Xena’s lips and the wetness of her tongue as it dipped into her navel. She felt a hand at her waist, felt it loosen her belt, then pull it away, followed by the breeches.

The same gentle hands pulled her shirt over her head and she heard Xena’s breath sharpen. “What’s wrong?” Gabrielle whispered.

“Nothing." She breathed. "You’re beautiful.”

Gabrielle smiled. “So are you.” She tugged at the shift still clinging to Xena’s body. “What I can see of you, anyway.”

Xena grinned, her arms crossing over her chest to gather the cloth in her fingers. In one graceful movement, she pulled it over her head, then released the bands that held her hair away from her face.

Gabrielle looked up, her eyes traveling along the length of Xena’s body, admiring the muscles that clenched in her thighs with a boldness that took the warrior’s breath away. “Come here.”

Slowly, Xena lowered herself down on top of Gabrielle, fitting her body against the firm curves and smooth skin she longed to touch…and taste. More than anything, she wanted to lose herself in the bard, but if Gabrielle hadn’t slept with Zo, that meant she was still a virgin. A slow smile spread across her face.

“What are you smiling at?” Gabrielle whispered, her hands sliding over the smooth plains of the warrior’s back to curve around her buttocks.

“Mmmm.” Xena moved slightly, her hips pushing against Gabrielle’s, making her shudder beneath her. “I get to be your first.”

The bard tried to hold on to her words as Xena continued to move against her. “I’m glad…” She managed with some effort.

“I’m more than glad, Gabrielle.”

There were no more words as Xena’s lips descended, only soft sounds and whispered moans as her tongue traced around Gabrielle’s ear. From there, it flickered across the bard’s jaw, her teeth biting down gently on her lower lip. Xena kissed each of her closed eyes, then the tip of her nose before tasting the hollow of her throat. Her skin was soft, smooth to her touch, clean and sweet, with just a trace of salt. She found herself mesmerized by the line of her collarbone, the expanse of her shoulder. By the Gods, this woman was beautiful…and it had taken more than a year for her to see it.

Gabrielle kept her eyes shut tight, willing herself not to wake up. This had to be a dream, nothing could feel this good. Every moment, she thought the next would bring Emony, her gentle smile and haunting eyes. But she never came, and somewhere, in the back of her mind, Gabrielle thought she heard her laugh, **You’ve found your destiny…**.

The bard would have thanked her, if she’d been able to speak. As it was, she found it hard to remember to breathe. “Goddess…” She shuddered as Xena’s mouth slid down her chest, her tongue licking lightly at the warm skin between her breasts. With gentle spirals, the warrior trailed her mouth up to a rosy nipple, taut in the cool morning air.

When Xena’s lips finally closed around the tips of her breasts, when her teeth raked lightly and her tongue flickered across the swollen flesh, Gabrielle thought she would pass out. There was an intense pulling of the muscles in her abdomen and her hands went rigid against the ground.

“Oh, no…” Xena pulled her head away, a slow, sensual smile playing at her lips. “Not yet…not yet, Gabrielle.”

The bard whimpered as strong fingers trailed across her skin, starting at the bottom of her chin to tease lightly across her breasts and abs. When those fingers crossed her belly to play at the edge of her hair, she bit down on her lip, trying hard to be patient. “Xena…” she choked. “W-what are you doing to me?”

With deliberate slowness, Xena’s fingers dipped in to her cleft, her body shaking slightly at the wetness waiting for her there. With languid strokes, she grazed across Gabrielle’s clit as she pulled herself up to stare into her eyes. “I’m loving you.” She whispered, her head falling down as the bard’s hips jerked against her.

It was hard, so hard, not to just take her. Not to just slide her hand down and slip inside to feel the warmth envelop her fingers. Gabrielle’s body was straining against her, wanting her as much as she wanted the bard. But Gabrielle deserved better than that. She deserved to know, from the very first time, how sweet true love could be.

So Xena’s strokes became softer, her hand moving lightly across the dew between Gabrielle’s legs. With a gentleness she didn’t know she possessed, Xena kissed her. She tried to tell her everything in that kiss. Every moment that she had wanted her, every moment she had needed her, every moment she had loved her…she tried to show her in the meeting of their lips. With closed eyes she lost herself, her heart aching at the little sounds coming from Gabrielle’s throat, her body trembling at the uncontrollable movements of her hips. When she pulled away, she looked down at her love, her gaze caught and held by the Gabrielle’s eyes.

“I love you,” The bard whispered, and Xena saw her lips quiver when she tried to speak her name.

“Shhh..” She silenced her with another kiss and slid her body downward, her strokes becoming firmer against the soft flesh beneath her fingers. She suckled each breast, her tongue circling slowly around each nipple, her teeth biting lightly, her free hand beneath the bard’s back, trying to pull her closer.

Once again, Xena’s tongue dipped into her navel, tasting the sweet moisture gathering on her belly. Gabrielle’s skin was slick to her touch, her body glistening with a light sheen of sweat, only one of the indications of her readiness. The other was the movement of her hips beneath Xena’s fingers. At first erratic, the small thrusts of her pelvis became a rhythm against the warrior’s hand, driving all thought from Xena’s mind.

She parted firm thighs with her free hand to settle her shoulders between them. A moment later, Gabrielle had raised them to Xena’s shoulders, offering herself to the lips and nose now rubbing lightly against her labia.

Colors exploded behind her eyes when she felt the firm strokes of Xena’s tongue, at first just the tip, then the length of it. She felt the warrior’s hand slide down, felt one finger trace the outside of her opening and she shut her eyes, fearing the truths her mother had taught her.

But there was no pain, or really, not very much. A slight tug, a small wince, and then the feeling of Xena’s fingers inside of her, the sweetness of pressure from the inside as the warrior’s tongue gave it from the outside. Her breath came in pants and finally gasps as Xena flicked her tongue down the length of her sex to lap gently around her buried fingers. When Xena’s fingers curled inside of her, her head fell back against the hay, her body trembling wildly.

Xena knew Gabrielle couldn’t stand much more and moved her tongue back to her swollen bud. With each stroke she felt the bard tremble harder, each thrust of her fingers bringing a deeper moan. As Gabrielle’s thighs began to shake, she pushed her fingers harder, sliding the tips of them across a high, smooth spot that made the bard call out her name. Her hips began to thrust wildly and her back arched, raising her body up out of the hay. For a moment, she was perfectly still…then she fell back with a moan.

“Gods…” Gabrielle whispered, tears streaking her cheeks. “Thankyouthankyouthankyou…” She slid her fingers through Xena’s thick, sweat-damp hair, twining them into it and pulling when the warrior showed no signs of stilling her tongue. “Stop..” She mumbled. “Gods…please…stop…uhn..” Her body shook again and she bit down on her lip hard, tasting blood in her mouth as a second orgasm rocked through her body.

When her shaking subsided, Xena pulled away, climbing up Gabrielle’s body to cradle her in her arms. She saw the blood on her chin and a look of panic touched her eyes. “Oh, Gabrielle. I’m sorry.” She brushed at it with her hand and Gabrielle could smell herself, thick on Xena’s fingers. A look of wonder crossed her face that Xena thought would break her heart.

Gabrielle reached up and trailed two fingers across the warrior’s chin, a small smile curving her lips at the moisture she met. Without thinking, she put her hand behind Xena’s neck and pulled her down, her mouth opening to taste the sweetness on the warrior’s tongue. When they broke apart, she saw the hunger in Xena’s eyes and whispered, “Tell me what to do…I’ll do it…anything.”

“Raise your knee,” Xena managed, her throat tightening as her need grew worse. The bard obeyed without question and Xena straddled her thigh, the slickness of her sex rubbing against Gabrielle’s smooth skin. The friction was delicious and Xena soon threw her head back. She had been halfway there when she was down on the bard and now, as Gabrielle clenched the muscles in her leg, she felt herself go over the edge.

“Gabrielle…” The word rang out into the rafters as she fell against her lover, her muscles weak and spent. She laid her face between the bard’s breasts and drifted off to sleep.

Gabrielle smiled down at her. She knew how little the warrior had slept, and felt her love grow even stronger with the trust Xena had placed in her, to fall asleep in her arms. She knew they still had a long way to go, she knew there was still Zo, still Zo’s army, but for now she was content to lie in her lovers arms and sleep, the Lath comfortably warm around her neck.

******************************************************************

Zo started upright, the sun hot on the thin fabric of her poets shirt. She turned her head to glance around the fire pit and regretted it immediately. She had had way too much wine the night before. Rubbing her temples, she climbed slowly to her feet and headed in the direction of her tent.

Chapter 7- Zo

"Ugh." Zo laid her palm against her forehead as she walked, trying to still the throbbing ache behind her eyes.

"Good Morning, Sir!"

She turned, ready to snap at whoever it was that thought it necessary to yell so early in the morning, then stopped herself short. "You're new, aren't you?"

The young man bobbed his head eagerly. "Yes, Sir!"

"Well, let me give you some advice," She grabbed him by the front of his shirt and pulled him very close. "When my eyes look like this," She widened them so he could see the red tracing across them. "NOTHING is good. Take the warning. Other's in this outfit might not be so nice."

She released him abruptly, watching as he stumbled backwards and then walked quickly in the other direction, his light colored hair looking too damn cheerful in the brightness of the new morning sun. "Kids..." She grumbled and continued on, slowing when she reached the opening of her own tent.

Zo reached out her hand, and then pulled it back. Reached out again, and pulled back. With a sigh, she leaned in close to the opening in the canvas. "Gabrielle," She said quietly. "Listen, I..." She heard a twig snap and looked behind her to find a small group of men watching her intently. She raised one eyebrow. "Do you mind?"

The men started and scattered in all four directions.

Zo turned back to the tent. "Listen, Gabrielle. I won't pretend to understand...what you're going through. It's been years..." She blushed slightly and ran her fingers through disheveled hair "Well, it's been a long time since I was in the same position. I'm willing to be patient. I mean, I don't know what you meant about the writing on your heart, but I think we could work it out." She plucked at the tent flap with her fingers, shocked that she felt what she was saying beating in her chest. "Gabrielle...if you give it a chance, I think I may surprise you. Can you do that?" She frowned at the silence that met her words. "Gabrielle?" Still nothing. "Gabrielle?" She grabbed the tent flap and pulled it back, stepping into the shadows within.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What in Tartarus was that?" Draxen stood up quickly, knocking his head into the low crossbeams of the makeshift tent. Scowling in pain, he sat down heavily, and shook his wife's arm. "Derry. Derry...did you hear that?"

The woman nodded. "Sounded like Zo-" Her words were cut of by a large crash. "So did that." With a shrug, she rolled over and pulled up the blankets.

“Zo?” Draxen grabbed his breeches and pulled them on. “That sounded like a wounded bear.”

“It’s Zo.” His wife mumbled.

He finished pulling on his shirt and rushed towards the opening in the tent. “Stay here, I don’t know if it’s safe..” Draxen glanced back and saw his wife, her head buried in pillows, back rising and falling as she snored softly. He snorted. “Don’t worry, I’ll be careful.” Shaking his head, he ran towards his commanders tent.

Draxen skidded to a halt when he reached it, his mouth falling open at the sight before him. Zo’s tent, the largest in the encampment, was all but destroyed. Two of the supports had been knocked out (hence the crashing sound) causing the left half of the tent to sag against the ground. Large holes had been ripped through it’s fabric by various objects thrown from the inside. To his left was Zo’s favorite sword, to his right was her washbasin, cracked into four different pieces from the force of the impact. He was staring at it in confusion when another yell of rage came from inside. A moment later, a mace tore threw the tent and flew straight towards his head.

Draxen yelped and slammed his body against the ground, feeling one point of the weapon slice across his shoulder. When he placed his hand against the wound, it came away red. “Damn it.” He hissed between clenched teeth. “That’s enough.”

Steeling himself, he flipped up and charged the tent, spreading out his arms to knock into the raging figure inside. They both hit the ground hard, Draxen on top, Zo tucked beneath him. Her head connected solidly with the floor and she went limp.

With rising panic, Draxen knelt over her to check for a pulse, only to have slim, strong fingers wrap around his throat. The woman beneath him bucked, hard, and before he knew what was happening, he was flipped onto his back with two strong knees pressing into his chest. The hands around his throat began to squeeze harder as he looked up into crazed, hazel eyes. “ZO! Please!” His face began to get red as he fought against her. “Please!” His voice was barely a whisper, the words bitten out from between clenched teeth. His vision started to go black around the edges as his heart hammered wildly in his chest. Just before he blacked out, he felt the tension lessen, felt the grip against his artery loosen, then disappear completely. When he could see again, he was looking up into Zo’s concerned gaze.

“Draxen?” She whispered. “Are you okay?” She lifted one of his eyelids, frowning when she saw the red lines that indicated just how close she had come to killing him. “You know better than that, Drax. You know how I am, why did you come in here?”

Her second gasped for air, his head resting against the ground. “I...I didn’t want you to hurt yourself.”

“Hurt myself?” Zo snorted.

“Or anyone else.”

The warlord nodded slowly, easing herself off of his chest to sit beside him on the floor. She stared around at her ruined belongings before dropping her head into her hands.

“Zo,” Draxen knelt beside her, rubbing his neck. “What the hell happened?”

“She’s gone.” Her voice was very low, almost sad and Draxen’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Who? That girl? What was her name, uhm...Larabelle?”

“GABRIELLE!” Zo snapped at him, her fists clenched.

“Ah.” The warrior sat back on his haunches, his eyes contemplating the figure before him. Never. He had never seen her act this way over a GIRL. “What happened?” He searched for his words carefully, knowing Zo had never wanted friend in the past. “Did you fight?”

“No.”

“Did you try to…” He gestured with his hand. “Against her will?”

“NO!” Zo’s face reddened slightly, surprising him again.

“Then why would she leave?”

Her forehead furrowed in confusion as she looked around. “You’re right.” Rising gracefully, she began to dig in the remnants of her quarters. Her breathe sharpened when she found what she was looking for: A pair of soft kid boots and an Amazon staff. Going to the back of her tent, she lift the fabric up off of the ground, sliding it in her hands until she found the opening. “Damn.”

Draxen watched as his commander slipped through an opening in the canvas, gave her a moment, and then followed. He caught up with her halfway across the slight incline that lined the back of her quarters. She was staring at the dirt, still soft from the morning dew. After a few moments, she looked up, death glittering in her bright hazel eyes. “What?” He swallowed.

“She’s was taken. By force. Dragged through here.” She grabbed a piece of light tan fabric from a nearby thorn bush. When she spoke again, her voice was low and dangerous. “Get the men.”

“But-“

“NOW!” Her rage carried loudly over the still morning air.

Without another word, he hurried back to camp.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gabrielle stretched hard, small sounds escaping her throat as her hands dug into the hay above her head. She pulled them out quickly, realizing that her whole body was starting to itch, but then, she felt too good to care. She reached to her right, seeking the warmth she had been cradled in for the last two hours, but found only hay, rich with her lovers scent. “Xena?” She mumbled, sitting up.

“Yes, Gabrielle?”

The bard’s eyes followed to sound of her voice to find her standing beside Argo, tending to the mare’s hoof. “So much for the warm afterglow.” Gabrielle smiled. “You’d rather go play with your horse.”

Xena turned to face her, a smile tugging at the edges of her mouth. “Argo was not my first choice. I didn’t think you would ever wake up.” She lowered the mare’s leg gently and walked slowly towards her, the look in her eyes sending a lovely flush up into Gabrielle’s cheeks.

Xena lowered herself into the hay beside Gabrielle and caught her with one arm around her back, pulling her close. The metal of the warrior’s breastplate was cold against the bard’s bare skin, but when she shivered, it was for a different reason altogether. While Xena’s lips trailed along her shoulder to capture the sensitive spot beneath her right ear, Gabrielle traced the patterns of the brass across her back. She wondered if any other woman had ever felt this way, had ever been pressed against her lover’s armor, shivering in the still-cool air. She wondered how many women Xena had conquered in her life. She found that she didn’t care about the men, but the women…

“Xena?” She tried to phrase the question in her mind, tried to find just the right words so that Xena wouldn’t turn away…or stop what she was doing to her neck.

“Hmmm?”

She could hear the smile on Xena’s lips, the passion in her voice and decided to let it wait. “Never mind…” she breathed, wrapping her arms around the warrior’s neck.

Xena smiled against the bottom of Gabrielle’s chin and began to lower the bard gently into the hay.

“WARRIOR!!!”

Xena was on her feet in an instant and strapping on her sword.

“He’s probably just mad that we’re taking so long.” The bard looked around for her clothes.

“No, Gabrielle.” Xena tested the edge of her blade before sheathing it again. “That was fear.” She moved to the door, leaning in close to listen. A moment later, she slid the bolt and swung the door wide, allowing the panicked farmer to enter at a run. In one smooth, fluid movement, Xena slammed the door, bolted it, and grabbed the man by the back of his shirt. “Whoa…slow down. What’s wrong?”

The man was bent over at the waist, trying hard to catch his breath. “M…My…” He panted.

“Here.” Xena threw the man their wine skin. “Take a drink and calm down.”

The man did as he was told. When she saw that he could breathe again, Xena placed her arm gently on his shoulder. “Now…tell me what’s wrong.”

“My oldest boy just came in, riding like the blazes from the far back fields.” He looked at Gabrielle for a moment, noticing her disheveled appearance, but apparently thought better of saying anything. He turned his eyes back to Xena. “There’s an army headed this way. He says it’s a big one…and my son’s not one for exaggeration.”

The warrior felt her back stiffen. She turned to Gabrielle. “Get dressed.”

The bard finished lacing her shirt quickly. “What are we going to do?”

“Do?” The man’s voice rose in anger. “You’re going to get off my land. That’s what you’re going to do.” He shook his head. “Whatever’s following ya, it isn’t any of my concern. Now, I let you use my barn as a courtesy. Do me a courtesy and leave before they destroy this place.”

Xena nodded and began to re-saddle Argo. The farmer watched her, fear written plainly across his face. When she tried to nod at him reassuringly, he turned his back and went to speak with Gabrielle.

“That’s her, isn’t it?” He whispered. “Xena…the Warrior Princess.”

Gabrielle nodded.

“Is it true? That she’s changed? That she isn’t a warlord anymore?”

Gabrielle nodded again. “Yes, it is. Now she fights for people like you. Sometimes they act like you, too.”

“Gabrielle.” Xena’s voice was steady. “Let’s go.”

The bard nodded, leaning towards the farmer to whisper, “If you needed her, she’d help you. Even after you asked her to leave. That’s how much she’s changed.”

“I’m sorry.” The farmer said quietly. “But I’m not part of this fight. I don’t need help. I certainly don’t need trouble.”

“Nobody needs trouble. It just seems to happen.” Gabrielle grabbed her bag and took her place by Xena’s side.

“Thanks for the use of your barn.” The warrior nodded to him. She had just reached for the bolt when she heard someone moving quietly outside.

“Xena…” Zo’s voice was soft through the heavy wood of the door. “I know you’re in there. I’ve come for Gabrielle. She doesn’t belong with you. Not anymore. Let her go.”

“Let me go?” Gabrielle looked at Xena. “What does she mean?”

“She thinks I’ve kidnapped you.” Xena smiled softly. “Figures.”

The bard sighed. “Maybe I should say something.”

“No, Gabrielle.” Xena placed her hand on the bolt. “She won’t believe it unless she sees you for herself. Get back.” She waited until they were both against the back wall before speaking. “Zo?” The Amazon didn’t answer, but Xena knew she was there. “Gabrielle wants to tell you something. I’m going to open the door. If you truly care for her, you’ll hear her out.”

“YOU?” Zo’s voice was outraged. “You would tell ME what I should do? IF I truly care for her?”

“Yes, Zo, if you truly care for her.” Xena slid the bolt and backed up, her right hand clasped lightly around the hilt of her sword.

The door swung open slowly, and she could see the Amazon’s silhouette against the bright daylight outside. Her sword was drawn, clasped in her left hand…her fighting hand, the one she only used when she was out for blood. Xena knew Zo’s fighting style, she had taught her most of it. But she also knew that the Amazon had a good amount of natural talent, especially with her left hand. “Zo…” She brought her own sword up in a defensive posture. “I don’t want to fight with you.”

The Amazon laughed. “Are you afraid, Xena? Hmmm….I’ve never seen that in you before. It’s very becoming.”

“I’m not afraid of you, Zo. I just don’t want to hurt you.”

The smile vanished. “Hurt me? Take care of yourself, Warrior Princess.” Zo stepped forward, her sword arm arcing over her head in a vicious blow aimed at Xena’s shoulder. It never hit it’s mark.

Xena grunted as the Amazon’s sword slammed into hers, her arm shaking under the force of the blow. She saw Zo’s arm tremble as well and reached out to grab the hilt of her sword.

“Stop it!”

Both women swung their heads towards Gabrielle, even as their hands still fought over the weapons.

“Stop it, Zo.” Gabrielle stepped between them and pushed them apart. “This is between you and me. Xena didn’t do anything.”

“Didn’t do anything?” Zo’s voice registered her astonishment. “Gabrielle, she took you by force. You can’t tell me that’s not true.”

“Well,” The bard gave her a quirky half smile. “It’s not *exactly* true.”

“Not exactly true…” The Amazon’s tone became sarcastic. “Then what exactly IS the tru…” She stopped mid-sentence and glanced around the barn, her nostrils flaring. When she realized that the musky scent was coming from the woman before her, understanding slammed home and her face darkened. “Tell me it was by force.” She whispered. “Please.”

Gabrielle looked at the ground as she shook her head. “I’m sorry Zo.”

The warlord was silent, staring at the ground. When she finally raised her eyes, Xena recognized the fury flashing in them. She took one step forward only to stop when Zo raised her sword.

“No further…Amazon Queen.” The words were spit from between gritted teeth. Expressionless, she slid the weapon across her palm, cupping it to catch the blood that pooled within. She gazed down into it for a moment, before flinging it towards Xena, catching her in the face. “That’s thrice you have taken what I have loved, warrior. From now until the day I die, I will call you enemy.”

“Zo…please.” Gabrielle ran towards her, ignoring the panicked hand that tried to hold her back.

The warlord looked at her coldly. “You are dead to me, Gabrielle. More so than even Terreis. And you,” She pointed at Xena. “You WILL meet me in battle. Two days from now, at the first light of dawn, you will meet me.” She slid her sword into it’s scabbard. “Or I will destroy every village that falls in my path…until you do.”

Gabrielle watched her go, then turned to Xena. “She didn’t tell you where.”

“I know.” Xena put her sword away. “Finding her is part of the game. It always was.”

“This isn’t a game, Xena.”

“I know that, Gabrielle.” She tried to hold on to her patience. Wordlessly, she nodded to the farmer and swung up into the saddle, pulling the bard up behind her.

The rode in silence for almost an hour before Xena felt the bard shift behind her. “Xena?” She said softly.

“Hmmm?”

“Can you beat her?”

Xena didn’t answer.

“Xena?” Gabrielle leaned to the side, trying to see the warrior’s face. “I asked-“

“I heard you.” She pulled Argo to a stop. “I was better then, Gabrielle. But it’s been a long time, and she was good to begin with. I’d say yes, but nothing is certain.”

Gabrielle nodded. “Promise me something?”

“Anything.”

“Don’t hurt her.”

Xena turned her head. “Don’t hurt her? Gabrielle, I don’t know if-“

“You said anything.”

The warrior studied her lover’s face, taking in the concern that was evident in her eyes. “You care for her.”

“She would have been a good friend. She led me to understand… Of course I care for her.”

Xena nodded. “I won’t hurt her.”

Gabrielle sighed in relief. “So what’s our plan?”

“First,” Xena urged Argo into a fast walk. “We get some rest.”

“But we only have two days.”

“I have an idea where we can get the information we need. A night’s rest won’t set us back as much as we need it. There’s an Inn in Treton where we can get four walls and a door. I know I’d feel better if we had them around us tonight.”

The bard nodded and fell silent, laying her cheek against the softness of Xena’s shoulder. She wondered for the hundredth time if this was all her fault.

She didn’t think the answer would make her feel much better.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 8: Not Yet

“Zo.” Draxen looked over at his warlord, taking in the darkness of her eyes. When she didn’t answer, he pulled on the reins, moving his mount in her direction. They had been riding hard for the past four hours with nothing from Zo except barked commands when they needed to change direction. The men were tired, irritable and hungry. They wanted to know where they were going and while they would never question the Amazon herself, they had absolutely no problem with harassing him every chance they got. “Zo!” He reached out his hand to grab her arm only to pull it back, wincing in pain, as a resounding crack filled the air. He hadn’t even seen her raise her hand.

“Don’t touch me, Draxen.” Her voice was low and angrier than he had ever heard it. This woman was not the warlord he knew. “Not now.”

“Fine.” He snarled, his patience breaking. “But stop, for Hades sake, before the men rebel.”

Zo looked behind her, taking in the tired and angry faces of the men behind her. She took a deep breath as she realized what she was doing. Xena had to pay, but that wouldn’t happen if her army turned against her. “Fall out. Make camp.” She waved the men away. “Get your rest…there won’t be any tomorrow.” She turned to find her second studying her. “I told you, Draxen. This isn’t a good time.”

“What are you doing, Zo?” He tried one last time to reason with her. “I know your angry, but Xena isn’t someone you want to go up against. I know I don’t want to go up against her.”

“So,” Zo sneered. “You’ve gone coward?” She saw the warrior’s face harden and smiled. “Now that’s the Draxen I know. You just follow my orders and we’ll all get out of this alive.”

“Fine. But I think it would make the men feel better if you told them where we’re going.” He turned his face away. He didn’t want to look into her eyes anymore. The stranger looking back was not someone he wanted to know.

Zo snorted. “The one place where it won’t matter if Xena wants to fight me or not, she won’t have a choice. The one place where she has to follow.” Here eyes took on a faraway look. “You’re a smart man, I’m sure you can figure it out. Now tend to the men.” She spun her horse and headed off alone.

Draxen watched her ride away, his mind working over everything she had said. He thought back to the things his warlord had told him in the past few days, about Xena, about Gabrielle, and even about herself. His mouth settled into a grim frown when he realized just where they were going.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was early evening when Xena and Gabrielle finally rode into Treton, the first small town just north of The Raven’s Claw. The warrior’s eyes searched every corner of the street for trouble, but found only farmers and merchants who cast no more than curious glances their way. Satisfied that no one was watching them, Xena headed Argo towards the inn.

“The Dancing Stag.” Gabrielle read the sign swinging over the door as Xena slid out of the saddle. “Sounds interesting.” She started to dismount.

“Stay there.” Xena called over her shoulder. “I’ll help you in a minute.”

“Hmph.” The bard grunted in frustration. “I am perfectly able to get down off of Argo myself.” With a stubborn set of her shoulders, she slid to the ground.

Xena turned just in time to see Gabrielle land in mud up to her ankles. The bard’s mouth fell open as it slipped between her toes.

“Augh.”

The warrior tried not to laugh as she tied Argo to the rail.

“You could have said something!” She threw a disgusted look at her lover before dragging herself out of the mud.

“I believe I tried.” The warrior grinned. “Still, jumping off a horse without boots on is not the smartest thing to do.”

“I forgot I left them-“ Her eyes widened. “My staff!”

Xena hung her head slightly, she’d been waiting for this. “I forgot to grab it. I’m sorry.” She watched as Gabrielle’s face fell. “We’ll get it back…your boots too.”

“I don’t care about the boots…but my staff.” She sighed. “Ephiny gave that to me. What’s she going to say when she hears I lost it?”

“I said I’d get it back and I will.” She placed her hand on the bard’s arm and squeezed gently.

Gabrielle nodded. “Well, at least your mother still has the staff-head. I guess I could fit it to another-“

“Gabrielle,” Xena pulled her closer. “You won’t have to do that. I promise.”

Gabrielle studied her lover’s face and knew in her heart that the warrior would do whatever it took to get her staff back. Something in that scared her. “It’s just a piece of wood. If we can get it back, great. If not-“

Xena just shook her head and smiled. “Come on, let’s go get a room.”

“What if they don’t have any available?”

“Oh, they will.” Xena smiled again.

“I hate it when you get cryptic on me.”

The warrior only laughed and led her lover into the inn, taking great pains to remind her to wipe her muddy feet before entering. The glare she earned with that remark kept her chuckling for a while.

Inside, The Dancing Stag was very clean and very warm, it’s patrons respectful and quiet. Due, no doubt, to the very large man seated beside a very large mace down at the end of the bar. He was an impressive looking specimen. Thick of chest, strong of arm, with a vacuous look about him. Everything one could hope for in a bouncer.

Xena raised her hand and clasped his arm in passing. “Hello, Titan.”

“Xena!” The goliath stood and tightened his grip on her arm. “I didn’t expect see you again, quite so soon.”

“Well, it seems we have need of a room.”

“We?” He looked behind her to take in Gabrielle with an appreciative smile. “Is that the one?” He smiled at Xena’s warning look. “She wasn’t lying about the ‘fresh, young’ part was she?”

The warrior gave him a dark look. “Just tell me where she is.”

“Right here.”

Gabrielle turned towards the melodious voice to take in a vision in white, standing behind the bar. When she saw a smile light up Xena’s face, she felt her stomach turn with jealousy.

“Rylan.” The warrior took the barmaids hand. “Bet you weren’t expecting me.” She grinned good naturedly when Rylan peered over her shoulder at the bard behind her. “Kyla has a very big mouth!”

“Naw,” The barmaid laughed at Xena’s incredulous look. “Well, maybe a little. But then, some things are quite obvious as well.”

The warrior shook her head. “In any case, we need a room. We were hoping-“

“Of course.” Rylan waved her statements away. “Anything for you.”

Xena smiled and turned to her lover, her eyes taking in Gabrielle’s steadily darkening face. “I’ll tell you about it later.” She whispered.

“Yes,” The bard’s tone was very firm, making the warrior’s eyes widen. “Yes, you will.”

“Titan,” Rylan nodded to her warrior. “Show our guests to the best room in the house, draw them a fresh bath and get them a tray from the kitchen. Leave the mace, I can watch the room while your gone.”

Xena grinned as she followed the big man, pulling the bard along behind her. She wondered how Rylan had ever been captured by slavers. That girl had a tough streak in her, Xena could tell. It was something she used to look for when she was recruiting.

She was pleasantly surprised by the room they were given. It was definitely not the dark, dank room with the roughly hewn bed that she was used to receiving. This room was rather large, about half the size of that tavern downstairs, a corner room with windows on two sides. There was a large fireplace to her left, with a table that held all manner of soaps and scented sands, for the bath presumably. The bathtub itself was an incredible sight. It was square, made of stones held tightly together by thickly smeared mortar. The inside was lined with smooth, sanded wood, soft to the touch. Xena shook her head when she realized that it was big enough for two. “Kyla does have a big mouth.”

“That’s the second time you’ve said that.” Gabrielle left Titan to build up the fire and came to stand beside her lover. “Who is Kyla?”

Once again, the warrior only smiled. “Later.” She squeezed the bard’s arm. “I need to go scout, make sure no one is sneaking up on us. Stay here? Please?”

Gabrielle nodded, knowing not to argue this time. “All right.”

Xena smiled, relieved. “Titan will bring you what you need.”

“He isn’t a real titan…is he?”

“No. His mother just had a long labor… and a really good sense of humor.” The bard smiled, sending an ache through Xena’s heart. “I’ll be back.”

Gabrielle watched her go before turning her attention to the man stoking up the now raging fire. “Thank you.”

Titan nodded. “You’re very welcome. Are you hungry?”

The bard listened to her stomach rumble and shook her head. “I’ll wait for her to get back. Can you ready the bath and bring the food at the same time?”

The big man nodded. “What time would that be?”

Gabrielle shrugged, “I’m not sure. I wanted to get a little sleep. I’ll come get you, okay?”

He nodded again and quietly left the room.

Once he was gone, the bard let out a long sigh and headed for the bed. Stretching out, she thought about where her lover had gone. She knew Xena, she knew her very well. Gabrielle believed that she had gone scouting, but she also knew that, if the warrior did meet up with Zo’s band while she was out, she would try to end the threat then and there.

It was a very disquieting feeling to not know when your lover would return, or if she would return at all. She had never worried this much in the past, but then, she had never met anyone like Zo before either.

And it was all her fault. All of it. She covered her eyes with her arm and felt warm tears against her skin. If only she could have reasoned with the Amazon. If only she had known her own heart. If only she had known Xena’s. If only…

**“If only…”**

Gabrielle’s eyes flew open as the voice carried across her mind, seeming to come from everywhere at once. “Who’s there?” The room was dark, darker than she remembered. Sliding to her feet, she turned in circles as the room disappeared around her, leaving her to the darkness.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Xena moved through the trees like a shadow, her eyes and ears alert for any sign of an approaching army, but the only sounds that reached her were the night owls in the trees and her own heart beating in her chest.

Satisfied there was no one waiting to ambush her or Gabrielle, she slowed to a walk, finally coming to a stop beside a small, clear brook. Finding a smooth, flat rock, she flipped it atop her knuckles as she sank down beside the creek. The night was clear, the stars very bright, and the moon shined down strongly, it’s reflection caught in the placid waters closer to the edge.

For the first time, she allowed her mind to wander back to the events of that morning. How she had kidnapped Gabrielle, unbelieving of her own reasons for doing it. How the bard had made her tell the truth. How the girl had loved her.

Xena smiled. No, not a girl. She hadn’t been a girl for quite a while, and after this morning, could never be again. She was a wonderful, sweet, young woman. One that had stolen an old warrior’s heart, more than anyone else ever had.

She stared up at the gorgeous night sky and tried to remember if she had told her how she felt. She couldn’t remember. That wasn’t a good sign.

Xena glanced down at the stone in her hand and felt one tear slide down her cheek. This was Gabrielle. Gabrielle was the rock. She was the river that would run wild across the land, without the stone to hold it. She ran her fingers across it gently, then skipped it across the water, her heart turning over as it sank into it’s depths.

Xena watched the ripples disappear as she placed two fingers on each side of her temples, trying to quell the fierce headache that had started behind her eyes. “Philosophy.” She grunted, making a promise to herself to leave that kind of stuff to Gabrielle.

“You just skipped your lover.” Xena whispered, her shoulders shaking with laughter. A few moments later, her headache was gone and so was she, back the way she had come.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gabrielle walked slowly, her eyes searching for any sign of light. In the end, the light found her, growing around her until she could see quite clearly. There was green grass beneath her feet, a blue sky above her. In the distance, she saw a camp, a hundred tents and beyond them, a hundred more. When she was close enough to see people moving between them, she had estimated over 400 tents, all of them tightly grouped, a large, imposing structure at their center. She stopped behind the last row of tall, summer wheat, hiding in its shadow as armed men passed her by.

“Okay.” Gabrielle looked to the left, and then the right, trying to figure out where she was. She didn’t recognize the land. Her head snapped up when a woman stepped out of the commanders tent, her red-gold hair shining in the sun. “Great.” She frown. “There I am again.” Gabrielle craned her head when another figure appeared, her jaw dropping when she recognized that blonde, lithe form. “Zo…”

“Draxen! Get the men ready for drill. The scouts saw her less than a day back. I won’t be caught by surprise this time.”

Zo’s second bobbed his head before moving away, leaving his warlord to wrap her arms around her lover. “Gabrielle.”

Her double did not answer.

“Come on, Gabrielle.” The Amazon kissed her neck. “She killed three of my men, including the husband of your best friend. She has to pay for that.”

Gabrielle watched in shock as her twin nodded slowly and felt her heart shrivel in her chest. She was agreeing with Zo, about killing somebody. And she knew who that somebody was.

“I promise, she won’t suffer.”

Her twin nodded again, and began to pick fresh herbs from the patch at her feet.

“Gabrielle.” The Amazon’s voice became deeper as she wrapped her arms around the girls waist, placing her lips against the neck offered to her. Gabrielle could almost feel Zo’s lips, feel her hands against the skin on the back of her arms. She swallowed, hard. The reaction was there, mirrored in her twins face. Only, her twin held something more as well. Love. She could see it, and it broke her heart.

Zo pulled her close in a last, fierce hug before leaving to join her men. Her twin remained, emotions warring in her eyes until she dropped to one knee and turned her face up to the sky. “Please…” She whispered into the wind, then turned and walked away.

Gabrielle followed her as long as she could, then turned her attention to Zo. The Amazon stood before her army, hundreds of men, all fighting beneath her banner. Zo gave orders that were clear and abrupt, her tone carried an air of authority that Gabrielle hadn’t heard before. Her smile was gone, and so was the easy way she used to have about her, the caring compassion she had showed for her men. Now, there was only a Warlord where a woman had been before. She was even curt with Draxen, as she ordered him to watch over the training.

And Gabrielle knew what they were training for. They were training for Xena. To kill her if they could.

With a small frown, she turned away, heading back into the field of wheat where she had found the light. “All right, Emony. Tell me… What is this that you’ve shown me?”

“Nothing of consequence.”

Gabrielle opened her eyes to find Emony beside her, both of them sitting on the edge of the bed.. “Nothing of consequence?? Zo was going to kill Xena. And I did nothing.”

The alchemist nodded. “True, yet still, it is nothing of consequence. It is merely a faint trace of what might have been. I thought that you should see it.”

“Why?”

“Because you’ve been blaming yourself for destiny.” She touched the bard’s cheek gently. “I wanted to show you what would have happened, had your choice been wrong.”

“But, she was so strong. She had more men, more power. And I was with her-“

“Love is a catalyst in all of life, Gabrielle.” Emony cut her off. “Sometimes, not a good one.” She took the bard’s hand. “You, for example. Once you convinced yourself you did love her, you would have died by her side. That is the working of your soul.”

“But-“

“And Xena,” Emony continued as though she hadn’t spoken. “Do you really think she would have ever stopped trying to get you back? You, the one person to ever truly reach her heart?”

“She said that?” Gabrielle looked at her suspiciously.

“No, child.” She smiled. “Your warrior would sooner break her own arm that speak words such as those. But it is what’s in her heart.” Her voice gentled. “And Zo… She would do anything to keep you.” Her eyes became distant. “The only way to keep safe that which other’s want, is to destroy those that might take it.

“And the only way to destroy someone that strong, is to become someone just like her.” Gabrielle finished for her.

Emony nodded. “Your love would have given her strength. The strength to rule the world, through fear, and through violence. Right now, that’s all she knows.”

“Right now?” Gabrielle grabbed her arm.

But Emony only shook her head. “Not yet, child. Not yet.” Time seemed to stop as the witch raised her hand and touched the bard’s cheek very gently.

Gabrielle’s eyes widened as the distance in Emony’s eyes seemed to lessen, as what was hidden became almost clear. There was pain and loss, suffering and…and…love? She felt the alchemist’s emotions coursing through her body, felt her soul shifting in the rock, crying out for…for someone…for someone with a face a lot like…

Emony pulled her hand away quickly and the bard’s body shuddered violently, the thoughts and feelings ripped from her heart and mind.

“Wha…” Her heart was pounding as she tried to catch her breath. “What was that?”

“Not yet.” A single tear trailed down Emony’s cheek. “I’m sorry.” Her eyes became tender. “You just look so much like… No. No, not yet.”

With a small shake of her head, the alchemist faded and Gabrielle started out of her sleep.

Her eyes sought out each dark corner, even though all of her other senses told her she was alone.

Xena wasn’t back. She didn’t know how much that should worry her, but she did know that if she sat there and thought about it, she’d drive herself crazy. But what to do instead?

Gabrielle smiled. She’d been thinking of something all day… Glancing down at herself, the smile faded as she took in her muddy breeches and crumpled poet’s shirt.

“Hmmm.” She grunted. “Nope.” Tucking in her shirt, she headed downstairs.

Rylan was pouring ale and Titan was back in his place at the end of the bar, his club right beside him. He smiled at her as she came near, but Gabrielle only nodded and passed him by. “Rylan.”

The barmaid turned soft brown eyes and a gentle smile in her direction. “Yes?”

Gabrielle smiled back. “I need your help.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Xena tied Argo outside of the inn and grabbed a medium sized pack from her back. Tossing the stable boy a dinar, she smiled. “Take care of her, would you?”

The boy nodded eagerly and begin to loosen her mare’s tack. She nodded in satisfaction and slipped inside, her guard raised, but there was nothing to greet her except the cheery warmth of the fire and Rylan humming softly to herself. With a weary sigh, she sat down at the bar and smiled. “A port, Rylan?”

“Bar’s closed.”

Xena looked at the men seated around the fire, each of them drinking a mug of ale, then looked backed to the barmaid. “Closed?” One eyebrow lifted as she tried to hold on to her patience. “A port, Rylan.”

“She said the bar was closed.” Titan walked up behind her and laid his huge hand on her shoulder very gently. “She means it. She’s in a mood.” He smiled. “Why don’t you go on up and I’ll get her to send a bottle up to your room.”

Xena nodded slowly, here eyes never leaving the expressionless face of the young woman she had thought was her friend. “I hope you feel better, Rylan. Very soon.”

The barmaid watched her go, then burst into laughter, slapping Titan on the back. “Who knew you were such a smooth talker.”

The big man grinned and went back to his stool.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Xena paused outside of their room, running her fingers through thick, dirty hair. “Great.” She whispered to herself. “I’m a mess.” She had ridden hard to get back as quickly as possible. This meant crossing streams where they weren’t meant to be crossed and dealing with the mud Argo had kicked up in her face. It hadn’t bothered her at the time, she was used to the messy part of being a warrior. But now, standing outside her lover’s door, she wished she had asked for a bath before heading up here. But then again, Rylan would have probably told her the pump was closed as well.

She cracked the door open slowly, her nose catching the thick scent of burning incense while her eyes registered the flickering of candles. Confused, she stepped inside and looked around, closing the door behind her. “You must have been busy, Gabrielle.” She whispered to the empty room.

The lamps were out. In their place, the softer glow of dozens of candles threw shadows against the walls. The fire was burning merrily, it’s wood crackling in the stillness of the room. Most of the candles surrounded the bed, some even placed on it’s headboard. The table beside it was laden with food, grapes, olives, bread and cheese, and even a leg of lamb. Beside this sat a short squat bottle that made Xena grin from ear to ear. Her port. She reminded herself to thank Rylan in the morning.

The incense didn’t even bother her, as it normally did. She breathed in deeply and tried to place the scent. It was like the wood, a little like the water…and a lot like Gabrielle. She had just begun to call for her lover when she felt hands touch her waist from behind.

“That was pretty quiet.” Xena smiled. “You’ve been practicing.”

“Shhh.” The bard’s voice was just a whisper. “Be quiet.” She used her hands to stop the warrior as she tried to turn around. “Stop.” Her tone was gentle, but commanding and brought a weakness to Xena’s knees that she wasn’t used to feeling. “Just do what I tell you.” She took the pack from the warrior’s hand and threw it into the corner.

“Gabrielle…” Xena’s tone held a note of uneasiness, a feeling that fled from her quickly when her lover laughed quietly behind her. She would never forget the sound of that laugh, gentle, loving, almost a caress as it wrapped around her heart. “Oh my…” The gentle laughter came again, and she started slightly as a soft cloth was tied across her eyes. “I don’t know about this, Gabrielle.”

“Do you trust me?”

Xena realized it wasn’t really a question so much as a statement. One to remind her exactly who was asking. “Yes.” She left no doubt in her voice for Gabrielle to hear.

“Then just be still.” She could hear the smile in her lovers words and could see it in her minds eye. A soft, slightly puzzled smile. A smile of wonder. The same one she had seen before, right after they had made love.

Her warrior’s body behaved quite well, obeying her directions to be still as small, silken hands slid down over her arms, pulling off her bracers, followed by her armbands. Quick fingers unchained her breastplate and she heard it thunk to the floor. When those gentle hands unlaced her leathers, Xena felt her heart begin to pound, and no amount of her vast training could make it behave again. “Gabrielle…”

The bard didn’t falter, but Xena heard her breath quicken, felt her hands move faster as they slid the leather down off her hips. A moment later, a strong arm slid around her waist and she was urged towards the bed. She sat lightly on it’s edge, a moan escaping her lips as Gabrielle’s hands traveled across the tops of her thighs, sliding inward, finally, to separate her knees. Her hands went instinctively to the bards head, her fingers curling into soft, strawberry hair, but Gabrielle only laughed. “No, no. Not yet.”

Xena released her reluctantly, her hands burying themselves in the blankets beneath her, as her lover pulled off her boots. The only thing left was her shift and she raised her arms obediently when Gabrielle pulled it over her head. “What next?” She whispered with a smile that faded into something else as warm lips close on her nipple. “Oh…”

“Didn’t I say be quiet?” Gabrielle smiled. “Do what I say and I’ll do anything you want...”

Xena swallowed and nodded, allowing herself to be led to the tub. With a long sigh, she lowered herself into the steaming water and laid her head against the wood inside. The water was scented, lilac and something else, something she couldn’t quite put her finger on. Whatever it was, it was relaxing her, and she grinned as Gabrielle began to lather her hair. “So nice…”

The bard smiled, amazed that Xena had let her go so far, yet here she was, going further. She worked her fingers through the warrior’s hair over and over, making sure every inch of it was clean, then she began to massage her scalp, followed by her temples. She rinsed every bit of the soap from her head, being careful of her eyes. When she was done, she picked up a new bar of soap and lathered her hands until they were white. Starting at the warrior’s neck, she slowly eased them down, first over her collarbone, then across her chest, her fingers closing firmly around each nipple, making Xena jump. Her hands slid lovingly over firm abs, and across a tight, flat stomach, before dipping into the cleft between her legs. The slickness her fingers found there was enough to make Gabrielle tremble. She couldn’t stop herself from exploring for a moment, her fingertips lost in the softness of her lover. A few minutes later, she shook her head and continued down Xena’s body, earning a groan from the woman beneath her spell. Gabrielle smiled. “Not yet.”

“When?” Xena growled.

“Oh, you are the impatient one aren’t you? Funny, you waited long enough for the first time.” Gabrielle’s grin was wicked. “You can wait a little longer now.”

Xena laughed in frustration and let her bard finish washing her, loving the feel of her hands against the muscles of her calves.

“All right.” Gabrielle pulled her hands away and stood. “Get up.”

With a huge grin, Xena stood, the water streaming off of her in a dozen tiny waterfalls. She stepped out of the tub with Gabrielle’s assistance and stood as her lover began to dry her skin with gentle strokes of a soft cloth.

“Now the fun part.” The bard chuckled. “Stand VERY still.”

Xena tensed her muscles and waited, a slight frown on her face…until she felt Gabrielle’s soft hands, warm with heated oil, begin to massage her body. Her eyes closed beneath the blindfold and she turned her face towards the ceiling, her body beginning to tremble.

“I said be still.” Gabrielle laughed.

“I’m going to do this to you sometime,” Xena’s voice was barely a whisper, her breath ragged in her throat. “and see how still you can be!”

“Mmmhmm.” Gabrielle swallowed and kept herself focused, knowing that if Xena touched her now, she would give in and that was not what she wanted to do. She wanted to stay in charge, she wanted to feel what a warrior felt, what Xena had felt, when she had made love to her. She also wanted to see her quiver…see her shake. She wanted to feel those long fingers in her hair, pushing her down, moving her mouth… “Oh…” Gabrielle stopped, her concentration broken, her hands still moving in circular motions against the warrior’s stomach.

“Gabrielle?” Xena reached up to remove the cloth from her eyes, but Gabrielle’s hand beat her to it and held it where it was.

“Not yet.” She tried to slow her wildly beating heart. “Let me finish.”

“Gladly.” She lowered her arm but held onto Gabrielle’s fingers, lacing her own between them. As the bard’s hand continued down, she squeezed them a little harder. “Hurry….” She whispered, letting her go.

Gabrielle’s fingers slid over Xena’s thighs, working the last of the oil into tan, firm skin. Closing her eyes, she leaned forward and kissed the warrior’s stomach. The oil was pleasant against her lips and enhanced the scent of her lover’s skin, blending to make a fragrance so intoxicating that the bard thought she could die right there without a single regret. “No.” She smiled to herself. “Not yet.”

Gabrielle took the warrior’s arm very gently and led her to the bed. Leaving her there, she went to the window and threw it open, letting in the cool evening air. Looking down, the bard smiled and waved a hand to Titan, who was waiting below. He nodded and walked off.

A few moments later the sound of drums filtered through the window in a rhythmic beat that kept time with Gabrielle’s heart. Swaying slightly, her eyes closed, the bard moved to the center of the room. “You can take that off.” She whispered.

Xena reached up slowly, the anticipation so sweet that she almost regretted the end of the game. Almost.

The sight that greeted her took her breath away.

The muddy breeches and barely white shirt were both gone, replaced by folds of forest green silk cut low over Gabrielle’s breasts and reaching to the ground. The waist was tight, laced up the back, showing every curve of muscle in the bard’s strong abdomen. The sleeves reached down to slender wrists while her shoulders were left with nothing across them but the silk of her hair. “By the Gods.” Xena whispered, her heart a powerful ache within her chest.

“Xena?”

“Yes, Gabrielle?” The warrior trembled, unable to take her eyes from the woman standing before her.

“Now.”

Xena’s body was moving before she had actually willed it, sliding her arms around Gabrielle and lifting her to the bed. Settling her body on top of her, her hands went to the back of the bard’s head, pulling her close as she captured soft lips with her own. They were as warm as she remembered, but much, much bolder.

Gabrielle parted her lips eagerly, her tongue flickering against Xena’s as she brought her hands down to curve around the firmness of the warrior’s buttocks, pulling her lover’s hips down against her own.

Her passion carrying her beyond her patience, Xena reached behind Gabrielle’s back to the laces holding her dress together.

“Oh no.” Gabrielle grabbed her hand and brought it to her lips. “Me first.” She laughed. “Or else I’ll never get my turn.”

The warrior’s eyes widened as Gabrielle pushed her onto her back and knelt over her, her skirt pulled up to her knees. Slowly, she lowered herself until she was sitting on Xena’s abdomen, her skin bare beneath her dress and soft against the warrior’s own.

Xena closed her eyes, her hands trembling as they reached up for Gabrielle’s shoulders, only to be caught and forced back to her sides.

“Patience, woman.” The bard laughed. “Open your eyes.”

Xena did as she was told, swallowing hard when Gabrielle’s hands went to the back of her dress and began to loosen the laces. “Let me help.” She whispered.

“No.” Gabrielle’s tone was teasing. “I know your kind of help. And I’ll be asleep five minutes after your done!” She smiled as the silk came free from her shoulders. Leaning forward, she kissed Xena with a passion that startled her. She caught the warrior’s hands again when they tried to slip into the open folds of her dress and pushed them up over her head. “I said it’s my turn.”

Xena smiled and relaxed her muscles, her heart beating wildly when Gabrielle’s lips moved down to her neck, her teeth biting gently at the sensitive skin beneath her right ear. More than anything she wanted to crush the bard to her, to give in to her passion and take control of the situation. But the strength in Gabrielle’s arms and the determination in her eyes told her how much this mattered to her, so she stayed right where she was.

Gabrielle’s lips left Xena’s neck and traveled across her collarbone before sliding down to caress the tops of her breasts. She released Xena’s arms, bringing her hands down to steady herself as her mouth closed around the warrior’s nipple.

Xena’s back arched as Gabrielle’s fingers found her other breast and began to squeeze gently. Wanting to feel her lover’s skin against her, she reached down and closed her fingers on soft, green silk, pulling it quickly over the bard’s head.

Gabrielle smiled against Xena chest as the warrior pushed up against her. Bringing up her knee, she slid it between the warrior’s thighs, pushing them apart. She closed her eyes as she settled herself between them, the warm wetness against her belly almost more than she could bear.

“Yes…” Xena moaned, her fingers raking across Gabrielle’s smooth, pale back until they rested on her shoulders.

The bard kissed the valley between Xena’s breasts before taking her other nipple between her lips, suckling it gently.

The warrior groaned. “Please…”

“Please what?” Gabrielle’s tone was teasing. “I’m new at this remember? You have to show me what you want.”

The hands on her shoulders began to push her downward, and she smiled as she dipped her tongue into a perfect navel. “Here? Or…lower?”

“You’re teasing me.” The warrior sounded breathless, almost weak, her words very soft.

“Yes. Yes I am.” Gabrielle lifted her head from where her lips had just began to touch soft, curly down. “Would you like me to stop?”

“Don’t you dare.” The warrior growled and wrapped her fingers in strawberry hair.

“Your wish is my command.” Sighing, she lowered her face to nuzzle the warrior’s hair with her nose. The scent she found there made her weak. “By the Gods…” With a hunger she had never felt before, she dipped her tongue into the soft pink flesh between her lover’s legs.

It was nectar. That was all that she could think, all she could whisper as her tongue began to move faster against the soft nub of flesh her mouth had found. She heard Xena moan from above her, felt her fingers tighten in her hair. She slid one hand down the warrior’s stomach and around her questing mouth.

“Yes..” Xena shuddered as Gabrielle’s fingers slid inside her, her entire body already aching from her sweet lips. “Faster…”

The bard moved her fingers faster, reaching further, curving them until she touched a high, smooth place that made her lover gasp.

Xena moved her hips against Gabrielle, caught in the rhythm of the drums, each beat another stroke of the bard’s tongue, another thrust of her fingers. She let go of Gabrielle’s hair, for fear that she would hurt her, placing her hands on her shoulders instead. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, in her ears, she could feel her body reaching it’s limit as she her vision darkened. “I love you.” She whispered.

Gabrielle quickened her pace again, one arm wrapped around the warrior’s thigh, trying to hold her in place. Lost in the taste and scent of her lover, her own hips moved against the bed, making her wet and driving her crazy. When Xena finally shuddered one last time, her back arching, a low moan escaping her lips, Gabrielle didn’t want to stop. She wanted to go on loving her warrior forever. It was Xena who finally dragged her away.

“Gabrielle…” Xena laughed softly. “Stop…stop…c’mere.”

The bard laid her cheek against Xena’s hair for a few moments, drinking in the sweetness of her scent, before climbing up the warrior’s body to nestle in her arms. “Did you mean it?” She whispered, her voice very small.

Xena smiled. “Yes, I did. I love you, Gabrielle. I have for a long time. I just didn’t know it.” She laughed. “I’ll have to thank Sylas if I run into him again.”

“Sylas?” Gabrielle turned to look up into her eyes, but the warrior only grinned.

“I’ll tell you about it sometime. But, for right now,” She pulled the bard closer. “I believe you said you’d do anything I wanted.”

Gabrielle smiled, “I did, didn’t I?”

“Mmmhmmm.” Xena pulled her in for a long, slow kiss before rolling over on top of her. “Now it’s my turn.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gabrielle stretched and opened her eyes . The room was dim, only a few candles left burning, the rest had burned themselves out. There was a pleasant weight across her stomach, a soft warmth against her side and she sighed in contentment, snuggling closer to the warrior sleeping next to her. In a few short hours they would be on the road, heading towards Zo…and a war. It seemed a million miles from where she was right then, and she wanted to enjoy it while she could.

She reached up casually to scratch her nose and was caught by the smell of her fingers. Closing her eyes, she breathed in a scent as fresh and clean as the woods after a rain and as sweet as honey on her tongue. It was all she could do to keep from slipping them into her mouth.

“Is this the afterglow you were talking about?”

Gabrielle started, opening her eyes to find Xena looking down at her. She hadn’t even felt her move! “Yes.” She slid her hand behind the warrior’s neck and pulled her down for a kiss. “It most certainly is.”

“Well.” Xena kissed her one last time. “Glow in your sleep. We both need our rest.”

Gabrielle nodded, rolling over on her side so that Xena could curve around her back. As she did, the stone slipped on it’s chain, sliding against her skin to rest against her left breast. The bard could feel it glowing warmly and pulled it away from her skin with two fingers, surprised Xena hadn’t asked her about it yet.

“Xena?”

“Hmm?”

“Have you ever heard of something called a Lath?” Gabrielle lay very still, gazing into the stone.

“Of course.”

“Why ‘Of course’?” She asked. “I never heard of it.”

Xena sighed, realizing sleep was lost, for a few minutes anyway. “All warrior’s know of the Laths, Gabrielle. Most have sought after them, at one time or another.”

“Why?”

“Because they are five of the most powerful weapons in existence.” She kissed the back of the bard’s neck. “Now get some sleep.”

Gabrielle’s mouth fell open as Xena slid an arm around her stomach. She looked down at the stone in her hand and swallowed.

Chapter 9: Myths and Legends

Draxen’s arm slid out across his bed, reaching for someone who wasn’t there. He pulled himself out of sleep with a sigh. This always happened for a few days after he had seen Derry. Unfortunately, that never made it any easier.

Stretching, he pulled on his breeches and boots before stepping out into the moonlight. The night was incredibly clear, the sky a million points of brilliant light. He fancied that his wife might be looking up at the same stars too, and wondered, not for the first time, what kept him out here. What held him to this life that seemed to just grow darker every day. It hadn’t been like this in the beginning.

Shaking his head, he turned towards the fire, surprised to see a familiar figure still sitting beside it.

Draxen walked up quietly, not wanting to wake her, should she be asleep. “Zo?” He whispered. “You awake?” He waited for a moment before turning back towards his tent.

“Don’t go.”

“Are you sure?” He tried to find her eyes, to see what mood she held in them, but her face was lost in shadows.

“I’m sure. Sit…please.”

Draxen lowered himself onto the makeshift bench across the fire from her. He watched the flames silently, remembering how many times they had done this in the past, the two of them, just sitting and talking until the sun rose up around them. “It’s different now, isn’t it?”

Zo turned her face to look at him and he could see the faint tracks of tears where they had dried on her cheeks. He was almost as surprised by that as he was by the coldness he found in her eyes. “Yes. Yes it is.”

“Why, Zo?” He slid closer to her. “Why does it have to be? You are a magnificent warrior. I could make you a Queen… That’s what we were going to do…remember?”

“I remember.” Her voice was very soft. “I remember everything.” She dropped her gaze back to the fire. “Have you ever lost anything, Draxen?”

“What do you mean?” He shrugged. “What? Like a dagger, or something?”

“No,” She laughed, knowing it was what he wanted. “And don’t play the fool, Drax. It doesn’t suit you.”

“All right.then, yes, if you must know. I understand what you’re talking about.”

“Do you?” Hard hazel eyes caught and held his own. “Do you know what it’s like to hold everything you’ve searched for you’re entire life in the palm of your hand… and then lose like that.” She snapped her fingers. “Not once, not twice, but three times?”

Draxen swallowed. “I lose my wife every time we leave.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “Not exactly the same thing but-“

“Close enough.” Zo whispered. “Now, imagine that she isn’t there, the next time you go home.” She watched his face harden. “How would you feel about the person that took her away?”

“About the same as you. But a lot of what I did about it would depend on whether or not she went willingly.” He reached out and squeezed her shoulder. “I know you, Zo. Probably better than anyone. And this…this all consuming rage, this madness… This isn’t you.”

She was silent for a moment, her face turned away. When she looked at him again, the fire cast an eerie glow across her cheeks and danced wildly in her eyes. “It is now.”

****************************************************************

“Xena?”

The warrior cracked one eye open to find her lover watching her. She sighed. The look on Gabrielle’s face meant that sleep would be lost for a while, if not for the rest of the night. “It’s late.” She growled. “You should be asleep.”

“I know.” Gabrielle pulled the sheets up around her shoulders. “But I think we need to talk.”

The serious tone in her voice caught Xena by surprise. “All right.” She pulled her self up to lean against the headboard. “About what?”

“I need you to tell me about the Laths.”

“The Laths?” The warrior raised on eyebrow. “you woke me up in the middle of the night to tell you a story?”

“It’s important. Please…”

Xena studied her for a moment before nodding. “As long as you tell me why.”

“Afterwards.” Gabrielle swallowed.

The warrior thought about arguing for a moment, then let it pass. She poured herself a glass of port and sipped it slowly, trying to wake up her vocal cords as her eyes read the worry on her lovers face. After a long sigh, she began. “There are five Laths in existence, the first four being the Elemental Laths, which were created by the power of the Gods.” Xena glanced up to make sure Gabrielle was paying attention. “Centuries ago, Zeus left Mount Olympus in search of the greatest alchemists ever born to man. After years of searching, he chose the four best suited to his needs. Those four were Tirycles, Nomaphalous, Bestus, and Rydonys. To them he offered what their hearts desired most… power. The deal was simple. All four would be given near limitless power, second only to that of the Gods, and one hundred years in which to use it. In return, Zeus commissioned the making of four amulets, and the right to any component he might need for their construction.”

“The alchemists agreed quickly, taking their power and his designs out into the world. They were not good Lords, they were not fair men, but then, Zeus didn’t care about such things. The Gods rarely do. They spent their hundred years , each trying to conquer the others, all of them pillaging the lands they ruled. And through it all they continued to search for everything Zeus required, finding all the components that he needed to make what he desired. All of them but one.”

“On the last day of the hundredth year, Zeus came to them, one at a time. He found each of the four as he expected them to be, old and dying, so frail they couldn’t even stand. And powerful enough to challenge even him, if they had had the strength to do so.”

“But Zeus was not a fool. He had given them limitless power, and a hundred years to reap it’s rewards, but he hadn’t given them youth. With every passing year, their minds became stronger as their bodies became weaker. When the he finally returned to call in his debt, they were too weak to speak or try to stop him. It was only then that they were told what they were helping to create. The Elemental Laths.”

“Each Lath would control one part of nature and could be used to shape it as the Gods wished. For that, Zeus took their souls. In a cauldron made of lightening, he mixed each one with sand, breaking in the bone of the earth to help hold it together, then he crushed it between his palms until each part joined with the others to form a perfect stone. From Tirycles, he created the Blue Lath, to control the tears of the heavens. From Nomaphalous came the Brown Lath, to control the earth and it’s movement. From Bestus he made the Red Lath, to hold the heat of fire. And from Rydonys came the White Lath, to control the blowing winds. They did not fight him, they didn’t even try. For that, Zeus rewarded them. He took away their consciousness, and made each one just a stone.”

“How cruel.” Gabrielle whispered.

“Not so cruel A stone can’t tell the passage of time.”

“Xena, what’s the ‘bone of the earth’?”

“Silver.” The warrior stretched. “or copper, or gold. Any one or all three, as long as the metal is pure.”

The bard nodded. “Go on.”

“When the four alchemists were dead and the amulets complete, Zeus returned to Mount Olympus. He placed the Laths in the Hall Of Winds, for all his children to use and there they stayed for centuries, until Hera, caught up in a fit of jealous rage, scattered them across the earth. Both the Gods and men alike have searched for them ever since.”

“And the fifth?” Gabrielle asked.

“The fifth?” She pulled the bard back to lay against her. “The fifth was the final and most powerful Lath. It was made less than two hundred years ago, and not by any God.”

“Who then?”

“By The Great Alchemist. Perhaps the greatest alchemist that has ever lived.”

“You sound like you were impressed by him.” Gabrielle drew her knees up and rested her chin on top of them. “I didn’t think you particularly approved of people who tampered with nature.”

“I don’t.” Xena downed the rest of her port. “But what I’ve heard of this alchemist, makes me wish I’d known her.”

“Her?” The bard’s eyebrows went up and she leaned forward. “A woman…”

“Yes.” The warrior frowned slightly at the lines that creased her lovers forehead. “She lived in a small village called Laned…” She stopped for a moment, her eyebrows knitting together… For a moment… Shrugging, she continued. “It wasn’t too far from here, as I remember. Anyway, she wasn’t well liked, being far too powerful for the likes of a small hunting village. The elders tried everything they could to make her go, but she refused, being held there by a force more powerful than herself…”

“What force?”

Xena started, amazed to find herself getting so caught up in a child's tale. She flushed slightly. “Love.”

“Ahh.” Gabrielle grinned shyly. “Love of whom?”

“A healer. An incredible healer. Some say that she was the other half of the alchemists soul.”

“Something tells me that this story does not have a happy ending.”

“No. No it doesn’t.” Xena slid one arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. “The healer was a simple farmer’s daughter. Her parents didn’t care for the alchemist any more than the elders did. When they found out about the love between them, they offered their daughters hand to the prince of a nearby kingdom. An offer that would have been laughed at, if not for her extraordinary abilities. The prince agreed, offering protection and prosperity for all of Laned.”

“And when the healer refused to marry him?”

Xena didn't answer.

“She didn’t refuse, did she?” Gabrielle felt a lump in her throat.

“No. She did what was best for her people. She promised her heart to her lover when they reached the Elysian Fields, but gave her hand to the man her parents had chosen.”

“What happened to the alchemist?”

“She lost her faith.” The warrior sighed, her heart heavy. How close had she come to doing the same? “She couldn’t stand to wait a lifetime, but she couldn’t bear to leave her lover unattended either. So she went about practicing heresy. She gathered all the information that she could from the writings of Nomaphalous, gleaning the rest from legends and myths, until she had the things she needed.. On her lover’s wedding night, she called down the power of the Gods, using Athena’s grace to change her cauldron to the stuff of lightning, and taking from Hephestus the strength to grind the stone. The last thing she added was the soul from within her chest. She pulled it out and laid it carefully on top. Then she watched with dying eyes as her Lath began to form and when it was done, it was a stone like no other, possessing a beauty to rival even those Zeus had created. At it’s core was the charm of truth and love, and the desire to return it to the person for whom it was intended.”

“So, the stone went to the healer?”

Xena shook her head. “No, she never saw it. Zeus made sure of that.”

“What did he do?” Gabrielle breathed.

“He learned what was happening when she called down the power of the Gods. When she was dead, and all that remained was the stone, he went to her and gathered it up. He tried to remove it’s charms, but he couldn’t undo what the other Gods had done. So, instead, he cursed it, and the two of them. To the alchemist, he gave everlasting consciousness. He gave her thought, and feeling, so that she would know the horror of being trapped within her prison.”

“And the healer?”

“To the healer he gave a brutal form of immortality, so that she would know eternity without the other half of her soul. But he didn’t give her eternal life...instead, he gave her the lives of her children.”

“What?” Gabrielle felt her heart go cold.

“Her soul would take the bodies of her children. Casting them down to Hades, before they took their first breath.”

“That’s… That’s…” The look of horror on the bard’s face said what her words could not.

“Then Zeus forbade them to ever be together. The stone and the healer could never touch, the two souls could never meet.” Xena snorted. “Their names could not even be said together in the same breath, or they would both be destroyed and separated forever.”

“So, when the charm on the Lath caused someone to try and reunite them…”

“They, themselves, would have to fight to stop it.”

“Goddess,” Gabrielle’s voice was very small. “To be forced to fight against the one thing you want more than life… How awful.”

“Yes.” Xena nodded sadly. “It is.”

“And there’s nothing that can be done? Nothing that can change it?”

“There is always a way out of a curse, Gabrielle. But in two hundred years, they haven’t been able to find it.”

“Xena, what were their names?”

"The healers name was Kylein…” The warrior bolted upright.

“What?” Gabrielle looked at her in concern. “What is it?”

“I met her….” Xena whispered. “I met the healer.” She ran her finger across the smooth skin of her leg.

“Where…?”

“Denal..” She grinned. “Laned… Hades, it’s right there!” Her eyes widened. “That means The Stone is nearby. Gabrielle-“

“The Stone Of Emony?” The bard looked up at her.

“Yes! I…How did you know the Alchemist’s name?”

“Xena, why haven’t you seen this?” She pulled the blankets away and held the amulet up in her palm.

“I have. It’s very pretty. What’s the point here?”

Gabrielle looked down at the stone in her palm, it was glowing bright pink and cast a rainbow of colors across her lover’s face. “What do you see?”

The warrior leaned closer. “A particularly attractive piece of rock. I was going to ask where you got it, but it didn’t seem terribly important.”

“Because you were focused on me instead…” She whispered. “And she focused my attention on you. She was protecting herself…”

“No!” Emony’s voice sounded in her mind “ Not just protecting myself. Protecting your destiny, so that you don’t end up like…like…”

“Like you…” Tears pooled up in Gabrielle’s eyes, rolling down her cheeks before she could stop them.

“Gabrielle?” Xena grabbed her shoulders. “Gabrielle, what’s wrong?”

“Xena, look at the stone.” She whispered. “Please… see it for what it truly is.”

The warrior gave her a concerned look, but turned her attention to the stone in the bard’s palm. For a moment, there was nothing, just a dark, attractive stone that she didn't really want to look at. In fact, the harder she stared, the more her eyes wanted to look away. "It's charmed." She reached out and touched it with the tip of her finger, pulling it back quickly as a searing pain burnt through her skin.

“What in Tartarus was that? I ...” Xena’s voice trailed off as the stone began to glow, sending multi-colored rays all around them. “Gabrielle?!” She reached out quickly, trying to catch the bard’s shoulders in her hands, but they closed on empty air.

Xena felt panic wrap around her heart as she slid out of their bed. For a moment, she could see faint trails of color, almost as though the stone’s light had been embedded in the walls.

Then there was only darkness.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Draxen saddled his horse quietly, his heart heavy. He had never thought himself capable of what he was about to do, but he didn’t have any other choice. Pulling himself up into the saddle, he rode out of camp.

Zo watched her second ride away. The darkness in her screamed for his head, raged through her body, tried everything it could to get her to follow him.

To get her to kill him.

Unconsciously, she reached for her sword, strapping it on while the anger burned in her chest. But she had only gone two paces when she stopped. Unbuckling the weapon, she looked at it through the eyes of a stranger.

“You…boy!” She called out to one of the new recruits, one that looked vaguely familiar. He ran to her side quickly. “Do you fear me?”

The young man looked at her for a moment, then bobbed his head. “Yes, sir.”

“Good.” She ran one finger across his smooth, hairless cheek. “You are my second.”

“But, Draxen-“

“Draxen has seen fit to desert us, boy. Would you turn down the position?”

“No, sir.” His voice quavered slightly. “But, if he has deserted, shouldn’t we change course… or something?” His heart shriveled in his chest when she turned her cold, hazel eyes on him.

“Nothing changes. If he betrays me, he dies. Now get the men ready, we march in one hour.”

“Yes, sir!” He strode away quickly, barking orders to her startled men.

“Listen to him, he holds Draxen’s place.” She screamed at them. She watched as her warriors scrambled to comply. “Don’t let me down, Boy.”

“I won’t.” He swore. “By Ares, I won’t.”

Zo nodded. “Remember that. Your life depends on it.”

He swallowed, trying to remember how to breathe as he watched her walk away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Gabrielle?”

“Xena?”

“Gabrielle!” The warrior reached out, sweeping her arm through the darkness. “Where are you?”

“Just stand still. It’ll find us in a minute. Trust me, I’ve done this before.”

“What will find us? Oh…” She blinked as a bright light began to glow around Gabrielle. For a moment, it was blinding. When it faded, they were both at the base of a mountain. There were three sets of stairs climbing up away from them, the middle one crumbled, but the other two still intact. “I guess we climb.” She shrugged.

“NO!” Gabrielle gabbed her by the arm. “Those aren’t for you.”

“How do you… Oh, wait, I forgot..” She smiled sarcastically. “You’ve done this before. What is going on, Gabrielle?”

“I don’t know where to start.” She sighed.

“Try the beginning.” Xena reached out and gently lifted the stone from her chest. “Like where you got this.”

“From me…”

They both turned, Gabrielle smiling and Xena scowling.

“You were in the bar.” The warrior accused.

“Yes.” Emony walked towards them. “In a sense.”

“I think you owe us an explanation.” Xena growled.

“Owe you?” The alchemist grinned. “I see. For showing you your hearts, for bringing you together, for saving destiny, I owe you?”

“All right,” Xena crossed her arms. “Thank you very much. NOW explain.”

“And what would you have me explain?”

Xena turned to Gabrielle. “Does she always answer a question with a question?”

“You get used to it.” The bard nodded.

Emony reached out, stopping her fingers just shy of Gabrielle’s cheek. “No, she is right. It is the time for answers.” She sighed. “Ask what you will, warrior, but know that Gabrielle will tell you all that has transpired later. For now, my time is limited. Make your questions count.”

“Why did you help us?” Gabrielle looked into her honey green eyes.

“For many reasons.” She smiled gently. “Because destiny is served by doing so, because each of you holds half of the same soul,” She looked away. “Because you remind me of her… And you both remind me of us.”

“I remind you of who?”

“Kylein.” Xena answered for the Alchemist. “You look like Kylein, Gabrielle. And more than that. You both have the same gentle spirit, the same heart. I noticed it right away. She’s Kyla now, isn’t she?”

“Yes.” Emony nodded.

“How did you set that up? How did she know?”

“There has always been a link between us. We cannot speak, but we can share images, more so when we have to fight against being rejoined. Another gift from Zeus. We are at our closest, when we must fight to be apart.”

“Then all that talk about Zo becoming a powerful warlord was-“

“Absolutely true.” Emony finished for her. “Everything I have shown you is true. Everything I have told you, is true. The center of the stone is truth.” She sighed. “More often than not, I have turned away from the truth in a persons soul. This stone and I have traveled far in the hands of the undeserving, but we always end up here. Kylein is my destiny. As Gabrielle is yours, and you are hers.”

“So you did this to right the path of fate?” Xena looked at her skeptically.

“Take away a person’s destiny, and what do you have left?” A single tear slipped down her cheek. “Your lives will touch the hearts of so many.” She turned to Gabrielle. “You are a farm girl who learned to be a warrior, of words and with your staff. You have faced death and loss, and still refused to let it eat away your soul. And you.” She turned to Xena. “You have taken the evil in your heart and turned it out. You would give your life to atone for your actions, you would give anything to change the things that you have done. There is no more darkness in your soul, Xena. Only shadows of what used to be. You deserve each other, and that is the greatest compliment I can give you both.”

Silence stretched between them as Xena studied the Alchemist’s face. Finally, she nodded. “Then I do owe you thanks.”

“No,” The dark planes of Emony’s face softened. “Thank you. You let me into your dreams, into your hearts. You let me share the love in your souls. That’s something I haven’t had…for a long, long time.”

Gabrielle thought her heart would break at the sadness of the her words. “Is there nothing we can do for you?” She reached out and touched Emony’s hand without thinking. That simple contact sent a thousand images coursing through her mind as waves of emotion crashed into her pounding heart. When the alchemist finally pulled away, she stepped back, dazed. “How long has it been?” She gasped. “Since someone touched you?”

“An eternity.” Emony closed her eyes. “ You cannot help me, Gabrielle.”

“But…”

“Goodbye, Gabrielle. I will think of you both. I beg you, think of me.”

“Wait!” The bard tried to reach her as she faded away, but Xena grabbed her and held her close.

You cannot help me, Gabrielle….

The bard opened her eyes, Emony’s words repeating in her mind. She turned to wake Xena and found the warrior watching her intently.

“Are you going to tell me what’s been going on?” She raised one eyebrow.

“No. Not right now.” She wrapped her fingers around the Lath, now cold and dark. “Right now, I need your help.”

“To do what?”

“To help Emony.”

“And what about Zo?” Xena said gently. “Have you forgotten that we need to be somewhere tomorrow morning?”

“Xena, do you trust me?”

“With my life.”

“Then let me sleep a little longer.” She saw the doubt in her lover’s eyes and smiled. “I think Emony gave me something…when I touched her. I think she gave me the means to help her. But this has only ever worked when I’m asleep.”

The warrior sighed. “All right. But if I find out this is just a trick to get me to let you sleep late…”

Gabrielle laughed and kissed her gently. “I… I think I need to be alone.”

Xena nodded. “I’ll go look for my own answers.” She slid out of bed and into her armor. “About where we can find Zo.”

“Who will you ask?”

A slow grin spread across her Xena’s face. “Oh, I have an idea…” She gave her lover one last kiss and turned to go.

“Xena?”

“Hmm?”

“Did you ever search for the Laths?”

The warrior hesitated, strapping on her sword before answering. “A long time ago. When I thought I could use them to rule. Why?”

Gabrielle smiled casually. “Just wondering.”

Xena looked as though she didn’t quite believe her, but smiled anyway. “I’ll be back. Keep the door barred.”

The bard nodded, leaving their bed to do as she was told. When the room was secure, she took a long drink of Xena’s port, grimacing at the taste. “How do you drink this stuff?” After a dipper of water to wash it down, she slid back between the sheets.

“All right, Emony. You said to think of you, and I am. I know you can’t help me with this, just please, don’t get in the way.”

Closing her eyes, she drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 10: The Way Of Dreams

Xena glanced up at the sky as she rode, her eyes counting the stars and the shadows as she figured the time in her head. She had a little over an hour before the first light of dawn crept over the mountains. It would have to be enough.

Squeezing Argo gently with her knees, she mumbled a soft apology and a solemn promise involving oats and a certain brush Gabrielle carried in her bag. She’d have Hades to pay for using that brush, but right now, the risk was worth it.

Xena smiled when the mare nickered and quickened her pace. “Thanks, girl.” She rubbed the horse’s ears. “as fast as you can...”

Half an hour later, Xena pulled up short in front of the warrior’s compound, her eyes narrowing as she took in the shattered gate that had once stood ten feet high. It looked as though it had been hit by a giant, it’s hinges twisted and hanging off to the side. Drawing her sword, she slid off of Argo and stepped inside, her ears catching a sound that definitely had no place there.

Silence.

No, more than silence. It was a dead sound, the same quiet you found in graveyards and gutted villages. Even the air was still.

Xena moved silently, her steps making no sound as she crept from one building to the next. What she found puzzled her.

There was no blood, no destruction, in fact, no sign of any kind of altercation at all. And yet there were no people. Each building was empty, it’s furnishings left neatly arranged as though the occupant might return at any time. Somehow, Xena didn’t think they would.

Satisfied that she was alone, the warrior turned towards the Raven’s Claw. Her eyes widened as it came into view.

The Inn was gone...destroyed. And destroyed was a gentle term.

There wasn’t one single board or brick left standing, just a pile of rubble that reached nearly to her shoulders. She made one pass through what was left, collecting bits of rope as she went. Each rope had a leather gather at one end that closed around an iron hoop. The other end was ragged, as though it had been snapped.

The pulled it apart, Xena thought to herself. The Inn, as it had been, was a large, two story building, built to withstand almost anything. The sheer magnitude of what Zo had done was staggering. And the number of men and horses she would have needed to do it was inconceivable.

“An army...” She shook her head. So that’s where everyone went.

Lifting her face into a cool, passing breeze, Xena froze.. There was something... She breathed the air in deeply. It smelled....like copper... ?

Cursing softly, she turned her attention to the ground. It didn’t take long to find what she was looking for.

A thin trail of blood...leading from the wreckage into the trees behind it. At first just a few drops, then a steadier stream, until she knew she was hunting a dead man. Still, she had to hope..

The trail ended abruptly at the base of a huge tree, the ground beside it stained an impossible shade of red. Her eyes panned from tree to tree until a drop of fluid landed on her shoulder. Looking up, she swallowed.

Hanging from the tree was a bloodied mass, barely recognizable as a man. With a flip of her wrist, Xena sent her chakram spinning up into the branches. It found it’s mark, slicing through the rope around the victims ankles before gliding back to her hand. She caught the body as gently as she could, letting the corpse’s own weight drag it to the dirt, where it landed face down.

She didn’t need to roll him over to know who it was.

She told me you’d be coming. And that she’d kill me if I helped you find her.

“I guess you were right.” Xena grunted in frustration. “So much for my answers.” She glanced at the Innkeeper coldly, trying hard to feel sorry for the man and failing miserably. Her eyes narrowed when she noticed that the body was leaning at an odd angle, as though there were something large sticking out of his chest.

With one foot, she caught the innkeepers body under it’s arm and flipped him onto his back. Protruding from his chest was a ten inch dagger, it’s hilt made up like the head and neck of twin bronze dragons. “Zo.” The warrior growled, grabbing the weapon and yanking it free. With it came a piece of parchment so soaked in blood that she hadn’t seen it at first. It was carefully folded, almost as though the writer had known it would be getting wet and wanted the message to remain clear.

Xena opened it slowly, her own blood turning to ice as she read the four words written there.

See you in Potedeia...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gabrielle’s eyes flew open, her hands fluttering up over her heart. She felt the seductive fingers of a dream receding, felt it slip out of her mind, even as she tried to hold onto it. What was it? She couldn’t even be sure it was a dream, more than a nightmare. She had an overwhelming sense of being surrounded, mixed in with the heartache of an unbearable loss. What was this?

Standing up, she felt her head connect solidly with a hard, cold ceiling. “What the...” Rubbing her eyes, she swung her head from side to side, her glance catching on the thin, web-like glow of the multi-faceted walls.

“Faceted?” Reaching out a hand, the bard slid her fingers across the smooth, glasslike stone, her skin registering cold spots as well as warm. When she realized that there was no exit, panic settled in her chest. She was trapped inside the stone...

Gabrielle tried to focus on finding a way out, but the ache in her heart was growing at an alarming rate. The ache of loss...

“Emony.” She whispered. “Is this what it’s like? Is this all that you’ve had? For 200 years?”

There was no answer.

“This is cruel.” Gabrielle felt tears course down her cheeks. “How could Zeus do this? How did you survive?” She didn’t expect the Alchemist to answer. It was her job to find the answers now. Closing her eyes, she gave herself over to emotions raging inside her. When she opened them again, the stone was gone, as was the loss, replaced instead by a seedy tavern. Gabrielle wondered briefly who she was in this vision, but a brilliant smile from across the bar was all the answer she needed.

“Gabrielle!” Xena moved towards her, her smile growing with each step.

“Xena!” The bard took one step and stopped abruptly, a fierce sense of fear and panic settling firmly in her chest. And the closer Xena got, the more panicked she became. “Stop!” She held her hand out, placing it between them. “Don’t....”

“Gabrielle? Are you all right?” Xena reached out a hand to touch her cheek.

“DON’T TOUCH ME!”

The warrior pulled her hand back quickly, her cheeks flushing red as she turned away.

“Wait...” Gabrielle called out weakly. “That’s not...I mean.... I didn’t mean....”

“Right...” The warrior walked away, glancing back once before stalking out of the bar.

“I get it...” The bard watched her go, her hands curling into fists. “To be forced to fight against the one thing you want more than life...”

Gabrielle shook her head. No more of this. There were no answers in these memories, only pain. And she didn’t think she could take any more of it.

No, there was only one place where she could find her answers, only one memory that could possibly help her. “Now.” She clenched the stone in the palm of her hand. “Show me...”

There was no light this time, just the vague feeling that everything around her had shifted followed by a bone numbing coldness. Shaking violently, she fought to open her eyes.

“Still so stubborn...” A deep, rich voice filled the space around her. “Lie still, let it end.”

Gabrielle struggled harder, finally managing to open her eyes enough to see the room around her.

Aged and weathered, Zeus stood before her, holding the stone that carried her soul. He noticed her struggles and smiled in her direction. “If the truth be told, I thought you gone from this world. All except your soul. I supposed I shouldn’t be surprised. You had no respect for your place when you were yet living, why should it be different now?” He laughed. “Perhaps this is better. This way you can hear what your heresy has wrought.”

Looking into the stone, he marveled at her creation. It was flawless. Even the four he created held fractures within. But not this one, not the Stone of Emony. “I cannot undo what you have stolen from the Gods. This stone is, and shall remain, a Lath... But it will never reach Kylein. It will never know her palm, just as she will never know her children.” He set the crystal as he spoke, sliding it into a silver brace attached to a simple chain. “For her, eternity without family, or love. For you, an eternity to think on what you have done, an eternity alone, with the knowledge of what you have caused.”

Gabrielle watched as Zeus held the Lath up by it’s chain. “An eternity to find the light hidden within the darkness. An eternity to find the enemy who is to be your only friend.”

“There it is.” She smiled. Letting her eyes close, Gabrielle tried to will herself away, but she didn’t have the strength. “No...” She whispered.

With a strange, sick feeling, Gabrielle felt herself begin to die.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Xena kept her eyes on the road ahead, trying to concentrate on the path before her. At the breakneck speed she was running Argo, any stone or rut could make her stumble... and cost her mare a leg.

She tried not to think beyond her surroundings, but it was so hard not to let her mind drift back to Gabrielle. It was so hard not to wonder what she was doing, and if she was ok....

She didn’t see him until it was too late, only a black shape swinging down from the branches overhead. His lower legs connected solidly, brushing her off of Argo’s back and onto the hard, cold ground.

Xena was on her feet in an instant, her sword drawn and pointed towards her attacker. “I remember you...” She hissed. “Where is she?”

Draxen stepped out of the shadows and held his hands up. The moon had long since vanished, but the predawn light was enough for Xena to see that his hands were empty. She lowered her sword slightly, drawing a small circle in the air with it’s tip.

With a nod, Draxen turned slowly in a circle, raising his vest to show her that he carried no weapons at all. “I did not come here to fight you, Xena.”

“Well, that was a pretty stupid way to say hello.” She lowered her blade completely, but did not put it away. “What do you want?”

“To talk.”

“So talk. I don’t have much time. Make it quick.”

“Zo’s going to Potedeia.” He ran one hand over the stubble on his cheeks. “She intends to flush you out of hiding. She knows you couldn’t let innocent people die, let alone the family of your...” He stopped short when Xena raised her eyebrows dangerously. “Friend.”

“She’s more than a friend,” She nodded at him and, deciding he was no threat, returned her sword to it’s scabbard. “But what does that mean to you?”

He shrugged and turned his face away. “I don’t know. A week ago, I would have said that it meant nothing. But that’s not true anymore.”

“Why?”

For a moment, she thought he wouldn’t answer, then he turned and met her eyes. “Because it’s real.” He said quietly. “And that’s very hard to find.... and even harder to lose. Zo thought she had it, and to be honest, so did I.”

“You’re both wrong.” Xena whistled for Argo and began a quick check of the mare’s tack.

“I know that, Xena.” He walked around so he could see her face. “I think she knows it too, but she doesn’t want to accept it.”

“Right.” Xena snorted. “Look, this is all very entertaining, but I have an army to stop-“

“I can help you.”

She turned around slowly, mistrust evident on her face. “Why would you do that?”

“Because the woman leading this army is not the Zo I know. When Gabrielle left, she took more than Zo’s heart. She took her hope.”

“Hope?” Xena repeated, sarcasm dripping from her voice. “Well, that seems fair...she was more than willing to take the hope of those four girls I rescued from her slavers. And what about the innkeepers hope? Won’t do him any good any more...unless it’s in the shape of a bucket.” She started to climb into the saddle and felt a strong hand on her arm. “Let go of me, Draxen. Trust me, it’s in your best interest.”

He pulled his arm back but did not move away. “And it’s in your best interest to hear me out.”

Xena looked into his eyes and saw honesty...and something else. “All right. You have five minutes.”

Draxen nodded and took a deep breath. “The slaving was not her idea.”

“Okay, whose idea was it?”

“Mine.”

“You’re a second, you don’t have the authority...”

“Yes, I did. That is what you don’t seem to understand. Zo was not a warlord. Oh, sure, the villagers called her that, and so did her men. But she was a general more than anything. She and I built this army up together. We started less than three years ago, hand picked every man, and one or the other of us personally trained each one. When we were done, we had over seventy men, and nearly as many horses.” He smiled sadly. “And that’s not counting the mules.”

“Uh huh.” Xena glanced up at the sky. “Is there a point here?”

“Yes!” Draxen finally snapped at her. “The point is, Zo built this army like no other. The men followed her because they wanted to, they trusted her, believed in her. And never once did she let them down. We never pillaged any villages, never killed any innocents. Yes, we were hired mercenaries, yes she sent us into war, many times, but always on the right side. And always with compassion for her men... and herself.”

She studied him silently for a few moments. “That isn’t how she tells it.”

“Not to you.”

Xena thought about that, then nodded. “Go On.”

Draxen swallowed. “You took away her life,” He held up a hand at her protest. “I know it wasn’t your fault, call it bad timing, but when you killed the man she had been sent for, that’s exactly what you did. May I?” He pointed to her waterskin.

Xena nodded, watching as he took a long drink. She smiled when he wiped it clean before handing it back.

“Thank you.” He looked up at her. “You took her heart too, you know, when you left the first time.” He sighed. “Then you took Gabrielle...”

“I didn’t ‘take her’.” She said quietly. “Gabrielle made her choice.”

“I know. But all Zo sees is you, taking something from her again.”

“That’s no excuse..”

“Xena,” Draxen stepped closer. “If Gabrielle had chosen Zo, would you still be using that argument? Or would you do anything that you could....not to believe it?”

Xena thought about that for several long moments, then sighed. “All right. So what am I supposed to do about it?”

“Just don’t hurt her.” He pleaded. “She has a good heart, and someday she might even believe that again.”

“Don’t hurt her...” Xena shook her head. “I seem to be hearing that a lot. Why did you start slaving?”

“To get her what she wanted... a way out. She didn’t want to be a General anymore. She wanted to find somewhere to call a home, and someone to share it with. Slaving brought in a lot of money. Enough to buy her a way out.” He lowered his eyes. “It isn’t something that I’m proud if... “

“What about the Innkeeper?” Xena’s hand wandered to the hilt of her sword. “Was that you too?”

“No. She’s got herself a new second now, one that’s eager to prove his worth, and his loyalty. He ordered the man killed.”

“How do you know that?”

“Because I was there, Xena. No one saw me, but I saw them. Zo did destroy the Raven’s Claw, and she did take the men for her army. But she had already headed out when her man sent out the assassins.”

Xena sighed. This just got better and better.

“There’s something else.”

“What?”

“The men she leads now do not have her sense of honor, they do not share the ideals that she and I used to have. They sense a rabid leader and a lot of quick money. With them at her back, she’ll never stop. She won’t have to.”

Xena frowned. “You’re right.” She stared into his eyes. “So how can you help me stop them, and her?”

“First your word...that you won’t hurt her.”

“You have it. I will not hurt her... unless it’s the only way to stop her from hurting someone else.”

Draxen didn’t look happy about the added condition, but he finally agreed. “All right. This is how I can help: I know where they are. And I know where they’re going.” He laughed bitterly. “Hades, I chose the routes they’re taking to get there. I can tell you where to cut them off, Xena. If you leave within the next two hours, you can catch up to them long before they reach Potedeia.”

Xena didn’t waste time. Every sense she had was telling her to trust this man, and that was enough for her. Grabbing a map out of Argo’s pack, she unrolled it onto the ground and knelt beside it. “Show me.”

“There.” Draxen pointed. “That’s where they are.” He glanced up at the rising sun. “They’ll be moving by now. But you can catch them here.” He slid his finger down, bringing it to rest next to a small meandering line.

“The Kirys River.” She nodded. “That’s smart. Fresh water, fresh fish... and it leads straight to Potedeia.” Jumping up, she tucked the map into her belt and took Draxen by the shoulders. “All right, now listen to me. I need you to go ahead to the village. Whatever it takes, you need to get there first. Mobilize the people, get them out of town... just in case.”

“No.” He shook his head emphatically. “I’m going to be there when you catch up to her.”

“She’ll kill you.”

“Maybe,” He shrugged.

“You don’t care? Gabrielle said you have a wife. What about her?”

Draxen turned slowly, his eyes very clear in the new morning sun. “I have loved two women in my life. To one I gave my heart, to the other... my loyalty. I would gladly die for either of them.”

Xena straightened and slowly extended her arm. “I hope some day to call you friend, Draxen.”

The warrior gripped her arm tightly, meeting her eyes one last time. “I hope that day is tomorrow.”

She watched him as he headed back into the trees. A few moments later, she heard the creak of leather and the sound of a horse running at a full gallop.

Satisfied that he had been alone, Xena finished checking Argo’s saddle and grabbed on to the horn, using it to pull herself up. Just as she swung her leg over the mare’s back, she felt a wave of nausea hit her, followed by a darkness that threatened the edge of her vision. Somewhere in her mind she saw Gabrielle laying very still... too still.

“Hurry!”

The word echoed through her mind like a thunderclap. It was Emony’s voice, but it sounded hollow.... almost...empty.

Panic laced itself around her heart as she grabbed up the reins. “Yah!”

Argo knew that tone of voice. She took off running, settling into her fastest gait as Xena leaned forward in the saddle.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 11 - Heart Of A Warlord

“YA!” Xena pushed Argo as hard as she dared, her heart hammering into her throat with every beat of the mare’s hooves. She was close, another ten minutes at most, but... She tasted the bitterness of panic on her tongue. But what? What was happening?

“Hurry!” Emony’s voice echoed weakly in her ears. “Before it’s too late!”

“No...NO!” The warrior pressed harder against Argo’s flanks and heard the mare grunt beneath her. A moment later, she stumbled, throwing Xena forward over the saddle. She landed hard, her ankle buckling slightly under her weight, but she didn’t let it slow her. With a quick glance back to assure herself that Argo was still standing, Xena took off running.

Ignoring the pain, she ran full out, her breath trailing behind her in cold, morning air. As the Dancing Stag loomed up before her, Xena remembered that Titan always barred the door through the last few hours of the night. Squaring her shoulders, she turned slightly and slammed into it’s center as hard as she could.

The door flew open as though it were made of kindling, pieces of it sailing across the common room to land on the bar.

“GABRIELLE?” Xena took the stairs three at a time, one hand cradling the arm that hung uselessly from her right shoulder. “GABRIELLE!!” She slammed against the door to their room as well, wincing in pain as the cross beam shattered.

For a moment, she just stood in the doorway, her eyes resting on the very still form of her lover. “Gabrielle?” She swallowed hard and moved towards the bed.

The bard did not respond. Her eyes were closed, her hands clasped loosely across her chest.

Her chest... it wasn’t moving...

“No.” Xena grabbed Gabrielle by the shoulders. “No.”

“The stone....get it away...”

“The stone?” Letting her go, Xena clawed at the blankets covering her lover. Pulling them aside, she grabbed at the Lath and yanked it free.

“Get it away from her!” Emony’s voice was stronger this time and Xena did as she was told, throwing the stone across the room and onto a pile of blankets.

“Gabrielle?” She touched the bard’s face gently. “Come on...” She felt the panic returning and tried to shove it down. “Please...”

Nothing.

“Gabrielle... Aren’t you tired of doing this?” Xena laughed weakly, her throat closing. “You don’t want me to hit you again, do you?”

Still... nothing.

“Your anger can not help her this time, Warrior... Try your heart...”

Leaning in close, Xena kissed her gently, then whispered in her ear, “You can’t go... You have half of my soul....” Closing her eyes, she touched her forehead to the bard’s chest. “I love you, Gabrielle.”

There was only silence.

“No...” The warrior’s shoulders began to shake.

“Please don’t hit me again.”

Xena looked up quickly, her eyes taking in the color returning to her lover’s cheeks. “Gabrielle?” She swallowed. “Thank the gods...” She wrapped her good arm around the bard and pulled her close, drowning in the scent of her, never wanting to let her go.

“Say it again.”

Xena smiled. “I love you. I love you, I love you, I love you.” She kissed Gabrielle gently. “Is that enough?”

“Never.” The bard pressed her lips to Xena’s neck. Tasting the salt of her lover’s skin, she pulled away, noticing the pained look on her face for the first time. “What did you do to yourself?”

Xena pushed away from the embrace and moved to the edge of the bed. “The arm is nothing, I can fix that now.” Without preamble, she threw herself against the wall, grinning tightly as her should slipped back into place.

“Oh..” Gabrielle looked away. “I hate it when you do that.” She watched as Xena limped back to the bed. “What about your leg?”

“That will have to wait.” She put her hands on Gabrielle’s shoulders. “I have to tell you something.”

“What?”

Xena chose her words carefully. “We’re going to catch her, Gabrielle. I swear it to you...”

“I know..“ Gabrielle stopped short. “You found out where she’s going didn’t you?” Panic slipped into her voice as she grabbed for her clothes. “Where?”

“Gabrielle…”

“Where Xena?” The look on the warrior’s face told her the answer. “No.” She whispered.

“We’ll catch her, Gabrielle. We have help.”

“Help?” The bards voice rose with her panic.

“Draxen.”

Gabrielle stopped. “You have to be kidding? He must be trying to set us up...”

“I know, I thought the same thing at first.... But I believe we can trust him.”

“Why?”

“Because he doesn’t like the new Zo any more than we do.” Xena tied her hair back as she spoke. “And because he’s telling the truth.”

“How do you know that?”

“I just know, Gabrielle.” Xena looked into her eyes. “Do you trust me?”

“Of course.” She swallowed, trying to control the panic that she felt. “but...”

The warrior shook her head. “There’s no time for doubt, Gabrielle. Zo is heading for the Kirys river. If we leave now, we can catch her there, before she even gets close to your family.”

“And then what?” The bard finished tying on her skirt and ran her fingers through her hair. “She has an army, Xena. How do we stop an army?”

Xena strode to the other side of the room and grabbed up the bag she had carried in the night before. Tossing it to her, the warrior smiled. “We improvise. Finish getting ready, I’ll meet you downstairs.”

Gabrielle opened the bag and pulled out a pair of boots, her size. They were made of soft, black leather, and lined thick on the inside with new sheep’s down. “Where’d you get these?”

Xena only smiled and slipped out the door.

The bard laced her new boots quickly, then stood, wiggling her toes inside of them. They were perfect. Grabbing the lath, she tucked it into her bag and headed downstairs.

She found Xena talking to a tired looking Titan. When she was done speaking, the giant nodded and clasped her wrist before heading out in a rush.

“Where’s he going?”

Xena smiled tightly. “To do what he can. Come on.” She hurried the bard out to the stables where Rylan was waiting with a large black mare, already saddled and very jumpy.

“Where’s Argo?” Gabrielle looked around, worried.

“Argo’s fine, but she stumbled this morning and she won’t be able to give us the speed we need. This horse will have to do.”

“Don’t worry,” Rylan tucked the reins into Xena’s palm. “Morda is faster than any horse I’ve ever seen. She’ll get you there... if she doesn’t bite you first.”

Xena turned and stared into the mare’s eyes. A long moment passed, then another. Finally, the horse nickered and looked away.

“Oh, she won’t be biting anyone.” The warrior smiled. “We have an understanding.” She swung herself up into the saddle with ease, then grabbed Gabrielle’s hand to help her up. “I’ll bring her back to you in one piece.” Xena smiled at the barkeep reassuringly, then dug her heels into the mare’s flanks, urging her into an all out gallop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Zo glanced at the men behind her as she rode, feeling their stares burning into her back. It was a sensation she wasn’t used to, and one she didn’t like. She had never had to worry about the men behind her before, she had always trusted them implicitly...until now.

Now, there were murderer’s behind her, murderer’s, thieves, and the God’s only knew what else. These were men she would have fought against once, now they followed her. As much as that type of warrior could follow anyone. Zo had never liked their kind, and she could tell her own warriors didn’t like them much either. She had already broken up three fights and buried one good man.

“What am I doing?” Zo whispered to herself.

“I’m sorry, Sir?” Her second looked at her. “I didn’t hear you.”

“You weren’t meant to!” She snapped. “Know one thing clearly, boy. YOU ARE NOT DRAXEN. We are not friends. You serve me. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Sir.” The young man stumbled over himself trying to move away. “I only thought to tell you that the river is just ahead.”

Zo nodded, the steel returning to her eyes once again. “Good. I want men sent to fish. I want everyone fed and ready to move before the sun is overhead. Understood?”

“Yes, Sir!”

She watched him go, his sword nearly too long for his legs, and shook her head. She missed Draxen.

Zo squashed that thought quickly as rage filled her heart. He had betrayed her, he had run away like a coward with his tail between his legs. She did NOT miss him... and if he should ever cross her path again, she WOULD kill him.

With rage safely burning in her chest, Zo squared her shoulders and headed for the river.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gabrielle watched silently as the landscape sped by them, her arms wrapped tightly around Xena’s waist. “Are we going to make it?” She whispered.

Xena started to answer, then went completely still. Her eyes scanned the woods in front of her before she turned Morda off the path and into the trees, bringing her to a stop.

“Why are we stopp-“ Gabrielle was silenced by a finger pressed gently to her lips.

Soundlessly, Xena slid to the ground and motioned for the bard to stay where she was.

Gabrielle watched as the warrior slipped from tree to tree, finally losing sight of her behind a thick stand of bushes. She waited for five minutes, then ten. Finally, fifteen minutes later, she urged Morda in the direction her lover had gone. “Xena?” She called softly.

“Well…what have we here?”

Gabrielle turned in the saddle, her heart dropping when she saw the men standing behind her.

They were huge, and one of them was very familiar.

“You were at the gate.” He smiled, showing an ugly, black toothed grin. “This time, it goes my way…” With an evil laugh, he advanced on her, grabbing for her legs.

Gabrielle kicked out hard, her foot meeting solidly with her assailant’s nose. There was a loud crack, a gush of blood, and the man went to his knees before falling face forward into the dirt. “Hmm.” Gabrielle smiled as she reached above her to a low hanging branch. Grabbing it, she slid from the mare’s back, letting her weight snap the branch off in her hands. It wasn’t her staff, but it would do.

She turned to face the second warrior, her heart pounding loudly in her ears as she watched him draw his sword.

“Playtime’s over.” He growled, charging her.

The bard waited until the last possible moment before throwing her body to the side. As she landed on her backside, she swung the branch out as hard as she could, feeling it almost rip free of her grasp when it connected with his legs. The warrior flew forward, his legs buckling beneath him. He slid, face down, for nearly ten feet before his head met a tree trunk with bone jarring force.

Gabrielle sat where she was, breathing hard, willing both of them to stay where they were. The second one obeyed. The first did not. She watched with horror as the man staggered to his feet, blood covering most of his face. “You die now.” He sneered.

The bard jumped to her feet and ran in the direction Xena had disappeared. Even at her fastest, she could hear him gaining behind her. She could almost feel his breath on her neck and his hand at her back as she rounded the stand of bushes only to be lifted off her feet by a hand from above. She looked down and watched him pass beneath her, unable to stop himself from tumbling down the steep embankment the bushes had hidden from view.

The next instant, she was safe in a tree, looking up into Xena’s beautiful blue eyes. The warrior smiled at her. “You did good.”

Gabrielle froze. Everything was so familiar… Closing her eyes, she let her hand wander across Xena’s cheek. She couldn’t speak, she couldn’t breath, all she could do was let the memory wash over her. A moment later, she felt Xena’s arms around her, felt hungry lips on her throat and the wetness they left behind as they traveled up to meet her own. The kiss was deep and very sweet, but shorter than she wanted, and she heard herself whimper quietly as the warrior pulled away.

“Gabrielle…”

“No…” She put a hand up to stop Xena from speaking. “Don’t say my name. Not right now.”

Xena was confused for a moment, until she recognized the look on her lover’s face. The half closed eyes and slightly parted lips made her turn away and smile. “We have to go.”

“I know.” The bard took a deep breath. “Let’s go.”

With a nod, Xena lowered Gabrielle from the tree before jumping down behind her. Sliding two fingers into her mouth, she whistled.

Morda didn’t respond.

“Let me try…” Gabrielle let out a very weak whistle and laughed in delight when the mare came galloping towards her. She smiled up into Xena’s dirty look. “Hey, at least ONE of them has to like me.”

“What do you mean?” Xena grabbed up the reins and jumped into the saddle, helping the bard up behind her. “I distinctly remember a certain ass that liked you just fine.”

“Awww.! Thanks!” Gabrielle snickered “ I like you too.”

Xena raised one eyebrow. “You’ll pay for that one, you know.”

The bard slid her hands over Xena’s hips, letting them rest possessively on her lover’s stomach. “I’m counting on it.”

The warrior shook her head and became serious. “This was the outer guard. That means we’re close. No talking from here on in and when I say stay put…”

Gabrielle threw her hands up. “I stay put. Got it.”

“Yeah right.” Xena rolled her eyes and headed them towards the river.

Draxen crept along the river’s edge silently, watching as his former warriors speared dozens of fish and tossed them onto the bank. He craned his neck as far as he could and finally caught a glimpse of the person he was looking for.’

“Zo…” He watched as she walked away from her army, her face blank but her eyes a thousand miles away. He watched indecision play across her features, followed by the heavy sigh and the squaring of her shoulders that he had come to recognize as signs of an internal struggle.

Draxen grimaced and looked up at the sky. Xena would be here very soon. This was his last chance…

“To do what?” He asked himself. What exactly were his options? That was Zo out there. Maybe a different Zo, but it was still his commander and the best friend he had ever known. He had hated watching what she had become. Hated seeing the real Zo buried so deep beneath the rage and hate that had clouded her senses. Was it too late? Would she be this Zo forever? And was it worth his life to find out?

Draxen turned his attention back to her, watching as she knelt at the rivers edge to pick up a large trout caught in the shallows. She looked at it for a few moments before tossing it back, this time further out.

Yeah…Yeah it was worth it.

Drawing his sword, he retreated into the shadows.

Xena shifted slightly on her perch, her eyes scanning from one end of Zo’s army to the other. She did a count in her head and frowned when she was done. This wasn’t going to be easy. Swinging down from the tree, she landed beside Gabrielle with a quiet thud, her sword drawn before she even hit the ground.

“How many?’ Gabrielle asked and then cringed slightly at the dark look in her lovers eyes.

“Too many.” Xena untethered Morda and set her loose to graze away form Zo’s army. “Gabrielle… at this point, the only way to kill the snake, may be to cut off it’s head.”

The bard shook her head. “Xena, you promised.”

The warrior studied her quietly and then nodded. “Then I guess it’s plan ‘B’.”

“What’s plan ‘B’?”

“I’ll tell you when I think of something.” Xena grinned recklessly. “Now, no matter what you see or hear…”

“…I stay here.” Gabrielle finished for her.

“It’s best, it could get very ugly out there.”

“I know, I know.” The bard through up her hands. “I’ll stay right here.”

Xena gave her a long look that finally changed into a sweet smile. She kissed Gabrielle gently on the lips, then turned and started to make her way down the steep embankment.

The bard watched her go, a wistful look on her face. She waited until the warrior was out of sight, then followed after her.

Xena moved silently along the outer edges of Zo’s army, sizing up the situation and keeping a running tally of the men who might cause her trouble. She made two complete passes, just to be sure she wasn’t missing anything or anyone, then made her way back to the edge of the river, using a large rock to shield her from view. It would have to be a direct approach. She would have to seek out Zo and goad her into a fight before her men could get involved. And the only way to do that, was to walk right up to her.

Squaring her shoulders, Xena tested her grip on her sword, then stepped out from behind the rock.

The hazel-green eyes that met her own reflected the shock she felt.

For a moment, she and Zo only stared at each other and Xena could see the indecision that the Amazon was fighting against. But the moment passed quickly.

Zo screamed in rage and drew her sword, sending it crashing against the rock where Xena’s head had been just a moment before. The force of her blow shook her arm to the bone, giving the warrior time to get around behind her.

But there was no where left to go. Zo’s army had spread themselves out in a solid line across the top of the embankment, every warrior waiting to see who would be victorious.

Reluctantly, Xena backed out into the river, stopping when she felt cool water touching the tops of her knees.

Zo Advanced on her slowly, a cold smile fixed on her lips. “Finally…”

“NO!”

The Amazon turned towards the other bank, her face filling with rage when she saw Draxen wading towards them. “Traitor.” She spat.

“I’m no traitor, Zo.” Draxen held his sword out in front of him. His eyes followed Zo’s Second as he broke away from the rest of the army and descended the embankment, his dragon encrusted helm flashing in the sunlight “I am loyal to the warrior I used to know and to the woman I used to trust. I don’t know you… And I don’t want to.”

Zo swallowed. “Draxen…”

Before she could finish, her second attacked. He wasn’t well versed with a sword, but he was good enough. Whatever his technique lacked, he made up for in eagerness and he very quickly had Draxen on the defensive.

“Is this what you want, Zo?” Xena asked quietly. “To see all your friends dead?”

“YOU ARE NOT MY FRIEND!!!” Zo lunged again, slashing out viciously with her blade. Xena parried each thrust, easily at first, and then with increasing difficulty. “What’s the matter Xena?” Zo, grinned darkly. “I’ve improved, haven’t I?”

Enough was enough. Xena began to press the advantage of her height, using her upper body strength the beat her opponent’s blade back. She nearly had Zo on shore when she heard Gabrielle scream behind her. Turning her head slightly, she followed the bard’s line of sight to Draxen, who was trying to regain his balance on the slippery rocks below the water’s surface.

Zo saw where her attention had gone and followed it watching as her second slashed out with his sword, catching the unbalanced Draxen at just the right moment. His blade cut through the thin leather armor that protected Draxen’s chest, drawing blood from the flesh beneath.

The blow was more than Draxen’s precarious balance could handle. He fell, landing on his back in two feet of water, the impact knocking the sword from his hand.

Zo’s second screamed in triumph, spinning the sword in his hand until the blade was pointed down. With a feral grin, he raised it over his head, joining both his hands over the hilt for a fierce downward blow.

Xena had no choice. Drawing her chakram, she flung it towards him. It caught him above the right elbow as he went to complete his strike. The metal cut deep into his arm and his sword fell from his right hand as his left clutched the wound and tried to close it, but the blood loss was too great. With a cry of pain, he went down and stayed down.

Xena watched as the young warrior fell, the water covering him completely. She glanced at Zo for a second, And then away. Draxen was still down, Gabrielle was too far away, and the rest of Zo’s army… She snorted. The rest of Zo’s army was useless.

Xena turned and stared into Zo’s eyes, daring her to do something.

The Amazon took one step towards them and stopped. Squaring her shoulders, she raised her sword, her attention fixed on the warrior before her.

“He’ll die.” Xena said flatly. Enraged by Zo’s answering shrug, she turned her back on the Amazon and ran to Draxen’s side. “Are you all right?”

Draxen smiled up at her. His pain showed clearly on his face, but he nodded nonetheless. Xena checked him quickly and decided he would live. Moving away, she knelt and felt along the rocks that lined the bottom of the river. When her hand found the edge of a helm, she knocked it away and wrapped her fingers in a shock of fine hair. Pulling up hard, she dragged Zo’s second from the river. His waterlogged clothing and armor made it more difficult than she expected for his slight frame, but it didn’t stop her from picking him up bodily and tossing him over her shoulder.

Carrying him to the riverbank, she laid him out carefully, glancing at his face for the first time.

“Sylas??” Her heart dropped as she looked at the boy’s still face. Reaching out, she placed her palm against his cheek and slapped gently. There was no response. "No.” She whispered to herself. Untying her hair, she used the leather thong to wrap it around Sylas’ upper arm before peeling his fingers away to look at the wound.

The cut was deep, deeper than she could repair. At it’s center, she could see white bone and severed tendons. Silently cursing Ares, she yelled for Gabrielle. “I need a fire. Now!”

The bard did not hesitate. She broke the makeshift staff she carried into several pieces and gathered up a few handfuls of dried river grass. She passed by Zo without even a glance, feeling the Amazon’s stare at her back as she rushed to Xena’s side.

Xena gave the bard a tight smile as she came close, motioning her further away from the water. “I need a torch.” She threw her the small flask of oil she kept in her belt. She heard Gabrielle striking her flint and smiled softly as she tended the boy’s wound. She had it partially sewed shut when she heard a loud ripping sound. Glancing up, she saw Gabrielle tear a piece of her skirt away, dousing it in the oil before wrapping it around one end of a stick.

Sylas moaned softly and Xena began to work faster. By the time Gabrielle handed her the torch, the wound was closed but still seeping blood. “Hold down his head.” She nodded at Gabrielle. The bard did as she was told, using all her strength while Xena placed the torch against the boy’s arm. The smell of cauterized skin filled the air as Sylas jumped, screaming in pain. By the time she was done, the boy was fully awake and whimpering softly. She motioned Gabrielle away before grabbing his face in her hands.

“Is this what you wanted, boy?” Anger flashed in her eyes. “Is this the adventure you sought after??” She ignored his tears and continued. “You’ll keep your arm, but you’ll never swing a sword with it again. Go home, Sylas. If your lucky, you’ll still be able to use a plow.” She lowered his head gently, watching as he cried, her mouth an angry line. “Is this what you wanted, Zo? Dead friends and crippled children?”

The Amazon stopped short. She hadn’t realized that Xena had heard her wading silently towards them. When the Warrior Princess stood and faced her, she brought her sword up pointing it at her throat.

“Go ahead then.” She tossed her own sword onto the riverbank and stepped forward until the point of Zo’s blade was under her chin. “Kill me.”

“No!” Gabrielle rushed forward but Xena held her hand out, warding her away. The bard was panicked, but obeyed.

“Go on, Zo.” Xena leaned forward until the blade dug into her skin. “I’m waiting.”

The Amazon faltered, the look of rage leaving her eyes as she studied the woman before her.

“What are you waiting for?” A strong voice called from the army behind them. “Kill her!”

Zo turned towards the voice, but the sun was in her eyes and she could not see who was speaking.

“Kill her…or I will!” The voice continued. “THAT is the Warrior Princess!” he shouted. “The man that kills her will have the reputation to last a lifetime. And I want it.”

“NO!” Zo screamed back. “She’s mine. No man may take her.”

A low grumbling filled the ranks behind them when the man continued on. As the sun shifted behind a cloud, she saw several of the warriors she had picked up at The Raven’s Claw start down the bank towards them. Her own men would have none of it. They attacked the warriors who challenged their leader and a dozen battles began along the ridge behind them. Zo screamed at them to stop, but the blood lust of the new and the anger of the old was too great to subdue. Before she could do anything, her army tore itself apart.

Zo watched, her sword dropping to her side.

“They’ll lose.” Xena said quietly. “They’ll lose because their honor will keep them from striking down their own men, while your new recruits have no problem with that.” She stepped in front of the Amazon. “Together, we can stop that from happening.”

“The two of us?” Zo looked at her skeptically.

“The three of us.” Draxen stood up behind them, his sword grasped firmly in his hand.

“The FOUR of us.” Gabrielle stepped forward.

Zo looked at them and smiled darkly, the anger returning to her eyes.

“ ‘I offer myself in anything you would ask of me…’ “

She spun to look at Gabrielle.

“That is what you pledged, isn’t it?” Gabrielle touched her face gently. “There has to be Amazon honor in there somewhere.”

Zo closed her eyes as the bard caressed her cheek. “All right.” She whispered.

Gabrielle smiled. “I knew it.”

“But…” She grinned at Gabrielle’s cautious look. Reaching into a long pack at her side, she pulled out the bard’s disassembled staff. “You might need this.”

Gabrielle’s smile touched her heart as she watched the bard snap it together. “I’m ready.”

Xena’s war cry filled the air as the four attacked, each of them joining with members of Zo’s regular army to help even the battle. The men from the Raven’s Claw fell quickly, most of them running when they realized they couldn’t win. The rest were picked off one by one, until only two were left standing.

Draxen sat down heavily as we watched Xena and Zo go after the last two. He hadn’t lost a lot of blood, but he could definitely feel his wound. He beckoned for Gabrielle, who was tending the wounded of Zo’s army and she rushed to his side.

“Are you all right?” She parted the leather covering his chest to reveal a shallow, but lengthy, cut. As she applied a poultice, the warrior sighed. “What’s wrong?”

“I think I’m getting to old for this.” He glanced over to watch Xena fight, knowing instinctively that she was playing with the warrior before her. She met every one of his blows with her blade and a smile, forcing him to get angry, trying to make him lose control. She got what she wanted. The man charged towards her and she quickly stepped out of the way, watching as he sailed over the embankment and into the water below. “You think she’ll ever feel the same way?”

“Xena?” Gabrielle glanced at her lover, a slow smile parting her lips. “I doubt it. She loves it too much.” She looked to her left and saw Zo strike her enemy across the arm, drawing blood and taking away his enthusiasm for the fight. Turning tail, he bolted for the woods. “What about her?”

“Zo?” Draxen flexed his arms, testing the pain he would feel later in the day and for a while to come. “She loves a good fight.” He looked at Gabrielle thoughtfully. “I think she’s just tired of not knowing what to fight for.”

“XENA!”

They both looked up to see Zo charging at Xena, her sword drawn and ready. Before Draxen could react, she struck. Her blade pierced through armor and flesh, sending the warrior who had been sneaking up on Xena over the embankment with the force of her blow.

Xena watched him fall then turned to face the Amazon. Her smile said more than Zo could bear so she turned and walked away.

“Zo!” Gabrielle dropped the clothe she was using to clean Draxen’s wound and ran after her, grabbing her by the arm. “Wait!”

The Amazon stopped a few feet from her horse, not bothering to look back. “Let me go, Gabrielle.”

“No.”

Zo turned to face the smaller woman, half wanting to laugh and half wanting to gather her up and never let her go. With gentle fingers, she pried the bard’s hand free and smiled softly. “Goodbye, Gabrielle.”

Xena and Draxen came up behind them, stopping a respectful distance away.

“But where will you go?”

Zo looked away. “I don’t know.” She looked at the bloody sword in her hand for a moment before tossing it away. “There’s no place for me now.”

“Yes there is.” Gabrielle smiled. “Go home.”

The warlord looked down at Gabrielle. “I have no home.”

“Yes, you do. You’ll always have a home, just as I do, among the Amazons.”

“Gabrielle…” Zo shook her head. “I am an outcast there. I was exiled…”

“And I am an Amazon Princess. I lift your exile.” She stopped for a moment, then turned to face Xena. “I CAN do that, right?”

The warrior tried not to laugh. “Yes, Gabrielle. You can do that.”

The bard smiled and faced Zo again. “I, Gabrielle, Princess of The Amazons, lift your exile and bid you go home.”

Zo’s jaw fell slightly. Her heart racing, she swallowed. “But...”

“Zo,” Gabrielle touched her cheek. “I’ve seen you, I know you. The way you are with your men, what you did for Xena…the way you treated me…. Those are not the ways of a warlord.” She kissed her softly. “You don’t have the heart of a warlord, Zo. You have the heart of an Amazon. Go home.”

Zo studied her for a long moment, fighting off the tears that were threatening her eyes. Finally, she knelt before Gabrielle and took her hand between her own. “Thank you, my Princess. I know that could never be enough, but I don’t know what else to say. I’m going home.” With a huge grin, she jumped on her horse, stopping for a moment to look down at her friend. “Draxen…I..”

He held up his hand. “All is well with us, as it always will be. I’ll take care of the men, Zo. Go find your destiny.”

Zo nodded and Gabrielle started to wave goodbye. “Wait!” Her eyes widened slightly. Reaching into her bag, she drew out the Lath and held it up for Zo to take.

The warrior looked at it. “What’s this?”

“Part of your destiny.”

Zo looped the chain around her neck and tucked the crystal between her breasts. “I’ll never forget you, Gabrielle.”

“Nor I you.” The bard smiled. “And you’ll see us again. Your people are my people, remember?”

Zo smiled and rode away, throwing off pieces of her armor as she went.

Gabrielle felt a single tear roll down her cheek. “Goodbye, Emony.”

Xena came up behind her and pulled her close. “It was the right thing to do.” She turned Gabrielle around so that she could look into her eyes. “It was the only thing to do. The only way to help them both.”

The bard nodded. “I know. But I’m going to miss her.” She brushed her tears away.

“Xena!”

The warrior turned and smiled at Titan, clasping his meaty arm with her palm.

“How’d I do?” He smiled.

“You were perfect.” Xena laughed. “Very convincing.”

Draxen and Gabrielle looked at each other, then broke into laughter. “You were on the ridge.” Draxen accused. “You were the one yelling!”

The big man smiled. “Glad to help.”

“You planned that whole thing.” Gabrielle punched Xena lightly on the arm. “You let me worry!”

“Well,” Xena shrugged. “It had to be convincing.”

“You’re going to pay for that, Xena.”

“Why don’t we just call it even?”

Gabrielle smiled, a wicked gleam coming into her eyes that took the warrior’s breath away. “Not a chance.”

Xena fought off the urge to pick her up and carry her off, but just barely. Turning back, she found Titan and Draxen talking quietly. “What are you two up to?”

Draxen smiled. “Just thanking your friend here. Something I would like to do over an ale at his inn.”

Titan nodded. “I have to get back anyway. Draxen says he’s bringing the men through there and Rylan likes to know those things in advance.” He flushed. “She’s not a lot of fun when she’s angry.”

Xena laughed. “I don’t imagine she is.” She turned to Draxen and offered her arm, which he took with a smile. “How are your men?”

“All well cared for, thanks to Gabrielle. They’ll all make it to The Dancing Stag. We’ll put up there for a night or two, before moving on.”

Xena nodded, shifting her weight from foot to foot, favoring the one she had damaged.

“You, however, look like you need could use some attention.”

“I agree.” She grinned, sliding her arm around Gabrielle. “You go on ahead, we’ll follow after I make sure Sylas gets home. Can I get two of your men to go with him?”

Draxen nodded, “I’ll assign Hemos and Thelan to you. They’re both good men. They can catch up to us later.” He clasped Xena’s hand one last time then headed out, enlisting Titan’s aid in getting his men together.

“Well,” Xena nudged Gabrielle gently. “Whistle for that nag of yours.”

“Nag?” Gabrielle tried to raise one eyebrow and ended up laughing.

Xena hugged her for a moment, then led her back towards that river.

Epilogue (Because I REFUSE to have a Chapter 12!!)

Xena pulled Morda to a stop outside of the Dancing Stag, her ears registering the quiet. She slid to the ground and drew her sword. Holding a finger up to her lips, she motioned Gabrielle down from the horse and away from the front of the tavern. Once Gabrielle was out of harms way, she moved closer to the door.

Hearing nothing from inside, Xena took a step back and kicked her foot out, planting it firmly in the middle of the door. It slammed inward, crashing against the side wall and sending splinters across the bar. Stepping inside, she raised her sword, ready for anything.

Anything except what greeted her.

Titan looked up from his spot by the bar, a sarcastic grin on his face as Rylan nudged his club aside to set an ale in front of him. Around the bar, patrons turned to stare at her, shaken from their quiet drinking and conversations.

“You know,” Titan stood and came towards her. “There are quieter ways to enter a building. Less expensive ways too. I just fixed that door!”

Xena flushed and sheathed her sword. “I…. It was so quiet, I thought something had happened.”

Titan smiled. “Something did. Draxen decided to move his men on.”

Xena blinked, half sorry to hear it. She was more comfortable with the army further away, but she had wanted to see Draxen again. To thank him. “I thought he was staying a while.” She sighed.

“He thought it would be better if he got his men away from here.” Titan placed a hand on her shoulder. “He said you’d understand.”

“I do.” Xena glanced back over her shoulder and smiled to see Gabrielle standing in the wreckage of the door.

“But,” Titan grinned. “He left a gift for you. It’s up in your room.”

The warrior nodded and grasped the big man’s arm. “Thank you again, Titan. Today wouldn’t have worked without you.” She sent a private smile to Gabrielle, causing her to blush to the roots of her hair. “Without all of us.”

“Yeah, yeah.” He flushed. “Take it upstairs.”

Xena laughed and pulled the bard along behind her. When they reached their door, Gabrielle jumped in front of it.

“Now, don’t kick this one.” She grinned.

Xena raised on eyebrow, sending shivers down Gabrielle’s spine. “Get inside.” She growled.

Gabrielle raised the latch and pushed the door in, her eyes going wide at the sight that greeted her. “By the Gods…”

“What?” Xena limped inside and looked around. There were gifts everywhere. So many that Rylan had brought in more tables to hold them. Chocolate and strawberries covered one table alone, another held several different kinds of wine, yet another incense and rubbing oils. Candles had been lit around the stone bath, the fireplace was ringed in pillows and sheepskin blankets and an entire feast had been laid out before them.

“What the…” Xena stepped further into the room, closing the door behind them. Dropping her packs, she saw a small scroll leaning up against a bottle of port. Cracking the seal, she unrolled it and read:

Xena and Gabrielle—

It took some doing, but I managed to persuade Rylan I was good for all of this until I made my way back through this area again. And yes, I am good for it. Zo was a wise leader, and the men and I will retire with enough wealth to keep us comfortable for a quite a while. I wanted to be there when you returned, to say thank you again, and a proper goodbye, but it seemed best to get the men home to their families before any of them got the crazy idea to put me in Zo’s place. That’s not what I want. I know that much for sure. Now I just have to figure out what I DO want. Right now, home sounds good. Home and my wife and some peaceful times. If you’re ever nearby, either of you, know that you are welcome. And know also, that if you need me, anytime, anywhere, you can send for me. I will be there.

Draxen

“I’m glad you were right….about him.”

Xena glanced at Gabrielle and smiled. “So am I.” She tucked the scroll into her pouch and started pulling off her armor.

The bard watched her for a few moments before heading to the table covered in chocolate and strawberries. Her hand hovered over both, trying to decide. Finally, choosing a strawberry, she raised it to her lips, closing her eyes as her teeth closed on it and cool, sweet juice flowed over her tongue. “Mmmmm.” Without opening her eyes, she picked up another, and another. She was reaching for a fourth when it was suddenly there, already at her lips. Opening her eyes, she smiled up at Xena. “Do you want to feed me?”

“Mmmm.” Xena’s eyebrow shot up. “If I can do it my way.”

Gabrielle shivered. “What’s your way?”

“Go lie down on the bed.”

The bard smiled shyly and walked over to the bed, feeling Xena’s eyes on her as she went. Climbing to the middle, she laid on her back, her torso propped up by her elbows behind her. She watched the warrior as she moved around the room, picking a few items from each table before joining her. Gabrielle glanced at her plate and smiled. Strawberries and dates surrounded a small pile of chocolate with a drizzle of thick cream crossing over the top. “Now what?”

“Shhh.” Xena set the plate aside and pushed her back, her lips finding the sensitive spot beneath her right ear. “No talking. Not right now.” She unlaced Gabrielle’s top and slid her hands beneath it, her fingers finding both nipples swollen and hard. “I’ll tell you when you can.”

“You’ll tell me when I can?” The bard’s voice was almost indignant.

“Gabrielle…” The warrior smiled. “I want you to tell me what feels better. This…” She lowered her lips to cover one of the bard’s nipples, biting it gently. “This…” She slid one hand up Gabrielle’s thigh, grazing the soft patch of hair between her legs. “This…” She trailed one thumb over the bard’s clit. “Or..” She pulled herself away. “A conversation?”

Gabrielle whimpered and laced her fingers through the hair at the back of Xena’s neck, pulling her closer. “Shut up.” She whispered before kissing her hard.

Xena smiled into the kiss and unbuckled the belt at Gabrielle’s waist, throwing it to the floor where it was soon joined by the skirt. “Unlace me.”

The bard’s hands worked the back of her leathers eagerly, her lips never leaving the warrior’s neck. When they were loose enough, she helped Xena shrug out of them, her hands going immediately to the swell of her breasts.

“No.” Xena grabbed them and pushed them down against the bed. “None of that. This is my way, remember?”

Gabrielle nodded, closing her eyes, trying to control the sensations racking her body. She felt Xena lean away and when she looked up, the warrior held a strawberry between her teeth. Leaning forward, she bit down on it, letting the second half fall into the bard’s mouth. The juice ran between their lips as she kissed her, running down the side of her throat.

With a low growl, Xena followed the red trail, licking the sweetness from her lovers neck as her hands caressed her hips. She reached for another strawberry, offering to the bard with her fingers. When Gabrielle had bitten off the end, she brought the rest up to her own neck, following the line of her throat to the valley between her breasts and finally across her nipples. Slipping what was left of it into her mouth, she smiled down at the hunger in her lover’s eyes. Curving her fingers around the back of Gabrielle’s neck, she pulled the bard forward, guiding her mouth to the trail of juice.

Gabrielle moaned softly, her tongue playing across Xena’s breasts as the warrior’s fingers dug into her back. She found every spot of the strawberry juice, even making up a few more spots than there really were. Finally, Xena pushed her back down again and reached for a small, clear bottle.

“What’s that?” The bard leaned forward, sniffing as the warrior withdrew the cork. It smelled like hyacinth.

“Shhh.” Xena grabbed her arm gently and pushed her over, ignoring the bard’s look of surprise. “On your stomach.”

Gabrielle blushed. “All right.” She nodded and flipped over, resting her chin on her hands. “What now?”

For a moment, there was nothing. Then she felt Xena kneeling over her, one knee on either side of her hips. She felt the warrior put the bottle down, and heard her rub her hands together. Suddenly, there were fingers digging into her shoulders, fingers covered with a warm, slick fluid, fingers she could feel down to her bones. Slowly, they slid down along her spine, pausing to work the oil into her smooth buttocks before sliding back up to her shoulder blades. As they worked the tight muscles of her upper back, Xena lowered her weight until Gabrielle could feel every part of her warm, soft flesh pressing into her backside. “By the Gods…” She whispered, her head tilting back.

Slowly, Xena bagan to rock, sliding across the firmness of her buttocks, the friction exquisite against her sensitive flesh. Her hands slipped around to cup Gabrielle’s breasts, pulling her up away from the bed. The new positioning pressed the bard into the bed, causing a connection every time Xena pressed into her. With each stoke, her head tilted further back, her breath becoming more and more ragged. It wasn’t long before she was grinding her own hips against the blankets, the feel of Xena riding her pushing her over the edge.

“Oh no. No, no, no, no.” The warrior slid off, ignoring the small whimper from her lover. “Not so fast…” Kneeling above her once again, she began to kiss her way down Gabrielle’s spine, sliding her cheek across the wetness she had left behind. “Is this what you want?” She flipped the bard over and pressed her face against her lips, smiling when she felt the tip of her tongue. “Is it?”

Gabrielle nodded.

“Then take it.” Xena’s smiled wickedly.

Gabrielle blinked. “Take what?”

“Take what you want.”

The bard grinned and reached out a hand, only to have it batted away. She laughed. “What was that?”

“I told you to take it. I didn’t say I would make it easy.”

Gabrielle chewed on her lip, trying not to smile. “All right.” She leaned in close to steal a kiss and the warrior turned her head away. “So what am I supposed to do?”

“You’re a big girl,” Xena glanced down at her breasts. “In fact, you seem to get bigger every day. Figure it out.”

“Hmmm.” She reached up slowly and took the warrior by the shoulders. She was able to turn her slightly, but could not make her go down off her knees. “You’re stronger than me!”

“Mmmhmm.” Xena picked up the bottle of port and took a long drink. “Would it help if I was drunk?”

“HA! You never GET drunk!”

“Then I guess it wouldn’t help.”

Gabrielle rolled her eyes. “You’re going to make me work for this aren’t you?”

“Anything worth having is worth working for.”

The bard’s voice softened. “And you are definitely worth having.” Just for a moment, she saw a tender smile flash across Xena’s face, and she knew that she had her. Lowering her voice to a deep rumble, she leaned in close. “Xena…”

The warrior trembled slightly and Gabrielle smiled. “Xena…” She whispered into her ear, feeling the slight shock of movement in the body so close to hers. Slowly, she closed her lips over Xena’s earlobe, biting softly as she laughed under her breath at the warrior’s response.

Xena had gone rigid at the first feel of the bard’s mouth. Her eyes closed and she unconsciously turned her head to the left, allowing Gabrielle’s questing lips to continue down the line of her throat, then back up along her jaw. When soft lips met her own, she groaned softly and parted her lips, tasting the sweetness of Gabrielle’s tongue as it slid into her mouth.

The strength of the kiss had the desired affect, making the warrior weak in the knees. When the bard pressed her back, she did not fight against it. With a sultry smile, she let herself be lowered onto the bed.

Gabrielle grinned in triumph as she settled herself on top of Xena, a small whimper escaping her throat as their breasts pressed together.

“Yes…” Xena swallowed hard when the bard’s lips found the hollow of her throat, nipping softly against her pulse before sliding down to the valley between her breasts.

With little moans of pleasure, the bard began to kiss her way up the swell of Xena’s breasts, her fingers finding one nipple as her mouth close on the other. The warrior’s flesh grew hard immediately and she arched up into Gabrielle’s mouth as the bard bit down, not hard enough to really hurt, but hard enough to notice. “MMmmmmmm.”

Gabrielle smiled when the warrior’s hips raised of the bed, moving up to meet her own and grind against them. She shifted her weight to slip one knee between Xena’s thighs and nearly lost control when her skin met the warrior’s flesh with the feel of warm, wet satin. “By the gods…”

Xena began to move faster, pushing harder against the bard’s leg as her tempo increased. Gabrielle stayed where she was for a few moments, enjoying the feel of the warrior against her, then began to slide downward. When she was low enough to dip her tongue into Xena’s navel, she felt hands on top of her head. They pushed her down gently, the fingers twining through her hair more tightly the closer that she got. The bard stopped right above Xena’s dark patch of hair, inhaling the scent of her lover deeply.

“You smell so good…” She whispered, nuzzling her lips and nose through the soft, curly hair. Finding the hard bud of flesh she sought, her tongue reached out, the tip just barely caressing it as the warrior’s body writhed above her.

“Gods, Yes!” Xena’s voice was very low, almost the same timber as the roll of thunder on a stormy day, and her hands moved on the bards head as her hips began to move. “M…More…”

“MMmmmmm.” Small sounds came from Gabrielle’s throat as she opened her mouth wider, her lips and tongue moving faster against Xena's warm, slick flesh. The woman was intoxicating! She thought to herself, the taste and feel of her on her cheeks and chin. It would never be enough. She could stay right where she was for an eternity and it would never be enough.

With deliberate slowness, Gabrielle brought her hand up and slid two fingers inside the warrior, feeling her close tight around them

“Yes……” Xena’s head slammed back against her pillow, her arms going rigid as Gabrielle bent her fingers slightly, finding a smooth, slick spot that sent tremors down the warrior’s spine. “Gabrielle….”

The bard shuddered, her name echoing in her own ears. How could I have missed it? She wanted to laugh and cry up to the sky. The way Xena said her name made her feel like she had reached the Elysian Fields, sending a warm spike into her heart and thudding through her chest. “Xena..”

The warrior went rigid, her hips thrust up, off the bed, her body trembling hard. And still Gabrielle did not stop. She continued to move inside her lover, continued to lover her with her mouth until the first wave passed, leaving the warrior spent and shaking and too weak to last much longer.

The second wave hit harder, sending Xena’s hands slamming into the bed where her fingers dug into the sheets. Her body moved on its own, unable to stop itself from seeking out the same release she had just experienced and still very much craved.

When it hit, she almost fainted from the pleasure she felt, her entire body racked with an emotional response as well as a physical one. Her heart thudding painfully, she wrapped her fingers in Gabrielle’s hair and gently pulled her away. “No more.” She shook her head, smiling. “W…wait…”

The bard looked up and grinned, a glazed, far away look haunting her eyes. “I won.” She whispered, smiling tenderly and Xena laughed in response.

“Yes you did.” She pulled the bard up and wrapped her arms around her, holding her tight. “So did I.”

Gabrielle nodded. “I think I liked that… very much.”

“I know.” Xena brushed the hair out of her eyes and kissed her gently, her blood racing at the smell and taste of her. “I knew you would. I knew you’d be good at conquest.”

“You did?” the bard smiled, delighted. “How did you know?” She turned on her side, allowing the warrior to curve around behind her and drape an arm over her side. She backed up as far as she could, wanting to be as close as possible.

Xena waited for her to stop moving, then snuggled in even closer. Closing her hand over a taut nipple and breast, she sighed, a huge smile claiming her lips. “I just knew.” She kissed the bard’s neck, reveling at the gooseflesh her lips left behind. “Zo isn’t the only one with the heart of an Amazon.”

Smiling, Gabrielle closed her eyes and faded off to sleep. Xena followed shortly after her, her heart wrapped securely in the embrace of her arms.

THE END. (FINALLY!!!)

Oh, and for the one or two of you who might just be sad, there IS a little sequel called Heart Of An Amazon – The Continuation of Zo and Emony. Don’t think I forgot about that little loose end. Too bad I have so much to do before I can start it… };)