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

Specific Story Disclaimers:

Violence –Well… this is a more or less violence lite story. Now.. you've got Xena in it, and Amazons, and Gabrielle with that staff.. so it's not all sweetness and light, but no one gets their heads cut off in this one. (Sorry MaryD)

Subtext - Do I really still have to disclaimer subtext? Someone asked me if I thought Xena: Warrior Princess was a romantic show. My answer was, when a show has one main character state in no uncertain terms to the other main character that she would rather die at her side than live without her, that show cannot be defined as anything less than a romantic tale. Yeah, there's subtext.. maintext… under the table text.. whatever you wanna call it.

This is, of course, PG13 level involvement here, no more. That never changes.. for those of you who are waiting for me to stick in a rip roaring, no holds barred graphic orgy scene, make sure you have plenty of coffee and doughnuts handy. And a comfortable chair.

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

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

mailto:merwolf@bellsouth.net

Festival

By Melissa Good

The waterfall tumbled across rocks worn smooth and slick from years of bearing up under the weight of the stream that carved them in odd, sinuous shapes. Thick moss grew on the edges, and the small pool it splashed into was cold, and clear, and sparkled in the late afternoon sunlight broken only by the dappled shadows of leaves from the trees bordering it.

At the base of the falls, on a sun warmed rock, a large black wolf was curled up, his tail tucked neatly over his nose, and his yellow eyes fastened on the top of the falls with an expectant look in them. Behind him, in a small open glade, a butter colored mare was grazing, pulling up thick tufts of green grass with contented snorts.

A small campsite could be seen just behind the horse, a neatly made fire circle with a large black fur spread to one side, and a cluster of saddlebags resting against a tall oak tree. It looked like a comfortable setting, but right now it was completely empty, as its occupants were perched high above it, on the top of the waterfall.

"Xena, I don't know about this." The speaker was a young woman of middling height and sinewy build, presently naked and dripping with water. She was standing on a rock, her arms folded over her chest, the sunlight making the droplets of water scattered over her richly tanned skin sparkle like diamonds. She sighed, and pushed damp reddish gold hair off her forehead with one hand, and regarded the object of her frustration with a doubtful frown.

"C'mon.. Gabrielle.. it's fun. Would I steer you wrong?" The tall, sleekly muscled woman who responded was seated on a flat rock in the onrushing water, her weight braced on both hands, and her midnight dark hair plastered down her back. Vivid blue eyes twinkled at the reluctant bard, matching the stream's chuckling waters almost exactly.

"'Fun' for you is not always 'fun' for me, is what I'm thinking" Gabrielle responded wryly. "We can't just go over the waterfall, Xena.. what if there are rocks and things down there… we're gonna get hurt."

The warrior rolled her eyes. "Gabrielle.. I've done this a million times. C'mon.. I'll hold onto you.. nothing's gonna happen." She coaxed her, letting a grin crease her face and bring a mischievous glint to her eyes. "You'll love it… I'm telling you."

The bard drummed her fingers against her thigh, then lifted both hands, and let them drop. "Once." She gave the older woman a warning look." Just once." Carefully, she picked her way over to where Xena was sprawled, and splashed into the swiftly running water, wobbling a little until a warm hand closed firmly around her lower leg and steadied her. "Thanks." She reached down and patted Xena's head, as she seated herself gingerly in front of the warrior, and let the cold, sparkling water run over her legs. "Ooo… that feels nice."

"Uh huh." Xena snuggled up to her from behind, and wrapped long arms around her slim waist. "How's that?"

Gabrielle closed her eyes, reveling in the contrast between the cold of the water and the warmth of her soulmate. "What was the question again?" She finally asked, resting her head against Xena's chest and looking up.

A soft chuckle answered her. "Okay.. now.. I'm gonna push off.. and we're gonna slide down that chute there and into the pool. You ready?" Xena whispered in her ear.

"I'm closing my eyes, so you better steer" The bard replied firmly.

Xena released one arm, and reached behind her, pushing off from the rock they were seated on with a powerful shove that dropped them into the swift current now up to their breasts. The water shoved them along, into a narrow chute between the slippery rocks and the warrior resumed her hold as they reached the edge of the waterfall and plunged over.

"YAAAAAAAAA!!!!" Gabrielle let out a startled yell, as she was suddenly airborne, falling through a thick rush of water with Xena's grip still firmly holding her. The thundering water blocked her hearing and pummeled her body gently, though, in a not unpleasant sensation.

She got her eyes shut just as they hit the crystal clear water of the pool, and plunged down into it, the roar of the waterfall all around her. She felt Xena touch bottom, and held still as the warrior powered them both back towards the surface, feeling the warrior's strength uncoil in an impressive surge.

They broke out into the sunlight just outside the crashing water, and Xena released her, as the warrior floated free and shook her head to clear her hair out of her eyes. "Wasn't that great???"

Long moment, when mist green eyes stared fixedly at her. Then Gabrielle's face relaxed into a big grin. "Yeah… it was." She admitted, flipping over and dunked her head, then surfacing, and letting the water run down off her hair. "Can we do it again?"

Xena chuckled happily. "Told ya." She put her hands behind her head and swam backwards a little, kicking with her feet to keep herself from sinking. The sun and shadows alternately dappled her tanned body in fanciful patterns, which were then broken as she dove under the water, and erupted out of it, throwing her body into a wild flip that landed with a huge splash.

"Hey!" Gabrielle ducked the wall of water, and dodged out of the way, laughing. She waited for Xena to emerge from the water, then splashed her. "Cut that out!"

The warrior blinked, and snorted, then splashed her back. "You brat!"

"Me?" The bard cupped her hands, and threw a double handful of the cold water at her. "Oh.. I don’t think so, Xena… " She ducked under the water as a wave headed her way, and swam vigorously, heading for deeper blue. She could sense Xena behind her, and she pushed herself to swim faster, ducking under a submerged log, and dodging a trout who took one look at her and bolted for cover, its frilly fins fluttering in agitation.

Ah… She spotted a rock she could get around, and swam for it, feeling the sudden rush of water behind her as Xena caught up. She headed for the surface, breaking it and taking a huge lungful of air, as she reached the rock, then slipped around it, and put it between the warrior and herself. "Hah!"

Xena paused, her hands on the surface of the rock, a wildly mischievous grin on her face. She feinted one way, and the bard immediately shifted in the opposite direction. Feinted to the other side, same result. "Tricky.. very tricky.. Gabrielle.. " She purred.

"Heh." The bard chortled. "That’s an old trick I used to play on Lila.. she never did figure out if she wanted to catch me, she'd have to keep me away from trees."

"Oh yeah?" The warrior crooned. "Y'know.. I just bet Lila couldn’t do.. " A sudden surge as Xena's body erupted out of the water, and both hands hit the top of the rock, vaulting her up and over, and bringing her down into the water so close to the bard the impact dunked her. Then Xena got a grip on her, and they tumbled through the pool, half laughing, half gasping, until they surfaced near an old oak tree, whose branches drooped near to the water and brushed their heads with fragrant leaves. "That." She finished triumphantly, cradling the bard in a firm grip.

Gabrielle caught her breath, then laid her head against Xena's water-cooled skin, and smiled. "Um.. no." She breathed quietly. "On a good day, she could jump rope. On a bad day… ehhhh…." She licked a cold droplet off Xena's chest, then snuggled closer, sighing in perfect contentment. "That was fun." That part of her still a child was kicking up its heels in delight, and she smiled up at her blue eyed playmate happily. Gods.. I've missed this.

Xena took in a deep breath of air, and released it. "Yeah." She agreed softly, taking a moment to enjoy the rustling breeze that stirred the leaves and brushed against their skin. Then she waggled her eyebrows at the bard in invitation. "Wanna do that again?"

The bard nodded. "Oh yeah." She waited for her soulmate to release her, then swam steadily for the shallows, and the small rock path that led up to the top of the waterfall.

The camp was a peaceful oasis, shady and calm with the sounds of leaves rustling, and Argo's gentle snorts in the background. Gabrielle stifled a yawn, as she twisted her mostly dry hair up and out of her face. They'd made their way out of the pool, and spent some time sunning, drying off in the late sunlight and cool breeze. Now, as they reached their nearby campsite, she trotted ahead, and examined the bubbling contents of the stew pot she'd left on. "Mmm…. Almost ready."

"Yeah?" Xena stepped up behind her and sniffed. "Wow.. that smells great." She complimented the bard. "What's in there?" She peered at the bubbling goo with interest.

"Ah.. my secret." Gabrielle informed her, loftily. "But don’t worry, you'll like it." She leaned back and bumped into the taller woman. "Y'know, this sharing of symptoms thing is great.. I've finally gotten you to try some stuff you'd have just thrown at me before." She remarked teasingly.

"Ha ha." Xena rolled her eyes. "Very funny." She snapped the bard's backside with her piece of linen, and received a startled yelp in response.

"Brat." Gabrielle rubbed the spot, and stuck her tongue out. She watched the taller woman chuckle, then wander over to their pack, kneeling beside the saddlebags, and rummaging in them. She took a moment to admire the warrior's muscular back, and note the healing scars there from their latest encounter, a bear who had gone mad with hunger, and attacked a family just up stream from where they'd decided to stop.

One little boy had been hurt, but Xena had gotten the bear distracted, while Gabrielle got the rest of the family out of danger, and then had turned to see the animal bowl her soulmate over, its jaws thick with white foam, and its eyes red as the sunset she was currently watching.

She'd rushed forward, somehow jamming the end of her staff into its mouth, and had the weapon jerked out of her hand as the animal bit down, and shook its huge head. It gave Xena, however, the opportunity to get both feet up against the bear's chest, and shove off, throwing the beast back against a tree stump and knocking the wind out of it.

Xena had bounced to her feet, blood inching down the dark leathers that covered her back, and unsheathed her sword, advancing on the bear with murderous intent. It had been preposterous, really, the bear was eight feet tall when it stood, and probably five hundred pounds, and it was being threatened by this relatively puny human.

It had roared.

Xena had snarled, and let out her yell.

And the damn bear had took off running. Gabrielle had almost laughed, in surprise, and utter relief, and she saw by the mildly startled look on Xena's face that she was just as surprised at the bear's retreat. She'd shifted her sword from one hand to the other, then glanced back at Gabrielle with a mild, bewildered shrug.

The bard had just been very glad it was gone, and she'd wrangled her partner into accepting the pathetically grateful family's offer of a hot meal, as she carefully cleaned and dressed the raking claw marks that covered most of the back of one shoulderblade, while Xena briskly took care of the little boy's wounds.

Healing, too, had been their awe when she revealed who they were, and the children's eyes had lit up like tiny stars. She'd told a few stories, and the kids had cautiously crept closer and closer to Xena, finally ending up practically in her lap, and asking if they could touch her chakram, her sword.. her armor… the poor warrior had almost looked alarmed at the flood of piping requests.

And, in the end, there were only those few scratches to show for it, the bard mused. They'd been traveling towards the Amazon's territory for a week now and they were drawing close, as the land was starting to slope up into foothills which would eventually form themselves into the mountain highlands that provided a home for the tribe. A week of mostly peaceful journeying, with good weather, and few distractions, just the two of them out alone in the wild, in the peace, and solitude that she'd come to regard as a dear friend.

Xena was always more.. open. More playful out here, when it was just the two of them. There were no enemies to intimidate, and no reputations to live up to. The owls didn’t care who they were.. and crickets would jump on the warrior's outstretched hand all unknowing just who they were making such a bold transgression on.

Now, she glanced over to where the taller woman had collapsed on their joint bedroll, and was puzzling over a small wooden item held loosely in one hand. "Any luck?" She chuckled, shaking her head. A small traveling caravan of merchants had coughed up a set of six cleverly carved wooden puzzles, and she'd gleefully bought them for her partner. Xena had figured out three of them already, and was now engrossed in the fourth, a six sided star, with interlocking parts that somehow came apart.

"Hmm?" Xena looked up, startled. "Oh.. um.. not yet." She gave the bard a sheepish grin, then went back to the puzzle, not moving any part of it, just studying it from all angles with intent, interested blue eyes.

Gabrielle laughed to herself, then gave the stew a brisk stir, dusting a bit of dried spices into it. Once she was satisfied, she pulled her diary out, and joined her partner on the bedroll, curling up on her side and withdrawing a quill from her quill case. She flipped open the bound parchment, dating the entry with a neat script, and pausing as she collected her thoughts.

Today I got to go over a waterfall for the first time. It was more fun, and less scary than I would have guessed, but then, I had Xena wrapped around me, so how dangerous could it be anyway?

I thought… at one time I thought I would never feel like this again, but… I can't sit here and deny it - I"ve come back to where there is no safer place in the world for me than in her arms. I know.. I know I should remember differently, because I know better. I know what she is, and what she's capable of, and what she did to me when she was so angry, and so hurt.. but.. it's like my mind is forcing that out somewhere, because it can't handle thinking about it. I know that's bad.

But I can't help it, and what's more important, I don’t want to help it. I want this feeling of safeness, of security so badly, I'm willing to risk.. everything. Again. My heart won't accept anything less.

So.. I guess that's what I'm going to do. We'll see what happens.

We're almost to the Amazons, but.. I have to admit that I've been enjoying our traveling so much, I almost regret that. It's not that I don't want to see everyone, I do - and the festival is going to be fun, and all that, but…

But.

At least poor Xena's had to deal with less of that nagging nausea.. she bears up under it with better humor than I probably would have, but I know it bothers her. I've taken to keeping a pouch of the herbs close by so that when we wake up, I can just take a look at her face, and know. And get some stuff mixed up fast.

As for me.. well, not much new there. I'm still starving all the time, and I get tired a lot more easily than I used to. Xena says it's because my body's really busy doing stuff, so that's taking a lot more energy. I decided to walk most of the time to keep my strength up, so even though I feel like I'm eating most of the day, it's like I'm barely keeping even. I thought I was going to have a problem with gaining weight.. well, right now I'm having a problem with losing it.. Xena says she's going to start putting me up on Argo while we travel if that keeps up, she says it's dangerous to deprive my body of the stuff it needs while it's doing all this mysterious rigamarole.

Whew. It's complicated. But interesting, and we've been taking it easy on the trip up here, with plenty of rests, and stopping early, like we did today, so I haven't felt really overtired, which is good.

"Hey, Xena?" The bard sucked on her quill tip idly. "It's been a nice trip up here, hasn't it?"

The warrior glanced up at her words, and paused a moment. "Yeah.. it really has been… " She replied, with a faintly surprised note in her voice. "Not too much stuff to worry about… weather's been great… yeah." A slight nod. "Why?" She rolled over onto her back, and crossed her ankles casually, regarding the bard with interest.

"No… well, nothing really… I've just been enjoying it, that's all." Gabrielle responded, with a grin. "I really have."

The breeze lifted a lock of dark hair and brushed it across Xena's face and she raked it back with a lazy hand. "Yeeaaahhh…. " She drew the word out. "I guess I have too."

The bard chuckled, and put her diary aside. "C'mere.. time to give you a trim." She ordered, patting her lap. "C'mon.. c'mon… it was driving you nuts today, so just get over here and get it over with." She leaned over and dragged one of their smaller saddlebags over, digging in it and retrieving the small pair of clippers they both used to trim unruly hair.

Far from protesting, Xena put her puzzle down and squirmed over, laying her head in the bard's lap and folding her hands across her stomach with a complacent look. "Make em straight, now."

"Tch tch tch… listen to you.. " Gabrielle ran her fingers through the dark locks, and pulled a thick thatch of them up. "How bout I trim the top real short, and make this bit stick up like this?" She posed the hair. "Like.. what's that bird?"

"A woodpecker." Xena replied, dryly. "Xena, warrior woodpecker… oh yeah, that's got a nice ring to it."

Gabrielle giggled. "Aww.. it would look cute… "

One eyebrow quirked at her. "Weeeeell… tell ya what, bard of mine.. we don't have mirrors out here, so you'll be the one looking at it." Xena's lips edged into a grin." Besides, the first town we go into, I'll hafta fight every living thing in over the wisecracks."

"Hmm." The bard fluffed her bangs. "Maybe not." She chuckled, then set to work, clipping the dark strands neatly, and brushing the soft shorn bits away off her partner's skin. She took the opportunity to study the familiar angular planes in loving detail, watching the sunset dapple her face in tones of crimson and gold.

It had taken what seemed like forever, but the dark shadows were gone from under her soulmate's eyes, and the drawn, tense look had faded, erasing the ever present crease in her forehead, and lessening the haunted look that had become almost engraved on her the past few months. She looked, at least for the moment, at peace, and that made Gabrielle feel good, because she knew a lot of that had to do with them. With her.

She finished her trimming job then amused herself by ruffling her fingers through Xena's hair, searching intently.

"Find any?" The warrior lazily inquired, after a few minutes of this.

The bard made her wait, scratching all along the clean scalp teasingly and receiving a contented murmur in response. "Nope." She finally replied, bending over and touching her nose to the warrior's forehead. "Not a one."

Xena let her eyes drift open, and gazed quietly into the bard's green ones at close distance. "Any day now." She grumbled. "Saw some on Toris before we left."

Gabrielle let her lips brush gently against the warrior's, then came back for a more prolonged contact. "I don't know, Xena.. mom's still mostly dark.. and he's older than you are… I think.. " She kissed her again. "You're just looking for a little sympathy from me."

"Oh yeah?" Xena interlaced her fingers with her soulmate's, that had drifted to rest against her chest. "Did it work?" She inquired hopefully.

"Oh… " The bard freed one hand and gently cupped her cheek, peering at her with wryly mock concern. "You.. poor.. thing… " She let her fingers slid across the warm skin, tracing Xena's jawline. "We'll have to get you a cane next." She tasted the faintly metallic hints left from the spring as she continued her exploration. "Or Ares can pull you around on a little cart.. how bout that?"

Xena burst into chuckles. "Okay.. okay.. okay…. " She rolled her eyes, then sat up, and pulled the bard into a more comfortable position as she relaxed onto her side and let her hands gently roam under the loose fabric of the shift Gabrielle had slipped on. Her fingers drifted across the bard's muscular waistline, and traced her ribs, causing the warrior to pause in her nibbling, and produce an intent sober stare at her younger partner. "You're riding tomorrow." She nipped the bard's nose. "No arguments, Gabrielle."

Gabrielle juggled the pros and cons of debating, then nodded quietly. "Okay." She stroked the warrior's cheek, then drew her face close, and resumed kissing her, until they both were breathless. Then she paused, and exhaled, tucking her head against the taller woman's shoulder. "Sometimes, being out here does suck donkey's ears, Xena."

Xena let a soft chuckle evolve neatly into a sigh of agreement. "Yeah.. I know… but Ares is out hunting, and I just don't know this area well enough…" Regretfully, she slid a warm hand across Gabrielle's thigh, and rubbed a thumb against the skin of her knee. "We'll have plenty of time once we get home, my bard."

"Mm." Gabrielle pouted, then rolled over onto her back, looking up at the canopy of leaves. "Know what I feel like?"

"A warm, and very sexy person?" The warrior answered helpfully, as she traced a path up the bard's side, leaving trails of shivering sensations behind her.

Gabrielle turned her head and regarded her fondly. "Thanks.. but actually I was thinking more of… figs." Her brow creased. "Do we have any?"

A brow quirked. "Um." Xena drummed her fingers on their sleeping furs, thinking furiously. Finally, she glanced up. "Don’t go away."

"B… Xena.. " The bard yelped, as the warrior pushed herself to her feet, and retrieved her boots, pulling them on and lacing them with quick motions. "Come back here.. I didn't mean for you to… oh for… Xena!!"

Too late. The warrior grinned, and winked, then fastened a belt around the old shirt she was wearing and trotted off into the underbrush.

Gabrielle sighed, and stared up at the leaves, drumming her fingers against her stomach. "Never do that, Gabrielle.. you know better… that was very dumb… that was like yelling 'Fire!' in the Palladium during a summer festival." A rustling in the grass jerked her attention away from her partner, and she rolled onto her stomach, pushing off the ground with one hand and reaching automatically for her staff with the other.

"Roo?" Ares trotted out of the underbrush, looking well pleased with himself. A few, errant feathers were stuck to his muzzle, and he sneezed, sending them wafting across the dark sleeping fur.

Gabrielle dropped her staff and relaxed, collapsing back onto the furs with a grunt. "Ares… don't do that to me, all right?" She settled on her side, and propped her head up on one hand, the other hand idly playing with one of the feathers. "Hey.. these look like chicken feathers. " She gave the wolf a direct look. "Where did you find chickens?"

"Agorrroo?" Ares cocked his dark head to one side, and regarded her, poking his tongue out and panting.

Xena slipped through the trees, her eyes flicking among the branches automatically. She really had no idea if she could find a fig tree handy, but getting out of those nice warm sleeping furs had seemed like a good idea at the moment. Otherwise.. she sighed wryly. Otherwise she'd been well on her way to breaking their Rule, and that just wasn't… smart. Lately, though, she'd been leaving smart behind somewhere, and allowing her more impulsive side to surface almost uncontrollably.

The playfulness was delighting Gabrielle, she realized, having seen the bard get almost giddy during their fun in the water earlier, and to be honest, she couldn’t pretend that she hadn't enjoyed it just as much, but that, combined with the almost irresistible urge to cuddle with her… Xena sighed. She felt awkwardly out of control, and more open than she was really comfortable with. Not a good combination headed into Amazon territory.

She knew Gabrielle's pregnancy had a lot to do with it, but she also knew she had to find a way to get a handle on that before she put them both in danger. Or before they got to the Amazons, where she'd be subjected to so much teasing…

A sigh, and a pause, as she peered through the branches. False alarm. Everyone there always expected her to act a certain way, and she just couldn’t walk around the place all day in a daze. For one thing, Pony would take the opportunity to ambush her, and while she knew she was in no danger from the feisty Amazon… letting her get the drop like that…

Uck. Xena paused again, this time lifting her head to catch the wind. "Ah.. " She muttered softly to herself. "Lucky me." She pushed through the underbrush, carefully avoiding the poison ivy wound around the tree trunks, and arrived at the base of a squat fig tree with a satisfied grin. "Perfect." Abruptly she glanced down at her hands, then up at the tree, and gently thumped her head against a low branch. "Good thing you were on the ball as usual and remembered something to carry them in, right?"

With a sigh, she put her hands on her hips, and turned in a circle, regarding the foliage. Tiny leaves. Nope. She glanced up at the figs, evaluating them. They were large, and plump, and she found her mouth watering just looking at them, which eliminated the possibility that they just weren't worth the effort. "Perfect example, Xena.. perfect example of your brain being off somewhere else… damn it."

Her eyes flicked to her shirt, then her head cocked, and she chuckled. "Well… it's an old one." She firmly grasped the half sleeve on one side, and jerked it, tearing it off at the shoulder. Then she tied a knot in the lower part, and surveyed her basket. "I guess that'll do."

Climbing the tree and retrieving the figs didn't take long, though it probably would have taken less time if she hadn't eaten one for every one she put in the sleeve. The tasty treats restore her good humor, as she imagined Gabrielle's delight in them, and finally, she cheerfully dropped off the lowest branch, landing on the leaf littered ground with her booty secured.

She made her way back to the campsite, forcibly keeping herself from whistling, and paused just at the edge to watch her partner, momentarily unaware of her presence. The bard was leaning against the tree their bedrolls were spread out under, and had her diary out on her knees. She was gazing off into the sunset, chewing on a quill with a dreamy expression on her face, and a soft smile on her lips. Nearby, Ares was curled up, his yellow eyes flicking around the camp alertly.

Xena made no move, made no sound, but as she watched, Gabrielle came back from wherever her thoughts had taken her and glanced around, her eyes fastening on the silent warrior instantly. A look of half welcome, half remonstrance took over her expressive face. "Xena!"

The warrior padded over, dropping to her knees on the fur and holding out the sleeve. "Figs?" She felt a grin take over her face without permission. "They're nice ones."

"You are.. " The bard set her writing down and rolled over, taking the improvised pouch. "You did NOT have to do that." She scolded, glancing inside the bag. "Ooo.. but I'm glad you did." She selected a plump fig and bit into it, her twinkling eyes forgiving her partner easily. "Mm.. these are great.. hey.. didja see any chickens out there?" She mumbled around a mouthful, watching the warrior amble over to the fire and examine the stew.

Xena glanced over. "Chickens? Gabrielle, we're in the middle of the forest.. where in Hades would you expect me to find chickens?" Her brow creased, wondering if her soulmate was going to ask for that next.

The bard held up a feather. "Same place Ares did."

The warrior had filled two of their wooden bowls with the hot stew, and carried them over, handing one to the bard, and keeping one for herself. She settled down cross-legged at Gabrielle's side and selected a bit of meat from the bowl. "Chickens." She mused, chewing thoughtfully. "Wild chickens?" She glanced over to see the bard wolfing her stew down, and chuckled. "Hey.. chewing is allowed, there.. slow down, Gabrielle."

Gabrielle paused, and swallowed. "Make up your mind.. I don't eat, you yell. I eat, you yell." She pointed her fork at the warrior.

Xena blinked, feeling an irrational twinge of hurt. "I wasn't… yelling.. I just … didn't want you to choke." She protested.

The bard rolled her eyes. "Xena, I've been eating all my life, and I've managed to do it without choking yet.. will you calm down please? You're making me nuts."

It was, she realized, the wrong thing to say a second after it left her lips. She saw the flutter of emotions cross her partner's face, then her expression settled into a quiet, pensive stillness.

"Okay." A shrug, and Xena was turning her attention to her own bowl. "Sorry." Damn. I have got to cut that out… she is a perfectly competent adult, remember?

Gabrielle sighed inwardly. "Hey.. I don't meant to sound like an ungrateful pig… it's just that you shouldn't worry so much.. okay?" She put her fork down and reached over, circling Xena's wrist with warm fingers. "You're gonna wear yourself out."

Xena nodded slightly. "Gotcha." She replied, poking at her food and not looking up. She took a breath, and squared her shoulders, raising her eyes with an obvious effort. "So.. what are you writing?" She asked, in an even, interested tone.

Mist green eyes captured hers effortlessly. "Are you mad at me?" Gabrielle asked, quietly. "I'm sorry.. that came out sounding a lot bitchier than I intended." She rubbed a thumb against Xena's wrist, squeezing her gently in mute apology.

A sigh. "No.. I'm.. I know I've been acting like a broody hen. I just… " Xena exhaled, and rubbed her eyes. "I can't seem to help it." She propped an elbow on her knee, and rested her chin against her fist, her other hand pushing her food around aimlessly, caught in the bard's light grasp.

"Well…. " Gabrielle hesitated. "I mean.. everything's going fine, right?" She asked, in a small voice, sensing that her soulmate was treading a delicate balance.

Xena swallowed. "Maybe that's the problem. Every time things go right, I just… " Long pause. "I guess I'm waiting for the worst to happen, because it always seems to when I'm involved." Now she looked up. "And this time, I don't want it to. I don't want anything bad to happen to you I .. I just..."

The bard made a soft sound of startlement, then put her bowl down and crawled closer, throwing her arms around the taller woman and hugging her. "You can't think like that."

The warrior exhaled. "Yeah, I know… but it's like I don't dare be happy about something.. because every time I let myself do that, disaster strikes." She glanced up as she felt the tension in Gabrielle's body. "Hey.. hey.. I'm sorry… listen to me with all this crap." She gave the bard a gentle squeeze. "Didn't mean to unload all that on you." Damn, Xena… get control of this… come on now.

Gabrielle sighed, resting her head against her partner's shoulder. "No.. it's okay… if there's something going on with you, I wanna know." She objected quietly. "I'm sorry .. I really didn’t meant to come off so snippy sounding.." She poked her tongue out and bit down on it. "Bad bard."

That got a smile back. "You gonna kill me for being such a worry wart?" The tone was light, but there was a wistful quality to the warrior's voice.

The bard rubbed her arm. "No.. not unless you're going to kill me for calling you on it once in a while." She answered wryly.

Blue eyes flickered. "Deal." They touched foreheads, then Gabrielle tilted her posture and stole another kiss, tasting the rich flavor of the stew. "Mm.." She pursued her gentle attack. "Tastes better on you than in the bowl." She told the warrior teasingly, as she backed off, one hand stroking her face. "Xena… " Her tone went serious. "Please don't be afraid to be happy… if something happens, it happens… enjoy right now."

Silence, then a hesitant nod. "I'll try." The warrior promised. "Now… eat."

Gabrielle paused, then laughed softly, and picked up her bowl, remaining where she was and leaning against her soulmate's warm body as she resumed her chewing.

Xena slid an arm over her shoulders and ate her stew one handed. "This is great." She commented, pausing for a minute. "You were right.. I do like it a lot." She offered the compliment with a smile.

"Thanks." Gabrielle mumbled, busy swallowing, but she lifted her gaze and turned an affectionate look on her soulmate. "Coming from you, that really is nice to hear." She acknowledged Xena's faint blush with a twinkle and mercifully changed the subject. "So.. we're almost up there." She bit a carrot in half and chewed it. "Now that you've been teasing me for a week, what's the festival really like?"

Xena smiled, and bit down on her fork. "Um…. Actually, Gabrielle, I have no idea."

The bard looked at her.

"No, really." The warrior insisted. "My… " A pause. "Prior involvement with the Amazons didn't.. it wasn't really… let's just say I wasn't invited to any festivals of theirs, all right?"

Gabrielle scraped out the bottom of her bowl. "Prior involvement… that was.. during the Centaur war?"

Xena kept her eyes strictly on her hands. "Around that time, yeah." She pronounced the words carefully, her good mood vanishing.

The bard stood, and walked to the fire, filling her plate again, and returning to settle back down at her partner's side. "Okay." She drew the word out after it became obvious Xena wasn't going to continue. "If you… " She fell silent. "If you ever want to… to talk about it, you can, with me.. you know that, right?"

The warrior rested her head against the bard's. "I know.. I just… I don't want to rake that up right now." Or ever. Not even for her. "But.. anyway, I really don't know what their traditions for this are."

Gabrielle accepted the change of subject gracefully, tucking away her curiosity for a later time. "Well, if it's anything dumb, I'll tell Ephiny forget it. I'm not going to have you subjected to stupid Amazon tricks."

Xena glanced at her with a smile. "Who's being overprotective now?" She teased gently. "C'mon, Gabrielle.. I'm a big girl… I can take it." She shrugged. "How bad could it be, anyway? I'm not gonna get all bent out of shape because of some crazy Amazon rules."

The bard poked her lower lip out. "What if it's something like you said… that I have to kiss everyone in the village? Frankly, Xena.. I'd rather you get outraged over that, okay?"

"Oh." The warm arm around her shoulders tightened its hold. "Well, Gabrielle.. you are the queen, remember? You can just say no."

Unaccountably, Gabrielle's shoulders slumped. "Yeah, I guess."

Xena watched her face, puzzled. What'd I say now? Then she realized and almost slapped herself across the back of the head. Hades.. I'm an idiot. "Uh.. on the other hand, I could make em the same deal I made Toris at your birthday party." She offered, thinking fast.

Gabrielle frowned. "I don't remember… what was that?"

"They're welcome to kiss you.. but they've gotta beat me in single combat first." The warrior chuckled. "That way.. you abide by the tradition.. but… "

Grudgingly, a tiny smile edged the bard's lips. "I guess that would solve the problem… no one would bother."

"What? I figure I'd end up fighting the entire Nation, are you kidding?" Xena's voice went very serious. "Gabrielle?"

Green eyes peeked up at her. "Yes?"

"Did you really think I'd stand by and let an entire village of rampaging Amazons kiss you?" She lifted a hand and tilted the bard's chin up. "Do you think I'd stand by and let ONE Amazon kiss you? "

Pale eyelashes fluttered as the bard blinked something out of her eye. "No?"

"Eph's gonna be lucky if she gets to shake your hand." A pause. "With gauntlets on."

At last, a smile creased Gabrielle's face. "I'm being overly sensitive, aren't I?" She queried wryly. "We both are." And where did that little bout of insecurity come from? Gods… poor Xena.

Are we? Xena sighed inwardly. Yeah, I guess we are. "If you want the honest truth.. " The warrior admitted quietly. "I think I'd rather just stay out here, alone, with you than go up there." She exhaled and glanced off into the trees. "I know things… are different than last time, but.. maybe it's getting on my nerves a little."

"Me too." An even quieter admission. "I'm looking forward to seeing everyone, but… I always feel like I'm on display there." She paused, thinking. "I don't know if… for some reason, that's just spooking me this time." Immediately she felt better, having gotten that off her chest and she could see a gleam of relief in the taller woman's eyes as well. "Does that make any sense?"

Xena nodded. "Sometimes… " She paused, and considered. "I feel like an onion with one too many layers peeled off when we're with them."

Gabrielle blinked, surprised at the comment. "Xena, there are a lot of people in the Amazon tribe who not only like you, they admire you… I think you know that, right?" She put a hand on her soulmate's arm, feeling the muscles contract a little under her fingertips. "And you have nothing to prove to anyone there, you hear me?"

The warrior remained silent for a bit, toying with her bootlace. "It's not that… It's… " Xena sighed. "Most of the places we go.. people take who I am.. what I am.. for granted. I… with the Amazons.. it's like they're always testing me.. prodding me.. like they want to prove I'm not as good as I think I am."

The bard was honestly shocked. "Do you really feel… " Then she stopped, and considered, remembering the constant challenges from Pony, and others. "Honey.. I don't think they're testing you.. I think they're testing themselves." She replied thoughtfully. "It's kinda like those people who climb mountains for fun, just because they're there? I think you're like that for them."

Xena's brow creased in puzzlement. "Huh?"

Gabrielle chewed her lip. "They're warriors." She drew a line in the earth near the sleeping fur. "It's what they're born to… what they train for… not like ordinary soldiers at all.. and you… Xena, you're the best warrior any of them have ever known, or ever will.. you're their high mark." She paused. "What they aim for.. so of course they have to measure themselves against you." She shrugged a little. "They're jealous.. and you challenge them like crazy."

Xena considered that quietly, her brow knitting. "You do realize an entire army of grungy mercenaries are easier to deal with than your Amazons, right?" She remarked wryly. "I just had to kick their butts once, and I was home free."

The bard quirked a grin, and leaned against her. "Tell you what, partner…you keep the amorous Amazons away from me, and I'll put shackles on Eponin's ambushes, okay?"

The warrior let out a sigh. "All right… that sounds good to me."

Gabrielle studied her. "Oh yeah.. I almost forgot …will you promise me something?"

Xena blinked. "Um.. okay."

One slim finger lifted and pressed itself against her nose. "You will NOT tell them it's my birthday the day after tomorrow."

Blue eyes twinkled at her. "All right, Gabrielle. I promise that I will not tell them that it's your birthday the day after tomorrow when we get there." Worded that right… considering I told Eph before we left the last time. "Okay?"

The bard's eyes narrowed as she studied her partner's innocent look. "Or at any time AFTER we get there." She added, suspiciously, seeing that imperfectly hidden gleeful glint in those pale blue orbs.

"Or any time after we get there, gotcha." Xena nodded briskly. "I promise." She patted her chest above her heart.

Fingers drummed against her knee restlessly. "Why do I get the feeling you're up to something?"

"Me?" A thumb pointed at the warrior's fabric covered chest. "Gabrielle.. we haven't even gotten there yet.. how could I be up to anything?" The warrior protested reasonably. "I haven't seen or talked to Eph or any of them since they left Amphipolis, and you know it."

Mollified, the bard settled down to finish her stew, not without shooting her soulmate a few wary looks. "You promise, right?" She insisted. "I mean.. I just don't want a huge deal made out of it, Xena… you know how they are. "

Xena nodded solemnly. "I promise." She cleaned her own plate, then set it aside and leaned back against the tree, tugging Gabrielle back against her, then winding her arms around the bard's body as they both watched the sunset. "Nice." She commented idly, gazing at a sky painted in layered streaks of color, which bathed them in a gentle glow.

"Mm." Gabrielle agreed, her eyes closed, and her fingers flexing gently against the warrior's skin. "Very nice."

Xena smiled contentedly.

A soft rustling brought Xena out of sleep abruptly, snapping her head up, and causing her pale eyes to rake the surrounding darkness rapidly. She could make out the low burning embers of the fire, and see the faint reflection of the light against Argo's pale hide, but the mare seemed to be sleeping, and not moving around.

Slowly, she focused her senses, hearing the faint rustling again after a tiny wait. Her hand went to her chakram, placed next to her hip and she curled her fingers around its familiar shape. She glanced around for Ares, but the wolf was nowhere to be seen, and she felt her heartbeat pick up. At her side, Gabrielle slept on, the bard's body tangled with her own, and she hesitated, then decided not to wake her just yet.

Instead, she carefully turned her head, locating the suspicious noise, and training her eyes on the spot, which was a dark patch in the surrounding forest.

The rustling grew louder, and Xena felt her pulse pick up, as she remained perfectly still, only her thumb moving, gently caressing the metal as she waited. A scuffing sound, and her shoulder muscles tensed.

A light clicking, and her forearm muscles contracted, her wrist cocking slightly.

Another rustle. Xena's eyes now had adjusted to the darkness, and she could see a shadow moving.

Then, in a brief burst of movement, something was plummeting towards her, and she reacted, sharply honed reflexes responding without hesitation as she flung the chakram forward with a flick of her wrist.

There was a strangled sound, then a thud nearby, and the warrior blinked as a feather wafted down and landed, with exquisite precision, on Gabrielle's nose. The bard's eyes snapped open, and she glanced up at her partner, then looked out towards the fire. "What was that?" She ducked as the chakram came skimming back to the warrior's hand.

Xena eased herself up onto one elbow, and examined their attacker. "Um… " A crumpled white body lay between her and the fire. "Breakfast." She muttered, scratching her head. "It's a chicken."

Gabrielle released her, then rolled over, and examined it. "Yuck.. a really dead chicken, Xena… did you have to.. um… " She peered back over her shoulder. "Cut it in half?" She saw the grimace on her soulmate's face. "Whoops.. bad timing?"

Xena curled up into a ball and fought to maintain control over her stomach. The nausea was so bad, she had to clench her jaw tight as her body violently protested. She remained that way for what felt like a lifetime before a gentle touch on her jaw made her eyes flutter open. Gabrielle was kneeling at her side, a traveling cup in her hand. Gratefully, she allowed the bard to pour some into her mouth, and she swallowed it quickly, clamping her jaw down again as it threatened to come right back up.

But it didn't, and after a moment, she was able to drink the rest, as the spasms subsided and her body relaxed. "Damn." She panted weakly. "It's getting worse."

The bard stroked her hair. "I'm sorry." She slid down and pulled the warrior half into her lap, rocking her gently. "I'm so sorry, Xe." Gabrielle's voice broke in quiet anguish. "It's all my fault."

"No.. don't be sorry." Xena sighed, uncurling from her ball to soothe her upset soulmate. "It won't last forever.. just a little stomachache.. that's all." She peered over the bard's shoulder. "Where in Hades did that damn chicken come from?"

"More to the point, why was it attacking us?" Gabrielle asked, her brow creasing. "I've never heard of a violent chicken, Xena."

"You never met Sparky." The warrior informed her, drolly. "I don't think it was attacking us.. I think something scared it." They both looked out into the woods. "Um…"

Gabrielle released her, feeling the shift as her partner's muscles contracted bringing her up onto her knees, one hand wrapped around the chakram, the other reaching for her sword.

Argo started violently, and reared, snorting in surprise. It brought Xena up standing, and she took three steps towards the mare, then her eyes grew wide. "Yow!"

With a thundering roar, a flock of chickens rolled over them like a tide.

In pure instinct, Xena turned, and threw herself over the bard, landing on her elbows and knees and knocking Gabrielle to the ground with a startled gasp. Flying bodies slammed against her, and scratching claws bit at her skin, as a loud series of squawks assailed her sensitive ears.

Then, like a mist, they were gone.

Xena spat a feather out of her mouth, and sat up, dumbfounded. "What in all the murky depths of the River Styx was THAT?" She examined her arm, which had a long, wicked scratch on it, then glanced down at Gabrielle, who was lying peacefully still, her ankles crossed, and her hands folded across her stomach.

"I don't care.. it can come back if it means I'm going to get surrounded by lots of warm, heavy breathing, heart pounding warrior." The bard informed her with a smile. She reached up and tickled Xena's belly through the soft linen of her shirt. "C'mere, chicken.."

"Gabrielle, I .. " Somehow, Xena found herself easing down at her partner's side, as Gabrielle curled herself around her. "I should.. I… " A peaceful warmth enveloped her. "But the.. the chickens.. " Her arms wrapped around Gabrielle's body and she forgot about the chickens.. all that mattered was the smooth skin under her fingertips, all thoughts of the danger evaporating into a warm fog that took her over and made her stop caring about anything except what she was feeling.

"Xena." A voice softly in her ear, and a gentle shake on her shoulder With a start, she woke, and blinked her eyes open into the misty light of an early dawn, meeting slightly concerned green ones peering back at her.

"Uh." She croaked, very confused.

"You okay?" The bard asked gently. "You were talking in your sleep.. something about chickens." She hesitated. "I didn't… I mean.. you don't usually do that."

Xena rubbed her temples with one hand. "Dream." She muttered. "Really strange.. wh.. " She half sat up, and spotted Ares curled up neatly at her feet, his eyes watching her. "Ares… I woke up.. he.. was gone.. but there were these noises.. and.. " She felt her own chest in confusion. "It felt so real… I heard a noise.. then this chicken attacked us.. and.."

"Whoa.. whoa.. tiger… " Gabrielle eased her back down, pressing on her shoulders. She'd woken to find her soulmate's whole body twitching in agitation, and soft mumbles coming from her, which had scared the bard half to death. "Easy.. " She relaxed back down next to her, slipping a comforting arm across her stomach. "It was just a dream."

"It was so real." Xena commented softly. "I even… I was sick to my stomach, and you… " Confusion was painfully evident in her eyes. "I don't usually dream like that." She reflected soberly. "I don’t think I like it."

The bard pursed her lips. "Well.. that stew was kinda spicy last night.. maybe.. "She gave her soulmate a pat on the belly. "After all, you had two plates of it.. could it have been something in there? I know I had mushrooms.. but they were the safe ones you showed me."

Xena exhaled, considering that. "Maybe." She acknowledged wryly, then yawned, as she regarded the misty dawn. "Well, time to get up anyway… we should make it to the Amazons today." She picked up her chakram, and examined it curiously. No trace of blood marred its surface. "I killed a chicken in my dream."

"Listen.. you must have remembered me asking you about them last night, that's all." Gabrielle laughed. "I told you Ares caught one.. and you asked what chickens would be doing out here in the forest, remember?"

The warrior snorted softly. "Yeah.. I do." She sat up, and checked her shoulder, finding soft, umarked skin, and just shook her head. "It was just so vivid…maybe you're right…. I shouldn't have had that second plate." She sighed wryly. "It was really good, though."

The bard stretched, then gave her thigh a gentle squeeze.. "Thanks.. but less spices next time, I think… if it's gonna cause you problems." She looked up. "I don't think you'll have that problem in the village."

"Ah… no.. " Xena broke into a grin. "Not with your Amazon cooks, my bard." She stood, then extended a hand down to her partner. "C'mon.. let's get going."

"Eponin, what are you doing here?" The hazelnut haired Amazon guard gave the dour weapons master a look. "Did you run out of students to pummel or something?"

They were crouched under a tightly woven canopy, which covered the small lookout post. A heavy, thick rain was drumming down on all sides, rattling the leaves with enthusiasm. The lookout post was set in a squat tree which stood on a small outcropping that overlooked the valley below, and was the main entry point for the Amazon's territory. A path meandered away from them down the hillside, and disappeared into the thick foliage.

Eponin leaned back against the tree bole, wrapping her sturdy arms around her knees as she sat stolidly looking out. "Just thought I'd drop by… something wrong with that?" She commented, a challenging note in her voice. "You guys playing cards out here or something? Am I interrupting?" She let her caramel colored eyes flick first to the shorter woman, then to the tall, lanky brunette behind her.

"Get outta here." The shorter woman snorted, giving her a slap on the knee. "But you’ve been out here four times in the last three days… what in Hades are you waiting for?"

Eponin's sharp eyes focused on something, and a small, relieved smile edged her mouth. "That." She jerked her chin towards the path, and they turned to look.

A pale yellow horse was picking its way gingerly up the muddy track, followed by a wet, muck covered wolf. "Ah hah." The sentry chuckled. "Mystery solved."

Eponin smiled, as she studied the oncoming Argo, who was tossing her head against the rain. Xena was seated far back in the mare's saddle, and Gabrielle was tucked in front of her, snuggled under the taller woman's cloak with just her head peeking out. She was leaning back against the warrior's body, and occasionally turned her head to look up, as she explained something.

The weapons master sighed in silent relief. Even from here, she could see the grin on the bard's face, and the relaxed set to Xena's shoulders that meant everything was still just fine… not that she'd expected any different, but… you never knew. Not with these two, anyway.. and she was really just glad to see them. As she watched, Gabrielle made some point or other that caused the warrior to burst into laughter, which she joined with her own.

Xena evidently was holding on to her, because she tugged her closer, and the bard looked up at her face with an expression of such total adoration, it was almost embarrassing to witness. "Gods." Eponin muttered. "They're a regular walking advertisement for Aphrodite, ain't they?"

The sentries chuckled, and shook their heads, as the tall warrior returned the look with an affectionate smile, and brushed her lips over her partner's tousled and damp hair. Then her sharp, pale eyes lifted, and looked directly into Eponin's, even though the weapons master was sure she couldn’t see her. That gaze held however, until she cursed gently and leaned out, waving a hand at the visibly smirking Xena. "Damn woman can see through rocks, I swear." She muttered, getting a muffled snort from the sentries.

Now Gabrielle was waving back, a bare arm poking out from under her little cloak cave, since Xena's hands were, apparently occupied. With an aggrieved sigh, Eponin tugged up the hood on her own cape, and slipped out from under the leafy canopy, dropping down into the damp leaves, and jogging down the path towards the oncoming pair.

"Hey.. look who we rated as an escort." Gabrielle commented, as she watched Eponin emerge from the trees. "That's a compliment."

Xena kept her thoughts to herself, but snuggled closer to the bard, enjoying the warmth of their contact, and the smooth shift of Gabrielle's body under her securely wrapped arm. Actually, she reflected, she was glad that it was Eponin that was waiting for them, since she'd developed a fondness for the usually surly Amazon and felt more at ease with her than any of the rest of them. Now she let a half grin edge across her face as the muscular woman trotted down the path, and pulled up, slipping a little in the mud next to Argo's shoulder. "Well well.. look what the rain washed down the hillside." She drawled, exchanging brief, warriorlike nods with Eponin.

"Hey!" Gabrielle pushed the Amazon's hood back and ruffled her hair, smiling in genuinely happy greeting. "Whatcha doing out here?" She briefly considered jumping down from Argo's tall back, but she was really very comfortable where she was, and it didn't look like Xena was going to let her go any time soon, so.. She leaned back against the solid security behind her and chuckled as Eponin tugged her hood back up.

"My queen." Eponin smiled impishly. "Eph sent me out to keep an eye poking around looking for you." She patted Argo's shoulder. "She was hoping you two would make it up here in time… but we weren't sure when you left Amphipolis, so…" Now her head tilted up. "Lo, Xena… you look like a half drowned water weasel."

A damp, dark eyebrow lifted. "Likewise." The warrior drawled, nudging Argo a step closer to the sturdy woman. "How's Eph?"

Eponin glanced away, then back up. "She's fine… looking forward to you both visiting." She replied quietly. "Everyone is… haven't heard them talk about anything else for a fortnight cepting this festival."

Gabrielle's fingers found her partner's hand, and squeezed it, getting a tightening of muscles in response. "Great… let's get going.. we've been riding in the rain most of the day.. I feel like a raisin."

They picked up an honor guard halfway back, alerted by signal from the lookouts, which formed around them with soggy efficiency as Eponin led the way up the long, narrow path into the village. Gabrielle kept up a gentle stream of small talk, exchanging pleasantries with the guard, and relating a story or two as they walked.

Xena remained silent, listening to her soulmate's clear voice and watching the forest around them. Her defenses were up, and solidly in place despite the knowledge that she was going into the camp of allies. Too much history, she reflected wryly. I don't think I'll ever feel totally comfortable here, not anymore. She let out a small sigh, and rested her cheek against the bard's damp hair. Gabrielle felt it, and her voice faltered for a moment, but then went on, as her fingers twined silently with those of her soulmate.

At last, they were entering the archway, through which a soggy, if active scene was going on as the village prepared for dinner, workers running through the rain with woven mats over their heads, and scouts hurrying around clothed in waterproof cloaks.

The Amazon village was a roughly two large circles joined in the center by the communal dining hall. Around the center of both circles were living quarters, and the huts dedicated to the healers, the craftswomen, and at one end, quarters for the regent and queen.

Hails started up as they were spotted, and Xena, being taller, had the advantage of seeing Ephiny's unceremoniously jogging form seconds before her soulmate. "Hey.. " She nudged Gabrielle's shoulder. "You wanna get down?"

Gabrielle half turned, and looked her right in the eye. "No." She stated firmly. "I really like where I am."

Xena blinked at her, faintly startled.

"But I guess I gotta, huh?" The bard continued, with a sigh, as she released the edges of Xena's cloak and let the rain hit her body. She eased one booted leg over Argo's neck, and took the warrior's offered arm, which lowered her to the ground neatly. "Hey Eph!" She hastened forward to meet the regent, throwing her arms around her happily. Ephiny chuckled as she gave her a return hug.

"Well well.. you made it." The regent grinned, grasping her shoulders and holding her out at arm's distance. "Gabrielle, you look great." She gave the younger woman an approving glance. "Wet, but great."

Gabrielle smiled back. "So do you." She returned the compliment. "Those are new leathers, huh? I like them… that color is great on you."

Xena watched for a moment, then kicked her boots free of Argo's stirrups and slid down, landing with a faint splash in the muddy ground, as she neatly settled her cloak.

Ephiny gently nudged the bard out of the way and closed in on her taller partner, holding out a hand. "Hello, Xena.. welcome back.. it's good to see you."

Definitely different than last time. The warrior reflected wryly as she met the regent's grip and was startled when the smaller woman pulled her into a brief hug. She returned it with a slight awkwardness, then released a held breath. "Good to see you too, Ephiny." She grinned, and jerked her head to the left. "Thanks for sending a welcome party."

The regent chuckled. "No problem… but let's get outta this rain before we all get sick."

"Yeah.. good idea." Eponin glowered at her. "Didn't you have a cloak last time I saw you?"

Ephiny acquired an innocent look, as she took Gabrielle's arm and started guiding her towards the end of the circle. "So.. Gabrielle… what's up?" She grinned at her friend.

Xena fell in behind them, leading Argo as Eponin joined her, shaking her head and muttering. "Hey." The warrior nudged her. "You're talking to yourself. Not a good thing." She glanced up as footsteps neared. "Hello Cait."

"Hello." The girl pattered to a halt, giving her a big smile. "It's great to see you.. can I take care of Argo?" She'd grown a bit, Xena noticed, and she was starting to fill out a little, under the Amazon's hard regimen. Her pale blond hair was braided back, and her gray eyes sparkled.

"C'mere." The warrior motioned her over, and when she gladly joined them, she put an arm around her and hugged her. "Sure… you doing okay?"

Cait returned the hug enthusiastically. "Gosh, you're awfully squishy.. have you been in this weather all day?" She asked. "Everything's super, thanks." She grinned. "Can I take her? I'll make sure she gets dried off, and get the muddy bits from her feet."

"She'd like that." Xena replied, handing over the reins, and reaching up to unhook the saddlebags the mare carried. "Hang on.. lemme get these." The warrior swung them over a shoulder. "There ya go…thanks, Cait."

"Great.. I'll stop by later and say hello, all right?" The girl clucked at Argo, who nuzzled her familiarly. "Come on, Argo… we've got some nice, dry hay for you."

Xena watched them move off into the mist and turned back to the quietly waiting Eponin. "Things been okay here?" She asked, casually, as they started after the bard and regent, who had moved out of earshot ahead of them.

Slight hesitation. "Yeah.. things are fine.. well, I mean, you know us, Xena… bicker bicker like a pickled box of chicken livers, but… " The weapons master lifted a hand and let it fall. "It's been quiet… peaceful for a change, really." She glanced up at the angular face watching her. "We're all looking forward to the festival.. I'm glad you guys showed up for it."

"Glad we could too." The warrior mentally sorted through a few options, then modulated her tone to a calm interest. "So.. how's Eph doing?" She regarded a small bird over head as they walked, feathers fluffed and head tucked against the rain. "She heal up okay.. no headaches or anything?" She watched the dark haired Amazon from the corner of her eye, knowing she had a legitimate reason for asking, since she'd been the healer who had treated the Amazon regent after her vicious attack in the slaver's camp.

"Oh.. yeah.. yeah.. she's great." Eponin answered. "Great… no headaches.. in fact, she hasn't had so much as a hangnail since we got back.. it's been great."

Xena walked a few more paces, watching a lizard scoot past her dark, mud covered boots. "But?" She stated quietly.

Pause. "But what?" Eponin answered slowly.

Xena looked at her, one eyebrow lifting. "But you're acting skittish as a mare in season in a herd of stallions, so.. is there a problem? " She replied, bluntly.

Eponin exhaled loudly. "Not fair, Xena… you're not supposed to do the sensitive chat thing.. you're weirding me out."

They walked on silently for a few paces. "Everything's fine.. honest." The Amazon finally added firmly. "I… I guess I took your advice… after we got back, and stuff worked out.. I'm… it's been good. Fine. Really."

Xena clasped her hands behind her back, and nodded amiably. "Great to hear."

"So… how are things?" Ephiny asked, tilting her head and regarding her friend and queen.

Gabrielle grinned quietly. "Really good." She paused, collecting her thoughts, opening her mouth to elaborate, then closing it. A faint shrug. "Really good… we.. just left a city west of here… they had a whole load of problems we had to straighten out, and there was this army Xena had to stop, and then.. "

"Whoa." Ephiny clapped a hand over her mouth. "Army. Xena. Stopped." She paused. "Details."

The bard chuckled. "Later.. I'll tell you the whole story.. it's a long one. " She assured the Amazon. "I feel great, Xena feels great… what more can I say?" She regarded the regent thoughtfully. "So.. how are you doing? You feeling okay? You look a lot better."

Ephiny paused, then gave a slow nod. "I'm doing fine." She stated soberly. "I um… I had kind of a tough little time when we first got back, but Pony was really there for me, and… it worked out… she's been a real lifesaver." She glanced behind them with a warmly appreciative smile, then flicked her attention back to Gabrielle. "Things are all right."

Gabrielle put an arm around her shoulders. "That's great to hear, Eph… I was kinda worried about you.. Xena was too." She smiled at the regent. "It's good that Pony was there for you… that's so important." She stated quietly. "I'm so glad you two have gotten so close.. it makes me feel good for both of you."

The regent smiled wistfully. "Yeah."

The bard's eyes flicked to her face, reading conflicting emotions there, and her brow creased slightly. "You guys doing okay?" She asked, after a slight hesitation.

"Oh yeah!" Ephiny's expression lightened at once. "No one believes it, but… yeah, we… it's been great." She turned abruptly. "Hey… speaking of which, where are those guys? Don't tell me Pony dragged Xena off to the armory already…"

Then she spotted the two dark haired warriors strolling along slowly behind them. "Hey you two!" Ephiny's voice rang out, and they both glanced up to see both the regent and the bard standing in front of Gabrielle's assigned quarters with their hands on their hips. Xena let Eponin off the hook temporarily and lengthened her strides, catching up to them quickly.

"Okay.. okay.. " The warrior lifted a wry hand. "Had to make sure Argo got taken care of."

Ares caught up with them and shook himself vigorously. "Hey!" Ephiny yelped, dodging the flying mud.

They ducked under the overhang in front of the queen's hut, and stood for a moment, glad to be out of the rain. "Listen.. why don't you guys get settled in, then c'mon over to the dining hall.. dinner's almost ready. We can catch up then, okay?" Ephiny ran a hand through her curly blond hair, and shook some of the water out of it. "I can fill you in on the festival plans."

"Sounds good." Gabrielle grinned, patting her stomach. "Especially the dinner part. " She gave them a little wave as they ducked back into the rain, and jogged off side by side, then turned to her partner and cocked her head. Blue eyes and green met in wry understanding.

"Something's up with them." They both said simultaneously, then chuckled a little. Xena pushed the door open and gestured her inside. "C'mon, Red… I'm drenched." She followed the bard inside, and shut the door, glad to be out of the weather. The hut looked much the same as the last time, a spare, but comfortable bed up against the back wall, a small area where several people could sit and talk around a low table, and a working desk with a sturdy chair behind it. The warrior dropped their gear on the floor near the window, and knelt, digging her flint and steel out.

Gabrielle watched as she lit the several candles about the hut, and the interior grew golden with light. "So… you get anything out of Eponin?" She asked, slipping up behind her and unclasping her cloak, which she took and set in the small chamber that connected to their quarters that held a wash basin and cleaning area. "I don't think it's… well, I don't know what I think, really. What do you think?"

Xena pulled a set of dry clothes out for both of them, and tossed the bard hers. "I think you'd better get out of that wet stuff, is what I think." She lifted a brow meaningfully at her soulmate. "As for what's up… I dunno… maybe they got an issue." She took a piece of well used linen and rubbed Ares' sodden coat roughly, making it stick up in all directions. "There ya go, boy."

Gabrielle paused in the act of removing her skirt, and cocked her head to one side. "An issue?" She carefully spread the fabric out to dry in the small antechamber, and added her brief top to it. "What do you mean by that?"

The warrior glanced up, a quirky smile taking over her face as she regarded her partner's naked and candlelit body. "Dunno.. but it sounded good, huh?" She muttered, standing up and stripping off her armor. "Maybe they're still working stuff out with what happened to Eph, or something." She shrugged. "We'll find out sooner or later."

The bard sauntered forward, and tugged at the straps on her drenched leathers. "Here.. let me do that."

"Gabrielle.. I'm perfectly capable of undressing myself." Xena remarked, but let her hands drop quietly anyway.

"Oh.. I know." The younger woman assured her. "But you don’t have.. " She slipped one strap off, and kissed the bare skin it revealed. "Nearly as much fun." The other strap and another kiss. "Doing it as I do." Now she slid the leathers down and stepped close. "Mmm."

Xena watched the goosebumps run up the bard's arms. "You cold?" She rasped softly, as she circled Gabrielle's body and pulled her into solid contact.

"Nu uh." The bard breathed, warming a patch of Xena's skin around her breastbone. "Not at all." She let her hands move slowly up Xena's back, feeling the ripple of movement as the warrior drew an unsteady breath, mildly intrigued that after everything that had happened, they could still do this to each other so effortlessly. Her turn to gasp now as Xena's body shifted and she was leaning against a muscular thigh whose warmth sent jolts through her

Well, they had time before dinner, right?

With a faint shrug, Gabrielle relaxed her defenses, and allowed her body full rein as it eagerly responded to her soulmate's gentle touch. A hand laced itself behind her neck, and she tilted her face up willingly, meeting the warrior's lips which captured hers, then went on to explore every inch of her jaw, nibbling lightly on her earlobe and forcing a soft sound from the depths of her throat.

Xena drew back a bit, watching her, eyelashes fluttering against her sensitized skin. "You all right?" The whisper was almost inside her ear, and the sounds seemed to go right through her.

"Y.. yeah." She managed a stammer, pressing closer. "I.. I just.. " Fingers danced across her skin and her throat caught, stopping her speech.

"You like this?" Xena's question warmed the side of her neck, as she gently stroked. A soft, incoherent word was her answer. There was a low, padded bench under the window, and she lifted the bard up, then stretched out fully across it, never stopping her attentions. "Keep watch, Ares.. " She paused for a second, breathing unevenly. "Any damn Amazon comes close you bite em in the butt, got me?"

The wolf sneezed, then trotted over to the door and lay down in front of it.

Just a few more minutes, Xena promised herself. Then we'll get up, and get dressed, and go entertain the Amazons. They really should have gotten started a half candlemark ago, but it was just so comfortable lying here entangled with Gabrielle's sleeping body that she hadn't been able to prod herself sufficiently to get moving yet.

Besides, she rationalized, knowing the Amazons, it was going to be a long night. Better Gabrielle get some rest first, right? She was lying on her back, half reclining against the couch's low padded side with the bard sprawled over her, red gold hair tumbling in disarray over her chest and shoulders.

The few minutes passed peacefully, as the warrior idly watched the candle nearby flicker. It was risky, Xena knew, as she stifled a lazy yawn. Sooner or later Ephiny or Eponin or both, or one of their lieutenants would come sniffing around, looking for them. Personally, the warrior didn't object to being caught snuggling naked with their young queen, but she knew Gabrielle would care.

She'd blush like crazy, in fact, and give her partner grief for letting her sleep so long. So… Reluctantly, Xena ran a fingertip down the bard's back. "Gabrielle?" She pitched her voice low, to avoid startling the smaller woman.

A muffled noise escaped from the bard, who tightened her grip. "Gabrielle's not here.. you can leave a message." She muttered, nuzzling Xena's bare skin drowsily.

"C'mon… gotta go meet folks." Xena's voice held a faint chuckle.

"They can meet my butt." Gabrielle replied, keeping her eyes firmly closed.

"Well." Xena lifted her head in mildly amused observation. "If they walk in right now, they sure will." She reached over and tickled the bodypart in question. "And it's a cute one."

A green eye appeared, and fixed on her. "Meanie." The bard grumbled.

Both dark eyebrows lifted. "Me? I'm just trying to keep you out of trouble, love… imagine Eponin walking in right now."

Gabrielle sighed, and opened her other eye. "Keeping yourself out of trouble too." She groused. "Tell me you wouldn't be embarrassed."

Xena chuckled, and made a show of letting her eyes wander down their intertwined bodies. "Nah." She replied cheerfully. "You're the best looking thing in this place.. wouldn't bother me a bit. " She gave the reddening bard a grin. "Talk about enhancing my reputation…"

Gabrielle cleared her throat. "So. What are we gonna do about Eph and Pony?" She changed the subject with forceful intent, as she waited for her blush to fade.

Her partner laughed.

"That's not an answer." The bard poked her in the chest. "We have to have a plan." She insisted. "And anyway, maybe if we keep them busy enough, they'll forget they have to get us back for that blue frosting thing."

Xena rolled her eyes. "Right.. I forgot about that.. but.. " She brushed the loose strands of hair out of Gabrielle's eyes. "They'd be after me for that.. not you., remember?"

Gabrielle regarded her seriously. "Xena, there is no me and you here. There's just us." She reached up and stroked the warrior's jaw as her breathing caught, then resumed. "And they know that." She let her head rest down on the smooth skin for a bit, just reveling in the closeness.

Xena hugged her for a long time. "Come on." She finally said softly. "I think I hear Ephiny's voice, headed this way."

For a moment, she thought Gabrielle was going to rebel. The bard remained still, only her hands tensed, as though she didn't want to let loose her grip. Then she sighed gently, and pushed herself up, standing and walking over to their gear to retrieve a fresh set of clothing.

"Casual tonight, huh?" The bard looked over her shoulder with a wistful look. "I'm not in the mood to get into the leather stuff"

"You're the Queen." Xena reminded her with a smile, tugging a linen tunic from her own pack and pulling it over her head. She let the folds settle around her body, then tied the worn belt snugly around her waist. The ends of the garment fell to mid thigh on her and she straightened the sleeves a bit as she watched Gabrielle don one of her older shirts, which reached knee length on the younger woman, who had to roll the sleeves up one turn as well. "I'm just gonna have to get the weavers to make your new shirts two sizes up, that's all." She chuckled.

"Tch." Gabrielle hugged the soft, nubbly fabric to her. "Not the same thing, Xena, and you know it." She sniffed her sleeve, then smiled. "They smell like you… and I know you wore them.. it's… I can't explain it."

Xena chuckled, standing and walking up behind her, then circling her for a brief hug. "You go ahead… I think you look cute in 'em." Then she waved a package before the bard's eyes. "Hey… I wonder what this could be?"

Gabrielle's eyes lit up and she made a grab for it, but the warrior pulled it back, and danced out of her grasp. "Where did you get that?" The smaller woman demanded, whirling to face her.

The warrior grinned, tossing the package from hand to hand. "Oh… I dunno."

A green eye glare. "Is that what I think it is?" The bard put her hands on her hips.

Xena batted her dark lashes innocently. "Maybe."

"Xeeeeennnnnaaaaaaaa….." Gabrielle bounced forward. "It's not nice to tease me about that.. especially when I'm hungry."

The warrior skipped back a pace, sniffing the package. "Hmmm….. I think I smell… walnuts.. cinnamon… "

The bard lunged forward and made a grab for the package, growling as she missed her partner's elusive form. "Come back here, you fink."

Ares' yellow eyes widened, and he scurried under the bed, blinking out at them from relative safety.

Intently, Gabrielle stalked her prey, dodging back and forth in a calculated attack intended to trap her soulmate in a corner. She worked her past the desk, and towards the rear of the room, then grinned as she stepped into the space between the bed and the working area, blocking any further escape. "Gotcha."

Xena bounced a few times, and waggled the package, her eyes glinting with pure mischief and a teasing grin on her face.

The bard took two paces, then suddenly attacked, aiming not for the bundle, but for her taller partner, bowling her over and landing them both on the hearthrug as she straddled Xena's laughing form triumphantly, and lunged again for her prize. "Ahhhh HAH!!!"

"Gabrielle.. this is lunacy!!" Xena laughed helplessly, pinned to the ground.

The bard snatched the package. "Hello, Lunacy. My name is Gabrielle, and we're gonna be great friends." She greeted it cheerfully, tugging the wrapping off one end. "For a very short time, that is, until I eat you." She grinned demonically. "Oooo… its got little bits of fruit in it, and nuts… and spices.. Xena, this is my very favorite kind."

The warrior put her hands behind her head, and gazed fondly up at her. "No… really?" She inquired wryly, having requested it specifically from the baker who had been traveling with the merchant train they'd passed two days prior.

Gabrielle bounced up and down, causing the warrior to yelp. "Oh yes, really." She grabbed Xena's dagger, which had been setting on the desk, and placed the nutbread on the warrior's chest. "Hold still now, Lunacy.. don't wiggle around any." She seriously addressed the nutbread, as she neatly sliced a piece off. "Mmmm…" She bit into it happily, dropping tiny crumbs all over her partner.

"You could let me up now." Xena commented.

"Nf wry." Gabrielle shook her head, and bounced. "Comfrrtlf." She broke off a piece and offered it . "Wfmrf?"

"No.. no.. Lunacy is all yours." The warrior chuckled, crossing her ankles and relaxing as best she could. Most of the bard's weight was actually resting on her own knees, thereby allowing Xena to breathe and she merely watched as crumbs drifted down, lodging themselves into creases on the front of her tunic. Experimentally, she picked up a tidbit and nibbled it, raising an eyebrow.

A throat cleared itself nearby, and they both looked up to see Ephiny standing in the doorway, a look of intrigue mixed with disbelief and a little embarrassment thrown in for good measure. "Everything okay in here?" She studied the two of them, noting Xena's relaxed posture despite the fact that Gabrielle was crouching over her with a sharp knife in one hand. This threatening scene was modified somewhat, however, by the loaf of brown nutbread resting squarely in the center of the warrior's chest.

"Sure, Eph." The warrior drawled. "I double as a table all the time. C'mon over and join the party." She chuckled a little at the visible blush rising up Gabrielle's neck as the regent gingerly crossed the floor, and settled down cross legged on the fur rug.

Gabrielle covered her embarrassment at being caught playing by slicing off another piece of the nutbread. "Here.. have a piece of my friend Lunacy." She handed it over.

Ephiny took the offering cautiously, looking from one of them to the other as she nibbled an edge. "You named your nutbread?" Her blond eyebrows hiked up sharply, then she decided against pursing the concept. "We… are about .. um.. to have dinner, you know that, uh.. right?"

The bard cheerfully bit into another piece. "And you point is what, exactly?"

Ephiny shrugged and grinned. "Sadly blunted, apparently." She regarded them with interest. Xena's expression, muted as always, showed nothing but a fond tolerance, and the blue eyes kept flicking to Gabrielle's face with a gentle sparkle in them. Gabrielle, for her part, was seated atop the warrior in utter unconcern, completely at ease. Something's changed again, the regent mused, muffling a smile as Xena opportunistically took advantage of the bard's lack of attention to reach up and tickle her side.

Gabrielle yelped. "Hey!" She gave her partner a mock scowl. "You're in a pretty compromising position here, my friend… not to mention vulnerable."

A dark brow edged up. "Think so, huh?"

"Whoa.. whoa.. whoa…. " Ephiny scrambled up, recognizing the glint in those very blue eyes. "I'm getting outta range if you two are gonna start scrapping." She warned. "But make it fast, because they are expecting us in the dining hall."

Bard and warrior exchanged glances, then Gabrielle reversed the dagger, and touched Xena's nose with the hilt. "You got off easy." She picked up and hugged the nutbread to her breast, then stood, allowing the warrior to roll up onto her feet in one smooth, easy motion.

Xena shook herself, and twitched her tunic back into some semblance of order as crumbs cascaded down around her and bounced merrily onto the floor. Ares took the opportunity to crawl out from under the bed, and snuffle around at her feet, licking up the nutbread bits enthusiastically. "Sorry about that, Ephiny.. we were just headed over there."

"Uh huh." The regent chuckled, watching Gabrielle carefully put away her prize. "Nah.. nice to see you two having a little fun.. last few times we've been together were a little.. uh... "

"Stressful?" Gabrielle looked over, as she ran her fingers through her fair hair to straighten it. "Yeah.. we're looking forward to just having a nice, relaxing time here this round… right?"

Ephiny nodded. "Yeah… tomorrow I've got some things to go over with you… amendments and treaties and stuff.. but we've got a great party planned, and a bunch of competitions arranged for your.. mm… enjoyment."

The bard grinned. "That sounds great." Her ears twitched. "Competitions?" Unconsciously, her eyes drifted over Ephiny's shoulder to the tall, dark haired woman behind her. "Like what?"

The regent chuckled, and tucked a hand around her elbow, guiding her towards the door as Xena strolled along in back of them. "You'll see.. and you.. " Here she turned, and gave the warrior a mock stern look. "Have to promise to stay out of them to give everyone else a chance."

Gabrielle felt a faint smirk tugging at her lips. Getting that admission from the Amazons felt… very sweet. Her soulmate's face remained more or less expressionless, but she saw the slight crinkle at the corners of her eyes and the tensing of jaw muscles that meant Xena was holding back a grin herself. So far, she mused, so good. This visit was definitely looking up.

 Continued in Part 2

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

Specific Story Disclaimers:

Violence –Well… this is a more or less violence lite story. Now.. you've got Xena in it, and Amazons, and Gabrielle with that staff.. so it's not all sweetness and light, but no one gets their heads cut off in this one. (Sorry MaryD)

Subtext - Do I really still have to disclaimer subtext? Someone asked me if I thought Xena: Warrior Princess was a romantic show. My answer was, when a show has one main character state in no uncertain terms to the other main character that she would rather die at her side than live without her, that show cannot be defined as anything less than a romantic tale. Yeah, there's subtext.. maintext… under the table text.. whatever you wanna call it.

This is, of course, PG13 level involvement here, no more. That never changes.. for those of you who are waiting for me to stick in a rip roaring, no holds barred graphic orgy scene, make sure you have plenty of coffee and doughnuts handy. And a comfortable chair.

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

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

mailto:merwolf@bellsouth.net

Festival - Part 2

By Melissa Good

The rain had slowed to a fitful spatter as they walked across the windy compound, and Xena allowed her partner to walk a little ahead with Ephiny as she studied her surroundings. There was a perceptible energy to the village, easily sensed and different from the usual atmosphere, and she decided it was probably more due to the Harvest celebration than anything else. It was an edgy, restless feeling, enhanced by the cheerful voices being raised all around, as Amazons trotted here and there, bringing supplies towards the central hall and rolling barrels of ale and wine towards the cleared area around the huge firepit.

Things seemed more.. colorful, Xena mused, and she heard more laughter than complaining, a rare thing on her previous visits. On one side of the compound Amazons were setting up low platforms, which would be covered with furs for everyone to sit on, as they watched the dancing and various demonstrations of crafts that would take place at the following day's dinner.

Xena's eyes paused, as she spotted several familiar forms, and she watched warily as Cait trotted across the far end of the compound, followed by their onetime enemy Paladia. The tall woman's arm was still in a sling, but she was dressed in plain, unornamented leathers, and scuffed, well used boots, and she'd lost a lot of the softness that had layered her body the last time Xena had seen her. She went about the village unrestrained, which faintly surprised the warrior. The renegade leader kept her eyes down, focusing on her destination, and she nodded at something the smaller Cait remarked on.

Guess that's working out better than I'd anticipated. The warrior blinked in mild surprise. Guess Gabrielle was right after all. She smiled to herself, and made a note to compliment her partner on her intuition. As they got closer to the dining hall, more and more people looked up and recognized them, and voices lifted in friendly and respectful hails.

Gabrielle waved back, a smile crossing her face, and glanced behind her, inviting Xena to catch up with a bat of her fair lashes. "Hey… " She tucked a hand around the warrior's arm as she complied. "Everyone's in a great mood, huh?" This in an undertone.

"Mm." Xena agreed, as they approached the door to the dining hall. "Amazons, parties… you know how it is."

"I heard that." Ephiny commented, but grinned, as she held the door open for them to enter. "You'd think that's all we lived for."

"It isn't?" Gabrielle and Xena spoke simultaneously.

"Veeerrrryyy funny." The Amazon gave them a tolerant look. "Well, we'll see how you feel afterwards… you might learn to like them yourselves." She shook a finger at them. "All work and no play… you know?"

Blue and green eyes met, and twinkled. "Hey.. we like parties." Gabrielle protested. "Really.. Xena's quite the party animal…she knows all kinds of tricks to show people."

"Party animal?" Xena muttered, almost subvocally. "Oh..yeah.. right.. right… um…juggling, for instance."

Ephiny paused, and put her hands on her hips. "Juggling?" Her voice was full of doubt. "Uh.. right. Sure."

The warrior paused, as they were meandering across the crowded floor, and picked up three coconuts, then continued following Ephiny and her now giggling soulmate to the front table where Eponin and Solari were already waiting. The other Amazons stood as Gabrielle approached, and gave her a little bow.

"Hey." Gabrielle grinned at them, then blinked as her chair was gently pulled out for her. "Thanks." Her eyes went to Xena's, half shadowed in the torchlit hall, and she blushed a little at the warrior's grin. Xena had put her coconuts down, and now seated herself at Gabrielle's side, leaning back and resting her forearms on the chair's, watching the bard as she took a deep breath, and reaccustomed herself to the Amazon's scrutiny. Unobtrusively, she scratched her partner's back, feeling the warmth of Gabrielle's skin through the fabric of her tunic.

She herself was collecting furtive stares, but she was more than used to that, and the looks weren't as hostile as they were the last time, in fact, she saw very few unfriendly eyes, chiefly from Menelda and her cronies and a few others who had no reason to remember Xena with any good will.

That was all right, she decided. She was here, she was their Queen's chosen partner, and if they didn't like it…too damn bad. She turned her head as Eponin poked her in the ribs. "Yeah?"

The dark haired Amazon leaned closer. "What's with the coconuts?"

Xena eyed her solemnly. "Weapons. Just in case." She picked them up and juggled them for a moment, attracting disbelieving stares from her table neighbors, including Solari, who knocked over an entire pitcher of water as she bent forward to watch.

Eponin's nostrils flared, and she let her eyes narrow. "Getouttahere."

"Can't be too careful, with you Amazons." Xena insisted, continuing her juggling "Lovely bunch of coconuts, huh?" She let them drop to the table, and arranged them into a triangle.

The Amazon peered at them. "They look like hairy monkey's butts to me." She replied dryly.

"How would you know?" Xena answered, mildly. She picked up one of the globes and shook it gently. "They make great weapons.. good catapult shot, because they shatter when they hit and slice everyone up." She managed to keep her face cool, and businesslike, having made that all up off the top of her head.

Eponin eyed her. "Really?" Her voice was tinged with hesitant doubt.

Xena nodded. "Sure… and the juice gets everywhere and makes things stick together."

The shorter woman's dark eyebrows knit, as she considered that. "Huh…yeah… maybe…. " Her lower lip poked out. "Maybe I should send a collection party out to go get some… "

Xena's eyes glinted with pure mischief. "You know, the milk.. if you let it ferment.. " She dropped her voice to a mere rumble. "It's an aphrodisiac."

Caramel colored eyes fastened on her face. "Yeah?" Eponin's voice was suddenly alive with interest. "No kidding?"

Xena nodded, pursing her lips judiciously. "Mmmhmmmm… " A pause, as cool blue eyes regarded her thoughtfully. "You.. um… having problems?" She inquired diffidently.

Eponin snorted, and tossed her dark head. "No!" She barked, fiercely, making Xena's eyes widen. "No way in Hades no how, not even.. don't you think about it, lady."

"Okay.. .okay.." The warrior held up a hand, biting the inside of her lip to keep from laughing. "Just asking… take it easy."

A hand curled around her wrist, and she turned her head to see Gabrielle's mist green eyes fixed on her. One blond eyebrow was cocked, and the bard had an impishly stern look on her face. "Are you causing trouble?" She inquired suspiciously.

"Noooooooo" Xena answered, her voice a low rumble. "We're just… discussing weapons.. um.. potency." She heard Eponin snort. "And um… unconventional strategy."

"Uh huh." The bard drawled, obviously not believing a word of it. "I see."

"Hey, your Majesty…" Eponin piped up. "You like coconuts?"

Gabrielle's eyebrows knit. "Um.. sure…I love them, why?"

The weapons master nodded sagely. "That explains a lot."

"What?" Gabrielle's voice was puzzled, glancing up at her now blushing soulmate. "You gonna open those, or juggle them, by the way?" She indicated the coconuts. "I'd love some of the milk if you decide crack them." This for some reason made the warrior's skin deepen another shade of bronze. "Are you all right?" The bard murmured, eyeing her in concern.

Xena let out a breath, and shook her head. "Oh yeah.. I'm just fine." She patted the bard on the hand, and gave her an engaging grin. "Perfect.. great.. wonderful… no problem."

Gabrielle gave her a strange look, then shook her head and turned back to Ephiny. "So.. what's the plan?"

The regent poured herself a cup of fruit wine, and did the same for the bard. "Well… " She took a sip and smiled. "That turned out okay this year." She paused, waiting for Gabrielle to try it. "Go on… I think all the weird weather last year helped the grape crop."

Gabrielle picked the cup up, and sniffed it, then darted a look at her soulmate. Xena held up one hand off the table and placed her thumb and forefinger a small amount apart. She smiled in acknowledgement and took a tiny sip. "Wow.. that is nice." She fully intended to let Ephiny in on her little secret, but not in the middle of a crowded banquet hall, when explanations were going to have to be made.

"Okay.. " Ephiny took her cup and leaned back. "Here's the proposed schedule.. tonight, just a casual dinner." She toasted the room full of hungry, noisy Amazons. "Tomorrow, we have a full day of exhibitions, competitions, and games planned… and tomorrow night three different groups'll be competing to be named best dancers." She paused. "Tomorrow night's the big pit roast, too, and a couple of different ceremonies will be held."

"Sounds great… what kinds of competitions?" Gabrielle leaned forward on her forearms.

"Ooo… " Ephiny looked up as servers arrived at their table, unloading two large steaming crocks, and three platters covered with a selection of roasted birds, chunks of fish, and vegetables. "Well, cooking competitions.. " She grinned at Gabrielle. "You wanna judge those?" She joked gently. "Weaving, weapon's making, woodcarving, fishing, wrestling, archery, and a staff competition."

"Wow.." Gabrielle laughed. "That sounds like a lot of fun!"

"Mm." Ephiny agreed, enjoying the delighted look on the bard's face. "We have about a dozen youngsters who need to be formally confirmed into the nation, and a few joinings to celebrate." Her eyes twinkled gently at Gabrielle. "We've also got a bunch of games for the kids planned, races, hide and search, that kind of thing."

Let's see.. Ephiny said Xena couldn't compete, but… "I'd like to enter the staff competition. " Gabrielle stated firmly.

Ephiny blinked, obviously startled. "Um… " She considered the request. That Gabrielle was competent wasn't in question. The bard most certainly was, in fact, she'd handily defeated a good handful of the nation's best staff wielders the year previously. "Sure… I don't see why not… " The regent decided, with a grin. Might be good for everyone.. She mused. They don't tend to see her as a warrior.. maybe this'll open some eyes.. and while I'm at it… "Matter of fact… you can tell the o… Xena over there she can enter any of the non fighting stuff, okay?"

A blond eyebrow quirked. "All right.. it's a deal." She grinned, thinking of at least one her partner had a good chance at. She was about to help herself to some of the fragrant vegetable soup when a dipper appeared and served some into her bowl, and she glanced up to see the warrior's quiet wink. "Thank you." Her voice was pitched low, but she knew Xena heard it.

She took several selections off the big platter, and served Xena the same, ignoring the warrior's rolling eyes when she added beans and peas to her plate, along with steamed grains. Her soulmate's eating habits occasionally drove her crazy; Xena tended to crave sweets and spicy meats, although, as a healer, she knew they weren't the best things for her. Gabrielle was on a stubborn campaign to get her to eat more vegetables, and welcomed public dinners like this where the sometimes recalcitrant warrior would just consume what was put before her, and not protest.

Too much, anyway, she chuckled, as she caught Xena sneaking a piece of carrot back onto the bard's plate. She gave the warrior a scolding look, and received a charming smile in return that evoked a similar response from her own face. Ephiny cleared her throat after a moment of that, and she turned back to the regent with a sheepish grin. "Sorry, Eph.. were you saying something?"

"I said.." The blond Amazon rested her chin on her hand and bit into a pigeon wing. "A male bull gave birth to a pair of rabbits in the firepit."

"Really?" Gabrielle responded, then did a double take. "What?" Her brows knit immediately. "How did that happen?"

Ephiny chuckled, and waved her wing at the bard. "It didn't… but that's how I knew you were off somewhere else.. you didn't react to it." She shook her head in mild disbelief. "So.. how are things back at home?"

"Hmmm… well.. how does… 'Aunt Ephiny' sound to you?" Gabrielle responded impishly.

A brow edged up. "Argo's pregnant?"

Gabrielle burst into laughter. "Oh gods.. Eph… where did that come from?? No.. no no… Xena thinks.."

Ephiny sat up straight. "Xena's pregnant?" She interrupted, lowering her voice. "Gabrielle.. that's fabulous.. I didn't think.."

The bard slapped her hand over her friend's mouth. "Nooooooo" She sighed. "Xena thinks… that Gran is."

"Ofmn." Ephiny nodded her head, then licked her lips a little as Gabrielle released her. "No kidding?" Her eyes lit in pleased delight. "Wow.. that's great news.. though I wonder if she thinks so."

Gabrielle leaned forward a little. "What do you mean?" She asked, curiously, darting a glance towards her soulmate. Xena was engaged in an amiable conversation with Solari and Eponin, in which the words 'battle unit' and 'blood' figured prominently. She turned back to Ephiny. "You don't think she wants kids?"

"Oh… " The regent waved a hand. "Yeah.. yeah.. I think she does.. or she will.. I mean, once it's happening and all that.. I just don't know if she…thought about that." She paused, and took a big forkful of her dinner, and chewed thoughtfully. "I mean.. " She swallowed. "You never thought about having kids, did you?"

Gabrielle nibbled on a bit of roast bird, and glanced down. "Yeah.. I did, actually." She answered honestly. "We were talking about it before we left home last year."

A hand touched her wrist, and she looked up to see an apologetic look in Ephiny's pale eyes. "Gabrielle.. I'm sorry.. I didn't meant to.. "

A shrug. "No.. it's all right… things… " A tiny grin edged her lips. "Worked out." She exhaled. "I think Gran and Toris really wanted kids, though.. I talked to her about it when we were home last." She took another small sip of her wine. It was cool, and bore a hint of apples and pears over the smooth sweetness of the grapes. "Xena said when she mentioned the possibility to Toris, he went goofy on her."

"Well." Ephiny grinned, obviously relieved. "That's great to hear…I'll have to take a visit down there… she loves getting advice from Granny Eph." They both laughed, then Ephiny let out a breath. "Sometimes I think of… " She fell silent, then just shrugged a little. "Anyway, we've got some previews of the dancers for tomorrow." Now, she lifted a hand and gave a tiny wave, and two of the younger Amazons waved back and disappeared out the door. "Thought you'd like to see them."

Gabrielle studied her profile. "Yeah.. I'd like that." She leaned back in her chair, steepling her fingers together and pressing her lips against them, as she let her eyes roam around the room.

Drums started in, a deep, rhythmic sound that filled the room, and quieted the buzz of relaxed conversation. Xena felt the atmosphere change, and rested her head against the chair back, grateful that the Amazons had taken her advice and banned the backless benches for long dinners. The energy in the room became almost sensual, as the dancers entered in full regalia, and started their patterned steps. The warrior lifted her goblet and sucked a mouthful down, idly enjoying the graceful, muscular performers as they paced through a dance that had been in the Amazon's traditions for many generations.

A cool breeze circled the dancers and watchers, fluttering the torches around the perimeter of the room, and lifting long hair up, mingling a few strands where the women circled close together. The low moan of a pipe erupted, and soft chant rose to meet it, spiraling up towards the ceiling and beating out an insistent rhythm. The dancers paired off, and eased into choreographed battles, fanciful passes and parries slipping into exaggerated reactions as the music rippled through the watchers as seductively as the wine they were drinking.

Gabrielle found her imagination caught by the dance, her bard's mind twisting and shaping the sights and the sounds into a gentle poetry that left her wishing for her quills and parchment to write it down on. It was very primal, and had a rich, earthy energy to it that intrigued her, and she paused, considering, before she tugged on her soulmate's sleeve.

Xena leaned over, surrounding the bard with her familiar scent and knocking her thoughts off subject for a long, sensual moment. Then she circled her partner's upper arm with one hand and sat up straighter, bringing her lips near the warrior's ear. "Can you remember something for me?"

Pale eyes colored a rich violet in the torchlight flickered, and a smile edged the warrior's lips. "Sure." Xena's voice was deeper even than the drums, and caused a shiver to creep down the bard's back. "Go on."

Gently, softly, she repeated the poetry, shaping the words with quiet sureness.

Xena smiled when she finished. "I think I can remember that." She told the bard. "You like?" Her jaw indicated the dancers.

Gabrielle very deliberately shifted her position so that she could lean against the taller woman's shoulder and rubbed her cheek against Xena's upper arm. "Mm." She exhaled softly. "I do."

Xena's eyebrow lifted a touch, as a brief, sultry grin crossed her face. Around them, the rest of the Amazons were watching with hooded expressions, and many of the audience were now paired off in quiet corners, as the torches burned lower, and the drums slowed, and became more rhythmic. This was, after all, the Harvest Festival, dedicated to the fertility of the earth, and the fruitfulness of the populace. Amazons did, perhaps, celebrate it a little differently than say, Amphipolis, but…..

The intent was certainly there. Xena could feel her partner's warm breath against the skin of her arm, and smiled quietly as the intense animal attraction that she'd always felt for the bard growled deep, and padded into the flickering light, thrumming her nerves to the rhythm of the drums, and the low, tonal chanting.

Gabrielle's eyelashes fluttered, and she glanced up. "You think I could try to dance like that?" She murmured teasingly, watching the shift of the light as Xena's jaw muscles bunched and moved.

"Nope." The warrior uttered back. "Cause if the rest of this room was lookin at you the way they are at those dancers… " She let her voice drop to its lowest register. "I'd hafta do something about it."

A faint, sultry smile edged Gabrielle's face. "Really?"

"Oh yeah." Xena assured her, only barely keeping herself from nuzzling the bard's soft skin. "There'd be feathers everywhere, got me?"

Gabrielle felt a warm wave of satisfaction at the warrior's words. She'd always known that Xena would defend her life, but this was something else entirely, and it felt almost shamefully good. She was aware of envious glances in her direction and for just a moment, she allowed herself to revel in them. "I got you." She enunciated the words with pleasure.

Xena leaned back, and chuckled softly, leaning her head against the bard's. She glanced up as Eponin poked her softly. "Yeah?"

The Amazon jerked her chin at the snuggling bard. "Can I have your coconuts? You sure as Hera's left tit don't need em." The woman's chestnut hair rippled as she shook her head vigorously.

The warrior gave her a look, then chuckled wryly. "Sure."

Gabrielle glanced over inquiringly. "What?" She tugged her soulmate's ear. "What is it with these coconuts?"

"Tell you later." Xena muttered, with a grin.

Gabrielle looked up, as the moon emerged from the scattering of clouds that were left from the storm. The wind had picked up a little, and it was even a touch chilly which made her glad she had a full length tunic on instead of her usual brief halter. She spared a glance for the slim blond woman pacing at her side, and sorted through her available conversational openings. "Nice dinner." She finally decided on a noncommittal one.

Ephiny took in a breath of the clean, cool air and nodded. "Thanks… I always like this time of year.. the harvest fruits, all that stuff.. you know."

They were walking on one of the slim, silvered paths just outside the village, alongside the brook that provided the Amazons with fresh drinking water separate from the more robust creek to the east that was the source of their other liquid needs. The dancing had gone on for quite a while, until Ephiny had reluctantly called a halt to it, telling everyone to go to bed and rest up for the following day. Low chuckles had met her words, and she'd just waved them out, then paused, and eyed Gabrielle uncertainly.

Might as well get this over with, the bard had decided, leaning over and telling Xena she'd meet her back in her… no, their quarters. Then she'd smiled at Ephiny, and said she was sleepy.. and would the regent like to accompany her on a little walk to shake the cobwebs out?

The regent would, indeed.

So here they were. "I… like this time of year myself. " Gabrielle replied, reaching up and pushing the fair hair back from her eyes. "It's not so sticky…kind of refreshing." She angled her steps towards a low shelf of rock and sat down on it, patting the stone at her side. "Turned out to be a nice night… thanks for inviting us, by the way."

Ephiny relaxed a little, as she settled on the cool surface. "Inviting you? Gabrielle… catch a clue here… you don't need an invitation, remember? You belong here." She gave her friend a smile. "Everyone's glad you're here…you should have heard those kids all excited about dancing in front of you… it was a riot."

Gabrielle gazed at her evenly, green eyes a murky hazel in the silver moonlight. "Yeah? What do they think about my choice of consorts?"

A moment of pensive silence, then Ephiny chuckled softly. "Right to the point as always, huh, Gabrielle?" She put a hand on the younger woman's shoulder. "I made a point of going over our laws as soon as I got back here last time, just to check stuff out… and I found there are three requirements for a royal consort."

Gabrielle folded her arms across her chest and lifted her chin. "And?"

A faint smile flitted across Ephiny's face. "One, they have to be healthy." They exchanged knowing looks. "Two, they have to uphold the warrior standards of the Nation." Another exchange of looks, and this time Gabrielle's eyes twinkled a little. "Three.. " Now Ephiny bit her lip a little. 'They have to publicly swear fealty to you.. . as the embodiment of the Nation."

Gabrielle rubbed her jaw thoughtfully. "Well, I don't think the first two are a problem." She smiled, and looked out at the brook's restlessly burbling water. "She's definitely healthy, and I don't think there's a doubt about her fighting skills." She exhaled. "As for that last… well, I'll ask her… see what she says." She chewed her lip. "If it was just me, I don't… well, I don't think there'd be a problem, but in front of everyone… I don't know."

The regent pursed her lips and slowly nodded. It was more or less what she'd expected to hear. "I figured." She paused. "As for what everyone thinks… Hades, Gabrielle.. there isn't a person in this Nation who doesn't know that you two are inseprable.. I mean… " She sighed. "Yeah, there are people who hold a grudge against her for a lot of things… for old history, and for Velasca… for what happened last year.. what happened earlier this year…but when I stood up in council and told them…" She paused, studying the ground. "The prevailing attitude was that it was better for us to have her as an ally.. as a citizen of the nation.. then to force her to stay on the outside.. especially considering your relationship."

The bard let out a long breath. "Well. That's better than I could have hoped for, I guess."

Ephiny clasped her hands together. "Look.. Gabrielle… I know you want everyone to see her like you do.. but that's just not possible, and I think you know that."

A brief nod. "I know that." The bard admitted quietly. "But that doesn't mean I'll ever stop trying."

The regent gazed at her with a wistful grin. "After that little nutbread escapade, I don’t really think I need to ask this, but is everything working out all right between you two?" Her eyes studied the bard's face intently. "You both look a lot more relaxed."

Gabrielle let a more natural smile crease her face. "I have to admit Eph… there was a time when I was convinced it would never be the same. " She closed her eyes, and breathed in deep. "But I was wrong, and you have no idea how wonderful it feels to be able to say that."

Ephiny gazed at her. "I thought maybe that was the case… you've got that little sparkle back in your eyes that I was missing the last time I saw you." She gave the bard's arm a squeeze. "And that, my friend, looks very good indeed."

The bard nodded slowly. "Thanks." She glanced aside at the regent's tense profile, outlined in silver, and decided on the direct approach. That usually worked with Xena. "Ephiny, what's wrong?"

The Amazon started, then looked back at her with an unsure expression. "What do you mean?" Her brow creased. "What makes you think anything is? Things are going great, Gabrielle…barring the usual round of minor squabbles, and stuff of that nature." She let off a small laugh.

A tiny shrug from Gabrielle. "Just my intuition talking, I guess… you just seem kinda sad."

"Nah." Ephiny smiled and jostled her lightly. "Your famous imagination, huh?"

"Mmm…. Yeah… " The bard half turned, giving her a direct look. "Except that Xena thinks so too, and… "

A sigh. "And she has no imagination, right?"

Gabrielle sensed her friend's unease, and felt reluctant to push her too hard. "Well, that's not true.. " She chuckled a little. "She does.. it's usually focused on planning, and strategy, and stuff like that, not personal things." She paused. "She can imagine what opponents are thinking, and work around that, or imagine solutions to problems.. but she usually doesn't see things that aren't there." At her last words, she looked right up into Ephiny's eyes. "But if you don't want to talk about it, that's okay… I just wanted you to know I'm here for you if you need me."

Ephiny remained silent, then exhaled. "Thanks." She finally replied. "I'm all right… I… had a really tough time of it after.. what happened, and I think it just made me.. " A pause. "It's just different."

Gabrielle pulled one leg up and wrapped her arms around it, resting her chin on her knee. "Things okay with you and Pony??" She inquired, keeping her voice mild.

"Oh.. yeah… " Now the regent smiled. "Yeah, that's been… it helped, it really did.. I mean… it's nothing like what's between you two.. we're mostly good friends, with a little… " Her lips quirked. "Anyway, not like what you have… but just having her around was great… it took a while, but.. "

The bard nodded a bit. "Well, we didn't start out that close, Eph.. it kinda grew on us after a while.. maybe.. "

"No..no.. " The blond Amazon quickly interjected. "Neither of us… we… Gabrielle, don’t take this the wrong way, all right? But what you and Xena have.. it's so damned intense.. so..overwhelming… it's almost kind of scary." She hesitated. "It does scare me.. I'm not sure I can handle something like that, and I don’t think Pony can either."

Gabrielle straightened up, gazing at her thoughtfully. "Ah." She nibbled her lip. "It's… yeah, when things go bad, it's very bad, Ephiny.. I won't lie to you about that." She paused. "But believe me when I tell you that all the bad times don't matter at all when I think about the good times." She put a hand out and rubbed the regent's arm gently. "Eph, it's worth the risk."

But the older woman shook her head. "No, my friend… I'm content to just watch the two of you.. that's as close as I want to get to that head over heels thing." She chuckled quietly. "Listen.. thank you though.. it makes me feel really good to know you're thinking of me… I appreciate it a lot."

Green eyes studied her with a little challenging glint to them, but Gabrielle merely smiled. "Anytime." She conceded the round graciously. "Speaking of which… remember we were talking about Aunt Ephiny?"

The regent tipped her curly head back and laughed, very obviously relieved at the change of subject. "Oh yeah… I can't wait to razz Gran about that… good thing she couldn't make it up here - she'd go nuts to not be able to compete in the games."

"No?" Gabrielle put her news on hold for a minute. "Why not? She's only a month or two into her term… "

Ephiny shook her head. "Oh no.. uh uh.. not fair - she'd be the first to agree. You have to say if you're handicapped in any way, and that counts… her opponents would make allowances, and then what's the point? Pregnancy changes your balance a little..sometimes your perspective.. I went a little color blind during mine."

"Oh." The bard rubbed her jaw. "For everyone?"

The regent shrugged. "Mostly.. nothing really big, but you know how much timing matters, especially in stuff like wrestling and staff… her opponents would be nervous.. it's just not worth it. Besides, we'd have way too much fun pampering her and making her sit on soft cushions.. she'd kill us all by the end of the festival."

Gabrielle drummed her fingers against her leg. "Xena said she fought right up until practically the last minute."

Ephiny rolled her eyes. "Why am I not surprised?" She muttered. "She's a special case, Gabrielle.. she's so skilled she can compensate for any weaknesses or mistakes before someone can take advantage of them." She explained. "She's also really strong, so she can power her way through momentary balance problems and if her timing's off a little.. it doesn't matter too much." The regent paused, then looked intently at her friend. "You were being straight with me in there, right? She isn't pregnant, is she?"

"Um.. no.. no.. she isn't." Gabrielle answered honestly. "I was just using her as an example.. not a very good one, I guess." She grinned sheepishly. "So.. you'd have banned Gran from the competition?"

"Yes." Ephiny assured her. "And it would drive her nuts.. she loves to compete." She paused. "Was there something you wanted to tell me about her? You started to."

Gabrielle took a breath. "Um… no I was… thinking.. about what to get her for the baby…presents.. thought maybe you'd have some ideas."

Ephiny gave her a relaxed grin. "Do I? Sure." She stood, and stretched her body out. "C'mon.. my butt's freezing out here… can I interest you in some mulled cider, and cookies?" She plucked the bard's sleeve and gave her a stern look. "I realize this probably isn't your shirt, but you do look kinda thin."

The bard adjusted her belt with a little laugh. "We've been pretty active lately… takes a lot of energy out there." She stood up. "Cookies sound great…and it is a little chilly." She motioned Ephiny to head up the narrow path before her, and followed behind, her green eyes very thoughtful.

Xena had wandered down to the stables, quiet now in the late evening hours and spent some time with Argo, unnescessarily currying the mare's gleaming coat, and idly checking her feed bucket with curious fingers. Ares had joined her, and was curled up in the straw, his large ears swiveling back and forth to capture the soft sounds going on around them. "Hey girl… you got a snarl there." She clucked softly, and worked the tangle with her fingers, letting the horse's calm presence soothe her, as she leaned against the big, warm body and breathed in the scent of summer stirred by Argo's hooves.

A soft footfall caught her attention and she looked up, resting her hands on Argo's broad back as the stable door opened and Solari slipped in.

"Thought I'd find you here." The Amazon grinned, and padded closer, a conspiratorial look on her face. "I'm in charge of the party within a party, so to speak."

Xena grinned back. "Do I wanna know the details?" Her brows lifted.

Solari patted Argo's smooth coat. "Mmm… you might… we've got a little presentation planned… some of the kids wrote a song.. "

"Oh great gods of Olympus.. " Xena winced, covering her eyes. "She's gonna kill me." She peeked out at the Amazon. "She made me promise not to tell you guys it was her birthday."

Solari snorted. "So much for that."

The warrior shrugged. "She didn't make me promise till yesterday… little late, huh?" She chuckled. "Thanks for storing the presents I had for her here.. she'd have found em otherwise."

"No problem.. I think Eph's gotten her a set of chobos.. nice ones, all carved and stuff.. and I know I saw lots of practical stuff being wrapped up like herbs and quills and junk." She stroked Argo's back. "Argo's gonna hate us, that's for sure, since she's gonna have to carry all of it."

Xena leaned against the mare. "Maybe we can leave some of it here." She mused quietly. "It's her second home, in a way." She let her eyes drop to the golden hair under her brush as an awkward silence fell between them.

"Um." Solari shuffled her feet in the straw finally. "It's none of my business, or anything, but I personally think that um… she's a lot more attached to you than to us." The Amazon cleared her throat, not looking at Xena. "And… she woudn't consider anyplace you weren't welcome any kind of home at all."

Blue eyes studied her in pensive silence.

"So… " Solari struggled bravely on. "I guess if you want to not drag a ton of stuff around, you'd better get used to being okay with being here, you know?" A pause. "Because we're okay with you being here." Another pause. "Okay?"

Xena rested her chin on her forearm, which was laid across Argo's back. "I… think I get the picture." She bit off a wary smile. "Thanks."

Solari breathed a visible sigh of relief. "Good." She gave the warrior a brisk nod. "Now… what's her favorite color?"

The warrior's brows knit. "Hmm… she's got a couple… red.. that kinda deep purple.. sea green.. why?"

"Cake." The Amazon answered, succinctly. "They did up a big one, with a couple different layers, and fruit filling.. cook's gonna get someone to decorate it nice with frosting." Her mouth suddenly quirked. "Hey.. speaking of which… "

Xena held up a hand. "Nope.. nope..I'm sworn to silence."

Solari grinned evilly. "Hey.. then it is true… thanks, Xena." She chuckled. "I'll have to remember that one."

An idea struck the warrior. "Just so you didn't hear it from me." She regarded the dark haired woman idly. "Seeing how things were, I just couldn't resist."

Solari relaxed, and played with Argo's tail. "Oh yeah… I saw that coming, we all did, really… Pony's been stuck on her for years… all it took was a little judicious push, for which we all thank you, by the way. Eph's been alone too long.. she really took Phantes' death hard."

"Mmm.. I remember." The warrior commiserated. "That little time we spent with her in Thessaly." She mulled that around for a minute. "She kinda thought that whole thing was her fault.. because Phantes died protecting her."

Solari sighed. "Yeah… I think… maybe that's why.. " She fell silent for a moment. "She was really gone on him."

Parts of the puzzle slid neatly into place behind Xena's gently glinting eyes. "Hmm… it's tough when you lose that.. you don't want to risk it again." She made the statement calmly, almost offhandedly, and waited for Solari to respond.

The Amazon peered up at her in something like relief. "Yeah… it's a shame, you know? It's like they want to be so much more to each other, and they're just scared to." She paused. "You're pretty smart about this stuff, Xena."

The warrior assumed an inscrutable expression. "Been there, done that." She commented wryly.

Solari's brows knitted, then she looked up. "Oh. Yeah. I guess you have, huh?" Her voice sounded surprised.

"Uh huh." Xena agreed, briefly.

"Mm." Fingers drummed on the mare's back. "Hey.. listen… a bunch of us are getting together over at the scout's fire.. we've got some wine mulling.. you interested?"

Both dark brows shot up, almost into Xena's hairline. "You sure your friends would appreciate that?"

Solari grinned, and put her hands on her hips. "You don't know much about Amazons, do you?" She surveyed the taller woman appraisingly. "Before this little problem became the top talk round the fire, our favorite conversation was the two of you."

Xena modified her expression into a stolid sternness. "I'm not into gossip, Solari." She warned.

A shake of Solari's dark head. "Not gossip, strategy." She corrected the warrior firmly. "C'mon… If you brush her any more, her hair's gonna all fall out anyway."

The warrior regarded her for a long moment, then she tucked the currycomb into Argo's tack bag, and stood, dusting her hands off. Oh well… a little good relations can't hurt… Gabrielle'll be happy.. maybe happy enough not to kill me when she finds out about her party. "For a little while, sure." She grudgingly agreed, then knelt again, digging in their gear. She pulled out a skin bag, which gurgled invitingly. "I'll bring this along." She stood and raked a hand through her hair, motioning the Amazon to go ahead of her, as Ares stood and stretched, then glued himself to her knee.

Solari tugged the bag from her fingers and unstoppered it, sniffing delicately. She jerked backwards in startlement. "Wow!" She gingerly took a sip. "Great Hera, Xena.. what is that?"

The warrior chuckle dryly. "Something I picked up in Britannia.. they make it from barley." She took a sip herself, and felt the hot burn as it slid down her throat and into her belly, advertising its potency vividly. "You like it?"

The Amazon grabbed the bag back, and took a longer swallow, concentrating. "Mm… kicks.. goes down hard.. but after a few seconds… " She paused, thinking. "Nice."

Xena grinned, almost invisible in the darkness as they exited the stables and headed across the now dry ground towards the flicker of the watchfire that could be seen between the trees. This visit was definitely looking up.

Gabrielle stifled a yawn, as she made her way back in the dark towards the far end of the compound. She' d spent a nice candlemark just chatting with Ephiny about Amazon matters - they'd both steered clear of more personal subjects as though by silent, mutual consent. Eponin had ambled in towards the end, shaking out her cloak and scattering a few pine needles on the floor from her evening rounds. She took the security of the village seriously, and she just as seriously reported the peaceful status to both regent and queen, who smiled benignly at her and handed her a hot cup of wine.

Then the bard had felt the long day nibbling at her reserves, and she excused herself, wanting nothing more than a warm bed, and the presence of her absent soulmate, who had made herself scarce since dinner. Gabrielle mildly wondered what trouble the warrior was getting herself into, then smiled as she opened the door to her quarters and saw the half shadowed, half candlelit form sprawled on the low, padded bench near the window. "Hey."

"Hey." Xena responded, blinking at her lazily.

She curled up on the bench next to the warrior, and leaned against her thigh. "So.. what have you been up to?"

The taller woman grinned. "Getting your Amazons falling down drunk." She waved the now empty wineskin in front of the bard's startled eyes. "I was bad."

Gabrielle chuckled softly. "You were, huh?" She gently lifted a hand and grasped her soulmate's chin, turning her head towards the light to look at her eyes. "Had some of that yourself, didn't cha?" Not too glazed, really, just gently inattentive, a state in which Xena could function almost normally. "Am I gonna hear about this in the morning?"

"From me?" The warrior asked lightly. "Nah.. I had a few mouthfuls… then I stopped because things were getting kinda fuzzy." She explained. "When I left, Solari was balancing an egg on her nose."

"She was?" Gabrielle muffled a giggle.

"Well.. " Xena laughed herself. "She was trying to, anyway." She tucked an arm around the bard's body and tugged her closer. "Found out a few things."

"Me too." The bard responded, willingly wrapping herself around Xena's relaxed form. "Eph's scared." She nibbled her lip. "She wants to keep things very remote.. she's afraid to get hurt."

The warrior nodded solemnly. "Pony's had it bad for her for years… now she doesn’t know what to do with herself… she's all confused."

Gabrielle rested quietly in the warrior's strong arms. "Let's see.. after all we've done, I think we can handle this little problem, don't you?" She smiled. "Titans, giants, gods, warlords… two lovesick Amazons should be a snap, right?"

Xena gazed at her. "All they need is to find the courage to take a chance." She murmured, lifting a hand and stroking her soulmate's face gently. "Shouldn't be hard, right?" Her eyes studied the bard's candlelit face with wry wistfulness. Only took us two damn years, she sighed silently.

"Right." Gabrielle answered in quiet understanding. "We can do that.. we're experts at it." She took the wineskin from Xena's hand and sniffed at it. "Ew… what is that?" She touched the tip of her tongue to the edge of the spout, and winced, as it went numb. "Xena, you didn't drink this stuff really, did you?"

Blue eyes peered sheepishly back at her. "Didn't taste that bad… everyone else had some too." Her voice took on an apologetic tone, odd to Gabrielle's ears. "It… was all right… with them .We had a… a good time."

The bard gently cupped her face. "Hey… that's great…you have no idea how glad I am that you're getting along with the rest of these guys, okay?" She laughed softly. "Here I am worrying about how I can get them to relax around you, and you go and handle it yourself by getting them drunk… how cool is that, Xena?"

A relaxed grin crossed her soulmate's face. "Cool, huh?"

Ye gods.. she is drunk. Gabrielle giggled silently. "C'mon, tiger… let's get to bed… we're gonna have a long day tomorrow I think."

Obligingly, Xena stood up, pausing a moment to catch her balance before proceeding across the room to her saddlebags. She thumped down next to them, pawing at the nearest one with an intent look on her face. "Wait… "

Gabrielle stopped to pet Ares, who was curled up on the bed, before she wandered over to her partner's side and knelt down. "Whatcha doing?" She let her chin rest on the warrior's shoulder.

Xena yawned, then pushed the fingers of one hand through her dark hair. "Lookin for something." She continued to riffle through the bag, then, impatient, she simply dumped the contents between her spread legs. "Ah." She picked up a small package, wrapped in thick brown parchment. "Here." She handed it to the bard.

A small hand took it, then Gabrielle settled down at her side, amidst the clutter from the saddlebag, She looked at the package for a long time, turning it over and over in her fingers, then looked up at the quietly waiting Xena. "What's this for?" She asked softly.

Blue eyes blinked twice. "It's.. your birthday." The warrior replied. "You.. didn't think I'd forget, didja?"

Gabrielle reached over and picked up her hand, which had been resting on her muscular thigh and pressed it against her lips. "Xena, I already got what I wanted." She uttered softly. "I have us back."

That got a quiet grin from the taller woman. "Yeah, I know.. but ya can't wear that, so.. " She shrugged a little. "It isn't much.. we've been kinda busy lately."

The bard grinned back, and tugged at the wrapping. "That's okay, I… I mean, that surprise I got last year was really sweet, but it kinda emb.." Her voice trailed off to nothing as she studied the tiny, exquisitely crafted rose cradled in the palm of her hand. The petals were a mixture of pinks and deep, blood red, and the tiny, perfect leaves were a sunny green. She touched one with a fingertip. "Oh… how pretty." She said, faintly.

Xena scratched her jaw. "No thorns." She commented stolidly. "Won't wilt, or die.. seemed kinda practical to me." She shrugged, stuffing the scattered contents of the bag into its depths again. "Got a thing or two more… I'll just hang onto that till tomorrow, I guess." She finished her task and hoisted herself to her feet, then stopped, aware of pale green eyes regarding her with a look of deep love in them. "Like it?"

Gabrielle reached up and grabbed her tunic hem, then pulled herself up Xena's sturdy form until she ended up with her arms wrapped firmly around the warrior's neck. "Yes." She paused a moment, looking up into the faintly surprised blue orbs. "Thank you." A gentle pressure, and Xena ducked her head, as their lips met. She could taste the strange liquor, but more prevalent was the hints of honey and spice from the dessert they'd shared earlier, and she closed her eyes in pure enjoyment. "Mmm."

They tumbled into bed, dislodging the startled Ares, and Gabrielle found herself enveloped by powerful arms that lifted her as easily as a child and she abandoned herself willingly, trusting her partner, and her heart, and the binding of their souls.

A bird called. Gabrielle resentfully pried one eye open, and peered through the gloom towards the window, where she could, just barely, see the outline of the feathered pest against the mostly gray light outside. She was curled up on one side, her back pressed against Xena's body, with the sleeping warrior's arms wrapped snugly around her and she was in no mood to move an inch.

The bird fluffed its feathers and opened its beak, warbling impudently in profile.

"Ares." Gabrielle muttered, watching the wolf's dim outline shift as he turned to peer up at her. "Look… breakfast.." She whispered, pointing a finger at the window.

"Aggrrr?" Ares' eyes flicked to the window and his ears pricked up. Carefully, he crept across the floor, keeping his body close to the ground, until he was crouched in front of the bench, his tail twitching.

The bird clicked it's beak, then let out a harsh call, shifting it's tiny, three toed feet on the sill, and pecking at the edge of it.

Ares paused, then lunged, hurling his body up onto the couch and half out of the window, his jaws opening wide and capturing the shrieking bird efficiently, then dropping back down into the hut with a snort.

"Good boy." Gabrielle winced, at the feathers sticking out of the wolf's mouth. He trotted over and stood up, with his paws on the bed. She sensed Xena stir behind her, and felt the warrior's grip tighten. "Shh… go back to sleep, tiger.. it's not even light out yet."

"Mmm." Came the sleepy response, but Xena shifted a little and blinked. "Hey Ares… whatcha got?" The warrior's voice was full of just awakened huskiness, and she cleared her throat a bit.

The wolf opened his mouth, and the bird tumbled out, covered in slimy goo, landing in front of Gabrielle with a squawk. "Roo?" A big pink tongue lolled out happily.

"Uck." The bard made a face, as the unhappy bird shook itself, scattering bits of feather and saliva all over her. "Ares.. "

"Giving you a birthday present." Xena mumbled, nuzzling the back of her neck. "S'cute."

The bird let out a peep and took off, flapping over the bed. Ares' brows shot up, and he lunged after it, scrambling over the bed and launching himself up as they both crashed into the wall with a bang, then fell back on top of the bed's occupants, the wolf's jaws snapping, and the bird running for it's life across the blankets.

"Hey!" Xena yelped, grabbing the bird. "Ow! Damn thing.. " She jerked her hand back as the bird bit it, then got a better grip and whipped her arm forward, flinging it out the window. Ares sat up with a disappointed look on his face. "Gabrielle… it bit me." The warrior muttered, in displeased surprise.

The bard took the injured hand in hers, and examined it. "Ouch." She flinched in sympathy, as the bird had nipped her soulmate right in the soft spot where her thumb joined her hand. "Sorry about that.. I was trying to keep the darn thing from waking you up." She raised the hand to her lips and gently kissed the spot, then hugged Xena's arm to her and tugged the blankets up more snugly. A thought occurred to her and she turned her head a little. "You feeling okay?"

Xena paused. "Yeah… more or less." She finally grumbled, stretching her body out then curling up around the bard again. She shifted her hands and tickled the bard's belly. "Did you tell Eph?" She felt Gabrielle take a breath, as she modified her tickling to a gentle rubbing.

"Mm." The bard just enjoyed the sensation for a moment, before she gathered her courage, and rolled over, facing her partner. "No… no I didn't." She admitted. "And… I.. um, I'm going to wait until tonight.. before I do." She was aware of Xena's arms draped loosely over her back, as the warrior regarded her from half closed eyes.

"Okay." Came the slightly puzzled answer. "Any… I mean, is there a problem?"

Gabrielle put her hands flat against her soulmate's skin "No.. it's not exactly… there's going to be a whole list of competitions tomorrow."

Xena's brows knit. "Yeah… Solari was telling me."

The bard studied the thin, almost invisible scar that traced along her partner's throat, meandering along her collarbone for the span of a hand. "I'm going to enter the staff challenge."

Xena's body shifted, and she removed a hand from the bard's back, grasping her chin and lifting her face so their eyes met. "What?"

A hand lifted. "Wait… wait… don't go nuts on me, okay?" Gabrielle searched the pale blue eyes, seeing the gathering storm clouds there. "Just listen…it's not a big deal… I'm not doing it to beat everyone, I just.. "

"Gabrielle, you are not going to put yourself into that kind of situation." Xena uttered, her voice very serious. "Are you crazy?"

"Xena, just hold on, all right?" The bard swallowed. "I really want to do this.. it's not dangerous, it’s a lot less dangerous than fighting for real, and I did that back in that city, remember?"

The warrior's eyes closed. "That was different.. you didn't… you had to do that, Gabrielle.. you don't have to do this.. the Amazons don't expect you to."

Gabrielle felt an irrational urge to pull away, scramble out of the bed and stalk off, but by force of will she made herself resist that. Instead, she moved even closer, marshalling her arguments. "Look… I've always felt… I know they listen to me, Xena… they do what I say because I accepted that mask.. but I've always felt there was a.. well, that they don't really think I earned it."

"That's not true." Xena protested. "Gabrielle, they respect your authority, and your skills… you know that.. you don't have to go beat up on them… you're better than that."

The bard sighed, and let her head rest gently against her soulmate's chest. "Xena… they respect me here." She tapped her forehead. "Not here." She touched the skin above her heart. "Not the way they respect you." Now she looked up. "Don't tell me that's not true, because I know it is.. I've just got to watch them watch you."

"So?" Xena's voice took on a hurt tone. "What I can do.. this damn violent crap.. it's not worth anything, Gabrielle.. nothing compared to what you bring to the Amazons… you've got nothing to prove in that." She stroked the bard's face wistfully. "It doesn't matter."

"It does to them." Gabrielle responded softly, giving her soulmate a pleading look. "I just want to get in a few quick bouts.. I can handle that, Xena… you said yourself I could give anyone here a run for their dinars…"

A long sigh. "I know I said that.. and I meant it… I just… " Xena exhaled, and let her head drop onto the pillow. "Gabrielle, it could be dangerous… if you get hit in the gut.. what's the sense in risking that?"

The bard's shoulders slumped in quiet defeat. "I…" She had no argument for that, knowing in her heart her reasons for wanting to enter the games were mostly invested in her own pride. She sighed, burrowing her head in the crook of Xena's arm. "I've been wanting to do this for a year now… just come back here and show them, on their own terms, that I really was capable." She closed her eyes. "Guess I was just a few weeks too late."

Xena felt horrible. Not only because a wave of nausea was swamping her, but because she understood only too well what was driving her younger partner in wanting to prove her skills, it was a burning desire she was very familiar with, and seeing Gabrielle so dejected was doing nasty things to her insides over and above her shared symptoms. She stroked the bard's soft hair gently, and struggled with her conscience.

Would a few quick drills really hurt? Gabrielle was skilled, and careful, and if she just made sure no one got inside her guard…would it be more dangerous than her own sparring sessions? The warrior sighed. It was really a perfect chance for the bard to show off, in a setting that was safe, and fun… and gods, it was her birthday.. she just wanted to have a good time. "Hey." She made her decision, with certain reservations. "Gabrielle?"

Slowly, the bard opened her eyes, and looked up. "Hmm?"

Xena put one finger on the tip of her nose. "Two conditions."

Green orbs brightened warily. "Yeah?"

"One, you get a single twinge, feel a single pop, or get the slightest bit out of breath, you stop." The warrior told her sternly.

A sweet smile began to edge its way across the bard's face. "All right."

Xena held up her hand. "Two, you tell Ephiny before it starts, and get her approval."

Gabrielle's face fell. "Xena, that just tears it all to pieces."

The warrior leaned over, and touched her forehead with her own, peering into her eyes at very close quarters. "She doesn't have to tell anyone else. But it's their tradition, Gabrielle, and you're asking to be accepted into their society… I think you can talk her into keeping her mouth shut if you really want to do it." She paused. "Besides, she'd be pretty hurt if you didn't confide in her.. you know she kinda likes you."

The bard's lips pursed, and she spent a moment considering her soulmate's words. Xena was, she grudgingly admitted, right. Not only would the regent be hurt, she herself had felt really uneasy about keeping her condition silent after she'd heard the Amazon's comments about Granella. Honesty, she mused, was a better choice. "Okay." She finally agreed, glancing up at the dimly lit face above hers. The pre dawn light clearly showed her Xena's profile, and she saw the sudden shift as her jaw clenched, the muscles jutting out and her skin tensing in discomfort. "Hang on.." She patted the warrior's shoulder, then rolled out of bed, and padded across the floor, finding Xena's healer's kit by touch and retrieving the herbs she needed.

A quick stop at the water basin, and she was swirling them into a cup, then crossing back over to the bed and slipping back into it as Xena sat up, wincing. "Here you go." She held the cup as the warrior sipped from it, then eased a hand behind her neck, and worked at the tension there. She watched her partner finish the cup, then lean her head against the cool surface. "You okay?"

Xena reached over and set the cup down on the bedside table, then slumped back onto the bed, tugging the bard closer. "Yeah… I'll live." She muttered.

Gabrielle curled around her, pulling her head down onto her own shoulder and stroking her hair comfortingly. "How long does this part last? I hate seeing you like this."

The warrior sighed. "Varies." She reached around the bard's body and hugged her. "Two, three months I guess." Her eyes flickered past the bard to the window, where dawn was making its appearance in a smudge of pale gray. "You think Pony's gonna be out there expecting me?"

Gabrielle snorted softly. "Yeah… probably."

A blue eye twinkled at her. "Good." Xena replied, letting out a contented sigh as she tucked the blankets around the bard's shoulders and snuggled down next to her. The Amazon's bedding wasn't as comfortable as their own at home, but after a week of sleeping on the ground it felt wonderfully decadent and she wasn't about to budge.

"You are so bad." Gabrielle chuckled quietly, as she yawned, and let her eyes drift closed. "Hey… Xena?"

"Hmm?"

"Thanks."

"What for?" The warrior mumbled, welcoming the gentle lethargy that was stealing over her.

"Just… thanks." Gabrielle replied softly. "For understanding me."

Xena let her eyes drift back open, and she regarded the younger woman wrapped around her in mild wonder. Understand her? Was a time, my friend, I thought I had no chance in the world of ever coming close to that. "You're welcome." She murmured, then lifted her eyes, and stuck her tongue out at the coming dawn.

"Where are you going?" Ephiny kept her eyes firmly closed, and simply reached out to catch an errant bit of leather. "It's dark, it's drizzling, and we've got a Hades of a long day ahead of us."

"Yow." Eponin lost her balance, and fell back onto the bed, getting tangled up in her lover's limbs. "Lemme go… I'm just… I… "

"You're going to go out, and run around in the mud, trying to get the drop on Xena." The regent informed her drolly. "You never do, you just end up frustrated, and covered in centaur poop." She got a firm hold on the older woman, ignoring her squirming. "C'mon.. c'mon… give the old war horse a break, huh?"

Eponin scowled, and relaxed, glaring up at the dimly seen thatch roof of their joint quarters. "Not fair, Eph… you banned her from the games… what am I supposed to do?"

The regent reached over and patted her on the head. "Don't worry… you'll have some competition.. Gabrielle's gonna enter the staff bouts."

The weapons master rolled over, and peered at her in surprise. "Gabrielle?"

One pale eye emerged. "Yeah… a little shorter than me, reddish blond hair, green eyes… nice body.. hangs out with the tall, dark, and dangerous number with those baby blues from Hades?"

"Thanks." Pony rolled her eyes. "I knew who you were talking about.. I was… just kinda surprised, that 's all." She shrugged. "She never seemed… I mean, poop, Eph, I know she's good with that staff, but.."

Ephiny rolled over as well, so that they were facing each other. In the pre dawn gloom, she could barely make out the snub nosed features of her lover, but her imagination filled in the details easily. "But what?" She propped her head up on her hand. "You know she kicks butt.. might be good for some of these featherheads to see that."

"Mm." Eponin's caramel colored eyes were mere glints in the darkness. "Hard for me to think of her like that… I mean.. I know better, right?" The last was almost a mumble. "She looks like she's doing pretty good."

The regent sighed, plucking at the blanket that covered her idly. "Yeah.. she sure does… a lot better than when we saw her last month.. and I walked in on the two of them playing around like a couple of kids.. like they used to." A faint smile tugged at her lips. "Did Solari tell you they got Xena to hang around the scout campfire last night?"

"Damn.. I missed that?" Pony groaned. "How'd Solari managed that one?"

"Just asked, I guess. " Ephiny shrugged. "She brought some kind of bacchae brew and got them all half tanked, didn't say much, but.. Soli said it was all right." She paused, and laughed softly. "That is, when Soli gave up trying to either balance or suck an egg, I can't tell you which." She saw the flash of white as Eponin grinned in response, and reflected again on how nice it was to have someone to share this kind of talk with. She hadn't realized how much she missed it until her relationship with the tough weapons master evolved from a rowdy friendship to something a little closer.

Which was, she sighed, the start of another problem, as she knew Eponin's feelings went a bit deeper than her own did, and she'd deliberately kept everything at a solid, but superficial level between them. She felt bad, because sometimes, when she looked into Pony's disarmingly guileless eyes she saw an echo of something quietly familiar, and found herself wanting to give into that, but whenever she was on the brink…

Something stopped her. Maybe it was fear, maybe… Artemis knew she still saw the horror of Phantes' dying in her arms, and if that wasn’t bad enough.. there were the haunting memories of Gabrielle in shattered pieces, not once, but twice.

She was the regent of the Amazons. Her life was too complicated as it was, and she just couldn't add a personal, emotional load to all that.

No way. Not even when she felt an almost overwhelming sense of longing when she saw the loving closeness in the two couples who were going to be joined at her hand tonight. Or when she saw Gabrielle and Xena together, when the tall warrior was off her guard and the strength of their connection was so apparent it seemed to make them both glow.

She sighed, putting the thought away. "So yeah, you missed some fun, I guess." She ruffled the disgruntled Eponin's dark hair. "Hey.. I'll tell you what.. I'll make an exception.. she can enter the archery competition.. I know you're itching for a rematch."

Eponin gave her a grumpy look. "Well… at least I got a chance of winning that one." She grumbled.

The regent chuckled, and let her fingers run through her lover's long, dark hair. "What're you worried about? You'll probably win most of them… I'm looking forward to putting the wreath on you tonight."

A short silence. "Is that why banned Xena from the games?"

Ephiny chewed her lip. "Not exactly, no." She finally replied. "Things are getting better… with everyone's attitude towards her.. but that much competition… things get outta hand sometimes, and I didn't want any accidents."

"Mmph." Eponin grunted. "Makes sense."

"Tch… did you really think I'd wrangle it just so you'd win?" Ephiny scolded her. "Gimme a break, Pon."

They looked at each other in the gray light, two wily Amazon warriors. "Alright… so I had that idea in the back of my curly blond head, so sue me." Ephiny growled, a faint, guilty grin crossing her face. "You mad?"

Eponin's snub nose wrinkled into a shy grin. "Nah… thanks for thinking of me, though." She stifled a yawn. "Damn… I gotta get up and get moving." She let out an aggrieved sigh. "This tougher than leather attitude reputation crap sucks centaur hooves sometimes, y'know?"

Ephiny ambushed her, wrapping her lazily up in the blankets and her arms, and started a light nibbling on her ear. "Poop on your reputation.. let Xena go out and get drenched.. I got better things to do before the sun rises."

Pony capitulated helplessly, hoping the tireless warrior would assume she was just plotting some new way of catching her offguard. Yeah. Let her worry.

Cait headed purposefully across the compound, the early morning sun splashing across her body as she rounded a corner. She was dressed in typical Amazon gear, though with a few eccentricities that often earned her the dour looks from the elders who were responsible for the education of the younger girls.

Like the twin daggers she wore in the small of her back, for instance. But having not been born an Amazon, she was allowed certain liberties not granted to her more native sisters, and being, in a way, a protegee of Xena's didn't hurt.

She was proud of being from Amphipolis, and of her association with the tall, mostly silent warrior. Even in the bad times, after Solon's death, and the estrangement between her two personal heroes, she'd still been glad she stuck by them, never speaking out against Xena, and often defending her reputation with her fists.

Xena had come through for her, was what had happened, and now everyone had to kind of apologize to her for being so ratty. That felt good, and she often wanted to simply poke her tongue out at all of them and announce. "I told you so."

But she didn't, because that's just not how Cait was. Instead, she threw herself into her current project, which was guarding their erstwhile captive and enemy, Paladia. It had taken quite a long time, but she'd eventually decided that the tall renegade had possibilities, and was perhaps worth salvaging rather than killing outright. But that had taken a lot of deciding, and sometimes when she caught sight of Ephiny, and remembered cradling the regent's battered head in her lap, she often got an itch to reverse her decision.

Xena had said… everyone deserves a chance. And that she, herself, would be dead if Gabrielle hadn't also believed that. Cait didn't for one second put the tall warrior and the renegade in the same category, but she did understand that her hero had done some pretty terrible things, and that Gabrielle's faith in her really mattered.

She'd also visited Gabrielle in the purging hut, and seen just how devastated her young queen was without the love that had bound her and Xena together. The lost, anguished look in those green eyes had broken Cait's heart, and she had gotten her things, prepared to leave the Amazons and go in search of Xena, when the warrior had returned at last. Even through the anger, and the fear, she'd known that their only real chance was together. And she'd been right, she had. The two of them had done her proud, not only surviving, but rebinding themselves together stronger than ever.

Poking her tongue out indeed. And she'd gotten a hug from Xena yesterday, which was always a treat, just to make things extra pleasant. Now, she straightened her shoulders, before she put a hand on the door of the small hut where Paladia was assigned, and pushed it open.

As she suspected, the tall woman was still sleeping, on the thin pallet that was part of the room's spare furniture. There was also a worktable that looked out the small window, a low linen press for her few pieces of clothing, a washbasin, and a comfortable chair against the back wall. Very much like Cait's own quarters, actually, since Paladia was being treated almost exactly like any other person who aspired to joining the Nation.

She spent a moment studying her project. Paladia's short hair had grown out a little, and was due for a trim as the front tended to get in her eyes. A bandage circled her arm, where the break was slowly healing, and stood out starkly on her sun burnished skin. She was taller than most of the others, and almost gawky, now that she'd shed a good portion of the extra weight she'd allowed herself to gain while holed up in her mountain hideout. But she was not ill favored, and sleeping here, without her habitual scowl, Cait almost found her quite nice looking.

Then the picture was ruined as the ex renegade sensed her presence, and opened her eyes, achieving her usual dour expression in the blink of an eye, and putting up a guarded front. "It's you."

Cait shrugged. "You were expecting Plato, then?" She ambled to the worktable and glanced at it. "Oh.. that's a pretty one." She looked over her shoulder encouragingly. "Is that a real place?" The picture, half finished in rough charcoal was a waterfall, cascading over a set of rocks with thick foliage in the background. The renegade had an undeniable talent for drawing, though she perversely refused to do it on command, saying she only did it for her own amusement.

Paladia rubbed her eyes, and sat up, cradling her arm awkwardly. "Nah." She swung her long legs over the edge of the pallet and eyed them as they splayed across the woven mat floor. "Party today, huh?" Slowly, she'd given up her nastier comments, having gotten either no response from the slim Cait, or a response that scared her silly, as she tried the girl's patience and tasted the edge of her steel for it. Privately, she was convinced that Cait was a little nuts, and when she'd heard where she came from, well… that kinda tied it up for her.

But.. if she was forced to admit it, she had to agree that the Amazons weren't all that bad. Her one year sentence of captivity had been a civilized one so far, more geared to making her productive than punishing her, which had surprised the renegade no end. Practical, Solari had told her. They didn't have the resources to keep her under guard all the time, but they always needed another set of hands.

Hand, anyway. Paladia snorted to herself. She'd gotten used to the icy looks from the Amazons, but lately… well, they were all pretty straightforward, and seemed to think she could contribute if she really wanted to, and were willing to put aside how they felt about what she did to their precious regent. She'd thought, real briefly, about trying to escape, but a little chat with Eponin had convinced her that, at least for now, that would be a bad idea. The gruff Amazon had informed her, in words clearly intended to intimidate, that if she left the village, Eponin would hunt her down, and rip her to pieces. Looking into those cold, dark eyes, she'd believed it, especially when everyone made a point of telling her just how much the goofily named 'Pony' was stuck on her precious Ephiny.

And just to annoy the crap out of her, they'd assigned young Cait to be her watchdog. She'd groaned inwardly, preferring anyone else, even the fanatic Eponin, who at least kept her instructions to a few short syllables and didn't go on, and on and on.. gods, the girl was persistent, and annoying, and totally incapable of being either intimidated or ignored.

She let her gaze rise grudgingly to watch the girl as she observed her work, outlined in the early morning sun, which picked up the pink of her cheeks, and the delicate structure of the bones of her face. How can one person look so fragile and be so damned strong? Paladia mused, not for the first time recently. Cait could beat the crap out of just about everyone, and was supposed to be inducted formally into the Nation that night at their little celebration.

She'd never admit it, but she was actually looking forward to the day. The games sounded fun, and she liked the dancing, and when she was just sitting on the verge there, she could almost feel what it would be like to really be a part of who the Amazons were.

And she realized that.. under different circumstances, this could truly have become a home for her. A Nation of strong, independent people, who protected each other, and tried to have as comfortable a life as they could. She'd been watching the dancing last night, and felt an intense regret that she couldn't go back and just change a few things. Like what she'd done to Ephiny, for instance. Not the beating… she fully believed the Amazons, being warriors, could have forgiven her that.

But the other. Something that a society of fiercely independent women hated and resented above all else. Had she beaten Ephiny in a fight, they'd probably have admired her. Stupid. Like they admired Xena, who had, by all accounts, done lots more nasty stuff both to them, and to other people but who was accepted here in her own right, by their ridiculous standards.

Paladia sighed. When she'd finished her punishment, after this season ended, she'd probably be kicked out, and then what?

Guess she'd worry about that then. Cait was starting to talk, and Hera knew, she'd better get it the first time, and not have to ask her to repeat herself.

"Yes… quite a party, actually." The slim girl seated herself, and braced her elbows on her knees in a pose reminiscent of her tall, dour hero. "Lots of things will be happening."

"You getting feathers or something?" Paladia inquired, mildly interested.

Cait nodded. "Yes… they'd usually wait another year, but I suppose they consider me quite grown up by now." She observed her clasped hands. "I'm glad it's this festival, though."

A knowing smirk appeared on Paladia's face. "Cause Xena's here to see it?" She'd deduced that her young captor had a certain infatuation with the tall ex warlord, and she lost no opportunity to tease her about it.

Cait gave her an exasperated look. "Must you think everything I do involves her? No.. I'm just glad because this winter, I'll get to do neat stuff, and not get stuck inside weaving floor matting, is all." Inwardly she grinned, though, since Paladia's comment had hit its mark quite squarely. She was glad Xena would be there, and the queen as well, since they were, in effect, her sponsors to the Amazons. "Do you need that bandage changed?"

The taller woman turned her head and observed her arm. "It's okay." She shifted the limb and winced. "Little better today… yesterday it was killing me." She was usually careful not to admit to that when other Amazons were around, because it generally got her told she was real lucky that's all she got, considering it was Gabrielle she'd tried to choke. They were funny, like that. One minute they grumbled that Xena was this unpredictable, dangerous person, walking around like a cocked crossbow, a danger to the Amazons that was barely tolerated, then next minute they were telling these weird, outlandish stories about her and how she fought in their behalf, and saved their queen, and blah, blah, blah.. and how dedicated she was to Gabrielle.

Weird. She wasn't sure if they hated Xena, or loved her, or something in between. Maybe a little of both. What they all agreed on, though, was that Gabrielle was so completely, blindly, unbelievably in love with the woman it went beyond anything they'd ever seen. And they mostly all liked the little queen, respected her for her ability to negotiate, and had a healthy respect for her courage in standing up to her enemies and theirs. They also thought she was something else for capturing the heart of the dour ex warlord, but that was another story.

Stories. She'd heard enough of those to last her a lifetime. Cait's favorite one was just the sappiest tale which had Xena diving in front of a crossbow at the very last minute, saving Gabrielle's life from someone who hadn't liked the young queen's style. After the damn woman had been ambushed by a bunch of Amazons, no less. That was part of the weirdness. Love, hate… the renegade just shook her head. It was too complicated for her.

"Well, it does take some time to heal." Cait commented. "When Xena does something, she's usually rather thorough." The girl stood. "Come on then, get dressed. We've got lots to do today."

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

They emerged into the sunlight, with Paladia in her plain leathers, more or less matching Cait's practical outfit. As they headed towards the dining hall, Cait's purposeful strides hesitated, then she grinned as she spotted Xena and Gabrielle also headed in that direction.

Paladia gave a cursory look over, and paused, her brows lifting in mild surprise. Instead of her usual dark leathers and armor, the ex warlord was dressed in leathers not unlike her own, but in a deep, blood red that bared most of her muscular body to the warm sun. She was weaponless, but the total confidence in which she carried herself made you forget that, and just concentrate on the fierce, vital presence that seemed to roll off her effortlessly. "Huh." She muttered, impressed despite herself.

"Goodness, I like her in those." Cait chuckled. "I think everyone else does too.. gosh… poor Solari.. she just crashed into that wall."

"Mm." Paladia, for once, merely agreed with her, continuing to watch as Gabrielle, who had stopped to talk to a passing Amazon, trotted over and caught up, twitching a little at her own rust colored leathers, and looking up at Xena as she asked something or other. The bard looked… The renegade's brows knit. A lot older dressed like that than she had deep in their stronghold. Gabrielle's compact body showed a sinuous strength thus displayed, and as she moved, her well defined muscles shifted under her golden tanned skin with a smooth intensity.

Ephiny came up just then, and hailed them, and the three women stood briefly in the center of the compound, exchanging words. Xena gave Gabrielle a little nudge in Ephiny's direction, and the shorter bard gave her a wry look, then complied, leading the regent off towards the dining hall. Xena paused for a moment, and shook her dark head, then glanced up to see Eponin trotting by, her mind obviously preoccupied.

Paladia watched in frank fascination as the warrior slipped towards the gruff Amazon, her body seeming to move in the rhythm of nature, with the wind, and the leaves that moved constantly around the village. At last, she was right up alongside Eponin, though the woman had no idea anyone was trailing her. Xena reached out with one hand, and tugged on an errant braid, then slipped around to Eponin's other side as the Amazon whirled around, the warrior still silent, and grinning in startling mischief. She tugged on another braid, and finally, with a yelp, Eponin spotted her, causing the shorter woman to trip on a root and almost go sprawling.

A soft chuckle escaped the renegade's chest, catching Cait's attention. "Something funny?" The girl asked, crisply, having missed the interplay.

"Nah." Paladia cast one glance back at the now furious, hands balled on hips Eponin and bit her lip. "So… what's next on the list of stuff to carry, move, clean or fix?"

"Breakfast first." Cait informed her. "Come along.. I think they're making biscuits today… we're off cereal since they found out the queen hates it."

A soft snort. "Hey… she can visit anytime then."

"It's not that bad." Cait remonstrated her. "It's… "

"Glue." Paladia provided in a dry voice. "Stuff hardens, and they use it for putting up walls, I seen them do it." She shifted her arm inside her sling.

Cait rolled her eyes and pushed the door aside to the dining hall. "Come on, or I'll ask them to make you some up."

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

"So… where's tall dark, and leatherclad off to?" Ephiny asked, as they sat down at the front table amidst a buzz of friendly, excited chatter. "She afraid to cause a stampede in here or something?"

Gabrielle snorted softly, and chuckled a little. "She's so frustrating sometimes… it's like… ok, so she puts those things on, and she looks… gods, Eph." The bard covered her eyes. "Anyway, and she's like.. 'what are you all staring at?"

Ephiny motioned a server over, and relieved her of a platter containing grilled meats, biscuits, eggs, and fruit slices. She plopped it down in front of Gabrielle with a flourish. "Here… they knew you were coming."

Unaccountably, the bard blushed. "Um… thanks." She was starving, as usual, and paused, as she decided where to start devouring the nice smelling items.

"Yeah.. I know what you mean about Xena, though." Ephiny continued, helping herself. They were relatively isolated, and the wall of sound around them afforded them a good degree of privacy. "She's really unconscious of the fact that she makes half the nation slobber when she walks by. " She paused, spreading a thick fruit jam on a biscuit. "Among this group of rampant egotists, that's kinda nice."

Gabrielle smiled. "You're not rampant egotists." She bit into an egg covered roll. "Mm." She swallowed. "Listen.. Eph… I um… remember what we were talking about yesterday?"

The regent picked up a mug, and poured a fragrant stream of cider into it, passing it over to her table companion. "Yeah.. well, I mean, we talked about a lot of things." She glanced up, as she poured a cup for herself and took a long swallow. "Anything in particular?"

The bard finished her biscuit and prepared another while she considered how to proceed. "Um… the competition." Her growling stomach settled down a little, and she started taking time to chew her food before swallowing it.

Ephiny's brows lifted in relief. "Ah… yeah, I do.. listen, if you decided you don't want to, that's perfectly okay, Gabrielle.. no one's expecting you to do that."

Nibble. "No… no.. I do.. I do.. " The bard took a drink. "But.. remember what you were saying about handicaps?"

The regent cocked her head, intrigued. "Eyahh… " Then her face grew concerned. "You're okay, aren't you?" She let her eyes scan the younger woman from head to foot. "What is it?"

"Relax.. it's… " It's almost funny, Gabrielle thought to herself. "There's nothing wrong with me, exactly, I just.. "

Now Ephiny was really alarmed. A thousand things popped to mind, ranging from effects of one of the numerous injuries she knew Gabrielle had suffered, to a legacy of the whole Dahok thing. "Hey… " Her voice gentled, but there was a distinct undercurrent of strain. "Look.. if it's something you need to talk to the healers about… I know Menelda's been asking to see you anyway… whatever it is, we can take care of it… is it… I mean, surely Xena.. "

"Ephiny." Gabrielle put her biscuit and cup down, and faced the regent, putting both hands on her shoulders. "Please shut up."

Worried amber eyes searched her face. "But…."

"I'm not sick. I'm just pregnant." The bard finished.

Ephiny's face was a study in expressions, morphing neatly from relief, through puzzlement, through disbelief, to just plain confused. "What?" Her eyes went to the bard's midsection, then back up to her face, then to either side of them, before blinking. "What? You mean pregnant as in… pregnant?"

"Yeah." Gabrielle had to work hard to keep a grin off her face at her friends obvious befuddlement. "It's that having a baby thing, you know… nine months, all that?"

"I remember." Ephiny nodded, in shock. "Um… I… Ga… Uh… buh." She licked her lips. "Wh… " Her eyes darted over Gabrielle's shoulder and then to the window. "Does uh… I…"

"Of course she does." The bard correctly interpreted the question. "We planned this."

"Planned." The regent examined the word. "The two of you?"

Gabrielle nodded gently. "Yeah."

Hesitantly, a smile edged onto Ephiny's face. "Wow." A pause. "So… is she the father?"

The bard burst out laughing. "Ephiny!!!" She covered her face with one hand. "Come on now… think about that a minute, okay???"

The Amazon shrugged. "I don't put anything past her." She objected, mildly. "Hey.. I mean.. you're serious? You're really pregnant? How long.. can't be much the way you look."

"A few weeks." Gabrielle confirmed with a shy grin. "I'm really…. I'm excited, and … gods." She took the regent's hands in her own. "So's she."

Ephiny let a real grin out now. "That's fantastic." She squeezed Gabrielle's hands. "Oh wow… hey, listen. Two questions. One.. who's… um.. you know. And two, why didn’t you tell me before?"

Ah. Gabrielle took a breath in. "Well, to the first, it's Toris."

Ephiny's eyes widened. "No centaur poop.. " She thought about that for a minute. "Good gods, Gabrielle.. that was smart… the closest you could get, huh?" She grinned. "He must be strutting around like a prize rooster."

"He doesn't know about me yet… " The bard smiled. "We just figured it out a week or so ago… and.." She fastened her eyes on the regents. "I didn't tell you yesterday, because of something you said."

Blond brows contracted in puzzlement. "Huh?"

"Eph.. I really want to compete in that tourney." Gabrielle told her, softly. "I feel like I have something to prove here, and it's very important to me." She watched the expression in the regent's eyes change. "Important enough that I was considering not telling you."

A breath. "What made you change your mind?" Ephiny asked quietly. "You know there are damn good reasons for that rule, Gabrielle… and your being the queen doesn't give you free rein to ignore them."

A faint smile played around the bard's face. "I talked to Xena about it… I had to convince her first, and then she made two conditions, which I had to agree to." Se hesitated. "The second one was that I told you and got your okay."

Ephiny exhaled, and leaned back a little. "She agreed to it?"

A nod.

"I need time to think about this." The regent said, soberly. "I .. Gabrielle, I understand why you want to do it.. believe me I do.. and I supported that, because I think it's time this Nation understood just what kind of person they have to deal with in you." A shake of her head. "But… to deliberately endanger… how responsible is that?"

Gabrielle stared pensively down at the bench she was seated on. "I could say… life is sometimes irresponsible, or remind you of how we found you outside Thessaly, or mention Xena fighting in actual battles right up until she delivered, or tell you that I stood with her, alone, against a couple of hundred soldiers just a week or so ago." She looked up. "It's just a few practice bouts, Eph… it's about a dangerous for me as walking in the woods, and we both know that."

An eyebrow lifted wryly. "For you, that can be damn dangerous." She reminded the bard, who smiled briefly. "I'd have to keep it secret until after the competition, you realize that. Is that fair?" She sighed. "What if something happens?"

A shake of the head. "The other thing I had to promise Xena was that if I feel the smallest twinge of anything, I have to stop right then, and forfeit." She gave Ephiny a wry look. "One of the side effects of this whole thing is that her overprotective streak went off the scale." She lifted a hand and measured as high as she could reach. "Really."

Ephiny drummed her fingers on the table. "I'm gonna get my butt kicked for this, if I let you do it, you know that, right?"

Mist green eyes gazed at her with gentle entreaty, and Ephiny suddenly had a good idea of just how her young friend managed to wrap a crusty, ill tempered ex warlord so firmly around her little finger. "Your main competition in the staff is Pony.. and if you beat her, and then I have to tell her the news, I'll never hear the end of it." She protested.

"I'll let her win." Gabrielle told her reasonably. "I'm not looking to beat the world here.. just demonstrate a little competence."

The regent studied her pensively. It sounded so harmless…but then, this was Gabrielle she was dealing with, who could turn a piece of toast into a war zone. Half of her said no way.. no how… stick to the rules. The other half…

Ephiny sighed. "You're gonna owe me big time, my friend. Very big time. I'll have to spend a few candlemarks coming up with what this is gonna cost you."

A sweet, gentle smile crossed Gabrielle's face, lighting it up and dancing through her clear green eyes with pure delight. "Anything." She promised. "Thanks, Eph."

A soft snort. "Gods know, you never ask for much, do you?" She lifted a hand and gripped the bard's sturdy shoulder. "Be careful, that's what I'm asking. Don't make me look back on this and kick myself, okay?"

"I promise." The bard replied, just as seriously.

Slowly, Ephiny smiled. "You little sneak… listening to me go on about Gran last night… that's really what you were going to say, wasn't it?" She patted Gabrielle's cheek. "Presents, huh?"

The bard blushed a little, and grinned. "Yeah.. well… I had to think of something… " Phew. That was easier than I thought it would be. She studied her hands, then glanced up at the regent. "It'll be fine, Eph… I feel great."

A faint grin tugged at the Amazon's lips. "That explains the glow, then. " She teased gently.

Gabrielle rolled her eyes. "Oh no.. don't you start that too… it's bad enough coming from Xena."

"Someone mention my name?"

A low, vibrant voice answered her, and she turned with as her soulmate joined them, settling down at her side with an indulgent grin. "Hey."

Xena studied her face, then leaned forward and caught Ephiny's eye. "Talked you into it, huh?"

The regent shrugged ruefully. "It's what she's good at." She gave the warrior a quiet smile. "Congratulations, by the way."

"Oh yeah, tell me about it." The warrior replied, getting a nudge in the ribs for her pains. "Hey.. you are." Then she returned Ephiny's smile "Thanks." For a moment, she allowed her joy to show, then dropped her gaze, and composed her expression.

Gabrielle returned to her breakfast, sharing it with her partner. "What's first on the list, Eph?" She swallowed a mouthful of eggs, and delivered a slice of melon to the amiably waiting Xena, who consumed it.

The regent watched them with an indulgent smile, then sighed. "Running… we set up a course that goes halfway round the mountain and back. The contestants have to go to the end point, find a special item, and bring it back to prove they were the first ones there."

"Oh." Gabrielle nibbled a biscuit. "Hey.. that's not a fighting thing… you can enter that one." She gave her partner a poke.

Xena batted her eyelashes and chuckled, propping her head up on one hand. "Not after this breakfast I can't." She advised the younger woman. "Let the kids have their fun." She neatly bit another piece of melon in half. "Besides.. Eponin roped me into the archery one." Her eyes found Ephiny's in wry amusement. She'd briefly thought about entering a few of the games, but… maybe it was the nice warm sun… or the alcohol last night, or whatever… her body was sternly resenting the thought of putting forth all that effort at the moment, and she was in no mood to argue with it.

What she really felt like doing was sneaking away with Gabrielle, and spending the day snuggling and playing with her, but she knew that wasn't going to happen. And she really didn't mind watching the Amazon's games, but she felt no urge to join in, which was an odd feeling for her, but one she suspected she'd be getting used to for the next few months. It was a strangely peaceful sensation, and after a moment, she decided she liked it.

A finger. "My fault." The regent admitted, a little surprised the warrior had declined to enter any others. "Wanna go watch?" She inquired. "They're doing the wrestling at the same time, here in the compound." A chuckle. "The staff bouts are just before lunch."

The bard finished up, and dusted her hands off. "Sounds good to me.. let's go."

Continued in Part 3

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

Specific Story Disclaimers:

Violence –Well… this is a more or less violence lite story. Now.. you've got Xena in it, and Amazons, and Gabrielle with that staff.. so it's not all sweetness and light, but no one gets their heads cut off in this one. (Sorry MaryD)

Subtext - Do I really still have to disclaimer subtext? Someone asked me if I thought Xena: Warrior Princess was a romantic show. My answer was, when a show has one main character state in no uncertain terms to the other main character that she would rather die at her side than live without her, that show cannot be defined as anything less than a romantic tale. Yeah, there's subtext.. maintext… under the table text.. whatever you wanna call it.

This is, of course, PG13 level involvement here, no more. That never changes.. for those of you who are waiting for me to stick in a rip roaring, no holds barred graphic orgy scene, make sure you have plenty of coffee and doughnuts handy. And a comfortable chair.

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

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

mailto:merwolf@bellsouth.net

Festival - Part 3

By Melissa Good

They found a nice place to settle, under the large, spreading tree that provided shade for one side of the Amazon compound. In front of them, a wrestling square had been set up, and groups of contestants were clustered around, waiting their turn.

Xena crossed her arms over her chest, and wriggled into a more comfortable position, leaning against the tree on the small raised platform that overlooked the erstwhile battleground. Gabrielle was standing nearby, talking with a few of the elders, her body language indicating the conversation was not entirely pleasant. The warrior scowled at that, but turned her gaze from the bard as a hand touched her arm. "Hi." She muttered.

Ephiny squirmed a little closer on the woven mats they were seated on. "Listen.. I really, really meant that congratulations in there."

A grin appeared on the warrior's normally stolid face. "Thanks."

"Quite a surprise." The regent continued, giving her a wry look.

Xena rubbed her chin. "Eyahh… sorry about that." She glanced up to check where her soulmate was. "I.. um… she really wants to do this staff thing… I tried to talk her out of it, but.. " A shrug.

The regent leaned on an elbow, the soft breeze pushing back her curly blond hair. "When she wants something.. she gets it." Hazel eyes twinkled gently. "You should know that by now." She studied the taller woman quietly, realizing the dark edgy energy she'd always felt present around Xena before seemed to be missing, which, considering where she was, puzzled Ephiny no end. "How are you doing?"

Another uncharacteristic grin. "Fine." Now Xena shrugged, and as if realizing she was behaving strangely, resettled herself, and forced her expression into a more familiar pattern. She jerked her chin towards the wrestlers. "Is breast grabbing allowed?"

Ephiny's head snapped around. "No.. and Esta knows better." She growled. "Hey!" She let out a fierce yell, and got a wave back from the referee, who was scolding the smaller woman in the bout. Esta lifted both hands then let them drop, and a few words drifted over.

"Not my fault she presented a target like that"

Ephiny rolled her eyes. The girl's opponent had lost a retaining pin in her leathers, and was, so to speak, waving in the breeze. "Gods."

Xena chuckled, a warm, relaxed sound, and this drew the regent's attention back to her. "You're all right with this whole thing, I take it?" Ephiny asked, delicately. "You seem to be in an exceptionally good mood."

Conflicting emotions crossed very visibly over the warrior's face, before she settled on a wry smile. "I think it's great… Gabrielle's really happy about it, and that's what matters, I guess." She let out a breath. "But yeah… I'm all right with it."

Ephiny eyed her knowingly. "That's a real nice pin she's wearing." She drawled. "Birthday present from someone I know?" The just under the surface happy turmoil she could see in the dark haired woman was intriguing her no end.

Xena just grunted in assent, and gave her a brief nod. Then her eyebrows lifted. "Ouch.. is that allowed?"

Ephiny looked, and winced. "Ah… hey!" She stood and ambled over to the square, putting her hands on her hips as she lectured the combatants.

The warrior sighed, and relaxed, having successfully diverted the wily regent. She let her eyes roam the compound, observing the laughing crowd that had gathered to watch the wrestling. Footsteps caught her attention and she looked up in time to see Gabrielle approaching. "Hey."

The bard settled at her side with a thump, and leaned back. "Okay.. okay… Xena, listen.. there's rules and stuff for this taking of a consort thing.. I don't know…."

"What is it?" Xena interrupted her. "Do I gotta get spanked naked or something?" She crossed her arms expectantly, cocking an eyebrow at her younger partner.

Gabrielle stopped dead, her jaw hanging open comically as she stared wide eyed at her soulmate. "Uh.. gods.. uh.. NO!… what… no no… it's not that.." She finally spluttered.

A shrug. "So… what's the problem?" The warrior inquired, then frowned as an idea presented itself. "Listen.. if it's because of who I am… if they're giving you grief, Gabrielle.. just…" She glanced away. "Don’t worry about it, all right?" Some of her bubbly mood vanished, as reality intruded its dour face. "I know there's a lot of folks here that don't like me."

"No.." The bard replied softly. "That's not it… it's just.. there's certain customs to it, and I'm not sure I want to subject you to them." She paused. "I don't care if it is tradition… we're not exactly traditional people."

Xena tilted her head and regarded her. "Then what are we talking about here? Why don't you just tell me what it is.. and let me decide?"

Gabrielle's voice was very serious. "Because I don’t want you to do something you don't like just because of me."

A gentle smile surprised her. "Gabrielle, that's the only good reason I can think of for doing just about anything." She let her hand rest on the bard's muscular thigh, rubbing the skin a little with her thumb. "C'mon.. what is it?"

A pensive silence dropped between them. Finally the bard sighed, and glanced down at her hands. "You have to go through a physical examination from the healers."

Xena shrugged. "And?" That didn’t disturb her much. Nothing for them to find save a bunch of scars, after all.

"You have to prove you're worth of being an Amazon by fighting their best warrior." The bard muttered.

A hastily muffled snort of laughter. "That's kinda redundant.. I think I've been there, and done that.. what.. twice now? But.. whatever…" Xena looked more amused than upset, her battle skills so beyond question that it put the contest more in the realm of a formality.

"Yeah… I think I got them to bypass that one.. " The bard remarked quietly. " I mean, what's the point, right?"

"What else?" The warrior murmured, seeing the tension in her soulmate's body. This is the one she doesn’t like.

Gabrielle hesitated. "You have to swear fealty to me." She got the sentence out, disliking the taste of the words on her tongue. "I tried to talk them out of it.. Eph told me last night.. but I.."

"Okay." Xena commented, very mildly. "Is that it?" A sense of relief brushed her.

Absolute silence, as green eyes lifted in total startlement and looked at her. She swallowed. "I…" She stopped, then started again. "I didn't think…"

The warrior sighed. "You didn't think my pride would allow me to do that." She grimaced in wry self-knowledge. "Right?"

No answer.

"Well, ordinarily, you'd have been right." Xena glanced off, her jaw tightening. "I don't…take easily to obeying anyone but myself.. you know that." She looked at the matting. "But I trust you… and I don't mind saying in front of these guys what we both know is the truth anyway."

Gabrielle just looked at her.

"Listen… I'm gonna go get my trial by Menelda out of the way… you… stay here." Xena lifted herself to her feet, deciding to give her partner a chance to regain her composure. "I'll be back to help you warm up, okay?"

The bard nodded faintly, her eyes fastened on Xena's face. "All right." She murmured, watching as the warrior ambled off towards the healer's quarters, the sun burnishing her skin in moving shadows as she walked.

"Gabrielle?" Ephiny knelt at her side, and waved a hand in front of her eyes. "What's going on? You look like you've been kicked in the head by a centaur." She glanced over. "Where's Xena off to now?"

Gabrielle blinked. "She agreed." She turned wondering eyes on Ephiny. "To everything you said."

The regent shrugged. "And that surprises you?" She replied with an amused snort. "Good grief, Gabrielle… the woman came back from Tartarus for you.. what's a little medical exam and a swearing of fealty?" She chuckled. "She probably didn't even think twice about it." Then she sighed. "I was actually more worried about Menelda… by tradition she can put a stop to the whole thing if she finds some pretext or other."

Gabrielle's expression grew serious. "Like what?" Her eyes fastened now on Ephiny's face, cool and intent. "She's perfectly healthy, Eph… she hardly ever gets sick, and you know how fast she heals."

The regent nibbled her lower lip. "I know… that's true. The only question I was kinda worrying about is if she starts going into … " She paused. "The rules are… candidates need to be able to provide the Nation with children. I.."

A dark, angry storm erupted in the mist green eyes facing her. Gabrielle's temper flared with a frightening rapidity. "So help me, Ephiny.. if she asks her that, I'll personally go there and put her through the wall of that hut." The bard growled, her voice dropping ominously, as she scrambled to her feet. "I am not going to.."

"Whoa..whoa.. hold on.. " The regent grabbed her arm, and pulled her back down. "Hey.. hey… just take it easy for a minute, okay?" She could feel the steely strength under the bard's skin as she resisted her pull, and was suddenly, startlingly made aware of just how much Gabrielle's strength had grown over the years. "Easy… "

The bard was fuming. "She's had it in for Xena since the last time we were here, Ephiny.. I'm not going to put up with it."

Ephiny held on to her. "She's had it in for her since she saw you ripped to pieces the time before that." The regent spoke clearly, and forcefully. "So you just settle down. Xena's a big girl, and she can take care of herself, Gabrielle."

A tense silence fell. "Not always." The bard finally replied. "Everyone thinks that, you know? That nothing ever hurts her, and no one ever bothers her, but you know what, Ephiny? That's a crock of lies." She firmly disengaged the regent's hand from her arm. "Excuse me." The bard stood, and strode off in the direction her soulmate had disappeared into.

Ephiny sighed, and crossed her arms, leaning back against the tree, and looking up as Solari scrambled closer.

"What was that all about?" The dark haired Amazon murmured, glancing after the queen.

The regent rolled her eyes. "Everyone thinks Xena's the dangerous part of that pair.. boy.. are they ever wrong." She sighed. "I hope Menelda behaves herself, or she's going to be picking splinters from Gabrielle's staff right out of her butt."

"Ouch." Solari winced. "Hey.. are you going to disqualify Lista for biting Erran in the leg?"

Ephiny glanced at the square. "Son of a Bacchae.. what is it with these people today?" She let out a puff of air in exasperation, then hoisted herself to her feet, and strode over to the combatants. "What's going on?"

The referee turned and gave her a look. "She bit er in the leg." She pointed at the bloody mark on the tall, lanky woman's ankle.

Ephiny put her hands on her hips. "Lista, what is up with that?"

The shorter woman scowled. "She kicked me in the mouth."

The regent sighed. "Erran, go get that taken care of."

Lista smirked.

"And you… you get a rematch for your troubles." Ephiny informed her sweetly. "With me." She waved everyone out of their way, and gestured for the shorter woman to go to the center of the fighting area.

"Uh." Lista smiled hesitantly. "I didn't know you were entered in this."

Ephiny grinned evilly. "Royal privilege." She turned her head and addressed the referee. "Mark me down." She flexed her shoulders and cracked her knuckles, her body responding eagerly. Did she understand Gabrielle? Oh yeah. "C'mon, kid… get yourself ready."

The referee cleared her throat, marking something down on the list with her quill. "Any handicaps to declare, your highness?"

Hazel eyes regarded her drolly. "Mental. I volunteered to run this place."

A titter of laughter ran around the assembling crowd, who had spotted her in the center of the square.

Ephiny ignored them, and watched her opponent, who was taking several deep breaths, obviously centering herself for the coming bout. She reviewed the younger woman's form with experienced eyes, knowing the girl outweighed her, but deciding she had the edge in speed and experience.

They circled each other, and Ephiny felt her focus narrow, disregarding the ring of watchers and concentrating on the girl's torso, which would give her a clue to her next move. Lista shifted to the right, and feinted, her hands going to the opposite direction as she sought a hold on the regent's body.

Ephiny dodged the outstretched hands, and slipped inside her guard, ducking down and getting a hold on the girl's shoulders, which slipped and moved under her grip from sweat. Her fingers caught and held on Lista's upper arms, and the girl grappled with her in much the same manner, as they threw their weight against each other.

The regent let her opponent's greater weight lunge past her, and ducked under her arm, swinging around and pulling the girl's arm up behind her back in a secure hold. Then she swept her legs out from under her and dropped down as she fell, locking an arm around her neck with expert skill.

Lista arched her body, and struggled, but after a minute, she panted, then patted the earth with her free hand. Ephiny grinned, and released her, stepping up and back to let her stand up. Still got it, I guess. The regent chuckled to herself, watching the girl push her hair back out of her eyes. Good to remind everyone of that, once in a while. "Again?"

Lista spat on her hands, and rubbed them down her leathers, nodding.

Ephiny winced, and made a mental note to have a chat with the wrestling instructor about protocol before she shook her arms out, and reentered the fray. This time Lista wasted no time, but attacked immediately, trying to overpower her with sheer force. They tumbled to the ground, and Ephiny squirmed out from under her, pouncing on her back quickly before she could turn and get a hold. The girl slammed an arm backwards, catching the regent in the ribs, but she held on, getting an arm under the shorter woman's, and forcing it up and around the back of her head.

With a growl, Lista flipped herself over, landing on top of Ephiny's body, and slammed down with her other elbow. But the regent saw it coming, and turned somehow, letting her impact the hard earth instead. She kept her hold up, now sensing the girl was off balance, and powered them both over, managing to get her other arm wrapped around Lista's and into position, putting pressure on until the girl's chin almost touched her chest.

Silence, as Lista writhed impotently, throwing herself around in an attempt to dislodge the persistent Ephiny, then she stopped, and the blond Amazon felt her body relax in defeat, as she tapped the ground again.

Ephiny released her, and rolled free, coming up onto her feet in a smooth move and dusting her hands off. A round of friendly clapping greeted her, and she grinned, planting her fists on her hips defiantly. It was best two out of three falls, so Ephiny had just won her bout, and she drummed her fingers against one hip bone, considering continuing. Wrestling was one of her favorite pastimes, and most of the Amazons knew that. She was, in fact, one of the only Amazons who could, and did, regularly wipe the mat with Eponin, their acknowledged master.

"Pounding on the kiddies?" A familiar gruff voice caught her attention, and she turned to see her lover pushing her way through the crowd, arriving at her side with a brief grin. "Where's the challenge in that?"

Ephiny let a smile of pure competition cross her face. "You offering to provide a better one?" She cocked a blond eyebrow at the weapons master. "Thought you were running the race."

Eponin cleared her throat. "Um… well, I was.. but there was this… um… " A hand lifted and dropped. "The path got washed out, and there was this badger, and…well.. I jumped over.. they didn't.. so I guess I won."

"Uh huh." Ephiny peered at her. "Where is everyone else?"

"Oh.. they'll be along." Pony told her innocently, holding up the small, leather bag trimmed with beads that had been the race prize. "There was this mud hole below the washout though.. might take a while."

Ephiny nodded, then glanced up at the sky. "It's starting.. I knew it.. the Gabrielle effect. " She sighed, then gestured to the center of the square. "C'mon, Pon… let's wrassle… show these kids how it's done."

Xena wasn't in a particular hurry as she crossed the smaller of the two circles that made up the Amazon village. Most of the occupants were either watching the games, or participating in them, so she only saw a few people, as she wandered across the hard packed earth.

Her face creased into a grin as she remembered Gabrielle's stunned face, and she glanced ahead, observing the approaching healer's quarters with something less than trepidation. She knew she was in for a grilling.. Menelda hated her, but somehow.. she just couldn't muster up either reluctance or tension and she found herself not really caring about the healer, or her opinions, or the outcome of the meeting.

She paused in front of the door to the hospice, then took a breath and pushed it open, breathing in the familiar scents of the herbs and cleansers as she hesitated to allow her eyes to adjust to the dim interior.

The double row of pallets were empty, and it was very quiet inside. Only the faint scrape of a mortar and pestle cut through the silence, along with a rustle of wind as it passed over the thatch roof, and brushed the trees outside.

Menelda was leaning against her worktable, mixing up something, and watching her with a closed, hooded expression.

Xena returned the look. "You need to talk to me?" She crossed the room, and perched on the edge of a second worktable, mimicking the healer's posture. The light from the window fell squarely on her, and she leaned back, crossing her arms on her chest.

The healer put down her task, and walked over, making a show of examining the warrior from head to foot. "Why the Hades are you even doing this?" The woman rasped.

The warrior regarded her in silence for a moment. "Because she wants me to." Xena replied, then fell silent.

Menelda exhaled. "That's the only reason?"

Xena nodded. "I don’t need to be a gods be damned Amazon, Menelda. I don't need to have people like you who hate my guts sitting judgement on me, all right? I don't need it." The warrior stood, using her height to good advantage. "But she wants it."

The healer's hackles rose. "After what you did to her, you can stand there, and say that?"

Xena's own temper flared. "You listen to me, you self righteous piece of centaur dung.. I don’t need you to remind me of what I did, or what I didn't do, got me?" Her voice dropped to a low growl. "I have to live with that every waking moment of my life, and then in for an eternity in Tartarus, so I don’t need to hear it from you."

Menelda just looked at her, a shocked and wary expression on her face.

"Every.. " Xena stepped closer. "Single." Even closer, and her voice took on a deadly fierceness. "Moment… Every time I look at her, every time she touches me.. I think of that.. so damn you, I don't need to hear it from your stinking mouth." A deathly quiet pause. "You got me?"

Very slowly, the healer moved to her worktable, and sank down into the chair behind it. She shuffled a pile of parchment in front of her, then folded her hands over it, not looking at Xena. "Are you saying you regret that, then?" She finally asked, in a quiet, almost toneless voice.

"Regret?" Xena let out a humorless chuckle. "I'd rip my heart out of my chest and toss it on that table if that could change what I did." She paused "But the only option I have is to live with it, so if you're done chastising me, let's get on with this, or forget it."

Menelda twirled a quill between her herb stained fingers, and regarded the parchment in front of her. Finally, she looked up. "I have to ask you a series of questions. Some of them are very personal."

Xena just raised an eyebrow as an invitation to continue.

The healer merely nodded, and dipped her quill in the inkpot in front of her. "How old are you?"

Xena told her.

Menelda looked up in frank surprise. "I didn't think… "

"I was just going on fifteen when Cortese attacked Amphipolis." Xena explained quietly.

The healer sat up. "Then.. during that war you… " Her brow creased. "You weren't much more than a child."

A shrug. "I grew up fast." Flatly.

Menelda went back to her parchment, visibly rattled. "You .. were born in Amphipolis."

"Yes."

"Your surviving family consists of your mother, and your brother."

"Yes."

A breath. "Have you had any serious injuries?"

Against her will, a droll smile edged across Xena's face. "Define serious." She commented, then waved the healer off as she started to speak. "Both legs shattered, broken back, both shoulders dislocated a few times each, most of my ribs broken, punctured lung, twice." She paused, reflecting. "I had a pretty severe skull fracture a little over a year ago." Her eyes dropped to Menelda's face, and she almost laughed at the look of startlement there. "Cold, damp mornings really piss me off."

"I can imagine." The healer murmured. "You managed to recover from all that, I take it."

"That last one was a real bitch, but yeah." Xena replied, with a faintly mocking tone. "I won't mention the times I've been stabbed, slashed, or shot with arrows.. that's why I had to learn to catch the damn things, I got tired of pulling them out of my guts."

Menelda kept her head down, her eyes focused on the parchment. "You bore a son."

Dead silence. "Yes."

A scratching sound, as the quill made a mark.

"Do you intend to bear other children?"

"No."

Another mark. "We usually require candidates to at least attempt to provide the Nation with a child." The healer's voice stated, with a careful lack of emotion.

Xena didn't answer her for a long time, she merely gazed out the window, her face expressionless. "Not this candidate." She finally said, remotely, then turned and looked straight at the healer, challenging her to comment.

Menelda chose not to. She studied her papers for a while in silence. "What does it feel like to die?" The healer finally asked, looking up. "That's not a question in here, I was just wondering."

Xena slipped off the table, and walked to the window, putting her hands on either side of the sill and peering out. "It's like going to sleep when you're very, very tired." She murmured, then sighed gently. "And I was."

"Then why in Hades did you come back?" Menelda asked, quietly.

A voice answered her from the doorway. "Because I needed her to." Gabrielle entered, letting the curtain of beads that kept insects out swing behind her. "And that's all you really need to know about that." The bard stood squarely in the center of the room, collecting the scattered sunlight in her golden red hair. Her face was set, and stern, and she bored into Menelda with eyes that held sparkles of anger deep within them.

Her hands balled into fists, as she swiveled and regarded her soulmate carefully. "What's up?" She looked, at that moment, very much like a Queen of the Amazons.

Xena had turned, and was leaning against the window, watching her with a gentle, proud smile. "It's all right.. Menelda and I reached an agreement before." She let her eyes flick to the healer's. "Right?"

"Yes." The healer muttered. "May I finish?" She avoided Gabrielle's intense stare.

"Go ahead." The bard crossed to her partner's side, and settled against her. "Don't mind me."

Xena bit her lip to keep from smiling at the aggressively protective gesture, and slipped an arm around her.

"Any illnesses?" Menelda asked, her tone precise.

"Not recently." Xena answered. "Other than the odd fever or two."

"How tall are you?"

"About three and a half cubits."

"Three point four seven." Gabrielle corrected her quietly. "Nicklios was very accurate."

Menelda gazed at her, then looked back down at her paper. "Could you please come here and stand in the light?"

Xena disengaged herself from her bristling soulmate and paced across the room, ending up in the light from the other window, right in front of Menelda's desk. She stood at ease, as the healer studied her intently.

"Well, that's a pointless question." The woman muttered, scratching something out. "And so's that… and gods.. I'm not going to go into that… "

Blue and green eyes exchanged very wry glances.

"All right." The healer finally said. "That's all. Thank you."

Xena nodded, and turned, heading for the door. Gabrielle pushed herself off the windowsill and made to follow her, but was stopped by Menelda's voice.

"Your majesty, a moment, please."

Gabrielle stopped. Xena shrugged a little. "Meet you outside.. I'll get your staff when I pick mine up."

"All right." The bard smiled at her. "Be right there." She watched the tall form push through the door, then she sighed, and squared her shoulders, and turned around. "Yes?"

Menelda sat up stiffly, and folded her hands. "I think we need to discuss your priorities."

Gabrielle looked at her. "I think you need to kiss my butt."

Shocked silence. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me." The bard continued quietly. "I had absolutely no idea in the world what in Hades I was getting into when I threw my body over Terreis' two years ago, but I did it, and now you're stuck with me. So don't be telling me we have to discuss my priorities." Gabrielle put her hands on her hips. "In case you can't tell, I'm in a really bad mood right now. Maybe we'd better talk later."

"Perhaps." Menelda replied uncertainly.

Gabrielle just nodded, and turned to leave, pausing in the doorway. "Did you get the answers you needed?"

The healer looked up, with a tired expression. "The only one that mattered was the first one." She shifted the parchment around with a listless finger. "I'll make no objection, your Majesty."

The bard nodded again. "Thank you." And she turned and walked out, pausing outside to take a deep breath and stop shaking. Her eyes fell immediately on the tall, quiet form leaning against the wall, a wolf huddled at her feet. "Hi."

"C'mere." Xena opened her arms, smiling as the bard bolted for her, and hurled herself into them, knocking her backwards a step. She enfolded Gabrielle's body in a fierce hug, and lifted her right off the ground, hearing the soft grunt as the air was forced out of the smaller woman's lungs.

"Ugh." Gabrielle sucked in a breath, as she was released. "Thought you were going to get our stuff."

Xena wrapped an arm around her shoulders and steered her towards their quarters. "I started to, then I heard you tell her to kiss your butt, and I thought I'd better stick around in case she tried."

The bard blushed, and chuckled. "To knock her silly?"

"Noooo… " Xena purred. "I figured she might have needed the services of a healer." She ruffled the bard's hair. "Thanks for coming to my rescue." She gave her soulmate a fond smile.

"Hey!" They both looked up at the hail, to see Solari trotting towards them. "Hey!"

They exchanged looks. "What's up?" Gabrielle yelled back, shading the sun from her eyes with her free hand.

"You gotta see this… Eph and Pony are fighting it out for the wrestling championship… it's getting real.. interesting." Solari grinned. "C'mon!" She started back in the other direction, and with a shrug, they broke into a jog to follow her.

The crowd was clustered around the square now, and included a group of mud covered runners, who flicked bits of dried muck off them as they watched the action before them. Gabrielle nudged around the edges of the crowd, looking for a good spot to watch the action, but was frustrated by the densely packed Amazons, most of whom were taller than she was.

As she passed a tree, however, a touch on the top of her head made her look up in startlement, spotting her soulmate resting comfortably in the branches. Xena held a hand down, and lifted her eyebrows invitingly.

Gabrielle glanced around, then grinned, and took the offered hand, allowing herself to be pulled up into the tree and into Xena's lap. She tried to disentangle herself from the warrior's grip, but Xena merely clucked at her, and settled her into a comfy spot resting against her chest, with both arms wrapped around her middle. "Mmm." She chuckled softly into the bard's ear.

The bard sighed happily and relaxed, thoroughly enjoying the warm sensation where their bodies connected, mostly bare skin against skin. "I like when you wear those," she commented, laying her hands over the warrior's. Xena's fingers were making absent, gentle circles on her belly, and after a moment, she decided she really liked the way that felt. "And I like when you do that." She spent a moment imagining her tiny baby, swimming around inside her. Could the baby feel the warmth of Xena's touch? She smiled a little, thinking about that, and decided the baby could.

"You do, huh?" Xena chuckled, resting her chin against the bard's head, and watching the action below. "Oh… wow… ouch." She muttered, as Eponin got the drop on her lover, and dumped her to the ground, with an audible thump. "She's gonna be sore from that."

"Ugh." Gabrielle winced, as the regent rolled up, and launched an attack at the weapons master, catching her with one hand under her thigh, and picking her up, then rolling over and landing them both on the ground, with Ephiny working hard to get a pinning hold. The two women were pretty evenly matched, with Eponin having, perhaps, a tiny edge in strength, and Ephiny an equally tiny edge in height.

Eponin wriggled out, though, and scrambled to her feet, breathing hard and circling the blond Ephiny with a rakish grin on her face. "No fair pinching, Eph."

The regent let a lazy smile shape her lips. "Not my fault you're getting soft enough to have things to pinch, Pon." She shook a finger at her. "Gotta lay off those nutcakes."

"Oo." Gabrielle winced. "That was cold."

Xena chuckled. "She's trying to make her mad."

"You're gonna regret that crack, Blondie." Eponin dove for her, getting her around the knees and tackling her with enthusiasm.

Ephiny went with the move, and rolled as she hit, surprising her lover, then got one leg free and clamped both of the dark haired Amazon's lower limbs in a strong hold. She arched her body, throwing both of them over, then slammed her upper body down on top of Eponin's, pinning her. "No I'm not, fuzzybutt."

Blue and green eyes quickly met. "Fuzzybutt?" Xena whispered, biting her lip. "Oh boy.. you definitely got it over Eph in coming up with nicknames."

Gabrielle giggled. "I'm not gonna be the one to ask if that's literal."

"Nu uh." Xena vigorously shook her head. "Don't go there."

Eponin growled, and shifted, tensing powerful muscles in an attempt to throw the blond woman off, but after a moment she stopped, and sighed, a rueful smile crossing her face. Reluctantly she tapped the ground. "How can I seriously try to get outta this with you calling me that?"

Ephiny held her there for a minute, then deliberately leaned over and kissed her, causing a perceptible flush to cover the weapons master's skin. "I'll make it up to you." She chuckled, as she released her, then got to her feet, and offered Eponin a hand up.

Still brick red, the older woman bounced to her feet unaided, to a round of applause and laughter from the assembled Amazons. "Don't you all have something better to do?" She complained, glaring at them.

"No." They chorused back.

Ephiny released a chuckle, then looked around. "Hey.. wonder wh… oh Hera's tits." She snorted. " Would you look at those two?" She planted her fists on her hips and shook her head.

Eponin turned, and glanced in the direction she was pointing, snorting when she spotted the two watchers comfortably ensconced in the nearby tree. As she watched, Xena shifted and without warning, dropped neatly off her perch, Gabrielle still clasped protectively against her. The warrior bounced once, then released her partner, who trotted towards them with a flash of sun on her red gold hair.

"That was great." Gabrielle complimented them, as she drew near.

Ephiny dusted her hands off, and waited until the bard came right up next to her. "Everything all right?" She asked, in a low voice.

"Fine." Gabrielle replied in the same tone. "We… worked things out." Her eyes caught Ephiny's and her chin lifted a trifle. "Looks like you'll be celebrating three joinings tonight."

That brought a relieved expression to the regent's face. "Tell me later how you did that, huh? I could use some pointers with the old curmudgeon."

The bard smiled. "Your on… and by the way, looks like you're giving everyone else here some pointers.. that was pretty impressive!"

Ephiny preened a little. "Not bad.. not bad… didn't Xena ever teach you how to wrestle?" Her eyes twinkled with mischief, as she regarded her friend with mock concern.

"Eeeeyahhh… ." The bard drew the word out teasingly. "You could say that…we used wrestling a lot to kinda use up some energy last winter.. when we were stuck inside all the time." She glanced behind her quickly, spotting Xena chatting with Cait. "You know."

Ephiny crossed her arms, and let her brows lift. "Hmm… but did she teach you the right way?"

Gabrielle realized suddenly that a ring was forming around them, and she worked hard to keep a grin off her face. "Well… I really don’t know…" She managed an innocent shrug. "Not much to judge against, huh? I mean… some of the stuff you were doing looked kinda familiar.. but.. "

"Tch tch." Ephiny shook her head. "Y'know… all Amazons really should know the proper forms… I think I'd better make sure you do."

The bard stepped back. "Oh… no.. c'mon, Eph… " She held up a hand. "You just finished a couple rounds… and I've got to get ready for the staff thing… "

"No no.. " The regent protested. "Just a few throws… I'm fine.. and it'll warm you up a little, right?" Her eyes twinkled. "Tell you what… I betcha I can pin you in less than a minute."

"Eph…. " The bard hesitated. "I don't know… "

"C'mon.. c'mon…. five dinars." Ephiny coaxed. She was aware of the friendly chuckling and whispered bets passing behind her back. "You can spare that, huh?"

Gabrielle sighed, and lifted both hands, then let them drop. "Well… all right.. I guess… but remember, you're the expert at this… okay??" She backed off a little, then waited for Ephiny to join her, aware in her peripheral vision of Xena's tall form joining the watchers. She turned her head a little, and caught her soulmate's eye, giving her a little, helpless shrug.

Xena shrugged back, then crossed her arms, and relaxed her stance, her expression noncommittal.

"Okay." Ephiny cracked her knuckles, and circled her victim, noting with interest that Gabrielle swiveled to follow her motion. The bard stood with her legs slightly bent, and her arms just a bit away from her body, breathing easily in the sunlight. "Now… the first thing ya gotta do is get a hold of the other person." She darted in and took a grip on Gabrielle's' shoulders, feeling the muscles move sharply under her fingertips. "Then you.. yow!"

Gabrielle had stepped forward, and slipped a hand between the regent's legs, then grabbed her closer arm and heaved, lifting the taller woman up and onto her shoulders. "Like that?" She inquired, innocently, hearing a muffled snort of laughter from her partner. Heh… A silent chuckle rippled her belly.

Ephiny blinked, totally stunned. "Gabrielle, put me down." She squeaked, her hands grabbing for purchase on the bard's tensed upper arms.

"Put you down?" The bard repeated. "Put you.. down.. is that what you want me to do?"

"Yes." The regent growled. "I'm not sure how you… ouch!"

The bard dropped to a knee and flipped her off, dumping her on the mat with a tiny thud. "Ok.. you're down." She cheerfully reported, as the regent rolled up, and onto her knees, with an outraged expression. "What's next?" Gabrielle propped her elbow on her knee and rested her chin against her hand, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

For an answer, Ephiny launched herself at the bard, and they grappled in earnest, tumbling across the mat in a flurry of arms and legs. Ephiny got a good hold on Gabrielle's arm, but the bard twisted her body, the leverage tossing the regent off her, and into a heap. Well.. that's a heck of a lot easier with her than with Xena, that's for sure. She realized. Getting her partner over like that was just about impossible, given their respective differences in size and weight.

"My turn." The bard muttered, as she leaped over the scrambling Ephiny, and caught her offguard, getting her over onto her back and throwing her body on top of her. She caught both the regent's wrists in her hands and bore down, pinning her body tightly and ending up nose to nose with her.

Ephiny glared at her for a long moment, then started to chuckle ruefully. "You're the expert here.. " She mimicked the bard in a high, squeaky voice. "I shoulda known better… you little.. "

A blond brow lifted. "Yes?" Gabrielle pronounced, in a very reasonable facsimile of her partner's deep tone. She heard another muffled chuckle behind her.

The regent laughed, then tapped the ground with her fingers, the only part of her upper body that was capable of moving. "All right.. all right…. Damn you, Gabrielle.. what have you been doing, lifting rocks?"

The bard rolled off her, and got up onto her knees, as she felt a pair of hands descend on her shoulders. "Not really… Xena just taught me to make the most of what strength I do have… how to use it right… and I gotta tell you, Eph.. it's a whole lot easier to throw you around than it is her." She peeked over her shoulder and caught the indulgent grin on her partner's face. "Know what I mean?"

Ephiny propped herself up on her elbows, and regarded the tall ex warlord. "Oh yeah… I can see where that would be.. I betcha you never tried that lift with her."

"Uh… " Gabrielle's face scrunched. "Once." She rubbed her neck in remembrance. "I got yelled at." She got to her feet, and offered the regent a hand up.

Ephiny studied her. "How about best two out of three?" She offered, with a grin, then lifted her gaze to Xena's. The warrior was cocking an eyebrow at her meaningfully. "On the other hand.. . we do have to get that staff competition going.. " She waved a hand at the chorus of disappointed groans. "Come on now… you'll get to see the Queen in action again soon enough.. scram…." She stretched out her shoulders. "I'm gonna go get a drink of water."

Gabrielle sighed in mild relief, and leaned back a little, resting against Xena's warm body with a sense of simple pleasure. The warrior's hands gently rubbed her neck, and worked a light massage across her shoulders. "Mm." She turned and glanced up. "Was that good, or what?"

Xena brushed her lips against the bard's pale hair. "Oh.. that was good.. that was real good… in fact.. " She pulled a coin from the pouch she had fastened to her belt. "I won ten dinars from Eponin. Here."

"Tch.. Xena… that wasn't fair.. " The bard whispered, darting a glance around as the Amazons dispersed, regrouping for the staff bouts to one side.

The warrior shrugged innocently. "She insisted." She tugged a lock of her partner's hair. "C'mon.. let's get you warmed up, Pounding Pauline."

Gabrielle giggled. "Shh… you're having entirely too much fun."

"Hey, Xena!" A voice brought them both up short. They turned to see Eponin squarely in the center of the wrestling area. "I'd like to see you demonstrate that little move on me."

"Charon's left buttock." Xena muttered, then said something else in a language Gabrielle didn't recognize. "Not now, Pony… I got things to do." Damn… I shouda known she was gonna pull this. "Besides, you don’t wanna wrestle with me."

The weapons master grinned. "Ah ah.. now Xena… " She spread her arms around to the once again desperately interested Amazons, who had immediately gathered around. "EVERYONE wants to wrestle with you.. so.. c'mon, c'mon.. get your red leathered butt over here."

Gabrielle scratched her nose, and debated whether or not to watch. Xena's pride was a touchy thing, and you never knew what kicked off an instinctive reaction sometimes. She peeked up at her soulmate, and was relieved to see nothing but wry amusement in her eyes and body language.

"Eponin." Xena exhaled, then padded forward, her long, athletic stride bringing her to the center of the mat with startling rapidity. She stopped within reaching distance of the Amazon and put her hands on her hips. "You wanna wrestle ."

"Mmhmm." Eponin nodded briskly, rubbing her hands. "I'm feeling pretty good today, and you're looking a little soft.. I think I can take you."

Gabrielle winced, and covered her eyes. Oh.. that was a bad idea. Toris had found that out real fast.. and had finally stopped using that kind of teasing on his sister, who would immediately proceed to prove otherwise, usually by painful means.

One finely shaped dark brow lifted. "I have a better idea." Xena purred, and moved.

So quickly Eponin didn't have time to breathe, much less defend herself. The warrior was just a blur, who slipped in, and evaded her panicked hands, and tore her Amazon halter right off her body. "Yow!!!!!" She let out a howl, shocked.

Xena danced back, holding it. "Here's the game." She grinned at the now furious and half-naked Amazon. "Catch me." And she took off, with a howling Eponin right behind her. She reached the first rank of laughing Amazons and just launched herself over them in a flip, as they staggered and parted for her determined pursuer.

"Damn you, Xena…" The Amazon cursed, as she chased after the taller woman. "I'm gonna kick your butt when I catch you."

The warrior grinned, and ran backwards for a few steps, waving the top. "Gotta catch me first." She dodged around the tree they'd been sitting in, and took off again, as a few other Amazons joined in the chase. "Gotta have help, Pony? You're slipping." She taunted, leading them around to the edge of the cleared space.

They almost caught her, hands outstretched, but she was better than that. Xena crouched, then launched herself skyward, grabbing a tree limb above her head, then flinging herself out ward into space, flipping twice before she landed, and took off again, this time heading right across the compound. She turned on the speed as they circled around to chase her, making good use of her long, powerful legs. As she passed her soulmate, leaning against the tree, she tossed her the top. "Catch."

Gabrielle got her hands up just in time to do so, then looked at the top. Her eyes grew wide, as she glanced up, to see a pack of howling Amazons headed towards her, and she cursed, then bolted, outrunning the leading chasers by a hair and ducking under Eponin's outstretched arm. "Whoops.. gotta do better than that."

Panting , they all turned again to chase her, and broke into wild dashes, but Gabrielle hadn't spent three years of almost constant activity for nothing. She tucked the halter into a fist and ran, feeling the wind whip her hair back as she outdistanced the frustrated women easily.

She just forgot to watch out for Ares. The wolf, bounding back and forth excitedly, had turned to follow Xena, who had crossed her path, and ended up right in front of her. They collided, and she fell into a rolling ball, hearing the wildly triumphant shout of the crowd in back of her. Instinctively, she tucked her body into a ball and held her breath as she felt the rumbling of the ground caused by the approaching herd.

Air whistled, and she grimaced, but the body landing on top of hers first splayed its limbs around her like a living cage just before the rest of the Amazons got there.

It was like being landed on by a wagonload of wheat sacks, but Gabrielle didn't feel it, she just sensed the impact on the body that had covered hers, which she recognized instantly as her soulmate's. Xena's muscles tensed, and she heard the warrior draw in a quick breath. "Hey." She put a hand on the face bowed close over her own. "You all right?"

"No." Her partner grunted, as they all piled on, hands digging for the prize. "Ask Eph what the Hades she's been feeding these monsters."

Gabrielle heard the regent's voice yelling, and realized Ephiny was trying to get the crowd off of them. She took the opportunity to lift her head, and gently kiss Xena's lips. "I love you." She commented softly, to distract her partner from the chaos.

Xena forgot the jarring pain, forgot the stress she was forcing on her body, forgot the Amazons, and the wet grass, and the hot, sweaty, grunting women lying on top of them. "Hey.. I love you too." She kissed the bard back, letting the touch linger until she felt cool air on her back, and the weight lifted off of her. A hand tapped her shoulder.

"Are you all right?" Ephiny's voice sounded halfway between anger and worry.

Xena lifted herself peacefully off from over her partner, and rolled over onto the grass, gazing up at the regent with a slight smile. "Never been better. You?" She licked her lips, and crossed her booted legs, putting her hands behind her head and relaxing.

Ephiny put her hands on her hips, looking from Xena, to Gabrielle, who was lying on her back, twirling Eponin's top from the strap on one finger, her legs crossed comfortably. "Was there something in that nutbread?" She demanded. "What was that?" She turned to see her lover half-naked and fuming. "What are you doing? I leave for five minutes to get a drink of water, and I come back to this???"

"She stole my top!" Eponin pointed to Xena in outrage.

Ephiny couldn’t help it. She started laughing. "She did, huh?.. well, that explains why you're.. um… " She artfully arranged the older woman's dark, long hair to cover her chest. "Um.. "

"Pickled centaur farts." Eponin cursed, then turned to Gabrielle in appeal. "Your majesty.. could I… "

"Sure." Gabrielle balled up the top, and tossed it to her, then bounced to her feet. "You know, I like festivals.. you're right, Eph.. they're fun." She hauled her soulmate up and patted her on the back. "Xena just wasn't in the mood to wrestle."

Ephiny glanced from the now composed warrior to her cursing lover, and back. "Ah." Understanding flickered across her face. "Gotcha." She sighed. "I sent Cait for your staff.. I think you're pretty warmed up." She watched as Eponin stalked off, adjusting her clothing, and sighed.

The bard ran her fingers through her hair, and exhaled. "Oh yeah." She squared her shoulders. "Let's get started." She turned her eyes to the group assembling, all carrying staves, and most watching her with what she realized was wary fascination.

She lifted her head, and felt a surge of confidence. See? I am an Amazon… did I surprise you? She caught the quiet respect in Ephiny's eyes, as the regent steered her towards the competition area. I think I did surprise all of them… of course, I also kinda surprised myself, but… The bard glanced over her shoulder to see Xena watching her, a look of obvious pride in her face. I didn't surprise her, though, did I? The warrior winked at her. No.. I sure didn't. "Sorry about Pony… " She murmured to the regent.

Ephiny shrugged. "I told her not to do that…. she's just got a competitive bug up her butt when it comes to your other half there… don't worry.. she'll live."

Gabrielle smiled. My other half. "Sorry about the wrestling thing."

The regent just looked at her. "No.. that was my fault. I was trying to show off, and picked the wrong person to do it with." She chuckled. "When did you get so strong?"

When indeed. It was an odd feeling, and Gabrielle put off answering the question while she examined the sensation. It hit her like a thunderclap. What Xena had said, about her being able to hold her own in a challenge, as the Queen, was true.

What a weird feeling.

She wasn't entirely sure she liked it.

Xena found a nice, warm rock, and settled herself on it, leaning back and letting the sun's heat captured in the stone penetrate the stiffening muscles in her back. She was tough, and she knew it, but holding half the Amazon nation off her partner's body had put a strain on even her rugged frame.

She sighed, folding her arms across her chest and concentrating on letting the pain go past her awareness, tucking it away in the back of her mind with quiet discipline. After a minute, she relaxed, and that helped too, as she stretched her long legs out, and gingerly crossed them at her ankles.

Amazons roamed around her, most of them now not giving her a second glance.

Well, a faint grin touched her mouth. Not giving her that kind of second glance, anyway… she was certainly getting veiled looks, and even a friendly wave or two. She turned her head as a tall, slender redhead approached, and perched on a rock nearby. The woman just smiled at her, then turned to watch the warmups. Xena exhaled, and nodded a little. Not bad… not bad… the atmosphere was definitely warmer around here.

She hadn't really intended to do that to Eponin… Her brow creased. It really was kinda.. juvenile, she chastised herself. But it was better than tossing the woman on her butt.. which Xena knew she was more than capable of doing. Why Eponin constantly had to poke at her like that..

Xena sighed. A challenge, right? She let out a breath and slowly tensed her back, relieved when she only felt a nagging soreness, and not the sharp, agonizing jolt that meant she knocked something out of place. That's all I need.. She glanced up as Cait approached her, with Paladia ambling behind her, looking around with carefully disguised interest. "Hello, Cait." She gave the taller woman a neutral nod, which was returned.

"Hello." Cait settled on the rock ledge next to her, and motioned for her charge to do the same. "That was quite naughty of you." Her gray eyes studied the warrior. "I’m afraid Eponin is very upset."

The warrior shrugged. "Maybe next time she'll pick on someone else." She let her eyes flick to Paladia. "How's the arm?"

The ex renegade blinked, pausing as though considering the question. "All right." She moved it a little, having left her sling behind for the day. "Sore as Hades right now… I knocked myself into a tree laughing at all those damn women chasing you around."

Cait turned. "It wasn't funny." She reprimanded her sternly.

Paladia's lips quirked.

"C'mon, Cait.. sure it was." Xena chuckled. "Even Ephiny was laughing… I figured that was better than me and Pony tearing into each other."

The girl scowled. "I think she felt awful."

For a moment, Xena felt guilty. Then she snorted softly. "Too bad." She turned her gaze on Cait levelly. "Maybe next time she won't try forcing me into reacting."

Cait kept quiet, then she stood and walked off. "Stay there." She tossed tightly over her shoulder at Paladia, who showed no signs of wanting to budge.

Xena exchanged looks with the renegade, then shrugged slightly, and turned her attention to the fighting square. A group of Amazons were clustered at one end, all armed, and the rest were scattered around the space watching. Gabrielle was leaning on her staff in a familiar pose as she listened to the referee. Thoughts of Eponin faded from her mind as Xena allowed herself to focus on her soulmate, noting the visible difference between the bard's lean sleekness and the rest of the group's sometimes overstated muscularity.

Gods, she looks good. The warrior bit her lip to keep the goofy grin off her face. The sun was making the bard's body fairly glisten, between her tan, and the faint sheen of moisture from the heat of near noon, and as she watched, Gabrielle raked her fingers through her hair, pulling it off her neck and riffling it loose in the fitful breeze, then turned, and nodded as the woman next to her made a low comment.

There were three bouts before the bard's first one, and Xena's practiced eye evaluated quickly that any of the three sets wouldn't have been a match for her partner She shifted a little, leaning forward as Gabrielle walked to the center of the square, facing off against a tall, dark skinned woman with short black hair, and very muscular shoulders.

After a moment, the referee stepped back, and the two women circled each other. Xena noted the bard's stance, her center of balance squarely over her feet and her knees half bent defensively. Gabrielle waited for her opponent to make the first move, as the bard often did, and was rewarded with a heavy rush, as the dark skinned woman slammed her staff against hers, and tried to push her backwards.

Gabrielle's thighs tensed, then she recoiled, shoving back, and slipped under the woman's defenses with a swift crack of wood on flesh as her staff impacted the Amazon's ribs. She followed that up with a snapping reverse, which whipped her opponents weapon out of her hands, and sent it bounding across the ground.

A murmur rose.

Xena smiled, with feral intensity. Paladia's voice floated over, with frank interest. "She's pretty good with that thing, huh?"

"Yep." The warrior replied, hearing the note of pride in her voice. "She sure is." She watched as Gabrielle allowed the other woman to retrieve her staff, then waited for her next attack. The woman was more cautious, this time, and settled for a testing parry, as they engaged each other, the sound of their staves contacting echoing across the compound. The dark skinned woman tried to use her height to advantage, but that was a lost cause on Gabrielle who was well used to defending herself against her taller partner. She ducked, and let a shot whistle over her head, then took the woman's feet out from under her with a powerful reverse sweep.

The Amazon dropped with a thud. The bard stood, and waited while she scrambled to her feet, and shifted her staff in her hands, now visibly disconcerted. She tentatively tried a side sweep, which Gabrielle blocked, then the bard brought the other end of her staff around, and clipped the woman's hands, taking her weapon out of them again.

The Amazon peered at her, then peered at the staff, which had bounced several feet away, then just lifted her hands and gave Gabrielle a little bow of concession. The referee nodded and made a mark on her parchment. "Round to Queen Gabrielle." She called out, then motioned for the next pair of fighters.

The bard cocked her head, as though not quite believing it was over, then turned and gave her partner a little look, and a shrug, as she moved back to the waiting ranks. Xena lifted one hand and moved it to her lips in a drinking motion, and smiled as her soulmate rolled her eyes, but tapped a young girl standing by with waterskins on the shoulder and took possession of one, unstopping it and taking a long swallow of its contents.

Xena felt an indulgent grin forming, and just let it, ignoring the look she knew she was getting from Paladia.

"You're just stuck all over her like tree sap in the winter, huh?" The renegade snorted, a note of amused disgust in her voice.

The warrior slowly turned her head, letting an icy look settle on her features before she leveled her gaze at the other woman. Paladia perceptibly flinched, and Xena smiled grimly, as she summoned up as much menace as she was capable of, dropping her voice and narrowing her eyes. "Want the other arm broken?" She asked bluntly.

Paladia edged away from her on the rock, and blinked. "No."

"Then shut up." The warrior growled.

The renegade's brows knit. "Touchy, ain't you?" She commented in an undertone, then shook her head, and hunched her shoulders.

Xena darted a look at her, then muffed a smirk, as she returned her attention to the contest. Gotta keep that reputation intact a little, she decided wryly. I've been pretty much blowing it otherwise.

Gabrielle's next opponent was a spunky youngster, about her height, and bubbling with energy. Xena wondered if her partner was seeing a little of herself in the kid, who bounced around nervously, obviously intimidated by facing her queen. The warrior saw Gabrielle shift her staff from one hand to the other, and lean on it, putting her other hand out in a calming gesture, and speaking to the girl. The young Amazon took a breath, and nodded, then settled down, a painfully intense look on her face.

Another few words from the bard, and a questioning motion of her hand, and the Amazon nodded again. Gabrielle gave her head a little shake, then moved her weapon back into place, and set her feet, waiting. The girl bounded forward, with a nice, moderately skillful move that engaged the bard's staff, with a scuffing sound as the two wooden poles scraped along each other. She brought the end back around and aimed for Gabrielle's legs, and was completely startled when the bard simply hopped over her blow, making her overbalance and lunge forward.

Gabrielle was kind, and didn't follow that up with a whack across her back, which she certainly would have done if her opponent had been seriously attacking her. Instead, she took a step back, and waited, until the girl righted herself then came whirling back with a very well done combination move, intended to get inside the bard's guard, and disarm her. It almost worked, or would have if the bard wasn't used to a far stronger motion. She caught the girl's staff against the end of hers, and twisted, then swiveled her body and let the Amazon go past her, stumbling to the ground and losing her weapon with a gasp of surprise.

Paladia leaned closer. "That's their wonderchild."

Xena peered at her. "What?"

"That kid… s'all they talk about.. staff this, staff that… some kinda prodigy."

The warrior scratched her jaw. "Uh huh." She peered at the girl, speculatively. Well… she was nicely built, all muscles, and pale reddish blond hair, with a swath of freckles across her face. Her moves were fast, and skilled, but… "She's pretty good." She admitted, watching the kid try a quick, savage reverse that almost got her partner, because it was set down low, where Gabrielle almost never had to defend against. She mostly faced opponents who were much larger than she was. But the bard managed to get her staff down in time, and deflected the blow, then swung her own top end across, and whacked the kid across the cheekbone with an audible crack.

The kid went down, and Gabrielle froze, then backed off, a few wind whipped words of an apology floating back to Xena's sharp ears. The girl looked up with a rueful grin, and rubbed her jaw, then picked up her staff, and resumed the fight. It didn't take that long, another few parries, and one drawn out one, where the Amazon really worked hard, and managed to get Gabrielle in a tight spot, with their staves crossed above the bard's left shoulder, the girl bearing down on her fiercely.

"Duck.. duck.. " Xena whispered, her own muscles tightening in sympathy. As though she heard, the bard let her upper body drop, and the girl's staff slipped over her shoulders, giving her an open shot on the Amazon's ribs. She took it, and took her down, and this time, the girl stayed there, waving a hand in concession.

The scratch of a quill. "Round to Queen Gabrielle." The referee commented, then looked up. "Quarter candlemark break.. get water, you lot."

Gabrielle trotted over and claimed her waterskin, sucking from it as she let her heart settle down. She could hear the whispers around her, and spotted a small group around her next adversary, who were shooting glances her way. It made her feel uncomfortable, and she was suddenly aware of a distance being put between her and some of the Amazons, and realized maybe she was being too challenging.

It was a lonely feeling, and she felt her shoulders slump, until the pressure of warm fingers closed over them, and the unmistakable presence of her soulmate flowed around her. She looked up. "Hey." Her voice betrayed just how glad she was to see that friendly face.

"Turn around." The warrior said, quietly, letting her forearms rest on the bard's shoulders when she did. "They making you nervous?" She indicated the small group with her jaw.

"Not.. " Gabrielle hesitated. "Not nervous.. I just… it's.. like me and them, you know?"

"Us and them" Xena replied evenly. "You think they're talking about you?"

The bard nodded silently. "Yeah… I heard a few words.. what to look for.. how to get me.. I… " She looked up plaintively. "I know it's all just fun.. just a competition, but I don't like that, Xe."

"Mm." The warrior made a point of looking right at the conspirators over her soulmate's shoulder, and studying them, then whispered into the bard's ear. "Well.. that's exactly what they think I'm doing, okay.?" She nibbled the edge of the pink surface. "You think that's scaring them?"

The bard chuckled faintly. "Probably." Her opponents suddenly seemed much less important, as she concentrated on the warm tingles her partner was causing in her gut.

"Oh yeah.. I'm looking at each one, and whispering to you… and looking… yeah, they're starting to sweat all right." Xena's low voice burred against Gabrielle's hearing and she let her self slip forward, leaning against the tall form. "Probably think I'm giving you secret techniques about now." The warrior continued.

"So.. you got any?" Gabrielle whispered softly. "Or should I just quit… I think I proved my point.. I don’t want to shake everyone up, Xena." She sounded dejected.

Xena leaned her head against the reddish gold one tucked into her shoulder. "You made your teacher very proud, love… you did everything right, and I don’t think there's any doubt in anyone's mind exactly how good you really are." She heard the bard's breathing catch. "You can stop anytime… you don’t have anything left to prove to anyone.. and you never did to me, because you're one of the few people I'd trust to watch my back , you know that, right?"

Mist green eyes peered up at her in simple gratitude. "Okay." She breathed. "If I win this next one, that's it… besides, I'm starving." She sighed in mild complaint. "I feel like I could eat an entire sheep."

The warrior grinned, and reached a hand down, rummaging in her belt pouch and coming up with a trail bar. "I came prepared." She chuckled as the bard snatched it, and bit off a chunk, chewing it happily. "That next one.. watch out, because she's one of their older, more experienced fighters.. she was with the Velaska faction during that whole thing." The warrior's voice was steady, and low. "She'll try to redeem the Amazon's reputation.. she'll go after you fast, and looked to disarm you quickly… go for her chest, in a frontal." Her ears twitched. "They're discussing what they think are your weaknesses… she thinks you hesitate to attack because you don't know any, not because I taught you to let the other person make the first mistake."

Gabrielle nodded firmly. "Right.. gotcha." She took another bite.

Xena smiled quietly. "They think you're really good looking."

The bard stopped in mid chew, and goggled at her. "Xena!"

A shrug. "I’m not arguing with them." She brushed a bit of the bard's fair hair back. "I think so too."

"Uh huh.. and what are they saying about you?" Gabrielle inquired, poking her lightly in the belly.

"Sorry." Xena smirked. "Too much wind.. musta missed that part." She was glad to see her soulmate's spirits back up. "Pony's mad at me… so's Cait. Was I so bad?" She asked, wryly.

"Mm." Gabrielle reflected, licking her fingers thoughtfully. "You did kinda surprise me, but…she started it… you tried to warn her off.. she didn't listen… she said some rude stuff… nah." She looked up. "But you should go talk to her." A hand lifted, and went flat against Xena's bare skin. "I think she really does like you."

Xena sighed. "All right.. after this.. and after you get some real lunch." Her brows contracted. "You feeling okay? No shortness of breath.. or anything?" She put a fingertip against the bard's pulse point, relieved at the even, steady beat.

"I feel absolutely great. " Gabrielle told her. "Really sharp… my reflexes are right there… I wasn't even breathing hard after that last bout." She turned as the referee called her name out. "Wish me luck."

The warrior folded her arms around her, and pulled her close, then ducked her head and kissed her, feeling the bard's body melt against hers for a long, swirling moment. She pulled back a little, very conscious of the stares surrounding them. "Good luck." She told her, on a husky note.

The bard's eyes were fastened on her face, totally absorbed. "I can't believe you did that."

A dark brow quirked. "Nothing they haven't seen, remember?"

Gabrielle lifted a hand up and gently traced her cheekbones. "I remember." She let herself float in her soulmate's blue regard for a long moment, then smiled, and gently disengaged herself, getting a grip on her staff and walking towards the center of the woven mats that marked out the fighting area. It was very quiet, and she could hear the leaves rustling in the wind, and felt everyone's eyes fastened on her.

At the center of the square, she stopped, and rested her staff in the crook of her arm, regarding the Amazons quietly. The expressions facing her ranged from deep envy, to wonder, to disbelief, and she smiled gently back at them, secure in the knowledge of what it felt like to have love surround her. Her opponent moved out to face her, shifting her staff from hand to hand. The woman was taller than she was, and rangy, with a steely strength apparent in her motions. She had faintly silvered chestnut hair, cut shoulder length, and held back off her sharply featured face with a leather thong.

Gabrielle sensed a difference in this bout, and she glanced quickly behind her, spotting Xena's tense form standing next to Ephiny. Okay.. okay.. just.. relax… and go with this. She's here.. she won't let anything horrible happen. She took a deep breath, and waited, as the referee dropped her hand.

The other woman was called Kenete, Gabrielle remembered just as the attack came. Xena had been right, Kenete wasted no time in getting down and dirty, her staff smacking against the bard's with a lot more force than her previous two opponents. Gabrielle's block held, and she slipped around to one side, deflecting the fierceness of the lunge.

She backed off and waited, catching a combination move and returning a couple of quick parries meant more to test her reactions than to seriously attack. She shifted her staff and stepped one way, then swung the opposite direction, in her own test of the woman's reflexes, not surprised when the Amazon efficiently blocked her.

"I'm not a kid, your… Majesty.. so don't try any of your tricks on me." The woman spoke softly, as their staves crossed again, and she shoved the bard back.

"Tricks?" Gabrielle countered, sending her weapon low to intercept a sweep aimed at her knees, then reversing her direction and catching the counterblow near her ear. "I'm sorry… circus animals do tricks." She started one way, and waited for Kenete to commit herself, then whipped her staff back the other way and slammed the woman's shoulder with a nasty smack. "I don't know any."

Kenete paused, eyeing her, then circled around the bard's left, and darted in, getting a blow in that impacted Gabrielle's thigh. The bard winced, but returned the compliment, getting under the taller Amazon's arm, and catching her ribs.

"You think we're all scared of your friend there." The woman muttered, initiating a rapid exchange, which had their staves rattling against each other.

"You should be." Gabrielle countered, ducking a high shot, and dropping to her knee, getting a good blow in to the woman's knees, and slamming her in the chest with the end of her staff. "She taught me all this."

Kenete staggered back, taking a breath, as she watched the bard recoil to her feet, and circle around. "We'll see." And then she attacked in earnest, pulling out all the stops and going after the bard with what Gabrielle suddenly realized was almost lethal intent.

The staff was streaking for her head with enough force to crack it, and she ducked, hearing the whistle as it sliced the air. Then Kenete whipped the back end of the staff right for her gut, and she blocked in a reflex action, twisting slightly to deflect the blow. Kenete growled, and redoubled her attack.

Gabrielle's movements were a blur, as she fought off the lunges, putting every ounce of energy she had into evading the rapid sequence of hits, as she ducked and parried, using her staff and her footwork to stay clear of the Amazon's fierce blows.

One caught her in the ribs, and she sucked in a breath, seeing stars, then she felt Kenete charge, and she didn't have time to set herself. The woman bowled her over, but she went with her teaching, and let it happen, tucking her body into a roll that brought her back up onto her feet and out of the startled Amazon's way.

Kenete snarled, and turned, and set herself for another rush.

Not ever expecting the woman she knew fought strictly defensively to launch her own attack. Never seeing the powerful legs throw Gabrielle into motion, never having the chance to brace herself as the bard's staff thunked down onto the mat, and provided a launching point for a compact, muscular body that was suddenly airborne and heading for her at a frightening pace.

Gabrielle's booted feet hit her right in the chest, and carried her to the ground, as the bard landed on top of her, jerking her staff up and around and laying it across the Amazon's throat.

Shoving hard. Green eyes electric with anger. Youthful features set into hard lines of fierce intent.

Queen of the Amazons.

Kenete stared up at her, seeing the sparks of fury, then lowered her eyes, and tapped the ground with shaking fingertips. "Your majesty is a very skillful fighter." She murmured.

Gabrielle let out a hissing breath. "You betcha."

Slowly, she stood up, and backed away from Kenete, letting her heart slowly stop its frantic pounding. She glanced over her shoulder to see her soulmate, still as a granite boulder, eyes hooded.

Unsheathed knife in one hand, fingers wrapped around the hilt so tightly that Gabrielle could see the stark whiteness of her knuckles even from where she was. She looked at the referee, who was very pale. "Are we done?" To the spectators, it had looked only like a well fought bout. But she knew. And Xena knew. And Kenete was lucky she was alive, because from this distance, her partner could have put that knife right through her heart.

The referee stared at her for a long moment, then shook herself. "Y..yes." She cleared her throat. "The staff competition has finished. The winner, with three rounds complete in victory, is Queen Gabrielle."

An enthusiastic yell went up, and furious clapping, but the bard didn't hear any of it. She slowly turned, and using her staff to aid her steps, walked over to where Xena was standing, and in silence, fit herself into a warm, waiting embrace. The warrior's body was shaking, and Gabrielle knew hers was as well. She felt Ephiny's hand on her back, and she lifted her head to gaze at the regent blankly.

"You all right?" Ephiny's voice was very soft, and very gentle. "That was fantastic… you were incredible."

Gabrielle just stared at her, then she slowly tipped her head back and looked up at her soulmate's face, gathering in the still furious blue stare. A tiny nod. "I understand." The bard whispered, hoarsely.

Xena let out a breath, and shook her head, her face tensing in dismay.

Gabrielle felt tears gathering. "Can I go back to telling stories now?" Her voice broke, and she buried her face into Xena's chest, feeling the strong arms close around her in safety.

The warrior let her head rest against her partner's and gazed at Ephiny quietly. "That's enough fighting." She stroked the bard's hair comfortingly. "That one carrying some old baggage?" She indicated the shaken Kenete.

Ephiny rubbed Gabrielle's back. "I should have vetted the lists… I didn't realize… well, I guess I didn't think she'd want to go the whole way through." She glanced around at the still cheering Amazons. "I'm sorry, Gabrielle."

The bard lifted her head, her composure mostly restored. "It's all right… " She paused, and ran her hand through her hair. "I guess I just wasn't expecting that." She found a smile somewhere and forced herself into it, then waved at the crowd, who cheered louder. "Guess they think I'm one of them, now, huh?" Her voice was very quiet.

Xena's eyes closed momentarily, then she sighed, and reopened them. "C'mon… let's go siddown and relax for a while.. watch other people sweat."

"Good idea." Ephiny let her hand rest, hesitantly, on Gabrielle's arm. "You okay?"

The bard took a breath, and straightened up. "Yeah.. I'm fine.. just hungry." She managed a smile for the regent. "Let's go." She felt Xena's arm settle securely on her shoulder, and she leaned against the warrior as they walked, letting Ephiny get a little ahead of them. It felt so good to do that, to feel the solid reassurance of Xena's presence that gave her the opportunity to distance herself a little from what had happened.

So she'd had a rough bout. Kenete was obviously holding a grudge, and decided to take the opportunity to revisit the past.

Bottom line, Gabrielle realized quietly. She lost. I won. I wish I could feel good about that.

"Gabrielle?" Xena finally spoke, as they were about halfway to the dining hall, which was now bustling with hot, sweaty, dirty Amazons.

"Yeah?"

"You'll never be one of them." The warrior spoke with quiet certainty.

Gabrielle stopped walking and looked up at her. "How can you know that?"

A hand tilted her chin up and she found herself drowning in that pale blue regard. "Because you feel like you do right now." Xena replied gently. "Any true Amazon would be celebrating her victory. You're not." She laid a hand over the bard's heart. "You've got too much in here."

Maybe. She reflected wearily. I sure don’t feel like celebrating. I feel like a centaur pooped on my head. "Thanks." She curled her fingers over the warrior's. "Good thing all of what's in there is yours." She paused. "Would she have killed me, Xena?"

A ghost of a feral smile crossed that angular face. "No." Then Xena steered her towards the hall again. "And…I don't think she wanted to, love… she was just real frustrated, that's all." She sighed. "You hit em right in the pride, and you know how it is with us hack fighters and our pride… "

An attempt at humor, which touched Gabrielle despite its forced nature. She let out a feeble snort. "You're trying to make me feel better."

"Is it working?" The warrior inquired hopefully. "I could juggle, if you'd rather see that."

That produced a smile, finally, and Gabrielle relaxed a little. She kept silent until they were almost to the door, then exhaled. "I guess you were right."

"Bout what?" Xena inquired.

"Me being able to fight my own battles." The bard chewed her lip. "But you know what?"

"What?"

Green eyes warmly regarded her. "I'm really glad I don't have to." She patted the powerful arm that surrounded her.

Xena smiled, then touched her forehead to the bard's. "It's a lot easier on my nerves when ya let me do it, y'know?" She confessed wryly. "I was a nervous wreck the whole time you were out there."

The bard smiled. "I know… I saw you twitching." She reached over and rubbed the warrior's bare belly. "But I was glad you were there."

They entered the hall arm in arm.

To be met with an avalanche of thick, musty, colored, cinnamon smelling, shredded thatch. And a village full of voices yelling at the top of their lungs.

 Continued in Part 4

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

Specific Story Disclaimers:

Violence –Well… this is a more or less violence lite story. Now.. you've got Xena in it, and Amazons, and Gabrielle with that staff.. so it's not all sweetness and light, but no one gets their heads cut off in this one. (Sorry MaryD)

Subtext - Do I really still have to disclaimer subtext? Someone asked me if I thought Xena: Warrior Princess was a romantic show. My answer was, when a show has one main character state in no uncertain terms to the other main character that she would rather die at her side than live without her, that show cannot be defined as anything less than a romantic tale. Yeah, there's subtext.. maintext… under the table text.. whatever you wanna call it.

This is, of course, PG13 level involvement here, no more. That never changes.. for those of you who are waiting for me to stick in a rip roaring, no holds barred graphic orgy scene, make sure you have plenty of coffee and doughnuts handy. And a comfortable chair.

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

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

mailto:merwolf@bellsouth.net

Festival - Part 4

By Melissa Good

Gabrielle blew a thick wad of thatch off her nose, and turned, glaring up at her taller partner as the ribald yells continued around her. "You're gonna die for this, O Warrior Princess of broken promises." A ragged chant of 'happy birthday' rose around her, and she felt a blush start up her neck.

Xena's face froze for a long instant. "Um… I… "

"Just kidding." The bard relented, slapping her on the butt. "I knew you were up to something.. you sneak…I know you had to have said something before.. even the party Amazons couldn't have arranged all this in one day." She ducked under another bucket of stringy thatch, and waved at the chorus. "Thank you.. .thank you.. this is incredible.. thanks…" A very young girl sidled up to her, and grinned, then put a circle of woven flowers over her head, laying a gentle blanket of soft, sweet scent about her. "Um.. thanks.. " She smiled at the girl, who blushed beet red, and dropped her eyes, then ducked away, rejoining a table of Amazonettes, who were watching her with wide, appreciative eyes.

Oh… bowlegged piggy wonks. The bard sighed, but had to laugh, as she turned in a slow circle and studied the almost unrecognizable dining hall.

The room was filled with colorful drapes of fabric, and seemingly unending drifts of the shredded straw, which was rapidly getting everywhere, shedding it's dusty load of colors on the room's occupants, and turning them into walking, sweating rainbows.

Gabrielle observed the stripes, and felt a giggle surfacing, her tension dissolving a little under the absurdity of the situation. She knew she wasn't finished dealing with what had happened, but she decided to put that off for a little while, until she had peace, and quiet, and could sit with her diary and order her thoughts.

Most of the village was in here, where tables had been set up all around, and the various crafts had set up shop. Each craftswoman had conjured up something that could be presented to her as a gift, and as she circled the room, a dark shadow following silently at her heels, she found it impossible to be mad at her soulmate for spilling her secret.

After all, she'd done the same thing, right? She felt Xena edge up next to her, and she paused, cocking her head and peering up at the taller woman with a gentle twinkle in her eyes.

"You mad at me?" The warrior whispered, audible even though the room was crowded, and noisy with excited Amazons.

"How could I be mad at you?" Gabrielle answered softly. "Besides, I'll just get you back at Solstice." She warned, smugly.

"I remembered you telling me last year was your first real birthday in a while.. wanted to make sure… " Xena broke off, and shrugged. "Thought this would be a good place for it."

"Stop apologizing." Came the serious response. "They're having a great time… and I… " She leaned against the warrior's tall form. "I don't mind this.. not right now."

Xena put an arm around her. "Glad to hear it.. let's have a good time." She paused, and lowered her voice. "We’ll talk it out later, okay?"

"Okay." The bard glanced around, peering up at raffia wrapped objects hanging from the rafters. "What in Hades are those?"

"Ah." Solari popped up on the other side of her like an excited gopher.. "That was my idea, actually… see, what you do is you get blindfolded.. "

"Blindfolded?" Xena and Gabrielle answered together.

"Uh huh.. and then you swing around with your staff.. I knew you were pretty good at that, though after today.. well.. anyway…you swing around and crack them open." Solari finished, with a satisfied look. "Stuff goes flying everywhere, and whoever gets it, keeps it."

"Oh." Gabrielle gazed up with interest. "Hey.. that does sound like fun." She turned and grinned at Xena, who was ducking uncomfortably under the swinging objects and closing her eyes briefly against the warm, crowded closeness of the room. "In fact, let's do that right now." She turned and gave Solari a bright smile. "And Solari?"

The Amazon turned, from where she'd been retrieving a staff and a blindfold. "Huh?"

The bard leaned close. "Open the damn windows before we all pass out."

A wad of thatch fell on the dark haired Amazon's head, dripping down into her eyes. "Uh… right." She handed the bard her burdens, then ambled off towards the outer walls. Gabrielle shook her head as if to clear it, then turned to a more important subject. "Honey.. come over here." She tucked her staff under her arm and took Xena's elbow with her free hand, guiding her over to the front table, which was placed under a fairly large window. She patted the chair back nearest the opening with one hand, then went to the wall and opened up the panels, which had been closed to contain the party noise, and let in a cool breeze. "Ahh… that's better."

Xena joined her at the window and stood for a moment, just gazing out, taking several deep breathes. "Steamy in here." She commented quietly, observing a blue jay land on a branch right outside. The bird hopped from branch to branch, and opened his beak, clucking at her, and turning it's head to one side to peer suspiciously at the odd creatures looking out.

The warrior held out a hand, and made a low, almost muttering noise. The bird hopped closer, then flittered off the branch and onto her hand, nibbling her skin with it's beak curiously. Xena pulled her hand in closer, and regarded the bird amiably. "Hey there." It hopped to her index finger, and chattered.

The breeze disordered her bangs, and Xena sucked the fresh air in, glad to have her back turned on the crowded room. She knew she'd have to chase her little friend off and rejoin the party in a moment, but she used the diversion to settle her nerves down, and allow her defenses to rebound before she reluctantly lifted her arm and sent him on his way. She turned to find Gabrielle watching her, a tiny, worried crease wrinkling her brow. "He didn't have a party hat. Had to go." She explained, with a quirky grin.

That surprised a laugh from the bard, who relaxed, and handed her the blindfold. "Give me a hand with this?" She took advantage of the chaos to put a hand on her soulmate's back and give it a gentle rub. "You okay?" She asked, softly.

"Loving every minute of it." Came the droll reply, as Xena took the blindfold, and turned the smaller woman around, to face the room. She carefully tied the fabric around the bard's head, checking it to make sure her vision was completely obscured. "Okay… how's that?"

Gabrielle swung around, almost clocking her partner with the end of the staff she was carrying.

Xena ducked, putting a hand on the bard's hip. "Whoa!" A round of laughter circled the room. "Aim up, Gabrielle.. up.. okay?"

"What?" The bard turned again, causing her soulmate to dodge wildly, lunging out of the way and causing another round of laughter. "Hey.. where'd you go?" She scowled, as she sensed the warrior's absence.

Xena slipped up behind her, and grabbed the end of her staff, holding it still. "Right here." She patted the bard's back. "I'll aim ya, and you swing.. how about that?" She guided Gabrielle to the center of the room and watched, as a grinning circle of Amazons formed around them. Carefully, she pointed the staff in the general direction of one of the hanging items. "Okay.. now.. swing."

Gabrielle did, with gusto, and felt her staff crack against a hard object, which gave under her attack and shattered, sending a scattering of sounds across the wooden floor. "Did I get it?" She heard a chorus of laughter, and faint scrabbling sounds as the Amazons dove for the booty.

"Yeah." Xena rubbed her head, where one of the little wrapped items had hit it. "You sure did." She glanced up as Ephiny joined them. "Cute, Eph." She commented to the grinning regent. "Watch out.. "

"Ephiny?" Gabrielle swung around, sending both regent and warrior diving out of the way. "Hey.. what's going on?" She felt Xena's hands on her shoulders again, and tried to turn, but was held firmly in place. "Xe?"

"Yeah.. it's me." Her partner chuckled. "Okay.. ready for another one?" She aimed the bard towards another object, which was swinging faintly. Xena cocked her head, and patted Gabrielle's back. "Ok.. up.. now swing… yow!" The bard's backswing caught her in the shoulder, and she winced.

"Oh.. gods.. " Gabrielle swung the other way in consternation, knocking a jug of fruit juice off the nearby table. "Hey.. " She whirled around, and nailed a hanging object which exploded, and sent a shower of glass beads everywhere. "What the… "

Ephiny lunged for the pitcher, and hit a patch of beads, slipping and colliding with Solari, who grabbed the edge of a table, catching the cloth covering it and tugging it's contents down with her. "Bacchae!"

"Whoa!!" Gabrielle took a step, and slipped, sliding across the floor, frantically trying to catch her balance with the staff. Amazons dove of her way in panic, and Xena hopped over them like a demented rabbit trying to catch up with her soulmate. She grabbed one of the bard's arms, and Gabrielle swung around as she recognized the touch, thwacking the warrior in the head with the staff and sending her tumbling against one of the craft tables.

Unfortunately, it was the mask maker, and feathers went every where, exploding across the room as though a herd of chickens had plowed through it.

Gabrielle caught her balance, and felt the staff knock against one of the hanging canisters. With a grin, she smacked it, then yelped as the packages inside fell on top of her. "Xena?" She abruptly felt the staff taken out of her hands, and she groped around, her fingers impacting familiar flesh. "Ah.. there you are."

A burst of giggles greeted this, and she realized where her hands had landed. "Oh.. centaur farts." She sighed, blushing furiously. She felt the shudder as Xena started laughing, and she decided to find safety, as she wrapped her arms around her partner's sweating torso, hanging on for dear life. A gentle pressure against the back of her head, then light flooded her eyelids, and she blinked her eyes open, peeking out from around Xena's biceps. "Uh oh."

Amazons covered with sticky fruit juice and feathers grinned back at her. Ephiny blew a bit of down out of her eyes and put her hands on her hips. "That's our queen." She remarked, with a irrepressible grin. "Would you please go siddown before we all end up buck naked and painted in honey?"

"Is there a problem with that?" Xena drawled, relatively unscathed, to a round of ribald chuckles. "I can give you some ideas for the feathers." Another round of snickers, and she could almost feel the heat as Gabrielle turned brick red, hiding her face against the taller woman's chest.

"Oh really?" Ephiny teased, giving her a sultry look. "And here I thought you did the leather thing." She glanced over. "Hey.. cover those kid's ears, will ya?" She grinned as the Amazonettes burst into giggles.

Xena chuckled.

Gabrielle peered at her. "What leather thing?" She asked, puzzled.

The room exploded into laughter.

"Tell ya later." Xena assured her, then saw the scowl forming. "Remember that gag we played a week or so ago?"

"Gag.. gag… "The bard muttered. "I don’t remember a…" Her face cleared. "Oh." She chuckled softly. "That gag." She waggled her eyebrows. "Yeah.. I remember that… the whip.. and the… " Her fingers traced Xena's collarbone unconsciously. "Yeah.'

The room burst into giggles again, and people started moving, trying to unstick themselves from the colorful feathers and beads. Xena guided her soulmate back to the front table, and settled into a chair with a tiny sigh of relief.

Gabrielle ran her hands through her hair, and watched the merriment for a moment, then turned her head. "Hey.. " She lifted a hand and touched the warrior's temple, which was sporting a reddening lump. "Where'd you get that?"

Xena flicked her eyes at her. "Um… I kinda tripped.. fell against a table."

"You tripped." The bard repeated, disbelief coloring her voice.

"Yeah.. all those beads.. you know." The warrior explained, not about to tell her that she'd been the one who caused the lump.

Gabrielle settled back in her chair, and stifled a yawn, then sighed. "Party tonight.. more games tomorrow… Xena, I'm gonna need a vacation after this." She rolled her head to one side, eyeing her partner. " Archery and swordfighting this afternoon, then all the crafts competitions tomorrow… which are you going to do?"

Xena glanced down at her hands for a moment, then looked up. "Think I'll give em a miss this time, love… "She shrugged. "You take the laurels."

The bard leaned on the arm of her chair. "Whoa.. whoa… are you okay?"

Serious blue eyes regarded her. "I'm fine, why?" Xena replied. "I just don’t feel like getting involved in that, this round."

Gabrielle blinked at her, obviously surprised. "Um… okay… " She agreed, slowly. "It just kinda startled me.. that's not like you." She reached over and circled Xena's wrist with a hand. "I guess I'm so used to you being so competitive.. seems weird when you're not.. but.. ." A shrug. "Great.. you can sit and watch with me tomorrow.. I like that."

Xena smiled, and relaxed, leaning back and trying to find a comfortable position for her stiffening back. "Good… I think I'd… what?"

Green eyes were now inches from hers, intently looking at her face. "What's wrong?"

The word nothing formed on her lips, but it never sounded, as she let out a short breath instead. "Just a little sore." She admitted quietly. 'That pile on before.. you got some chunky subjects here, your Majesty." A wry joke, which didn’t get so much as a smile from her soulmate. "Gabrielle.. relax, all right? I'm fine.. .siddown and let them put that plate on the table."

"Hey.. everything all right?" Ephiny's voice interrupted them, as the regent joined the table, thumping down on the other side of Gabrielle with a sigh.

Gabrielle gave the warrior a 'just you wait till later' look, and reseated herself. "Mostly." She answered Ephiny, hearing a faint chuckle at the word. "So… birthday party, huh Eph? Where's Pony?" She hadn't seen the weapons master since before the staff bouts, and she wondered if she was still upset at her partner.

Ephiny sighed, and rested her head against her hand, fingers raking through her curly blond hair. "Off sulking." She admitted. "I yelled at her for busting Xena's chops… she went off to go hunt something down. " A wry look crossed her face. "She'll be all right.. she'll come back with a bunch of rabbits.. or a basket of fish.. covered with mud, but in a better mood."

The bard smiled. "Oh.. she does that too?" She edged away from the subtle poking in her ribs. "Especially the mud… Xena gets mud in places I didn't think it was possible to." She closed her eyes as she realized how that sounded. "Um.. I mean… nevermind that." She waved off their grinning faces, and nodded a thank you as a server put a huge plate of assorted goodies down in front of her. "Mm."

"Oh..while you're working on that, the kids made up a song for you." Ephiny smiled sweetly, oozing with eagerness. "Okay, you guys… get over here." She waved over the group of girls.

"A song." Gabrielle repeated, nibbling on a chunk of vegetable spread with a thick, garlicky goat's cheese.

"Mmmhmm… " Ephiny took a round of bread and dipped it in a small crock of spiced, ground peas. "You know.. it's words, set to music."

Gabrielle bounced a pea off her nose. "Ephiny. I'm a bard. I know what a song is." She rolled her eyes. "A song, huh?" She glanced to her left, where Xena was busy whispering to Solari. "And.. what are you up to?"

Two guilty faces glanced her way, then Xena bestowed one of her more charming smiles on her. "Us?" She shook her head, crossing her arms over her chest. "Nothing."

A sigh. "You are so busted." A pea made it's way in Xena's direction, and the warrior neatly snapped it out of mid air with a flash of white teeth, which then grinned at her. "Nice." Gabrielle turned to face the fidgeting girls, who were smiling shyly at her. Oh… pigtails. She rummaged around for something to say. "Um… hi… did you have.. something you.. " A hand lifted. "Wanted to um… "

The girl who'd given her the flowers stepped forward. "It's a song.. we made it up for you."

I'm gonna die of embarrassment, right here. "Oh.. wow..that's.. great." She managed to croak. "Very.. um… artistic of you."

The girl beamed. "Ready?" She polled her colleagues, who produced a mouth harp and a pair of bongos. "Okay.… a one.. a two.."

Twanging and boinging filled the air, along with the voices of eager, yet untrained singers.

Boing… tudda tudda tudda…

We love you Queen Gabrielle,

Oh yes we dooo…

Boing.. tudda tudda…

We don’t know anyone,

Who's quite like yoouuuu…

Boing boing bong boing… tudda tudda…

When you're not with uss… we're blueeee….

Oh Queen Gabrielle, we love you!

Boing! Thump!

Xena had a very powerful ability to concentrate. At the moment, she was concentrating on the rafter above her head, focusing all her thoughts, and all her vast physical and mental control on not bursting into hysterical giggles. Her jaw muscles were firmly locked, and she was counting her breaths, in.. out…in… out… and actively thinking of depressing things.

She imagined a dirty sheep, it's oily, smelly coat leaving dark streaks against anything it touched. Then the sheep poked it's tongue out at her and crossed it's eyes, and she almost lost it, deciding to simply close her eyes, and pretend she was somewhere else instead.

Gabrielle wasn't sure exactly how she managed to keep a straight face. Maybe it was professional courtesy.. she knew she'd have hated to have someone laugh at her for a performance. "Hey.. that was really nice." She told the girls sincerely. "I've never had a song made for me before.. it was really.. unique."

"Would you like to hear it again?" The girls beamed at her.

"Um.. sure… how about later.. during dinner?" The bard quickly told them. "In fact.. you can teach Xena here how to sing it.. "

Wide, round, outraged blue eyes fastened themselves on her in startled alarm.

She smiled sweetly at her soulmate. "You'd sing that for me, wouldn't ya?" She gave Xena her best wishing look.

Xena appeared as though she'd swallowed an entire lemon, peel and all, but she rose to the occasion. "Sure." A pause. "If you play the bongos."

The bard turned her head and regarded the delighted group. "Can we borrow those later?"

The warrior leaned close. "You don't know how to play the bongos." She muttered in protest.

"For that, I'll learn." Her soulmate replied. "Can you play that mouth harp thing?"

A dark brow edged up. "I can think of better things to do with.." A hand clapped over her mouth and she grinned mutely at the bard, her intensely blue eyes sparkling.

Gabrielle gave the avidly listening audience a weak smile. "Her time… better things to do with her time.. she's a busy person." She bit her lip as Xena nibbled the soft skin on her palm. "Thank you.. is there.. " She turned to Ephiny, who was almost purple from laughing. "any cold water around here? I'm really hot."

Not much useful got done after that comment.

"We've got a little while to relax before the archery.. " Ephiny leaned over, as the party was winding down. "I'm gonna go take a bath.. you interested?"

Gabrielle chewed the last of her nutty pastry, and considered the question. "Mm… I need to go back to my place first… gotta take care of something." She patted the regent's arm. "After that.. sure.. that sounds great." Her diary was on the top of the list, along with a little pampering of the unsuspecting Xena.

"All right.. I'll meet you there." Ephiny stood, and stretched, her amber leathers making a soft creaking complaint, then she shook herself a little, and edged around the table, exchanging wry comments with the Amazons on either side.

Gabrielle watched her friend with a fond smile, then leaned back and regarded her quietly observing partner. "We're invited to the baths." She reached out a hand and wiped a bit of blue dust off Xena's arm. "Probably a good idea."

Xena nodded. "Yep… sounds good." A warm bath sounded… wonderful, actually, even though they'd have to share the place with the noisy, avidly watching Amazons.

The bard stood, and held a hand out, faintly surprised when the taller woman took it without hesitation, and allowed herself to be tugged upwards. Gabrielle didn't miss the well hidden flinch, but she kept quiet, and merely led her soulmate out of the dining hall, and into the warm sunlight.

It was quiet out here, as the Amazons dispersed to prepare themselves for the afternoon's games, most also making for the bathing area to clean off the dust and goop that had been scattered liberally over them at the party. The breeze had picked up, and was scattering leaves about the compound, bringing to them the rich, tangy smell of woodsmoke from the pit where dinner was being cooked. Gabrielle tucked her hand in the crook of her partner's elbow, and took a deep breath. "That smells great."

Xena smiled down at her. "You hungry again already?" She teased gently.

"Tch.. no.. " Gabrielle snorted softly. "It just does.. the wood burning… I think they added hickory to it."

A delicate sniff. "You're right." The warrior replied, approvingly. "Did you like your party?"

Gabrielle bit back a yawn, sternly telling herself no naps. "Loved it… so much stuff, though.. but did you see those chobos?" She grinned a little. "Will you teach me to use them?"

"Sure." Xena draped an arm over the bard's shoulders, and felt a returning clasp circle her waist. The warmth of Gabrielle's arm felt really good against her bare back and she sighed quietly, as the nagging soreness raised it's cranky head again.

Sitting for all those candlemarks hadn't helped, and what she really felt like doing was curling up in a ball, preferably with Gabrielle, and letting herself relax for a while. Not gonna happen, so just suck it up, Xena… She sternly told herself, as they ducked inside their quarters.

"Hey.. where is Ares?" Gabrielle asked, as she glanced around, looking for the wolf. "I saw him after we left Menelda's, then he disappeared."

Xena's brow creased. "Um…. Oh, right.. I sent him off hunting.. he was getting kinda excited with all the fighting going on.. I didn't want him to sink his fangs into one of your opponents." She chuckled a little. "Though.. on the other hand…."

Gabrielle laughed. "Ah.. okay. He should be back anytime now." She pushed the warrior towards the bed. "Lie down."

Xena blinked at her in puzzlement. "Huh?"

The bard was kneeling beside their saddlebags, and digging in the one they kept Xena's healer's supplies in. "Lie down, and I'll give you a backrub." A pause. "Go ahead.. tell me you don't want one." She peered knowingly up at the taller woman.

The warrior bit her lip, a disconcerted look on her face. "Um… you don't have to…" She stopped and regrouped. "It's not that bad, Gabrielle… it's just a little… "

Green eyes were gazing fondly at her, as the bard juggled her little earthenware container of liniment. One blond eyebrow lifted in question.

Xena chuckled a little, and capitulated, having run out of lame excuses. She padded over to the bed, and dropped onto it's surface, removing her boots then lying down on her stomach, and curling her body slightly to reduce the strain on her aching back. She felt Gabrielle slide into bed next to her, and then smelled the sharp, distinctive scent of the liniment as the bard put a little on her hands.

The warrior's eyes closed in utter relief as Gabrielle started her work, proceeding in silence for a few moments as her fingers found the tense area that was warm to her touch. "It's a little swelled up here." She murmured, watching the dark head nod slightly. "Really knotted."

Xena's ribs moved as she inhaled. "Yeah… I had to tighten up like anything.. I think I got a knee there, too." She sighed. "My fault… stupid game."

"What… a half naked Eponin along with half the Amazon nation chasing us for stealing their clothing?" The bard murmured, as she gently probed the sore area, in the lower part of the long muscle that paralleled her partner's spine on the left side. "Wonder if they'll add that one to next year's festival in your honor?" She smiled as she felt the reluctant chuckle under her fingertips. "Does it hurt a lot?"

Xena shrugged. "Not really.. more just annoying… just got stiff sitting around in that party." She felt her body respond to the bard's hands, the muscles loosening and relaxing as if by magic. The liniment helped, but she knew most of that was just Gabrielle's influence, and always had been even before they advanced their relationship. A faint smile crossed her face in memory as she recalled a cold, wet night, a long two years ago.

The rain had kept up all day, and they'd been out in it most of the time, being in the lowlands without so much as a decent tree to shelter under. No towns, no caves… just about every single thing they had was drenched, and the temperature had been dropping all day as the storm passed over.

Xena had, somehow, managed to find enough semi dry wood to burn to produce a small fire, but it had done little to warm them, and even Argo's saddle blankets were drenched through. She'd hung them against a nearby rock to dry, but that wouldn't happen until the morning, if they were lucky.

Gabrielle had maintained a miserable silence since after lunch. The warrior could see the goosebumps all along the young girl's skin, and there was a hint of blue around her lips. She sat as close to the fire as she could, her arms wrapped around her knees, as she tried to dry her short, Amazon style clothing.

Xena had felt… bad. She'd known if she, herself was cold, Gabrielle must by definition be freezing and she cast around for some kind of relief. As she watched her companion, she could see the faint vibration as she clamped her jaw shut on its involuntary chattering, determined not to let a word of complaint pass her lips.

Which had made Xena feel even worse, as she realized guiltily that the girl had decided she couldn’t show any weakness, lest she be chased off, or left behind or..

She hadn't realized, yet, that she'd dug herself into Xena's heart so firmly, the warrior could not more have chased her off than picked up and carried Argo.

And the warrior had felt like she was tied up in knots herself. The tension of being chilled had given her a pounding headache, and every touch of the cooling breeze on her skin only made it worse. Even hot tea hadn't helped, and there wasn't enough fuel to do any serious cooking, so they'd had to make do with dried meat and some withered fruit that they'd had in a saddlebag.

She'd studied Gabrielle for a very long moment before making her decision, then spread her sleeping fur, the larger of the two, as near to the fire as she dared. Gabrielle had glanced up, then reluctantly risen, trudging over to get her own bedroll, stopping when Xena had held up a hand.

"Hold on."

They'd looked at each other, and Xena clearly remembered an odd, tickling nervousness as she'd cleared her throat. "Listen.. it's too cold out.. we're gonna have to stick together tonight or neither of us is gonna get any sleep." She tried to make the prospect sound.. ordinary.. offhand.. sensible. No big deal.

Gabrielle's brows had knit, and she'd glanced at the bedroll, then at Xena for a long moment before gravely nodding. "All right." She'd replied softly. "This stuff's all wet anyway." She regarded her blankets with a frown. "Probably make me even more cold."

Xena had taken them from her. "G'wan.. lie down. I'll get these drying."

The bard had given her a grateful smile, then returned to the fire, laying down hesitantly on Xena's thicker fur, which had been tucked under the saddlebags, and was mostly dry. She'd run her fingers over the surface in faint wonder, and a tiny quirk had twitched at her chilled lips.

Xena had taken a breath, feeling a churning in her guts that had really startled her as she dropped to her knees, and settled down at Gabrielle's side. She could see the shivers passing over her young companion's body which was facing the fire. Xena had curled up on her side, then put a hand on the chilled arm next to her. "C'mere."

The usually talkative bard had been speechless, as Xena had folded her arms around her and pulled her body close. Gabrielle had huddled against her, and she'd felt a rapid pounding of the girl's heart that had brought a tiny, knowingly wistful smile to her own face as she'd pulled the still damp blanket over both of them and their bodies felt each other's presence in intimate contact for the very first time.

It had been like magic. If she closed her eyes, Xena could still feel that scary, wonderful moment, when her startled body had reacted, sending a wild pumping of blood to her skin that had chased away her shivers, and brought a strong rush of warmth that had sent chills of a different kind up and down her back.

She'd lain there, knowing it could go no further, knowing it was just the cold, and the damp, and her dire need to make sure the poor kid didn't freeze to death; knowing Gabrielle certainly wasn't interested in her, but in that moment, she really hadn't cared.

Her body had relaxed completely, and she'd felt Gabrielle's heart slow, as the girl stopped her shivering, and let out a soft, relieved breath. "Better?" She'd asked, nonchalantly, rubbing the bard's arm. "You were kinda cold."

She hadn't seen Gabrielle's face, but she'd felt the muscles moving against the skin of her neck where the bard was nestled as she smiled. "Um." The warm breath had tickled her. "A lot better. Thank you." She'd pressed her hands very gently against the soft leather covering Xena's stomach. "You're nice and warm." There had been a rare, shy note in the bard's soft voice. "That's really amazing."

Xena, who had been chilled to the bone minutes earlier just shrugged the comment off. "Ya get used to being outside…it's… " Timidly, Gabrielle's arm pressed against her waist, and Xena had heard her own voice waver just a tiny bit. "It's…just one of those things." She'd tucked the bard's head under her chin, and breathed out, letting herself absorb what she was feeling for a timeless instant.

It was so sweet.

She'd spent such a long time keeping everyone out, everyone at arm's length from her. It had felt so damn good just to feel that simple, human contact. Undemanding. Freely given. So full of trust.

It had been very warm moment in a very cold life.

 "Hey.." A soft tug on her hair brought her attention back to the present.

"Mm? Sorry… I was .. um… " She cast around for some reasonable excuse. "Ah.. I was…"

"Daydreaming." Gabrielle supplied, with an indulgent grin, having seen the faraway look in the pale blue eyes. "Hope it was a good one"

Xena nodded. "Very pleasant memories." She slowly rolled over, stretching a little. "Mm… that's a lot better… thanks." A tingling warmth had replaced the nagging ache, and she took a happy breath as she regarded her soulmate. "You know most of my best ones are of you."

An indescribable look of quiet joy settled on the bard's face. "Likewise."

The warrior plucked the jar from her fingers and tapped her chest. "Lie down… bet your shoulders are a little tight after all that activity this morning."

Gabrielle shifted a little, and gave her a rueful grin. "Yeah… " She gratefully settled down, sprawling over Xena's body with a contented sigh, as strong fingers went to work , starting on her lower back, and working their way up over her shoulderblades. The tension that had been coiling through her dissipated, replaced by a peaceful lassitude that allowed the sleepiness she'd been holding at bay to gain a foothold. "Mmm…. Y'better stop." She sighed reluctantly. "We've got a busy afternoon ahead of us."

"Mmhmm.." Xena agreed, not slowing down for an instant. "And an even busier night… good time for a nap."

"No… no.. it's okay… " Gabrielle felt her eyes closing against her will, though, as the mere suggestion of a nap took control over her. "Wanted to write in my diary a little… "

"You got time to do that later." Xena murmured softly. "Come on now… gives me an excuse to be lazy for a little while, okay?" She slowed her motion deliberately, becoming more soothing as she hit familiar points on Gabrielle's back.

The bard smiled. "You need an excuse these days?" She teased gently. "Thought I'd done a better job on you than that."

The warrior chuckled wryly. "Too true." She admitted. "When I've even got Pony telling me I'm getting soft, it's pretty scary." Her hands worked across the bard's neck. "I always said you were a bad influence."

A green eye opened and peered at her speculatively. "You don't seem too upset about that." Gabrielle commented in mild surprise.

A moment of silence, as Xena reviewed the concept. Then she shrugged. "I'm not." She told her partner seriously. "I think I've decided it's time I stopped pushing myself so damn hard, Gabrielle."

A gentle smile rewarded her. "Never thought I'd hear that from you… but I'm glad." She closed her eye and let out a contented breath. "However, while we're on the subject, tiger, in this outfit any half blind idiot can see she was just trying to piss you off." She tickled Xena's exposed ribs and yawned, giving up the struggle to stay awake. "Don't let her get to you." She mumbled, her words trailing off. "I know better."

Xena indulgently watched her breathing deepen, and slow, and felt Gabrielle relax bonelessly against her. She spent a few minutes stroking the bard's hair, ordering the strands idly as sleep claimed her soulmate, and she felt the relaxed tendrils snaring her in as well.

She was, she conceded, perfectly content to lay right here and not move an inch, cuddling the bard's sleeping body against hers for a long as the younger woman needed her to. It was an odd and slightly disconcerting feeling, to have her natural restlessness tamed like that, as it certainly hadn't been during her own pregnancy.

If anything, she'd been more antsy, irritated at her growing inability to control her body, and frustrated by the constant demands on her energy and reserves. This was… a lot nicer, she admitted privately, enjoying the warm peace that was insidiously stealing through her. Good thing we're going home next… my reflexes have definitely been sharper…feels so damn strange to not.. She could hardly even pinpoint what the lack was… she just knew it was an incredibly peaceful feeling.

She'd always been… aggressive, for lack of a better term. It was a deep seated, energetic drive within her that emerged as a restless, seeking spirit always looking for new challenges, new obstacles… making it hard for her to wait… making her impatient, and short with people… she'd never been content to sit still, even for a few minutes.

It was like this had taken that away, taken away the perpetual anger, and the insistent urge to be moving, doing, fighting… leaving behind a quiet peace that frankly… scared her a little. She wasn't used to this lazy, contented feeling, experienced before only in tiny increments, for very short periods of time. It felt too good. She could easily get lost in it, and then where would that leave her?

She sighed, and decided to worry about that later. Right now she let her eyes drift shut, and put her senses on alert, letting the sounds and the scents of the village register, noting the thunks of arrows hitting their target from the archery range, and the soft, distinctive clash of swords , which carried over the rustle of the wind stirring the branches outside their quarters. A gentle waft of woodsmoke came in the window, bringing a scent of roasting meat to her, and all around was the rich, heavy smell of the forest.

She stayed like that for a while, floating somewhere between sleep and waking, in a murky twilight, until approaching footsteps brought her eyes blinking open, and she turned her head to see the surface crack open, and a familiar head poke in. Xena jerked her head, but motioned for quiet as Ephiny slipped in, and glided across the room.

The blond Amazon perched on the edge of the bed, and smiled a little, gazing at Gabrielle's sleeping form indulgently. " She okay?" She asked, in a low voice.

The warrior nodded, absently stroking the soft hair. "Yeah… she just gets tired a lot faster now…I thought it would be a good idea for her to get some rest before tonight." She gazed affectionately at the younger woman, until a hand on her arm made her look up at Ephiny. "Sorry… what?" She gave the regent a tiny, sheepish grin.

"Xena… " The hazel eyes studied her in mild concern. "Are you all right? " She pitched her voice very low, to avoid waking Gabrielle. "You've been so quiet.. it's not like you."

The warrior paused, deciding what to tell her , then merely shrugged. "Didn't know I was particularly noisy… thought I stirred up enough trouble this morning.. didn't I?"

Ephiny's brow crinkled. "That's not what… " She stopped. "Well, never mind.. maybe it's just my imagination." She chuckled a bit. "Listen… things are on track for tonight.. do you wanna know what to expect?"

Mild, blue eyes regarded her with faint amusement. "If it's gonna involve anything physical, better tell me now, so I don't take someone's head off." She warned half jokingly.

"No… we know better." The regent smiled. "Besides, frankly, no one wants to face Gabrielle if anything happens to you, so… you're safe." She laced her fingers together and cupped them around her knee. "It's a simple ceremony… two of the elders preside over it, and ask a couple of questions, then the two partners exchange vows, and that's pretty much it." She sniffed reflectively. "In your case.. it's a bit different, because you'll be adopted into the nation at the same time… " Her lips twitched. "Menelda is grumpily, unwillingly, crankily… agreed to just let the inevitable happen, but she wants everyone to know it's because of Gabrielle, not because she's suddenly developed a liking for you."

Xena rolled her eyes.

"Yeah.. yeah.. I know… " Ephiny sighed. "And I got the elders to agree that having you fight someone is just really a pointless waste of time, so it's going to just be recorded that you know the right end of a sword to pick up."

Another rolling of very blue eyes. "And?"

The regent took a breath. "And.. then you swear personal fealty to her, and that's… that."

Xena regarded the contentedly sprawled form of her soulmate, then cocked an eyebrow at Ephiny. "To her?' The warrior asked, quietly intent.

The regent understood. "Yes… to her, specifically." A tiny grin formed. "Spent a while in the archives digging up the rules.. it's been a while since a sitting Queen took a consort outside the Nation."

The warrior grinned. "I can do that." She rubbed the bard's back, causing her partner to murmur, and tighten her grip. "No problem." Privately, she was relieved. She would have done it regardless, but knowing it was to Gabrielle personally and not to the Nation as a whole…made her feel a lot better.

"I figured." Ephiny commented. "We're just about ready to get started for the afternoon… you joining us or… " She let her eyes flick to the now stirring bard. "Well, hello."

"Mmph." Green eyes peered up at her, then lifted to study the angular face above her own. "Time?"

"Yep." Xena confirmed, wishing it wasn't. She found herself becoming fascinated in the sunlight trickling in the window and catching the fine, downy hairs on the bard's cheek until she blinked, and gave her head a little shake to clear it. Damn… snap out of it, willya?

Gabrielle rolled over and stretched her body out. "Okay… " She patted her partner's stomach. "Thanks for the pillow." She commented, letting her touch linger, and trace the muscles visible just under her tanned skin as she propped her head up on her other hand and eyed Ephiny, noting the tense look on the regent's face. "Everything okay?"

Ephiny hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah… yeah.. sure… everything's great." A pause. "Why?"

"You're fidgeting." The bard replied, watching the regent's fingers knot convulsively.

Hazel eyes blinked at her. "You don't miss much." Ephiny said, quietly.

A faint smile crossed Gabrielle's face. "Practice." She let her eyes flick to Xena's face, then back to the regent's. "So… spill it."

Ephiny folded her hands under her arms. "Nothing.. it's.. I just wanted you to kind of be there for the competition.. .I've.. um… I got something I need to take care of." She kept her gaze on the floor, regarding the colorful, woven rug that covered a good portion of it.

Blue and green eyes met in complete understanding. "So." Xena crossed her bare legs at the ankles. "Pony come back?"

The startled jerk of Ephiny's head was an answer in itself. "How did you… I mean… " She fell silent, then got up, frustrated, and went to the window, putting her hands on either side of the frame. A long exhale followed. "I should just ignore it.. she's out there sulking… I should just let her go." Ephiny stated, quietly. "Anyway, it's not something you two need to worry about." She concluded, peering out at the busy compound.

Xena pointed silently at her soulmate, both eyebrows going up in question.

Gabrielle gave an exasperated nod. "Sensitive chat. I know." She mouthed inaudibly, then pointed back. "If it doesn’t work, you are going to find her." She added in mime, with a stern look.

The warrior nodded, and got to her feet, carefully stretching out her back and smiling in reflex at the much reduced twinge. "I'm gonna go get… " A quirk. "Warmed up for that archery thing.. that'll draw her out." She picked up her boots, and ambled outside, leaving the regent and bard alone.

From the outside, the rock overhang looked solid. It was covered with a sheen of dusky moss from the nearby river, and hung over the water, providing a perch for bored hawks looking for fish. Thick bushes grew around it, and a person would be hard pressed to see the small opening that led into a roughly circular, dirt floored cavern that was underneath.

Eponin tucked her knees up, and rested her forearms on them, as she gazed out at the river, watching the water pass her by, carrying the odd branch and bit of flotsam in its wake.

It was quiet, and she came here when things were tough, just to sit and watch the ever-changing river, and sit in peace. She'd found this little hideout when she was a kid, and used to sneak off with her friends to escape the elder's endless, boring tasks.

She glanced around, hearing faint echoes of her childhood, when she'd played swords and arrows in this small cave, her boots sinking a bit into the sandy floor, and her breath coming in gasps as she fought heroic battles with sheared off branches.

It seemed such a long time ago.

Most of her friends were gone.. or dead.. victims of either wanderlust or war, some gone out into the world into different lives, some to different Amazon villages.

She'd chosen to stay, even through all the turmoil, through the changes, through Melosa's death, and the ascendancy of a strange, young outsider she'd started off disdaining and ended up… admiring.

Envying, if she was honest with herself, but not for the Queen's mask.

Damn it. She was supposed to be the toughest, meanest warrior in the Nation.

And.. most of the time, she was, y'know? After all, she'd taken this stupid, asinine.. .damned.. adolescent crush she'd somehow developed on Ephiny and just… stuffed it down somewhere, out of the way. It just wasn't gonna happen, not in this lifetime, so she'd settled for the woman being a friend, and that was that. Right? Right.

Then the damn woman had to go and kiss her. She hadn't expected it, not in a million years, and it had knocked her on her butt, both physically and every other way so bad it was a wonder she hadn't spent the next two weeks banging into walls.

Instead, she'd spent the next two weeks in some kinda dream, not quite believing what was going on, but willing to stay happily deluded for a long as she could. All her previous relationships had been strictly casual, mostly for companionship, just fun and laughs… nothing serious, nothing lasting.

She'd wanted this to be different.

And it had started to be, a little… kind of sweet, and gentle… Ephiny had started sharing stuff with her… little stories of her life, her hopes.. how she'd never imagined herself in the position she'd ended up in.

She'd let herself believe… until they'd hit a disaster again, and had to go through that whole thing with what had happened to Gabrielle… and after that, it had changed. Eph had still enjoyed their time together, but… she'd stopped sharing.. . stopped…

Eponin had pushed her, just a little… being confused.. and the regent had told her she just didn't want the risk.

Didn't want the risk. She hadn't expected it to hurt so much. Maybe it was because she'd let herself hope. Not that she regretted what they had.. she didn't. It was warm, and friendly, and she liked having someone to share a bed with and all… Ephiny was funny, and witty… sometimes wryly sarcastic, and smart. She was a great friend, and a better lover, but.

But.

But the truth was, her feelings went so much deeper than that… she loved Ephiny with a kind of almost helpless intensity she'd seen only a few times in her life. It was the kind of love she saw between Gabrielle and Xena, and it hurt to know she wasn't ever going to get that back.

Mostly, she just tried not to think about it. But when she saw the two of them together, saw how Xena dropped all her considerable defenses and let the bard wind her around her little finger.. how she grudgingly cracked open those armor plates and let everyone see the old softie inside… well, damn.. she wished she could do that to someone.

So yeah, she was jealous of Xena, big time, and that's mostly why she constantly nagged the taller woman, challenging her… trying to maybe to prove to herself that what Xena had wasn't so damn far out of her reach. Which was, she knew, kinda stupid, but she couldn’t seem to help herself.

She kicked a rock, trying to keep herself mad at the warrior, for pulling that damn fool stunt but it was hard, since she really, truly, did like Xena, even with that damn, too tough for my leathers attitude of hers. She sensed a warm, kinda nice person under all that warrior crap, which made sense cause Gabrielle had to see SOMETHING in her, right? Besides those incredible eyes, that is.

She'd give anything to have someone… ok, Ephiny.. look at her the way those two looked at each other.

Well, not much chance of that, specially after today.

The rock was cool against her head, as she leaned it against the granite shelf and regretted her sharp words, as Ephiny had yelled at her. She knew the regent was right… she knew she should just leave Gabrielle's sometimes dangerous, sometimes unpredictable partner alone, and not wave damned stupid red flags in her face all the damned time.

She shouldn’t have told her she got more of a response from Xena than from her, huh? She'd seen the look of sharp hurt in the regent's hazel eyes, before she'd just turned, and left, and Eponin tried to call her words back, but it was too late. Then she'd felt just damn rotten.

So, here she was, alone. She knew she should go back and join the games, finish what she started, but somehow her heart just wasn't in it. She'd go.. she'd compete… Athena knew she'd win, since Xena was declining to enter anything but the archery, and even that she had a pretty good chance on, since the warrior had stated bow wasn't one of her better weapons. But what was the point? It would just feel kind of empty, and she'd had enough of that, lately, to last a feathered lifetime.

Dully, she took a sip from the skin she'd brought with her, wincing at the sharp burn as the potent drink trickled down her throat. This was probably stupid too, but she just didn't know what else to do, and she was damn tired of hurting. At least the liquor dulled that, for a little while.

Besides, she'd been so good lately. Eph had made her promise to cut that down, after she'd gotten a little too wild at a campfire one night and ended up burning down the bathing hut. She hadn't really tied one on since… Hades, it was about time, and after all, it was the Dionysus' festival, right?

Right. She took another, deeper swallow, and rested her head against the rock. "Maybe I should get a dog." She remarked to the uncaring river.

A dark, furry head popped up next to her, and growled, causing her to hurl herself backwards, smacking her head against the low roof of the cavern with a wild yell. "Son of a Bacchae!!!" She stumbled backwards, and landed with a thump on her backside, blinking at her assailant. "Gods be damned you furry tailed piece of…"

"Roo?" Ares tail thumped, in a pleased sort of way.

"Centaur dung." Eponin finished, with a disgusted snort. "What in Hades are you doing here?"

Yellow eyes blinked at her, and the wolf panted, sniffing about the floor with interest. "Agrrrerrr.." He trotted over to her, and licked her face, then decided to explore the little cave. The woman's smell matched the scent the Leader had given him, and then said 'Find."

He'd found. That meant cookies, and he'd smelled the ones he liked in the Leader's bag. Now he just had to wait. "Agrrooo." The Leader had told him "Protect." He settled down in the sand comfortably, his front paws crossed , and his rear legs curled under him, with his tail spread neatly out behind.

"Getoutahere." Eponin growled, throwing a handful of sand at him. "Damn little sneak, you scared the feathers off me."

"Grrr." Ares growled, then sneezed, as the sand got into his nostrils.

The weapons master studied him crossly. "She didn't send you, did she?"

The wolf panted.

"Hmph. Bet she did, the old battle axe."

Ares yawned, showing very white fangs, then put his head down on his paws and sighed.

Eponin was caught between irritation, and a smidge of flattery. If Xena had sent the damn furball out after her, then the warrior wasn't too pissed off at her for the wrestling stunt, and wanted to make sure she was okay. "Awww… isn't she sweet?" She snorted at the wolf, who batted dark, long lashes at her. "Just a pile of mush, huh dogface?"

Ares head lifted, and he twitched his eyebrows, looking uncannily like his tall, dark mistress. One corner of his lip raised in a snarl.

"Ahh.. shut up." Eponin groused, but found herself scooting a little closer to him, until she could reach out and touch his fur, which was thick and clean feeling, and a tiny bit bristly. He was nice to pet, so she did, for a surprisingly long time, her wineskin forgotten in the corner.

"You'll just have to stay here until I get back." Cait paced back and forth, ignoring the fact that Paladia was huddled over her workbench, and pretty much not paying any attention to her. "I won't be long, all right?" She glanced at the taller woman. "Hello?"

The renegade gave her a surly look. "Yeah?"

"Stay put." Cait gave her an exasperated look.

Paladia scowled at her. "Not going anywhere." She returned her attention to her work, and moved her charcoal carefully, wanting to get the basic outlines of what she'd thought of out before the light failed.

Cait was about to leave, then curiosity got the better of her. She edged around to one side, and peered at the parchment. "What's that?"

Gray eyes glowered at her. "Thought you were leaving."

"What's that?" Cait merely repeated the question.

"Fox." The renegade mumbled in reply.

"That's quite lovely." The girl stated, approvingly, giving her a pat on the shoulder. "But why a fox?"

Another shrug. "Just something I saw."

Cait studied it, then gave her another pat, this time leaving her hand on the taller woman's shoulder for a moment. "Right… well, I'll be right back… just wait for me."

Paladia snorted, as she left. "Wait f'you… oh.. right, like I had a choice." She shook her head, and returned her attention to her work, carefully shaping a large, cupped ear.

Cait left the hut, and straightened her leathers, checking for her various daggers as she meandered across the compound, casually heading towards the upper trails which started past the archery grounds.

She paused, with a small group to watch as the competitors warmed up, her eyes finding the tall, dark haired form in their midst easily. Xena was leaning quietly on a long bow, waiting her turn, her pale eyes flicking over the entire compound with unhurried, but through intentness.

Eventually, those eyes fell on her, and instead of moving on, Xena picked up her bow, and walked towards her, moving out of the direct sun and into the dappled shade they all were standing in. Cait knew she was getting furtive looks from her companions, who envied her acknowledged relationship with the intimidating warrior, and she unconsciously straightened up as Xena neared and it became apparent she was headed right for Cait.

A flick of the pale eyes towards the crowd, then a second flick towards a more open, empty area. Cait swiveled a little, and padded ahead of her towards the spot, turning as they reached it and glancing up. "Hello."

"Hey." The warrior replied, then fell pensively silent.

"Well." Cait sighed, after a period of quiet, in which the birds twittered happily. "I suppose it was a bit funny."

Xena considered this. "It coulda been less embarrassing."

"Hm." The girl chewed her lip and nodded a little. "I expect she'd hesitate quite a lot before ragging you again like that."

The warrior grunted in assent. "My point."

"Quite." Cait replied. "She hasn't got back yet."

Xena glanced around, and fiddled with her bow. "I sent Ares after her." The warrior muttered. "She'll be all right."

That got her a smile from the girl. "I thought you were ever so mad at her."

The warrior shrugged. "Nah." She looked up at a hail, then nodded, and pulled an arrow from the quiver slung over one broad shoulder. Idly, she lifted the bow she was carrying, and dropped the arrow into place resting against her fist. With almost negligent strength, she drew the tightly strung gut back, and sighted down the shaft, pausing a moment, as the wind shifted and blew her hair back, then releasing the bowstring smoothly.

The arrow planted itself firmly in its target, a stuffed boar. It wasn't the best shot, but it wasn't the worst , either, and Xena let the bow drop, with a satisfied air. "Not bad… " She mused. "Gods know I don’t get to shoot often."

Cait glanced at the pig, whom someone had painted lurid lips on. "Well.. if you'd hit me there, I'd be quite upset." Then she sidled closer. "Will you teach me to catch arrows?" She coaxed persistently, a subject she'd been worrying the taller woman about for quite some months. She'd decided all was forgiven, or would be, if Xena would only give her some hints.

A lazy smile warmed her. "All right… we'll work on it tomorrow, okay?"

The girl beamed. "Great." She hesitated, then edged forward, and gave the warrior a hug. "Thanks, Xena."

Xena patted the back of her head in rough friendliness. "Were you headed out to find Pony?" She muttered, ducking her head so that only the girl could hear her.

Cait giggled softly, reveling in the contact. "Well… you have to keep an eye on these Amazons… they get into all sorts of trouble, you know." She released her hero, and backed off. "I… I'll just take a quick scout round. "

Blue eyes twinkled knowingly at her. "Be careful."

Cait turned, and walked toward the trails, turning and gazing back at her. "Where's the fun in that?" She asked, innocently, then let a mischievous grin cross her face, as she broke into a jog towards the trees.

"So… anyway, she told me about this story, with a pack of rats?" Eponin was lying down on her side, with her head propped up on one hand, facing Ares. "And the rats got into this bunch of grain, so they got real fat, and got stuck inside these grain jars, so they knocked them over, and the girl came in and saw them rolling around by themselves, right?"

"Roo." Ares licked his chops.

"So she thought they were haunted."

Ears pricked.

"Yeah.. so she called the arbiter.. and he fined her twelve dinars for being so dumb."

Ares sneezed.

"Yeah." Eponin reached out and scratched his nose. "You're a great listener, Ares."

The wolf panted, and spared her a lick on the hand.

"You don't even mind when you hear stuff over and over again huh?" She chuckled a little. "Bet you get to hear a lot of "I love yous" doncha?"

Ares cocked his head, and gazed at her, his ears pricking up in interest. "Grrrroff." He wagged his tail

Eponin sighed, and let a quiet smile tug at her lips. "Yeah…I bet you do." She fell silent, and in that quiet, heard the faintest rustle of something out of place. Puzzled, she sat up, and tilted her head, straining to hear past the ceaseless rippling of the water. A crackle, a soft clicking of leaves against each other, so slight it could have been a small animal, or the wind…

Eponin's hackles rose, and she crept to the edge of her hideout, listening hard. The sounds were gone, but she still felt uneasy, and she carefully edged out into the open, looking around her tensely. The forest was quiet. Too quiet, she realized, her nostrils flaring in sudden alarm. She reached for her sword an instant before she sensed the movement, and had it drawn as she whirled and caught the downstroke of a tall, grubbily dressed man with a club. " Bastard."

He took another swing, and she parried it, crashing through his guard with a skillful stroke, then kicking the club out of his hands. A flicker of motion behind her warned her, and she whirled, in time to meet two others, then saw dark forms pouring out of the underbrush and knew she was in trouble.

She cleared a circle, and fought them off until they overpowered her with sheer numbers, bearing her down to the ground under a pile of unwashed bodies that punched and kicked her until she lay very still. Her sword was torn from her grasp, and she closed her eyes in anger, as hands grabbed roughly at her, and hauled her upright.

Angry, ugly faces surrounded her, several of which had blood running from wounds she'd dealt them. She struggled against the two men who were holding her, and got kicked for her efforts, then the circle parted, and a tall, broad form sauntered forward.

"Isn't this special."

Eponin's chest clenched, in anger and betrayal. She fastened cold eyes on the newcomer, and knew she was in a lot of trouble. "Arella." She spat, her mind racing.

The woman chuckled. "And I've been waiting to do this, 'teacher.'" She cocked a fist, and slugged the smaller Amazon, sending her crashing unconscious to the ground. "Whew.. that felt good." She looked up cheerfully. "Tie her ugly butt up.. and let's spread out.. we've got work to do."

Gabrielle decided to let Ephiny be the one to start talking for a change. She walked over to the wash basin, and doused her head in the cool water, letting it trickle down her neck as she retrieved the soap bar sitting next to the cistern and rubbed the dust and dirt off of her arms.

The breeze in the room felt good after that, as it dried her skin, and she wiped off the excess water with a small piece of linen. Patience, she chided herself, as she felt the urge to start in. You learned that from Xena, remember? She dug in her saddlebag for a thin piece of leather, then used that to tie her hair back out of her face, pausing a moment as the pack gave up the familiar scent of her soulmate. Impulsively, she tugged the neatly folded shirt on the top out, and rubbed it against her cheek, breathing in the smell with a sense of quiet pleasure.

She'd felt bad for days, sniffling, and with her head pounding dully, reluctant to complain to her taciturn companion until she started shivering so badly, even in the noonday sun, that Xena noticed and put a rough hand on her forehead, then sighed.

They'd been near a town, and she hardly remembered the last half day's travel to get there, mostly fading in and out in a feverish fog, holding on to Argo's saddlehorn for dear life.

It had been an unknown amount of time, then, when she just remembered sweating and shivering, tossing around in a strange bed, suffering lurid nightmares that made her scream in terror until a warmth would close over her, and pacify her frazzled nerves.

The next coherent memory she had was waking up, as sunlight entered the room she found herself in and covered the bed. A spicy, familiar scent had surrounded her, and as she let her dazed eyes focus, she realized it was because she was wearing one of Xena's sleeping shifts.

She'd hugged herself weakly, and breathed the smell in, not really sure what was going on, but glad she was still around to figure it out. She'd rolled over, and stopped, startled at the sight of a pale, exhausting looking Xena sprawled in a chair at the bedside, dark shadows under her closed eyes.

The blue eyes had opened, wearily, and they'd stared at each other for a long, breathless instant.

"Wow.. " Gabrielle had managed to say. "I feel like I've been run over by a chariot."

The warrior had leaned forward, and rested her arms on the bed. "If you don't tell me instantly the next time you feel sick, I'm gonna… I'm… " She stopped, at a loss for an appropriate threat. "Of all the dumb things to do… "

The bard had gazed at her, not even intimidated, not after seeing the strain in Xena's familiar face. "How long… " She glanced around.

"Three days." The warrior answered, shortly.

"You were here the whole time, weren't you?"

No answer, just a glower from the tall woman.

Gabrielle had just nodded a little. "It was really scary.. but whenever it got too bad, something chased the scary stuff away.. and you're the only person I know who could do that." She'd looked up, to see an unusual look on her companion's face. "Thanks.. I'm sorry about all this.. I didn't mean to be such a pain." She'd plucked the front of the shift, and huddled inside it, just closing her eyes and wanting that scent around her forever.

And then, out of the blue, she'd been captured in a gentle hug so wonderful she'd wondered afterward if it had been real, or just the remnant of a dream.

A faint sound made her look up, to see Ephiny leaning against the sill, watching her.

Gabrielle rested her face against the fabric again, then let out a sigh and tucked it away, standing up and brushing off her leathers, settling the bands around her biceps a little self-consciously. "These still feel a little weird." She altered her attack, moving to a more indirect approach. "Kinda strange wearing stuff that doesn't give… I always wonder how Xena puts up with it after I've worn these for a while."

"Guess if you're used to wearing armor, a little leather doesn't bother you much." Ephiny replied, as she crossed to the low bench near the window and dropped down onto it, leaning her head back against the wall. "She probably thinks it's comfortable."

"Mm." The bard pulled her diary out, and put it down on the worktable, then settled into the chair behind it. "She does…I remember the one time I had to wear her stuff.. it was so hot.. and so uncomfortable.. I almost went crazy… not to mention that armor is really heavy." She chuckled a little. "I think it's just what you get used to… after last winter, it took her a while to adjust back into wearing them… now I think she gets out of them a lot more.."

Ephiny nodded, studying the ceiling. "She looks a lot happier.. " The regent's hazel eyes flicked to her face. "So do you."

Gabrielle folded her hands together. "I am." She smiled at her friend. "In some ways… it's weird, but we're even closer now than we were before."

The regent snorted a little. "Gabrielle… you two were so close before a mosquito couldn’t have found a way to squeeze between you."

A shrug. "That's true.. but it's different now… more equal, more… I don’t know…more real, I guess." She paused. "It's like.. we went through all that, and now, we're together, but not because it was just something that happened. Now it's because we made a decision, both of us, that we wanted to be together more than anything else in the world." She smiled slightly. "So we are."

Ephiny digested this. "Do you worry about…." She hesitated. "About something like that happening again, Gabrielle?"

Shadows chased themselves across the bard's green eyes. "Sure." She replied candidly. "I'd be stupid not to." She regarded her diary, rubbing a finger along its bound edge. "We talked about it." A shrug. "We both decided it was worth the risk."

"Can I ask you something?" Ephiny's voice was very quiet.

"Sure." The bard responded.

"You two… you were friends before, right?" The regent's voice was hesitant.

Gabrielle nodded. "Yeah… we were.. and… well, that's what kind of kept us apart as long as it did, I think... we.… I mean, I depended on her friendship.. it was so important to me.. I was afraid to mess that up."

"But you knew… I mean… you knew you were in love with her, right? For a while.. before… "

Gabrielle leaned back. "Yeah." She blushed a little. "For a while."

Ephiny took a breath. "What would you have done if she didn't feel the same way about you?"

That hit Gabrielle hard, bringing back a long stretch of anxious memories. "For a long time I was convinced she didn't." She managed to keep her voice even and quiet. "We're… so different." Long pause. "I was so sure of that… I left her."

Ephiny looked shocked. "What?"

"Boy I grew up with… from Potadeia." The bard replied. "He asked me to marry him, and I said yes, because I… it made me feel.. wanted, and loved., and I was afraid I'd never..."

"But… " The regent shook her head in disbelief. "What.. I … what happened?"

Gabrielle swallowed a few times, then exhaled. "He died… Callisto was on the rampage, and I guess she…wanted to hurt Xena through me, like usual."

"By killing him?" Ephiny's brow creased. "That doesn't make sense."

"To her it did…she thought I'd hate Xena because of that… she thought I'd give up my… beliefs." A quiet, solid memory of her decision in that cave waved tantalizingly in front of her. "I have to live with that, though… knowing that because I was… because I did that, he died." She looked right at Ephiny. "I'll always regret that, Eph…just like I'll always regret the year I spent in misery, because I was afraid to say something.. afraid to take a chance on her… on us."

"For you it worked out.. but… what if she really didn't feel like that?" The regent asked, softly. "What would you have done?"

Gabrielle's entire face tensed. "I… I don't know." She finally stammered. "Been miserable, I guess." Her eyes searched the regent's face. "Eph… "

"No…" The older woman held up a hand, then let it drop, a weary look crossing her face. "Don't start on me…it's not the same thing."

An uncomfortable pause. "You.. don't love her?" The bard's voice was very quiet. "I.. I'm sorry.. I thought… "

Ephiny let her head rest against the wall, and exhaled. "You know.. I still miss Phantes."

Gabrielle kept silent, surprised by the change of subject.

"That was such a surprise… falling in love with him.. " The regent went on, in a remote voice. "It knocked me head over heels…. I was lost in it… I never thought about what it would be like.. what problems we'd encounter…it just felt so wonderful I didn't care." A pause. "Watching him die in my arms… almost killed me.. it was like having part of myself go with him.. and you should know what I'm talking about." Her eyes turned fiercely on Gabrielle.

The bard dropped her head. "I do." She admitted.

"I am not going to subject myself to that again, Gabrielle… It's just too much." She stopped, and regarded the younger woman. "You're gutsier than you know."

Gabrielle cocked her head, and let her strong fingers drum against the diary. "So… you're just going to keep things casual.. well… that's not so bad." Different tack, different angle. Retreat and redirect, another lesson from the Warrior Princess. "I understand."

Ephiny straightened, obviously surprised by the bard's capitulation, but relieved. "It's… we have a good time… we like each other.. it's nice to have someone around to talk to.. yeah." A tentative smile crossed her face.

"Yeah… and you can go your own way.. not worry about each other… have your own lives… it's got it's points."

The regent inclined her head. "It does… it's just kind of comfortable."

"Uh huh…and you're tied up in knots here, considering chasing off into the forest exactly.. why?" Gabrielle inquired, her eyes glinting a little, with a faint, knowing grin edging her lips. "I'm not sure I got that part down right…but it sure sounds like something I'd do."

Ephiny's jaw sagged slightly, and she stared at the bard, caught flatfooted by her question. "I was…. It…" Her mouth worked a few seconds without emitting an intelligible words. "Gabrielle, damn it, that's not fair."

The younger woman bestowed a charming smile on her. "Eph… you want cool practicality, you gotta go bug my other half. " She propped her chin up on one fist. "I'm a bard.. and I believe in the power of love, and you're not gonna get any of this rough, tough, stoic Amazon crap from me, okay?"

Ephiny scowled at her.

"I think you're in love with her, and I think she's in love with you, and I think the longer you two try to ignore that, the more miserable you'll be." Now Gabrielle's gaze turned kindly. "I should know."

The regent stood, striding over to the window, her body tense. "I don't know what you want from me." She muttered.

Gabrielle joined her, and put a hand on her back. "It's really simple.. I want to see you happy." She felt the skin flinch under her touch. "That's not so much, huh?"

Their eyes remained locked for a long while, as errant sounds from the outside washed against them. At last, Gabrielle felt the muscles under her fingers relax, as the regent's gaze softened. "You're a good friend, Gabrielle."

The bard smiled at her. "Likewise." She gathered the Amazon into a hug, and felt the release as Ephiny gave in. She rubbed the regent's back gently. "Come on… let's go find Pony, and get this thing going."

Ephiny released her, then chuckled wryly. "And you can tell your blue eyed chicken she can come back now.. the gushy stuff's over." She wrapped an arm around Gabrielle's slim waist, and guided her towards the door.

Xena finished her round, performing respectably, all her arrows hitting some sort of target or other. It was the consistency, she decided, that bugged the Amazons. Other competitors had better shots, more accurate… one had even hit the damn pig in the eye, giving it a lopsided leer that almost made her chuckle to look at it.

But she'd hit either the pig, or the buck, or the… Xena peered at the third target again. The blue chicken every single damned time. It drove them nuts. Solari had attached herself to the warrior and watched her intently as she drew and released, muttering to herself every single time. "Y'know.. I could get a complex." Xena remarked wryly, as she observed her latest effort, which had nailed the chicken right in the tailfeathers.

"Just trying to get some pointers." Solari protested, twisting her long, dark hair back out of the way as she lifted her own bow. "Do you just… like… sense the wind shifts or something? Because you compensated for the one that just happened after you shot the arrow. How do you do that?"

Hm. Xena consider the question, leaning on her bow thoughtfully. Finally, she shrugged. "I dunno." She watched the Amazon carefully aim, and shoot, taking an ear off the stuffed buck. "Whoops."

Solari winced. "Y'know what I'd really like you to show me.. .how you catch the damn things."

The absence of sound startled Xena, and she whipped her head around, her skin prickling as though in warning. The Amazons were standing around with apparent nonchalance, every ear turned her way. "Um." The chicken, buck, and pig were forgotten. "Well… "

Even the referee ambled over. "Yeah.. how do you do that?"

It would be, she supposed, good practice, since she'd decided to attempt to show Cait anyway so… "Um.. it's not so much a… " She stopped, then handed her bow to Solari. "It's easier to show than to tell. "

The ring formed around her so fast it startled her, and she had to stop for a moment, and decide how to proceed. "Okay. " She backed off, motioning the woman behind her to move away. "Don't stand behind me."

They scattered.

She had her back against a tree now, and made sure if any arrows went astray, they wouldn't nail some poor, passing Amazon. "It's more a question of… being able to sense the world around you.. the air.. the… " She lifted her hands. "G'wan… shoot one at me."

They all looked at each other.

"Solari?" Xena gave the dark haired Amazon a wry look.

Reluctantly, the woman passed Xena's bow to a companion, then pulled an arrow out of her quiver, and nocked it, taking a deep breath. "Xena, I just want to say something before I do this."

A dark brow lifted in question.

"Please catch the damned thing.. I don't want the Queen coming after my butt, all right?"

The warrior chuckled. "Relax." She nodded. "Go ahead."

The Amazon drew her arm back, pointing the arrow directly at Xena's body, and released it, wincing and closing her eyes as she did so.

Xena's hand flicked up and caught the shaft, stopping it inches from her chest, her arm moving so fast it was only a blur. "Like that." She briefly examined the arrow. "What I do is… I can sense an area around me.. to a certain distance. When something enters that area, my reflexes react." She closed her eyes. "Shoot again." Curiously, she found herself enjoying the lesson, showing off something she was furtively damn proud of. It had taken… gods.. forever for her to work out the technique… hours upon hours of just sitting, schooling her innate restlessness to utter calm, so she could sense the world around her.

Solari swallowed, and exchanged glances with her companions, then shrugged and nocked another arrow, raising her bow and aiming it at the warrior. Xena was standing in a very relaxed pose, but even from here, they could see the faint tension along her arms, and shoulders as she waited. "Okay." Solari called, then released the arrow, this time not closing her eyes, but watching.

Another blur of motion, then the arrow was resting in the warrior's other hand, in front of her left shoulder. She let her eyes open, and regarded them. "You just feel it coming." Then she smiled in pure reflex as her senses detected a familiar presence behind her. "Works on other things, too."

Gabrielle emerged from behind the tree, and sauntered over to her. "Did you guys run out of targets, or something?" She eyed them curiously. "She's kinda big for that, isn't she?"

A round of chuckles answered her. "Just demonstrating the arrow thing." Xena informed her, the warrior's eyes drifting over her partner's head and spotting Ephiny, then returning, a brow lifting in question.

Gabrielle blew on her fingernails, then buffed them on her leathers. "So…you ready to take a break?" She glanced at the referee. "Who won?"

The woman consulted her list. "Well.. we weren't quite finished… " She scribbled a few comments, then lifted her head and looked at Xena.

The warrior rubbed her nose. "Um.. yeah.. a break sounds good… we can let these guys go on." She gave Solari a crooked grin, and the Amazon shook her head.

"Nah.. we know when we're beaten." She cheerfully responded. "Tell you what… you can make it up to us tomorrow with another lesson on that stuff." She looked around, and received nods of agreement. "Okay?"

The warrior hesitated, then lifted a hand in capitulation. "Okay." She watched them cluster together, a buzz of interested discussing rising, and turned her attention to her soulmate. "What's up?"

Gabrielle glanced around. "We're gonna go find Pony." Her green eyes lifted and met Xena's. "Maybe you can wangle her into a sword demonstration.. hmm? "

Xena regarded her, evaluating her choice of words. Then her lips twitched. "I think I can do that." A demonstration, not a competition… with her making the irascible Amazon look good in the bargain… yeah. "See if Cait's around… I know she was going out to scout a little."

The bard's eyebrow lifted, as she caught her partner's meaning. "Oh.. right.. okay.. I'll be right back." She gave Ephiny a grin. "Don't go away."

Ephiny watched her go, then turned her attention to the tall, silent form next to her. "So." She muffled a wry grin. "How's the weather up there?"

"Shhh." Cait hissed, closing her hands firmly on Ares' muzzle, as she lay almost on top of him. They were huddled under a thick bush, as dusty boots clustered around them. "Look.. you've simply got to be quiet.. there's too many of them."

She'd slipped up on the clearing as the fight was starting, and had almost thrown herself into the fray when she saw the wall of reserves breaking through the trees. She'd grabbed the bolting Ares as he passed her, jaws snapping, and pulled him under the bush. His biting at this point would only get him stabbed, and if she could take a few out, it wouldn't help Eponin any.

Arella! Her chest burned with anger. "I knew I should have stuck her in the eye when I had the chance, Ares… I knew it."

"Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr" Ares struggled, his eyes reddened with fury, as they watched the men drag Eponin away. His paws scrabbled in the dirt, as he tried to get away from the girl.

"Stop that!" Cait grimly hung on, as she watched Arella direct her troops in a circling motion, then followed them out of the clearing, her tall, swaggering form disappearing last between the broken branches. "We've got to get back and warn everyone… you understand, Ares?"

"Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr" The wolf protested.

They waited for the sounds of motion to disappear, then she cautiously released Ares, and wriggled out of the bush, glancing around quickly to make sure they were alone.

She never even heard the arrow coming, as the wind was blowing away from her. She only felt the tremendous impact against her chest, then the pain which exploded through her entire body. Without a sound, she pitched forward, curling into a helpless ball as she faintly heard mocking laughter float back to her.

Somehow, she grabbed Ares leg, and the wolf anxiously licked her face. "Find… Xena." Her voice sounded strange, and remote to her, as the world started to darken around her. It was a curious feeling, like the sun going down very fast, and the last thing she heard was the rapid patter of pads against the leaf, heading away

Continued in Part 5

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

Specific Story Disclaimers:

Violence –Well… this is a more or less violence lite story. Now.. you've got Xena in it, and Amazons, and Gabrielle with that staff.. so it's not all sweetness and light, but no one gets their heads cut off in this one. (Sorry MaryD) Note - I was wrong. ONE person gets their head cut off. Sorry. Nobody important, though.

Subtext - Do I really still have to disclaimer subtext? Someone asked me if I thought Xena: Warrior Princess was a romantic show. My answer was, when a show has one main character state in no uncertain terms to the other main character that she would rather die at her side than live without her, that show cannot be defined as anything less than a romantic tale. Yeah, there's subtext.. maintext… under the table text.. whatever you wanna call it.

This is, of course, PG13 level involvement here, no more. That never changes.. for those of you who are waiting for me to stick in a rip roaring, no holds barred graphic orgy scene, make sure you have plenty of coffee and doughnuts handy. And a comfortable chair.

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

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

mailto:merwolf@bellsouth.net

Festival - Part 5

By Melissa Good

Paladia carefully licked the end of the tiny brush, pointing the hairs to a fine edge, before she dipped it in the meticulously mixed colors in her meager collection. She painted another hair on the fox's soft, reddish gold coat, and paused, studying the effect before she went back for more paint.

The sunlight was good, and she'd gotten a lot of progress done on the picture, letting the work absorb her completely until she became aware of how stiff she was, and that footsteps were headed her way. She cocked her head to listen, expecting Cait, but the steps that approached were heavier, and more rhythmic than the girls, and she swiveled curiously as a soft knock came on the door.

Knock? Nobody knocked. "Yeah?" She called out, uncertainly, watching the door.

It pushed open carefully, and Gabrielle stuck her pale head in. "Hi."

Paladia's brows lifted a little. "Yeah?"

Gabrielle came all the way into the room. "I'm looking for Cait.. has she been around?"

The ex renegade considered the question. Cait's errand, whatever the Hades it was, had seemed secret, and she saw no reason to blab it out to the bard. "No."

Gabrielle regarded her. "I'm not going to yell at her.. I know where she went.. I just want to know if she got back here okay."

Paladia scowled. "Hasn't been back" Then she gave the bard a grudging look. "Where'd she go?"

The bard sighed, and nibbled her lower lip. "Looking for a friend… maybe she found her." She shook her head. "Thanks.." She turned to leave, then her eyes caught the picture Paladia had been working on, and she walked over, her eyes blinking in wonder. "Wow."

The taller woman drew back, uncertainly, but watched her as she examined her work.

There was the fox, a coy, sweet look on its masked face, seated on a patch of grass, bathed in gentle sunlight. Behind it in the shadows loomed a large, silky coated cat, its eyes half lidded as it looked out at the viewer. The cat's huge paws were circling the fox, one of them with sinuously tensed muscles that exposed the sharp, glinting claws.

"That's beautiful." Gabrielle glanced at her, and smiled. 'But it's kind of an odd combination, isn't it?"

A quirky smile edged onto Paladia's face. "Yeah." She admitted. "But it works."

Gabrielle laughed softly. "Well… I think it's incredible." She backed off. "I can't wait to see it finished." Parts of the picture had yet to receive their color, and she could see it would take a while yet to complete. "See you later."

Paladia just nodded, as the door closed behind the bard, and studied her work, then picked up her brush and carefully mixed two colors, working for a while to get it right before she started to apply the resulting shade to the fox's large, intelligent eyes.

"I'm gonna go pick up my sword." Xena said quietly, watching her soulmate emerge from the area inhabited by the youngsters without success. "Be right back." She turned and broke into a run towards their quarters.

Ephiny watched her go, then turned her head as Gabrielle returned. "No luck?"

A shake of the bard's fair head. "No.. maybe she found her…" Gabrielle suggested. "They're probably trading gory stories out there somewhere." Her eyes followed her partner. "Where'd she go?"

The regent crossed her arms, a disturbed look flowing onto her face. "Get weapons."

They looked at each other, then Gabrielle's eyes drifted over Ephiny's shoulder as she spotted her soulmate headed back, this time dressed in her dark blue leathers, and carrying a small pack strapped to her that the bard recognized at once. Her stomach sank, and she let out a breath as the warrior reached them, lifting her hands to catch the staff that Xena tossed her way. "What's up?"

A shake of the dark head. "Dunno.. but two people are missing, and I'm not taking any chances."

Ephiny looked alarmed. "C'mon.. they're just out there razzing us, Xena… I'm sure nothing's happened." But the uneasy feeling in her gut which had been bugging her for a few candlemarks erupted into a full-fledged sense of impending disaster. "On the other hand.. never hurts to make sure." She muttered, running her fingers through her curly blond hair. She lead the way out of the village, and into the shady forest, pacing along the familiar trails that circled their home.

"Going anywhere in particular?" Xena asked casually, adjusting the shoulder strap on her leathers. She'd been content to follow the regent, who obviously had a destination in mind. Her senses drifted out, taking in the sounds of the forest, and analyzing them as she walked.

"No.." Ephiny muttered. "I know which trails she likes to go stomping off on… could be a couple of places."

The warrior nodded. "Fair enough." She padded along behind the regent, her boots placing themselves with silent skill along the dirt path, her eyes flicking restlessly through the underbrush. "It's quiet."

Gabrielle glanced around them, then up at her soulmate's angular face. She noticed the small muscles just under the skin twitching and alive, as Xena's senses absorbed everything, flaring her nostrils and moving her ears back and forth to catch the smallest sounds, and it put a faint grin on her lips as she recognized the crackling air of alertness. Doesn’t get buried far, huh Xe? In a way, the emergence of her partner's familiar edginess reassured her. "Yeah… I hear a few birds, but…"

"No animals." Xena replied succinctly.

Ephiny glanced around. "It is getting on in the afternoon…they usually get quieter around now." But her hazel eyes carried a hint of worry. "Maybe it's your damn wolf, huh?"

Xena's brows quirked. "Maybe." She conceded, knowing the sudden introduction of a large predator like Ares would tend to shake the local fauna up a bit. "Hopefully we'll find the bunch of em toasting grubs and grumbling." A sound rattled against her reflexes, and she'd drawn her sword and cleared space around her before she realized what it was, in time to resheathe the weapon as Ares came barreling out of the underbrush, covered in mud and stickers and plowed right into her.

"Ouch." The warrior fended him off. "Ares… hey cut that out.. what in Hades happe…" She lifted her hands off the wolf's thick coat, and stared at them. "Hey boy.. did you get hurt?" The rusty stains dripped of her skin, as a copper tang rose to her nostrils. "Blood." She knelt, and anxiously checked the wolf's body, running her hands over it as he danced impatiently in place. "Hold still."

Gabrielle dropped down next to her and stroked the animal's head, trying to calm him. "Is he okay?"

Xena looked up, then her eyes found Ephiny's. "Blood's not his." She grasped the excited wolf's head, and turned it so her eyes and Ares were locked. "Find." She said softly, intently.

"Aggrrrooooo!!!" Ares twisted away from her in frustration, dashing back the way he'd come, then whirling at the edge of the path, and looking impatiently back at them.

They looked at each other. "Gabrielle… " Ephiny let out a breath. "I'd feel a lot better if you went back to the village."

The bard's face tensed, and she hesitated, considering which argument to use, though she understood the regent's reasoning.

"I'd feel a lot better if she was with me." Xena interrupted shortly, as she wiped her blood stained hands off on the foliage. "Come on."

Gabrielle and Ephiny exchanged looks, and the bard shrugged a little in apology, her mouth twisting in a wry grin as she turned to follow her soulmate. "I'll just go crazy worrying anyway." She muttered to the silent regent, who merely shook her head.

The wolf bounded impatiently ahead, returning frequently to glare at them, as they struggled over the rocky, muddy ground still slimy from the preceding day's heavy rain. They saw no other signs of anyone's presence, until Ares scrambled up over a rock ledge, and hurled himself down into a small clearing, crashing through the brush.

Ephiny saw the huddled form lying near the river and surged ahead, only to be held back by an iron grip on her arm. She turned to protest, but Xena's face stopped her cold, and she subsided, as the warrior carefully edged into the area, examining everything with all her senses extended. Gabrielle, she noticed, had anticipated this, and was waiting tensely, one hand resting on Xena's back.

"All right." The warrior finally said, and they scrambled down the rocks, Xena merely leaping off the last ledge, and twisting in mid air as she landed down next to the marshy ground the bordered the river bank. She turned the still form over with gentle hands, and a soft groan escaped her. "Damn.. Cait."

The blond girl was curled up, her hands in the vicinity of a long arrow shaft that protruded from her chest. Her leathers were stained with blood, and her skin was very pale. Xena touched a gentle hand to her throat, and felt the faint flutter beneath her fingers with an anxious relief. "Still alive."

Ephiny studied the scene, and her face hardened. "Arrow doesn't look familiar." She rasped. "We have to get her back to the village."

Xena examined the wound carefully, turning her head to judge the angle the shaft had entered from. The arrow had impacted the young Amazon from the front, and torn a hole through her right shoulder, penetrating bone and muscle, but.. Xena felt a tiny sense of relief. Not going through Cait's lung. She had a chance, albeit a small one, if they could get her back, and get that arrow out of her.

Cautiously she broke the end of the shaft off, trying not to jar the girl's wound too much, then she carefully packed a piece of linen bandage around the seeping remnant and lifted Cait's body up in her arms. "Let's go."

Ephiny paused, looking around. "You two go on." She decided quietly. "I'm going to look around here.. see if I can figure out what happened." She looked up as Ares came splashing out of the river, shaking his heavy coat vigorously, a sodden bundle in his jaws. "Agrewrf."

Gabrielle dropped to a knee, and called him over. "C'mere, Ares… whatcha got??"

Xena stiffened, as the wind blew her way, and her ears picked up subtle rustlings. "Shh." She glanced around, looking for shelter, and cursed softly. "Need to take cover… someone's headed this way."

Ephiny grabbed her arm and pointed to the rockface. "There's a little cave under that.. not much room, but.. "

"Good enough." The warrior strode towards it, dropping down onto a knee and peering inside. "All right… Gabrielle, get in there.. give me a hand with her." Ares trotted in first, sniffing suspiciously.

The bard scuttled inside, blinking against the darkness, then turned and grabbed Cait's shoulders, easing her down as her partner edged under the rock ledge, followed by a nervous Ephiny. They got out of sight moments before the sounds became louder, and several male voices echoed across the water in rough laughter.

Xena kept her attention strictly on her patient, bending her dark head close to examine the arrow's damage, doing her best to ignore the warm, almost breathless closeness of the tiny cavern. Only the cool breeze at her back kept the shivers at bay, and she tried to shove that aside as she evaluated Cait's condition.

The voices grew louder, and they could now make out the words.

"That was damned easier than I thought… after the reputations those Amazons had… Hades, it was like herdin sheep."

Another man laughed. "Timing… she was right, we caught em all in the bath, and didn't give em time to get their weapons." The sounds of rummaging came through. "Damn… that kid's gone.. musta crawled off into the rivah… Ah wanted that pair o daggers she was carryin."

"Hope we brought enough shackles.. " Another, higher voice interjected. "D'you think we got all of em?"

"Who the Hades can tell? We got enough though.. they're still lookin for the one in charge… guess she'll start killin people until they tells her where she is." Something splashed into the river. "Let's see ifn we can find that kid… you look over there."

Three sets of eyes exchanged shocked, and bewildered glances. Ephiny's jaw moved several times, but no sound came out. Finally her throat started working. "They took the village?"

"We've been…. How..???" Gabrielle whispered in disbelief. "We've only been gone a candlemark.. how could… who are these people?"

Xena held a hand up. "Coming this way." She motioned them both back. "Stay here with Cait, and don't move." She warned. "These guys see you two, and they're gonna want you bad." Slowly, she drew her sword out, making not even a whisper of sound as the metal cleared her scabbard, then waited, her body settling into tense readiness.

Ephiny chafed, but realized they didn't have the space to argue, and Xena was closest to the opening anyway. She watched the leathers shift silently across the warrior's back in time with her breathing, a slow, even rhythm. Beside her, Gabrielle was cradling Cait's head, her eyes fastened firmly on her partner.

Boot scuffing on rock. "Hey… I see a crack under here.. maybe she crawled inside."

Xena's muscles coiled in readiness, as the sounds came closer, and now she could smell the man, a combination of rusting metal and dirty leather that was wearily familiar to her. She tightened her fingers on her sword hilt a little, angling the blade, and felt her nape hairs rise as the footsteps paused, then she heard a little thump as the man settled onto a knee before the cavern's entrance.

He ducked down, and peered inside. "Hey.. there's some…"

The sound of metal shearing through bone cut his words off, and he dropped without another sound, save the whistling gurgle of his last breath dribbling through the slash Xena's sword had made in his windpipe. Blood spurted out, as his body collapsed, and fell bonelessly down in front of the opening.

"That blows that cover." Xena shook her blade, to rid it of the excess gore. "I'm gonna go take care of the rest of them… do me a favor.. just stay here, all right?" She glanced quickly at her soulmate, and Ephiny. "Better they think I'm alone if any of them get away."

She judged the running bootsteps as the rest of the men headed towards them, and waited until she knew they were clustered before the cave. Then her body surged forward and exploded into the open air, bringing death with it.

It was too quiet. Paladia lifted her head, and listened, then put her brush down with a grumble and stood up. The sun was going down, and still no sign of that damn girl… hesitantly she poked her head outside the door and glanced across the compound.

It was empty, and if she concentrated, she could hear a faint hint of noise coming from the bathing hut. Ah. She shook her head and pulled it back inside. They were so into baths.. Cait dragged her along sometimes, but she'd found it mostly a sticky, moist, noisy pit of flying gossip.

Which.. was fun to listen to, sometimes, but it gave her a headache, mostly. She heard a rustling sound, and peeked back out, glancing off into the forest with mild interest. Her eyes grew wide and round as she spotted a line of lethal, silent attackers, with loaded crossbows moving into the central areas.

No alarms? No guards? What in Hades was going on? She took a breath to yell a warning, then bit her tongue when she saw a young Amazon round the corner and spot them, moments before she was spitted by five or six arrows. The girl dropped without a sound, and the line moved on, heading forward.

Paladia backed away from the door, and edged over to the window, peering out quickly and breathing a sigh of relief when she saw no creeping attackers. She carefully stowed away her picture, and put her paints in their box, then hoisted herself to the window sill, and dropped to the ground, crouching there for a long moment before she straightened, and crept over to the edge of her quarters, peering around the corner cautiously.

A line of men were going from hut to hut, and she pressed herself back against the wall as she heard her own door bashed open, and heavy footsteps trampled around inside.

"Empty. Let's go." A gruff, male voice rumbled, then the door inside slammed, and she heard them move on to the next building.

She nibbled her lip, trying to figure out what to do. Behind her, the forest stretched quietly, offering an enticing escape, and she turned to it, moving out into the brush until it covered her, and she could look back onto the village from relative safety.

Well. She drummed her fingers on her leg. Whaddaya think of that? No chance of the Amazons fighting off that crowd, not caught with their leathers untied like they were gonna be. It was a good chance for her to get outta there, and escape her captivity.

Right.. good idea. She decided. No more rules, no more doing boring chores, she was free to make her way back…

She sighed. Going home wasn't an option.. well, maybe… hey.. if the Amazons were outta commission, maybe she could get that Cait to go with her… kid didn't really belong here anyway, she was as different from most of the Amazons as Paladia was. She looked around her speculatively. Guess I could poke around for her for a few minutes… couldn’t hurt. She made up her mind. She'd sneak around to a few places she knew the kid liked, and if she didn't find her, well, she'd be on her way.

She didn’t' need to worry about the Amazons.. they could take care of themselves, and even if they couldn’t, they had Xena roaming around out there somewhere.. she'd take care of things.

Satisfied, she slipped quietly back, until she could no longer see the village, though she could hear the yells of the surprised Amazons, and the sound of fighting. Briefly, she wondered if she should go help, then realized she had no weapons, and what was the point?

She heard sounds, and went really still, hugging a tree until two men with crossbows crashed through the brush no more than a bodylength from her, and walked on.Yeah. Time to get outta here, all right.

They were expecting an injured Amazon girl. What they got was a demon from Hades, who seemed to flow out from under the rock and attack them with unbelievable speed. Xena caught the first one with her sword's tip right in the gut, then quickly withdrew it, and cut the second one's head off with a powerful stroke.

The next two stumbled back, pulling swords from their sheaths and regrouping as the warrior kicked her victims out of the way and headed for them, jumping off the rock ledge and landing in their midst with a low growl.

They engaged her, but found their weapons useless, against an almost primitive force which cut through them like a warm knife through herbed butter. They died, collapsing together and leaving only one man, who turned and ran for the edge of the clearing as fast as his legs would carry him.

Xena cursed, and bolted after him, covering the ground in long strides that brought her even with her quarry as he reached the trees. She leaped, and caught him around the ankles, bringing him down with a grunt. "Hold on there ya bastard." She caught him by the neck and hauled him over, knocking the dagger he'd drawn out of his hand with a negligent swipe of her own.

"A.. al right… " He held up both hands in a defenseless gesture. "Look.. I haven't done anything to ya.. just take it easy, all right?"

Xena straddled him, shifting her sword around in her hand, as she decided on a course of action. "What are you doing here?"

He turned coy. "Who wants ta know?"

The warrior moved swiftly, setting her sword down and jabbing him painfully on both sides of his neck. He started gagging, and his eyes bulged. "I'm not in the mood to play games. Talk, or die, your choice."

"Ahh… all right… all right… " He choked. "We're… we're here to catch us some Amazons."

Xena released him, and leaned on his chest with her elbows. "Why?"

"Guy… port town near Athens.. he's paying top dinars for em.. as many as we can bring over." He stared up at the ice blue eyes regarding him. "Hey… you wanna cut?" A hesitant grin edged his face. "Could use you.. bringing em back.. I hear they're ornery."

"What's he want them for?" Xena asked, leaning harder.

"Didn't ask." The man coughed. "Hey.. you're squishing me." He squirmed a little. "Got one of their own… she said she could bring back a whole load of em.. said she knew the place.. and she did.. it was sweet… c'mon now… nice lady like you.. you could use a few extra dinars, huh"

Xena sat up. "Two things."

"Yeah?" He responded, hopefully.

A long, slim finger raised. "One, I'm not nice." She lifted his head off the ground with one hand, and slammed her fist into his jaw, hearing a solid crack as her knuckles broke something. He lost consciousness, and she stood, pulling him up with her, then kneeing him in the groin as hard as she could. "And two, I'm no lady." She shook her head in disgust, then tossed his body from her, bouncing it off a tree.

"All right." Her call brought a familiar red gold head popping out of the cavern, and she watched as Gabrielle scrambled over the rocks, and trotted over to meet her, grimacing at the blood which liberally soaked her body.

"Any of this yours?" The bard asked quietly, peering around. "Cait's coming around a little, I think she's in a lot of pain, Xena."

"No, and I'm not surprised." The warrior replied, glancing around as Ephiny joined them, her face set in anger. "All right.. we got a boatload of trouble here." She put her hands on her lips. "First, we need a safe place to take Cait.. so I can get that arrow outta her." She held up a hand to forestall Ephiny's protest. "Can't help the village right now… let's let dark fall, then we can see where things stand.. no sense in getting ourselves shot, and you know they're looking for you."

Ephiny exhaled. "They said they're going to shoot people if I don’ t show up."

Xena looked her right in the eye. "They're gonna shoot people if you do." She replied bluntly. "And you'll probably be first.."

"Eph.. " Gabrielle rubbed her arm. "Xena's right… let's find out what's going on before we go charging in there." She looked around. "What about the supply cave for a place to take Cait… it's pretty hidden."

The regent thought a moment, then nodded. "All right.. we'll go there." She jerked her head up, and regarded them fiercely. "But not for long."

The roughness of the tree bark against her bare back eventually brought her around, and Eponin spent a few moments just mentally cursing to get it out of her system before she stretched her senses out. She kept her eyes closed, not wanting her captors to know she was awake, but the sounds she heard indicated none of them were around her, so she risked cracking one eye open to see.

Sure enough, she was lashed to a tree, outside a ring of what was a small camp. Three or four men sat inside it, laughing and sharing a wineskin, paying no attention to her. She let her eye slide closed again, and willed her head to stop pounding, as she listened to what they were saying.

Her jaw tightened as they made jokes about the taking of the village, but her heart lifted when she heard of the conspicuous absence of Ephiny. She wondered where her lover was, though, since her up and just leaving… A thought occurred, which brought a tiny quirk to the weapons master's lips. Wonder if she was looking for me?

She listened further, hearing no mention of either Xena or Gabrielle, which was another good sign, but she knew Arella would figure it out eventually.. either through questioning people or simply checking the stables, where Argo's distinctive shape would be found.

Her mind started clicking. If Xena, Gabrielle and Ephiny were out there, they'd need help. She tested her bonds, and cursed softly, feeling the almost strangling tightness around her wrists, pulling her arms back so fiercely her shoulders were numb.

A familiar voice caused her to cease her struggling and she stared ahead of her as Arella walked over, stopping a body length away and studying her. "Hello, teach." The woman chuckled, coming a step closer. "You missed a great party… all your pathetic little Amazons caught in the buff, slipping and sliding everywhere. It was like shooting perch in a puddle."

Eponin remained silent, just watching her.

Arella stepped closer, and unsheathed her dagger, tickling the smaller woman's neck with it. "Now.. you're going to tell me where your precious Ephiny is, or I'm going to carve my name in your skin, okay?"

Caramel colored eyes didn’t so much as blink. "I have no idea." She answered, with complete honesty. "Haven't seen her since this morning.

The blade sliced through the skin above her collar bone, sending a stream of fire down her nerves. "Not good enough, little Pony."

"Suck centaur butt, you piece of dung." Eponin answered evenly. "I knew we shoulda killed you."

Arella laughed, slicing deeper, and making a turn, which carved a u shaped cut in the older Amazons neck. "But.. I was right… that little settlement you sent me to? Got taken over a month back… guy that did it is crazy for Amazons. Willing to pay very good.. and what I'll make off this will let me take some friends, and start the kind of Nation I want." She ran a finger through the blood dripping down Eponin's neck, and wiped it across her face. "I couldn’t think of a better place to get some for him.. and I knew I wouldn't get a fight."

Eponin's head moved like a snakes, her white teeth snapping shut on the taller woman's finger, biting down savagely and jerking her jaw to one side as flesh tore under her grip.

Arella screamed in shock, then she ripped her hand loose, and backhanded the older woman, watching her slump against the tree limply. "Bitch." She grabbed her hand, which was pulsing with violent pain, and hissed. "I'm gonna flay you in the center of that damned village." She cradled her hand against her chest, and stalked off, brushing several men out of her way.

One amber eye opened, as Eponin lifted her head up, a look of feral satisfaction on her face. She spat out a fragment of skin with a sense of distinct pleasure, and let her head lean back against the rough bark. She could feel the warm blood trickling down her skin, and she winced, as the cut spread a fiery pain through her. She was just wondering if it was bad enough for her to bleed to death, and thus cheat Arella, when she heard a faint rustle.

Very slowly, she turned her head, and focused on the underbrush, scanning it until her eyes detected something out of place.

Blond, straight hair, and expressionless gray eyes peered back at her, regarding her with deliberate thoughtfulness. Eponin drew in a breath. Paladia, who was someone who owed her no favors.

Who might even join Arella's gang, given the opportunity.

The tall ex renegade crept closer, pausing every time a sound drifted over from the camp, until she was right up next to the tree. Her eyes flicked over to the camp, then back to Eponin's face. "Ya bit her." Paladia whispered.

Pony nodded. "Yeah… tasted like crap."

That got a quick, almost invisible quirking grin from the taller woman. "Ya want outta here?"

Eponin nodded again, but remained silent. She felt a cold pressure against one wrist, then felt the ropes give way. She lowered her arms slowly, rubbing them as Paladia knelt and cut through the bindings on her ankles. She waited until she knew she could move without stumbling, then slipped around the tree, motioning the renegade to go before her.

There was no speech for at least half a candlemark, as they made their way in the growing darkness, keeping off known paths and making for the wilder parts of the forest on the south side of the village. Finally, Eponin stopped, by a small spring surrounded by thick, old growth trees whose branches dipped into the water gently. She knelt beside it, and doused her head with the cold water, rinsing off the still bleeding cut in her chest, and taking a long drink of it between cupped hands.

Paladia crouched next to her, also dipping into the water.

"Why'd you stay?" The weapons master finally asked, letting her forearms rest on her thighs.

The big woman shrugged. "Wasn't going to.. just was looking around for that kid.. thought I'd say so long.. she drove me nuts, but.. " She took another drink of water. "Came up on you and saw the knife work.. she's a bitch, huh?" Her finger drew a pattern in the dirt. "What's she got on you?"

Eponin regarded her. "Used to live here… she got in trouble about a year back, we farmed her out to a little outpost.. thought she'd be all right there." She shrugged. "Guess not." She paused. "So.. you taking off, or what?"

Paladia considered the question, realizing the Amazon wasn't going to stop her if she wanted to leave. Finally she shrugged. "Wanna see what happens." She decided. "You got any ideas?"

The Amazon smiled wearily. "We gotta find some allies." We. She saw Paladia's brow lift thoughtfully at that. "Eph's out there somewhere… so are Xena and Gabrielle."

A nod. "And Cait." Paladia mentioned, offhandedly. "She went off lookin for you."

"Damned persistent little mucking fool." Eponin cursed.

"Mph." The ex renegade agreed. "How do we find em?"

The weapons master peered off into the growing darkness, a thoughtful expression on her face. "We'll find a way." She winced. "We got a cache not far from here… a little place we store stuff. I gotta get a bandage on this damn thing."

They slipped off together, under a blanket of leaves that brushed their shoulders, and left a cool, rich scent behind.

The cliff face loomed before them, and Gabrielle was glad to see it as they crept closer, listening hard for anyone's approach. Xena had Cait cradled in her arms, and had insisted on carrying the girl with no stopping, anxious to get her wound taken care of.

"All clear." Ephiny appeared from the darkness. She'd gone to check the opening, and felt comfortable with the lack of any recent footprints. "Come on."

They entered the cave through an opening so narrow it scraped Xena's shoulders, and went down a short, uneven corridor that opened up into a larger chamber. The warrior stood very still as Ephiny struck a light, blowing gently on the torch to get it burning steadily.

The torchlight revealed a long, narrow chamber, stacked neatly on both sides with supplies, with a corridor down the center to give access. Ephiny moved to the wall and lit a few more torches, then settled the one in her hand into a nearby sconce. "Well.. it's rough, but it's fairly safe.. unless they decide to loot this place."

Xena spotted a small table, and she walked over, settling Cait on top of it gently. The girl was ominously still, and the warrior hesitantly probed her pulse point, sighing a little when she felt the continued, faint flutter. "Hang in there, Cait." She unstrapped her kit, and laid the contents on the table, rubbing her eyes as she selected what she'd need to remove the arrow. A warmth at her back made her look up, to see Gabrielle's gentle eyes peering at her. The bard put both hands on her shoulders, and massaged them lightly.

"How's she doing?"

The warrior pursed her lips. "Not good." She answered honestly. "She's lost a lotta blood…it hit a bad place."

"Mm." Gabrielle rested her chin on her soulmate's shoulder. "Well.. she's in the best of hands." She gave her a gentle squeeze.

Xena swallowed twice. "She asked me to teach her to catch arrows." She whispered.

The bard rubbed her back, feeling the tension under her fingertips. "You'll teach her." She replied, with quiet certainty. "You need some help?" She indicated the warrior's current task. "Can I get you some water?"

Xena leaned her head against the bard's briefly. "Yeah.. that would be great… is there a source in here?"

Gabrielle nodded. "Yeah.. in the back… it's not much, but it's pretty clear.. I'll get some, and get a fire started." She gave her partner a last, tiny pat, then moved off, pushing her hair back as she picked up an empty earthenware jug and headed towards the water.

Ephiny had been standing near the entrance to the cavern, her hands on either side of the opening which lead to the outside. Now, she crossed to where Xena was working, and stood watching quietly, as the warrior's skilled hands carefully cleaned around the arrow stub. The angry red area looked strange against Cait's pale skin, and Ephiny couldn’t help but notice how faint the girl's breathing was.

Xena drew out her dagger, and set it to one side. "Can you bring a torch over here, Eph?" She said quietly. "I'm going to need to cauterize that."

Ephiny flinched in reflex, then did as she was asked, bringing the torch back over and watching as the warrior ran the edge of it through the flame. The smoke from the torch headed upward, gathering in the crevices of the ceiling, and escaping out somewhere above.

Soft bootsteps approached, and Gabrielle appeared out of the dark gloom, moving from a shadow to solid reality as the torchlight hit her. "Here." She handed the earthenware container to her partner. "Do you want me to hold onto her?"

Xena nodded, and waited while the bard slipped under Cait's head, cradling her upper body with a firm grip. The warrior took the knife, pausing, then making three rapid, accurate cuts around the arrow. Cait writhed in semiconscious reaction, a low moan coming from her throat.

Gabrielle stroked her head gently. "It's okay… she'll be fast, Cait.. I promise."

The warrior took in a breath, then worked the point of the knife in, and cut around the arrowhead, removing it quickly and dropping it onto the table. It was a cruelly barbed thing, with both forward and backward facing prongs.

"Gods." Ephiny stared at it, shocked.

"Yeah." Xena muttered. "That's why I didn’t just push it through." She cleaned the wound carefully, holding the girl down as she struggled weakly in Gabrielle's arms. The blood pumped sluggishly from the gaping hole, and she let it for a moment, then she reached out and held the knife into the torch again.

A spatter of sound, and the sharp scent of burning blood filled the small area. Xena looked over at her soulmate, who was whispering comforting words to her patient. "Hold onto her, love… this is gonna really hurt."

Ephiny knelt and braced her hands on the girl's shoulders, her face an expressionless mask. She watched as the warrior let the blade heat until it was reddening, then closed her eyes as Xena brought the metal close, and plunged it into the wound.

Cait screamed, and it took all three of them to hold her, as Xena counted grimly to herself, then pulled the hot metal back out. The smell of burned flesh got into her nose, and an almost overwhelming wave of nausea followed. She clamped her jaws together hard, and swallowed, as Cait's almost convulsive struggles faded, and she slumped into Gabrielle's strong arms. "Damn." The warrior managed to get out.

The bard hugged the girl gently, tears running down her face in pure reaction. "It'll be all right, Cait… it's over now."

Ephiny touched the young Amazon's pale hair with a shaking hand. "When I find those guys, little Cait, I'm going to cut their hearts out." She whispered. "I promise you that."

Xena stood abruptly, needing fresh air. She crossed to the entrance, and passed through it, stopping outside the entrance to the cavern and letting the cool breeze soak into her. She leaned against the rock, which had not quite given its heat back to the air, and willed the queasiness to subside.

After a moment, the sounds around her penetrated her senses, and she lifted her head.

Someone was coming.

"Are we there yet?" Paladia inquired, as she slipped down a muddy incline for the nth time.

Eponin turned and glared at her, a large smudge of dirt obscuring half her face. "You got a fondness for that saying?"

The ex renegade shrugged. "M'brother used to drive my parents half crazy with that on wagon trips."

Caramel colored eyes narrowed. "You saying I remind you of your mother?" Eponin's voice dropped dangerously.

Paladia regarded her stolidly. "Nope."

The Amazon snorted softly, and returned her attention to the slick root she was trying to pull herself up by. "Good."

The taller woman waited until her companion had gotten a good foothold, and was clinging to the slope firmly. "She had a sense of humor." She commented, pulling herself up one handed and shielding her still healing arm.

"That's not funny." Eponin growled.

"See what I mean?" Paladia muttered back.

They got to the top of the slope, and pressed on, ducking through the thick undergrowth and avoiding the more well used paths around the village. As they approached the tall cliff face which housed the storage cache, Eponin paused, holding up a hand cautiously. "Shh."

Paladia stopped, and leaned against a tree, waiting as the Amazon made a show of examining the area thoroughly. Finally, she nodded. "All right… looks like they haven't found the place yet…no sign of anyone."

Regardless, she paced forward silently, keeping close to the overhanging trees as they made their way towards the entrance, half hidden in a fold in the rock. The breeze blew the branches to and fro, and an owl kept them company, hooting mournfully as they passed underneath him.

"Keep quiet.. just in case." Eponin muttered, as she studied the shadows around the entrance, watching the moonlight shift slowly over the surface as the trees swayed. "Okay.. let's go."

Their own path was dark, and they were under cover until the last moment, then Eponin darted for the entrance.

Paladia blinked, as she stopped short. One moment the Amazon was creeping along like a monkey, then next she was suspended and up against the rock wall making noises like a duck.

"Gods be damned, Eponin… d'you want to get yourself killed?" Xena's voice hissed.

"Put me down, you… " The weapons master squawked. "You… damn it, Xena!"

The warrior released her, then stepped back, looking over and spotting Paladia waiting in the shadows. "C'mon… let's all get inside before someone spots us."

The renegade ambled forward, giving the tall, dark haired woman a look of veiled amusement. "How? She didn't spot you, that's for sure."

Xena shook her head, then pushed them gently before her, towards the entrance. "G'wan… " She followed them inside, stopping short to avoid crashing into them when they paused just inside the door. "Look who I found outside." She remarked, pushing past them roughly and heading for the table Cait was lying on.

Ephiny got up, her face a cross between relief and anger. "Where in Hades have you been."

Paladia saw a spat coming, and deftly avoided it, moving quietly over to where Gabrielle was still cradling Cait's head in lap. "What happened to her?" The ex renegade asked, in a small voice.

Xena looked up, studying her face for a brief instant. "She got shot." Her fingers closed over the arrowhead, and held it up.

The tall, blond woman's eyebrows scrunched together, as she gazed down at Cait's pale face. "Those same guys?" She sat down on a box next to the table. "The village ones?"

"Yes." Gabrielle answered, stroking Cait's hair back gently. "We found her near the river."

A bit of silence fell, as Paladia considered that, and Xena continued cleaning the now cauterized wound. "She gonna be okay?" The ex renegade finally asked. "She doesn't look so good."

Xena sighed. "She lost a lot of blood…I dunno."

Paladia scowled. "Damn." She settled her chin on her fists and glowered. Then her eyes darted up to Gabrielle's. "She's the most annoying bitch I ever met, but she don’t deserve no arrow." She paused. "She's even more annoying than you are."

Bard and warrior exchanged quiet looks. "We understand." The both said, together. "Listen.. " Xena picked up her kit, and cast an eye towards Eponin and Ephiny, who were standing near the entrance in heated, if whispered debate. "Lemme go… "

"Xena." Ephiny called over, her hands settling on her hips. "We've got trouble."

Gabrielle turned her head in surprise. "Like.. we didn't before?" She queried, with a puzzled frown.

"Arella's in charge of that raiding group." The regent replied. "That's how she got in.. she had the passwords to the outer guardposts."

The warrior exhaled, a quiet, dark mask settling on her angular features. "That… makes more sense." She allowed. "Pony, come over here and let me get that cut."

"Nah.. it's just a scratch." The weapons master waved her off, as she crossed the room and dropped down on to a dusty box.

Xena looked at her dourly.

"Annoying, isn't it?" Gabrielle had let Cait's head down onto the folded blanket she'd found, and crossed to her partner. She patted the warrior on the arm. "Remember that, okay?" She walked over to where Ephiny was still standing, and regarded her. "So.. we need a plan."

Ephiny chewed her lip. "Yeah… that bitch.. I shoulda… " She let the thought trail off. "Damn… I couldn’t sworn things had turned around for her." She looked up at Gabrielle. "I'm gonna rip her apart for the simple reason that I was damn well looking forward to tonight, you know that?"

The bard rubbed her arm gently. "Yeah.. me too." She admitted softly. "But.. we'll get this taken care of.. then have a really big party to celebrate, okay?" She turned, to see her partner grimly cleaning off Pony's 'scratch' despite the older Amazon's vocal complaints. "Pony, hush." She could see the grousing was getting on Xena's last nerve, and her partner was already edgy from the cavern, and the fighting and.. She watched Xena's jaw muscles working, and let out a sigh. "Eph.. you got any.. oh.. herbs… food.. stuff like that here?"

The regent rubbed her forehead. "Um…. " She hesitated. "I don't usually keep track of this… but… I think, yeah." She moved off towards a set of boxes. "If you wanna give me a hand with those.. we got dried fruits and meat… and a bunch of stuff like that." They dragged the box down, and opened it, and the bard dug into its contents judiciously.

"Hmm.. " She pulled out a wrapped package that smelled like venison, then a few that had a milder, fruitier scent and handed them to Ephiny. "Hang onto these.. " She dug further, and came up with several packets of herbs. "Hmm.. good.. yeah, this one Xena uses for fever, we might need that and.. ah." She retrieved the two powdered herbs she was looking for and mixed them in her hand, then disappeared back into the darkness of the cavern.

Ephiny scratched her head in puzzlement, then her face cleared. "Oh." She chuckled quietly. "Yeah.. I forgot what that's like." She carried the packages back and sat down on the box next to Eponin, putting them down next to her. "I guess we should get a bite to eat, and a breather, then decide what to do, right?"

Xena didn't answer for a moment, but Ephiny could see her throat working. Finally the warrior leaned on her knee, and looked up. "Yeah." She agreed, then paused. "This changes things… she'll know the village.. know how things work." Another pause. "If we go there tonight, we run the risk of stumbling into a trap.. I don't like it." She looked up as Gabrielle put a hand on her shoulder, and offered her a cup. "Thanks." She caught the sharp scent and took a sip with a feeling of utter relief.

Ephiny's brow creased, but she made no comment about that. "Okay… so .. you're saying we do nothing?" She stood and paced. "I don’t know if I can do that, Xena. I have a lot of friends in there, and most of them will be targets of hers."

"It won't do us any good to get caught." Gabrielle reasoned, her hands resting lightly on her soulmate's shoulders. "That gives them more ammunition.. and if they know we're out here somewhere, it'll throw their plans off." She bent her head. "Right?" She muttered softly.

Xena gave her a tiny grin. "Right." She raised her head, as the nausea subsided at last. "They'll be nervous tonight… expecting something. If we make them wait, they'll maybe think nothing's gonna happen.. they'll relax a little." She gazed at them. "We'll go at first light, and scout around.. then decide what to do."

It was as though a subtle shift had happened, though Gabrielle had seen it many times. Xena simply, unconsciously, took command as though it were the most natural thing in the world. Which, she reflected, it was.. though both Eponin and Ephiny were skilled, veteran warriors, it was obvious that Xena expected them to follow her lead. It was equally obvious that the two Amazons seriously disagreed with this course of action.

"That makes sense to me." The bard stated firmly, casting her vote, though she knew the other women expected no less of her. And it did make sense, in the cool, studied, practical mind working just under her fingertips, which were stroking the dark hair. "We have to be careful, Eph.. they're all depending on us." She added softly. "If anything happens… there's no one else to help them."

And, as always, Gabrielle found the right words. The regent's shoulders slumped, and she rubbed her eyes. "I know… " She exhaled explosively. "I just hate knowing she's in there, with those bastards… damn it, Gabrielle, that's my home."

"We'll get it back." Xena spoke quietly.

An uncomfortable silence fell, until finally, Ephiny nodded. "All right." She muttered. "Gods.. I don't know how I'm gonna last the night though."

Gabrielle's brow creased, and she glanced at the silent Eponin, the white bandage stark on her tanned skin. The various strained emotions in the cavern troubled her, and she cast around for a way to ease them. "If someone wants to help me a get a few sticks.. I'll make a fire, and heat us up some tea… soup.. how about it?"

Xena leaned against her for a moment, then straightened up, and got to her feet. "You.." She pointed at the bard. "Stay here.. I'll go get some wood." Impulsively, she pulled Gabrielle's head towards her and kissed it, the ruffled her hair affectionately as she ducked her lips close to the bard's ear. "Get em to loosen up a bit, huh?"

"See what I can do." The bard replied, with a bemused sigh.

The warrior crossed the shadowy chamber, and dropped to a knee, studying Cait's pale face. She touched her skin, then shook her head a little, and tucked the blanket Gabrielle had put over her more closely around her arms.

Paladia was seated in the same place, her elbows resting on her knees, just watching. She blinked at Xena. "She likes you."

Pale blue eyes flickered up and met hers. "She's a good kid."

"She's a little cracked, y'know." The renegade commented. "Or is that just how ya grow them out in Fishyplace.. or wherever it is you're from?"

"Amphipolis." The warrior corrected, flatly, then her brows lifted slightly. "Look… you take that water, see? If she wakes up, try and get her to drink it."

"Me?" Paladia snorted. "Not likely."

Xena merely waited in silence.

"I ain't no healer."

Steady, intense blue gaze.

"Aw, crap." Paladia sighed in disgust. "Yeah, okay, fine."

Xena smiled at her. "Good." She picked up the smaller basin, which had a piece of linen soaking in it. "Here.. take this too. " She watched as the woman took the bowl in pure reflex. "Wipe her head off if she starts sweating."

"B.. wh… " Paladia spluttered. "Waitaminute."

The warrior stood up, and shook herself. "Be right back… " She glanced down as Ares joined her, rubbing against her legs. "You come with me, boy?" She winced as the wolf dropped a still damp bundle on her boot. "Oh.. gods." She lifted it, shaking it out, and peering at it uncertainly. "Pony.. I think this is yours." She tossed the sodden leather at her. "From the race."

Eponin glanced at it, then let it drop. "Yeah." She replied quietly. "Thanks."

Xena gave her a look, then headed out the door, first exchanging glances with Gabrielle.

"Hurry back." The bard advised, them mouthed. "Please?"

They ate in a uneasy quiet, after Gabrielle successfully managed to dig up a small pot and throw together a collection of odds and ends into some kind of soup. The hot food seemed to help, even with her grumpy soulmate who found a spot near the outer wall by the fire and settled back against the stone, cradling her cup in both hands.

Ephiny and Eponin had traded several rounds of sniping, and had finally settled on a tense silence, as they picked separate crates to sit on.

Gabrielle decided she'd just about had it. "What in Hades is wrong with you people?" She put her hands on her hips and let her mist green eyes pin each one of them. "It's like you all have red ants in your leathers. Isn't what happened bad enough without us all glaring at each other?"

"Gabrielle.. it's been a rough day.. "Ephiny protested wearily.

"Yeah…been there, done that." The bard responded instantly. "And let me tell you, it makes it a whole lot easier if you have a friendly face to look in the bad times." Out of the corner of her eye, she caught the swiftly hidden look of hurt on her partner's face. "I should know." She amended.

"How?" Pony asked, her voice laden with sarcasm. "Don't tell me you mean her."

"Look, cut it the Hades out." Ephiny snapped at her. "That's what started this whole damn mess, you and your never-ending crap with her. Enough already."

"I didn't do a damn thing!" Pony responded angrily. "I'm not the one.. "

"Hold it." The low voice rolled over them, dark with menace, so vibrant it echoed off the walls. "Everybody shut up."

In the silence that followed, they could hear the faint trickle of the water in the back of the cavern, and a rattle of a pebble falling.

Xena stood, rising to her full height and letting her imposing presence make its usual impact. Damn it, here I go again. I tell everybody to shut up, now I've gotta figure out what to say next. "Look." She consciously gentled her voice a little. "This is a lousy situation.. and I know everyone's pissed off, but we shouldn’t take it out on each other."

Gabrielle's eyes widened, and she batted her lashes at her taller partner. Xena, doing the sensitive chat.. I gotta record this. She tried not to think about her diary in enemy hands.

Ephiny and Eponin exchanged glances, then looked at the warrior.

"So.. listen… I'm sorry I pulled your shirt off." Xena said, quietly.

Eponin blinked a few times. "Um… woulda been better if you'd just dumped me on my butt."

The warrior lifted one shoulder. "I really just honestly wasn't in the damn mood." She pronounced the words with careful exactness.

The Amazon's eyebrows knit together. "Yeah.. sorry I pushed you… but.. " She shifted a little. "You sick or something? You've been acting real weird."

Xena looked down at her boots, then peeked up at Gabrielle, who rubbed the side of her jaw. "Um.. " The bard pushed her hair behind one ear. "Actually.. she's fine.. it's me…I'm expecting."

Eponin looked at her in utter confusion. "Expecting what?"

Ephiny chuckled a little, and edged a bit closer to the dark haired Amazon. "She's pregnant, you goof."

Honey colored eyes went to her, then to Gabrielle, then back to her, then darted to Xena's face. "Buh." Paladia snorted softly from her position near the table, then she turned her attention back to Cait's still face. Eponin licked her lips. "Pregnant.. . as in.. like.. a baby?"

"Uh huh." Gabrielle assured her. "So… the whole thing's kinda throwing us both off, I think… we're kinda sharing stuff."

Eponin let out a breath, her angry mood evaporated. "Wow."

The bard smiled. "Yeah… wow."

Slowly, the weapons master turned her head. "You knew?" She asked Ephiny.

The regent nodded slightly. "Yeah… but I was sworn to secrecy." Hazel eyes flicked to Gabrielle's shadowy form. "Our friend here wanted to kick booty fair and square."

Eponin leaned back, and let her hands rest on her knees. "That's incredible… and you sure did kick some, too." She let a wry chuckle escape her lips. "You can't be much though… what.. a month?" Her eyes flicked to the bard's slim form.

Gabrielle laughed. "More or less… though I gotta tell you, Pony.. you're the first person who hasn't asked me who the father is."

The Amazon shrugged nonchalantly. "I assumed it was Xena."

The warrior lifted her hands and let them drop. "Ephiny, don't you go over the birds and bees with these people?" She put her hands on her hips and gave Eponin a look. "I am not equipped to be a father, all right?" She exclaimed, exasperated.

Eponin grinned. "Gotcha." She chuckled. "Nah.. actually.. Gran told me about the deal you cut.. I figured the rest out myself." She tilted her head. "No offense to your bro, Xena.. but I think you'll make a better father than he ever would."

Xena had seated herself again, and now she gave Eponin a faintly embarrassed grin. "Thanks."

Gabrielle sighed in relief, as she felt the tension in the chamber relax. She picked up her soup and walked over to her partner, settling down on the ground next to her and leaning against a convenient shoulder. Xena immediately switched her cup to her other hand, and slipped an arm behind her, pulling Gabrielle gently back against her chest.

"Mm." The hard ground faded out, as she let her body relax against the warrior's, and Xena's arm tightened around her waist. The long day was catching up with her despite her nap earlier, and it was nice just to sit quietly and gaze into the tiny fire and not think about what was going to happen tomorrow. She drank her soup, chewing on the bits of fruit and meat contentedly. "I can't believe she'd sell out her own people… that's really disappointing."

Ephiny shook her head, leaning back on the box behind her, and pulling her legs up to sit cross-legged. "I know… damn… I wonder what happened. I really thought she'd decided to just play it straight." She turned to Eponin, who was perched on the next box over. "Didn't you think?"

The weapons master studied her soup, then made a waggling gesture with one hand. "Yes and no… I thought she'd decided to behave, yeah.. but I always kinda thought it was for her own reasons." She took a sip. "And after Erika left her… I was glad you decided to send her to the outpost, thought maybe that would keep her mind off things."

Ephiny grunted. "Yeah… " She gazed at her cup, then glanced up. "This is great, Gabrielle.. thanks." She looked a touch sheepish. "Don't know how you do that.. you make odds and ends taste better than anything our kitchen puts out."

The bard laughed softly. "Practice." She ran a hand down Xena's thigh, tickling her skin gently. "I had to get pretty creative out there.. we didn't have a lot of variety." Her eyes flicked momentarily to her partner's face. "Poor Xena had to suffer through a lot of trial and error, unfortunately."

The warrior looked mildly back at her. "I never complained." She stuck her nose in her soup, and nibbled a piece of vegetable. "You wanna talk bland? You should see what an army comes up with for food." Her eyes were amused. "I got used to carrying spices just to cut the taste of it…half the time I'd just go out and hunt something down, to make sure I wasn't being poisoned by mistake." Or on purpose, her mind added, wryly.

"Oh.. so the fishing skills are self preservation." Gabrielle teased her, then looked back at the fire. "They certainly preserved me more than once… after dumb food disasters." She paused, then sighed. "I shouldn't have said that.. now I'm hungry for a fish."

They all chuckled, and Xena squeezed her middle. "Where'd you say that water was in the back?"

The bard half turned and shook a finger at her. "You are not going fishing, you hear me?"

Big blue eyes looked innocently back at her. "Did I say I was?" Xena drawled, lifting an eyebrow. "Maybe I wanna take a bath."

Gabrielle put a fingertip against the warrior's nose, her mist green eyes sparkling gently. "I know you." She watched Xena's face relax into a smile and returned it, letting her surroundings just sort of fade out for a minute. Then Ephiny cleared her throat, and Pony snorted, and the bard turned, poking her tongue out at them impudently as she settled back in her comfortable spot.

They finished up and Xena rose, reluctantly letting go of her soulmate, and went over to check Cait. Paladia watched her as she approached, summoning up a scowl. "Hasn't woken up."

The warrior dropped down onto one knee, and leaned against the table, gently checking the young Amazon's wound. "Damn."

"What does that mean?"

Xena ignored her. "C'mon, Cait… you're tougher than that, I know you are." She replaced the dressing over the ugly, red gash, then stood, drumming her fingers on one hip. "Lemme try… " She walked over to the box of herbs, and dug inside, riffling her fingers through them and selecting several. She touched the small leaves in the palm of her hand, then sighed. "Pretty dry."

"That's bad?" The ex renegade was watching her cautiously.

Xena grabbed a cup, and put the leaves inside it, taking the hilt of her dagger and crushing them thoroughly. "It's better if they're fresh." She explained absently. "More potent."

Paladia remained silent for a moment. "Any around here? Maybe… it's a full moon outside…" She stopped abruptly, as cool blue eyes turned to her in mild surprise. "Not that I care.. I was just asking."

A faint twinkle appeared. "Right." Xena nodded somberly, as she poured some of the hot water over the herbs and let them steep, swirling the cup rhythmically to combine them.

"Lemme see how this works." She muttered. "Listen… I need you to hold her up there.. so I can get this in her."

Paladia's eyes widened. "Uh… no.. I'm not good at that stuff."

Xena looked at her. "At what stuff? Just get over here." She put a trace of impatience in her voice. "Just get your hands under her shoulders." A pause. "Now."

The blond woman hesitated, then moved to the table, and awkwardly slipped her hands under Cait. "Now what?"

"Lift." Xena drawled. "I'm sure you know how to do that."

Colorless gray eyes glowered at her, but Paladia flexed her arms, wincing as her injured one protested. She raised the girl's head up, and watched as Xena perched on the edge of the table, and gently opened the unresisting Cait's mouth, slowly pouring some of the mixture in, then tipping her head back and touching a pressure point on her throat that triggered a swallow. She waited a moment, then repeated the process. "All right." She finally said, with a sigh. "You can let her down."

Paladia did so, pulling her hands back as though she'd been bitten. She peered down at the still face. "Didn't do nothing."

Xena waited, watching patiently, then nodded a little to herself as she saw a faint flush creep up the girl's neck. "Give it time." She stood up, and regarded the taller woman. "Talk to her."

"What????" Paladia's voice rose half an octave. "I don't got nothing to say to her.. she's the one who talks."

Xena shrugged. "All right, don't" She tucked the blanket back around Cait's shoulders. "I'll send Gabrielle over here to tell her a story, then.. she likes those long, romantic ones." She pretended not to see Paladia's wince.

She padded across the cavern, to where Gabrielle, along with Ephiny and Eponin was rummaging through boxes in search of weapons. "Find anything?"

Gabrielle held up a miniature crossbow. "Well… some Solstice toys." She tested the point of a tiny arrow gingerly. "Gee… you guys really believe in starting young, huh?" She handed the toy to Eponin, and dug further, coming up with masks, extra feathers, folded blankets, wrist shackles, tiny swords, three stuffed centaurs, and one lonely, mop haired doll. "What are these for?" She held up the shackles curiously.

Eponin stared off into space, and Ephiny cleared her throat. "Um… enemies." She replied. "You know.. to lock people up."

Gabrielle dangled one, which had tiny beads hanging from it, and was lined with fur. "Hmm." She gave Ephiny a look. "And here I thought the Amazons treated prisoners harshly." One finger lifted and flicked the beads.

"Well.. " Ephiny put her hands behind her back. "They're for.. um… long term confinement… you know, we don’t want to cause someone to get gangrene or something."

"Mmhmm." The bard put the handcuffs down and dug further. "Ah." She pulled out a set of chobos. "That’s more like it."

Eponin had busied herself with another box. "Got some real crossbows here." She muttered. "Oh ho… here you go, Xena… I bet you'd like this." She hauled out a coiled, leather whip, and tossed to the warrior, who examined it judiciously.

"Maybe." She uncoiled the dark length, and let it snake along the floor, then flicked her wrist and took the ceremonial dagger right out of Eponin's hands. "Not bad."

Gabrielle caught the end of the whip, and wrapped it around her partner, tying it off in front of her. "Stop that.. you're gonna hurt someone." She patted Xena's belly. "Be good."

A dark brow lifted wryly. "Yes, mother." She sighed. "I'm gonna go take a look around… make sure no one's out there. You all… " She paused. "Please… stay here."

The bard gave her a look. "Only if you promise not to be gone long."

Xena twirled her whip end. "Promise." She leaned over and kissed the bard's head. "Do me a favor… g'wan over and see if you can talk to Cait a little.. tell her a story or something, huh?"

The bard nodded. "Okay."

Xena left them digging, and ambled outside, glad to get out of the cavern and back into the fresh air She stood for a long moment, just savoring the cool breeze, and the smell of rain it brought to her. Good. She felt relieved. Rain was a good thing, it would keep the raiders close to camp, and discourage sniffing around.

The first spatters were, in fact, hitting her skin now, but she decided to continue her rounds, not wanting to leave anything to chance. She hopped up onto a rock, then vaulted up into the trees, jumping from branch to branch in relative silence. The rain, and its attendant wind covered her passing, and she made good time as she circled their campsite checking for the enemy. It was, she conceded, a particularly Amazon thing to do, but it sure beat plodding around in the mud, and it gave her an advantage over anyone on the ground. She balanced lightly on a long limb, considering, then walked to its edge, adjusting her balance as the branch bent under her weight. She reached the end, then let the springiness launch her forward.

Her hands caught a higher limb, and she pulled herself up, then sat down, letting her legs hang over and peering towards the ground.

A lookout post. Just a small shelter, with three men in it, huddled under a woven mat and more concerned with keeping dry than keeping watch. Xena considered killing them, then decided against it. Arella was an unknown wildcard.. she wasn’t going to take the chance that the renegade Amazon wouldn't kill a captive for each of her men she found dead.

After watching them in silence for a while, she stood up, and moved on, circling the village with expert skill and marking the placement of the guards carefully. It seemed quiet, though tense, and she left satisfied that the attackers would stay put until the morning, or better weather.

She made her way back, placing her boots carefully to keep from slipping on bark now slick with rain. It drenched her, soaking her leathers and plastering her hair to her back, but it felt good, and she paused, tilting her face back and letting the water lash against her face.

She opened her mouth and took a drink, enjoying the pure sweetness of it, then shook her head to clear the hair from her eyes, living the moment fully. Then she sighed, and padded on, leaping from the tree to a mound of boulders, the rough stone scraping against her hands as she thudded against it, pushing off and making her way around edge of the mound, to where a thick patch of forest blocked easy passage. The village was behind her, and she didn't see any sign of guards. Good. She was about to head back, when the wind carried to her ears a faint sound.

She stopped, freezing into stillness, and cocked her head, closing her eyes and extended her senses. The night sounds filtered in, an owl hunting, the rustling of a small animal foraging, the rain, the wind.. and the soft, chuckling sound that had alerted her. She sorted through her memories, trying to place it, and couldn't.

Intrigued, she hopped off her rocks, and began to ease her way through the thick brush, the wet leaves shedding their load of rain on her skin, and leaving behind a rich, green scent.

The sound got marginally louder, and she puzzled at it, as its pitch reminded her of a child, but had the wrong timber. The forest closed in around her, and she pushed on, sliding through a vine covered area that reached out hungry thorns to claim her, scraping lightly against her flesh. She silently hoped it wasn't poison ivy, and unwound it from her body, the mere thought causing an itching that she firmly put out of her mind.

The noise increased, and now she could hear other sounds with it, a low, ethereal rumble, and the faint, but unmistakable sound of a small fire. She sniffed, detecting wet wood burring, and the smell of meat cooking.

Some damn fool was camping there, she realized, cursing. She'd have to get them to move out of the area before they found themselves captured or worse.

As she closed in, the low rumbling resolved itself into words, and , her shocked senses realized, into a familiar voice. No… it can't be. She wriggled through the last wall of shrubs, and peered towards the meager light, her eyes blinking and adjusting, resolving the shadowy forms with a startled jolt. Damn, it is.

"Now… you gotta be careful, right?" The voice rumbled, addressing something on the ground. "It's important you don't let anyone sneak up on us, so you watch daddy." The large figure tiptoed around the fire, and peered under a huge hand into the darkness. "Always keep a good watch, okay?"

Xena grinned, as three sets of tiny, golden eyes followed him, snub noses wrinkling into smiles of delight. She eased forward, placing each boot with infinite caution.

"Now.. if you re good, like daddy is, nobody can surprise you, all right?" The rumbling voice went on, and the speaker padded around the fire in exaggerated steps. A tall, shadowy form on the other side of the fire watched in amusement. "You have to always listen.. are you listening?" He cupped a hand to one ear. "See? All you can hear is the birdies, and the little animals out there just living their harmless little lives."

Now Xena was almost directly behind him, and the shadows slipped over her skin as she crept up stealthily, watching tiny gold eyes follow her with interest. The watcher on the other side of the fire spotted her, and clamped a hand over a suddenly grinning mouth.

"No nasty people, no hungry beasties.. just nice, soft, fluffy.. yow!!!!!" The speaker yelped, and grabbed his rear end, which had just been pinched, He launched himself into the air and dove across the fire, ending up in a pile of dust. "Ares' left ball what in.. " His golden eyes focused. "Whoa! Xena!!!!" A smile revealed long, curved fangs. "Dip me like a sheep.. where did you come from??"

The warrior grinned at him. "Hello, Jess." She drawled, putting her hands on her hips. "So.. what kind of soft, fluffy animal am I?"

Elaini burst out laughing, and rolled off the log she was seated on.

The tall forest dweller, who was close to seven feet tall and covered with thick fur, bounced to his feet, and dusted himself off, shaking his head and ambling back across the campsite to enfold her in a big hug. "No kind." He growled softly in her ear. "You hadda do that in front of the kids, huh?"

The warrior extricated herself from his formidable grip. "You gonna introduce me?" A pause. "And what in Hades are you doing here?" She glanced over. "Hello, Elaini." The other forest dweller waved, still chuckling.

Jessan kneeled down, and scooped up the three little bundles. "Looking for you, to answer one question. " He pointed at the largest bundle, which revealed itself to be a sturdy looking fuzzball, with striking dark red fur. "This is Xena junior."

The warrior turned the color of the baby's fur, as the forest dweller cheerfully handed the tot over. She cradled her in the crook of one arm, as the baby peered up at her, in wide eyed fascination. Fur covered most of her body, save the tiny muzzle, and she waved a tiny, golden fist at the warrior. "Hi there." Xena chuckled.

"Boo!" The baby stated, robustly. "Aga!"

Jessan smiled. "She likes you."

Xena lifted a brow at him. "And you can tell this.. how?" She looked over at the other two fuzzballs, who were blinking back at her. "Jess.. they're adorable."

Her tall friend grinned, showing his canines. "Thanks." He looked up as Elaini crouched down next to them. "I think they look like her, she keeps telling me they look like my mother… it's this constant argument." He handed over the second tot. "This is little Gabrielle."

The warrior sat down cross-legged in the dirt, and put her namesake down in her lap while she greeted her smaller sibling, who had fur of a deeper gold, which reminded her of Jessan's, and large ears, which swiveled and gave the baby a very alert look. "Hello."

The baby's eyes grew round at her voice, and the ears twitched.

"Ooo.. she likes your voice. " Elaini laughed. "She loves music.. you should hear Jess singing her little songs at night."

Xena glanced up at the tall forest dweller, who blushed, his muzzle darkening. "Aww."

Jessan rolled his golden eyes. "Yeah yeah yeah… and this is little Warrin." He tickled his son's feet, and the baby kicked vigorously. Warrin had very dark fur, almost brown, as did Jessan's father. "Quite a bunch, huh?"

The warrior's gaze was focused on her two charges, and she missed the momentary look of apprehension on the forest dweller's face, as he let his eyes drift closed for a long moment. When they opened, a look of deep, profound relief covered his features. "Now.. what are you doing out here?" He touched her leg. "We were headed toward Amphipolis."

"Ah." Xena took a breath. "Well.. good thing I found you." She let little Gabrielle clutch her finger, and smiled as the baby tugged on it contentedly. "We were visiting the Amazons, and they.. well, to make along story short, their village got captured."

Elani and Jessan exchanged startled glances.

"So.. we're working on a plan to get it back." Xena continued. "We've gotta get you out of here, though.. they have patrols in the woods."

"Is.. " Jessan hesitated. "You said we?"

Xena looked up, a little startled. "Gabrielle, and a few of the Amazons.. we're squirreled away in a supply cave nearby." She studied his face. "You said you were looking for me… something up?"

An awkward silence fell, as Jessan toyed with the fur on his knee, then finally looked up. "We'd heard.. a lot of bad things."

The warrior's eyes dropped. "I see." She took a breath and met his eyes. "I'm sure the truth is worse than what you've heard."

An aching sadness filled his eyes, as he looked at her, and read the truth in her face. "Xena." A furred hand circled her wrist.

She took a moment to compose her thoughts, then exhaled. "We survived." It was, she knew, about the only answer she could give him. Give Jessan, who surely knew the length and the breadth of what it was that joined her and Gabrielle, and to whom the sundering they'd suffered would seem.. impossible.

Steady eyes of liquid gold that caught the fire's heart looked back at her. "I can See that." Jessan quietly replied. She has come through the fires of Hephastus… and it has tempered her. His mind felt a quiet relief from the awful clenching he'd felt since the stories had circulated. His parents had called his journey madness, but he had to see for himself.

Wennid, of course, had simply said she'd known all along their bond wasn't the same as that of their people. It made him quietly glad that he'd be able to go back to her and say, You were right mother. It's not the same. It's stronger.

He could See it. See the warm balance that surrounded her, and the fierce, white hot cord that bound her to Gabrielle that was now so strong, it rivaled anything he'd ever seen. "I'm glad… I can't tell you how much."

That got a faint smile from the warrior, who was being fairly mauled by her tiny namesake. The baby had managed to get a hold of her leathers, and was determinedly crawling up her damp body. "Hey… whatcha doing?" The baby gave her a scowl.

"I'll pack things up." Elaini hoisted herself up. "Be glad to be under cover tonight anyway.. my fur's growing mold. She shook herself, scattering droplets everywhere.

"Yeah… " Xena now gave her a real smile. "Besides.. I know Gabrielle's gonna love these three.. and I've got a patient back there I need to check on." A warmth crept over her, as she bounced the gurgling babies on her knee. She'd been wondering how she was going to tip the balance in their favor.. now she had her answer.

She almost, for an instant, felt bad for her enemies.

Paladia peered over towards the fire, where the two Amazons and Gabrielle were still rooting around in the endless boxes and crates, dragging out everything that looked like a weapon, and some things that Paladia was sure weren't She briefly considered going over to help them, then decided it was way too much like asking for trouble.

Instead, she returned her attention to Cait, whose breathing seemed to be strengthening a bit. "Hey." Paladia leaned forward. "Hey… wake up." She received no response, and scowled. "Hey.. come on… you gotta get up" She urged, hoping she could get a response before Gabrielle came over, and subjected her to one of those long, sappy, cheerful stories of hers.

Warily, the ex renegade eyed the three women, who had started to argue somewhat forcefully. "Oh gods.. there they go again.. hey.." She poked Cait's arm a little. "Listen.. you're missing stuff.. and you're gonna be madder than Hades if you don't wake up."

Cait stirred a little.

"C'mon.. c'mon… you love that gossip crap… you're missing some great stuff.. you missed them all apologizing to each other like a bunch of merchants in a wagon accident.. and ya missed the two big cheeses whupping up on each other…and you're missing lots of that sappy, goopy crap you like."

"S'not gpy." Came a very faint answer.

Paladia looked up in surprise, to see Cait's pale eyes half opened, peering fuzzily at her. "Oh..yeah.. great. You're awake." She muttered. "Bet you feel like crap."

Cait's throat worked as she swallowed with difficulty. "Uck."

The ex renegade gave her a doubtful look, then remembered Xena's orders. "Hey.. you want some water? I got some."

The girl breathed in and out a few times. "Yes."

Paladia brought the waterskin up, then realized there was no real way for Cait to drink from it in the position she was in. Aw, Hades. She scowled. "Look… you're gonna have to sit up for this."

Cait's eyes closed, and she shook her head weakly. "Can't."

A moment of hesitation. "Hurts bad, huh?"

A faint nod.

Well, she annoyed the crap out of everyone, but she wasn't a bad kid. "All right… um.. just hang on..lemme see if I can get you up here.. " She awkwardly scuttled forward, kneeling down on one knee and getting her good arm under Cait's shoulders and lifted her up a bit.

The pale gray eyes fluttered open in surprise, and they regarded each other. Paladia scowled, and thrust the waterskin forward. "Here… suck on this."

The girl did, until she dropped back, exhausted. Paladia hurriedly let her down, and drew back.

"Shhh." Gabrielle reached forward and grabbed Ephiny's leathers, tugging at them. "Don’t look like you're looking, but look over there."

Hazel eyes goggled at her. "Don't look like I'm looking but look? Gabrielle, you need to untie your bardic tongue." But she peeked over anyway, a blond eyebrow crawling up her forehead. "Centaur farts." She snorted softly. "Check that out."

Eponin turned her head slightly, and regarded the pair on the other side of the cavern. Paladia had an arm around the injured Cait, and was helping her to drink water. "I'll be an upside down duck in a mud puddle." The weapons master grunted. "Not sure what's going on with that… I expected her to take off like crazy after she got out of the village."

"Yeah." Ephiny's brows creased. "Not that I'm complaining.. " She gave Eponin a kinder look. "After all, she got you out of their clutches.. I owe her one." She gave Eponin a little pat on the arm. "But I'd have expected that too.. wonder what her game is."

Gabrielle eyed two across the cavern, then she looked at Ephiny and Eponin. Her eyes then searched the cavern roof as she shook her head in disgust. "Maybe she just decided to do the right thing." She offered, quietly, as they turned to look at her. "That happens sometimes, you know."

Eponin groaned, and gave the bard a wry look. "Gabrielle… I love ya, but you really go overboard on the romantic stuff sometimes, y'know?"

The bard smiled quietly. "Maybe… but it makes me smile a lot more when I look out at the world." She watched Paladia let Cait down, and draw back, and grinned in gentle memory.

She hadn't meant to fall out of that tree. It had been an accident, when she'd tried to struggle up into its branches to retrieve some nuts, while Xena was out somewhere hunting or whatever it was she did. She had almost made it down.. one last branch, but then her foot had slipped, and she'd felt herself falling, then pain and darkness blocked everything else out.

She'd woken, head pounding, and disoriented to see darkness overhead instead of the fading sunset she'd remembered, and heard the licks of the fire nearby. Her eyes had only roamed for an instant before a dark, shadowy form loomed over her.

"What in Hades did you think you were doing?" Xena had asked, her voice angry.

The bard had swallowed. "N.. no..nothing.. I… just some nuts.. didn't mean.. " She'd felt so stupid, and so young.. it had only been a month since she'd convinced the warrior to let her travel along with her, and now this. "Xena.. I.. "

A low thump, as the taller woman dropped to a knee beside her, and picked up a waterskin. "Never mind." She'd said brusquely. "Just drink this."

And Gabrielle had tried, miserable and embarrassed, she'd hitched herself up on one elbow, then folded over with a groan as a wave of dizziness and nausea had overwhelmed her.

Xena had cursed softly, then leaned close and lifted her up, supporting her as she drank thirstily from the waterskin. The warrior's arm had felt very strong, and warmer than she expected as it curled around her back, and she'd taken comfort from that, as her head slowly stopped pounding. "Thanks." She'd rasped softly as Xena let her back down onto her back. Then she felt around her, pulling at the pouch she'd slung from her back until it came loose. She pushed it into the warrior's hand. "Here… I know you like them… wanted to surprise you."

She'd let her eyes close then, but not until she saw the look of awkward surprise on Xena's angular face, as she peered inside the pouch to see the nuts nestled inside.

"Wasn't worth you breaking your head open for, Gabrielle." The warrior had replied, a touch exasperatedly.

Gabrielle managed to get one eye open, though, enough to see the warm glow of the fire reflect off a tiny, somewhat puzzled smile as Xena selected a nut and inspected it.

Yes it was, Xena. She mused, looking back from three years worth of perspective. Every little, tiny, itty bitty fraction of progress with you was worth it.

Now she sighed and went back to her rummaging, pulling out several layers of soft, wooly padding. "We can put this under Cait.. I bet that table's uncomfortable." She stopped speaking, as she felt a familiar presence, and looked up in time to see her soulmate's dark head peek in. "Hey."

Xena smiled, "Busy woods." She slipped into the cavern, and turned, motioning with her head. "Found some friends."

Jessan poked his head into the torchlit room, squeezing through the opening hardly large enough for his big body.

"Jess!" Gabrielle dropped the padding and headed for him.

"Hey.. fuzzy!" Eponin chuckled, folding her arms across her chest.

Jessan peered at them, shading his eyes with one fur covered hand. "Hey.. you're not blue anymore. How cool is that?" He grinned and scooped up Gabrielle as she reached him, then simply carried the bard further inside. "C'mon in guys."

Elaini eased inside, ducking her head to clear the entrance, and shifting the pack on her shoulders that held her three children.

"Oooo… " Gabrielle gurgled, spotting them. "Hi Elaini." She grinned at the forest dweller who grinned back. "They're soooooo cute."

They moved further into the room, and set their stuff to one side, then Elaini obligingly swung her pack down and introduced the Amazons and Gabrielle to the three fuzzballs who were now clamoring for attention. Their tiny, growling, mewling voices echoed faintly around the chamber, and soon they were gathered around the fire, trading news.

Xena watched them for a moment, then crossed over to where Cait was lying, giving Paladia a brief nod. The ex renegade was staring at Jessan and Elaini in startlement, and she jerked her head towards the warrior as Xena knelt at the young Amazon's side. "What are they?"

Cool blue eyes glanced briefly at her. "People." She paused. "Friends."

Paladia absorbed this. "Same kind as we had in the mountain?"

"Different tribe, but yeah." Xena replied, checking the wound on Cait's chest.

"She woke up." The ex renegade hasten to assure her. "Drank."

Xena nodded, pleased. "Good." She spared the tall blond a grudging smile. "She's fighter.. I think she'll be okay." She laid a hand on Cait's forehead, and the girl's eyes fluttered open again, spotting her favorite hero, and resulting in a weak smile.

The warrior smiled back. "Now I really gotta teach you to catch arrows, huh?" She glanced over at Paladia. "You just relax now."

Xena watched the group around the fire for a moment, then she walked idly over to the crates, pawing among the contents until she found a square of linen, which she used to dry herself with. Gabrielle was relating a story, and she smiled a little, as her soulmate used her hands to good advantage. She examined the weapons her friends had found, picking up the tiny toy crossbow and turning it over in her hands curiously. She triggered the miniature mechanism, and was startled when the bitty bolt traveled across the chamber and lodged itself in Ephiny's curly hair. The regent slapped her head, and felt the item, and she pulled it out to examine it as she turned and spotted Xena. Whoops. She bit back a grin.

"Xena." Ephiny gave her a look.

"Sorry." The warrior held up the toy. "Didn't know it was loaded."

Gabrielle laughed, and stood up. "As much fun as this is, I think we'd better get some rest. Tomorrow's gonna be a tough day." She stretched, and walked to the boxes, lifting up a earthenware vessel. "I'll get some water.. I think we're almost out."

Xena reached for the jug. "I'll get it."

She tried to tug the water vessel from the bard's fingers, but Gabrielle firmly held onto it, remembering the close, dark opening she'd had to squeeze through to get to the small pool. "I can do this.. you want to find us something to lay down on?"

A quiet look, with one brow cocked. "All right."

Jessan padded over. "Can I go with you, Gabrielle?" He held up a decorated water skin, and grinned as she nodded.

They made their way through the back corridor, an irregular break in the mountain that opened and closed around them, making Jessan scrape his broad shoulders against the stone with a few muttered curses. They squeezed through the final opening and Gabrielle sighed, as she perched on the edge of the water source, a break in the rock that allowed a soft, chuckling trickle of cold water to burble down into a natural basin, then drain off further down into the stone. "Jess.. it's great to see you… Xena said you were headed to Amphipolis?" She pushed her hair back, and peered up at her tall friend.

The forest dweller settled next to her, uncapping his waterskin and dipping it in the liquid to fill. "Yeah." He paused, awkwardly. "I.. we were worried about you."

Mist green eyes, honey toned in the torchlight regarded him. "Oh." How long am I going to have to keep bumping into friends and having to… Her shoulders slumped a little. Having to relive that again.

Jessan put a warm hand on her arm. "I should have known better… it's so good to see you both." He added gently. Now, he knew, wasn't the time to talk about everything. They'd have time for that after the crisis was over.

Gabrielle drew in a breath, and straightened, giving him a quiet smile. "Thanks… it's good to see you too." She paused. "It's been… really tough… and we've been through a lot, but.. " She reached up and touched her necklace. "It kept us going."

Jessan smiled. " I know." He closed his eyes and Saw her, then popped them open again in surprise. Ares… she's with child… I wonder if…"Um…" He chewed his lip, making his fangs poke through almost comically. "So… how are you feeling?" He queried brightly.

A soft chuckle. "I feel great, thanks, and you?" Gabrielle's eyes twinkled softly, wondering if he could tell she was pregnant, then deciding he probably could, from the way he was acting. "Why?"

"Um.. well.. I… " He waved a furred hand. "Just asking.. nothing.. really.. I …um, Gabrielle?"

"Yes, Jessan?" The bard replied, innocently.

"So.. you.. uh.. like my kids?" Golden eyes blinked ingeniously at her.

"Love em." Gabrielle assured him. "They're adorable… though it so weird to hear you call them by our names." She kept him on pins and needles, obviously trying to find another way to ask her, then she relented, and laughed gently. "I hope I get as lucky." She patted her stomach with a grin. "Though not with so many." A rueful chuckled followed.

He wiped his brow. "Gosh." His rounded jaw worked a few times. "I was hoping you knew."

That got a laugh from the bard. "Oh yeah… in fact, we got clued in by those stories you were telling at Solstice. " She relaxed, content to postpone discussing the recent past. "Xena started having symptoms pretty much before I did."

Jessan's furry face went blank, then puzzled. "What do you mean?" He asked, carefully.

Gabrielle looked at him. "The shared stuff… you know." Her head cocked in question. "She's getting the nausea.. and the cravings.. I get mostly the sleepi… Jessan, what's wrong?"

The forest dweller sat down and put his hands on her shoulders. "You're telling me Xena's sharing your pregnancy." His voice was incredulous.

She shrugged. "Well… yeah… I mean, that's what happened with you…. You told me that happens with people who are… well, you know.. like we are."

Jessan took in a breath. "Well.. yes." He finally replied, after hesitating for a bit. "But… um… only when the two lifebonds are the parents of the child… and I… " He lifted his shaggy brows. "I suppose it could be different for you.. I mean.. obviously it is.. I guess I … Gabrielle?"

The bard was staring at him intently. "Are you telling me.. when you have two people like us who aren't both the parents, that doesn't happen?" Her voice was soft, and careful.

Jessan looked confused. "Well.. yeah.. but that's us, Gabrielle… you're not… I mean… I guess it's just different for you."

Gabrielle got up, and faced away from him, hugging herself in gentle wonder. "Yeah." A timid smile crept onto her face. "Jess.. don't mention that to Xena, okay?"

"But.. " The forest dweller looked sadly at sea. "Gabrielle… "

She turned, and put her fingers against his lips. "It's all right." She gave him a reassuring smile. "I'll tell her."

Jessan held up a hand. "Okay.. okay.. but… um.. Gabrielle, you… I mean, unless Xena's a LOT more remarkable than I think she is.. and that's possible of course… then.. uh… "

"I know." The bard chuckled. "And no.. Toris is the father."

"Ohhhhh… " The furry shoulders relaxed. "Okay… well.. that… yeah, that makes sense."

A cocked head. "It explains the symptoms?"

"Uh… no." Jessan shook his head. "But it makes sense that's who it is.. I mean… "

Gabrielle nodded. "I get it." She picked up her jar, anxious to get back. "Come on… before they send a search party after us." Xena, I hope you found us a little private corner of rock… She hastened ahead of the forest dweller, her dark mood completely evaporated.

Continued in Part 6

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

Specific Story Disclaimers:

Violence –Well… this is a more or less violence lite story. Now.. you've got Xena in it, and Amazons, and Gabrielle with that staff.. so it's not all sweetness and light, but no one gets their heads cut off in this one. (Sorry MaryD)

Subtext - Do I really still have to disclaimer subtext? Someone asked me if I thought Xena: Warrior Princess was a romantic show. My answer was, when a show has one main character state in no uncertain terms to the other main character that she would rather die at her side than live without her, that show cannot be defined as anything less than a romantic tale. Yeah, there's subtext.. maintext… under the table text.. whatever you wanna call it.

This is, of course, PG13 level involvement here, no more. That never changes.. for those of you who are waiting for me to stick in a rip roaring, no holds barred graphic orgy scene, make sure you have plenty of coffee and doughnuts handy. And a comfortable chair.

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

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

mailto:merwolf@bellsouth.net

Festival - Part 6

By Melissa Good

Low voices echoed gently against the stone as they made their way back into the main chamber. Gabrielle spotted her soulmate leaning against the wall, arms crossed as she spoke with Eponin and Ephiny. Elaini had settled down in a small curve of the outer rock wall, her furs spread around her, and the three tiny bundles tucked near the head of them. The bard left her tall friend to go towards his family, and continued on her way, pausing to grab up a handful of dried fruit bits as she passed the box they'd dug the dinner supplies out of.

Across the cavern, a disgruntled looking Paladia had claimed a thick blanket, and was sprawled on a box next to the table Cait was resting on. The bard noticed that a clean, soft layer of cloth was now lining the table, and its ends were tucked neatly around the young Amazon's sleeping body. She smiled to herself as the ex renegade popped an eye open, scanned her companion, and then closed it again with a wrinkle of her nose.

"Sounds like they took over the existing guardposts." Ephiny was saying as she came up next to them. "Bastards.. I can't believe they took us by surprise like that." She sounded disgusted. "Maybe she was right, in a way… what were we thinking?"

Xena shook her head. "Don't dig yourself a hole, Eph… you weren't expecting trouble, and she had the passwords… no reason for your sentries to suspect her until she clobbered them."

The regent didn't look mollified.

"They probably took advantage of Pony not being there." Gabrielle commented, bumping the dark haired Amazon gently. "And the festival…. Look, sometimes, things just happen." She laughed gently. "I should know, right?" She nibbled on a piece of dried apple. "Let's get some rest… tomorrow we'll figure out a plan to get everyone out safely."

Ephiny sighed and ran a hand through her curly blond hair. "Yeah… I just keep thinking of all those people in there."

Pony snorted softly. "Yeeeahh… they're probably sitting on their butts waiting for us to rescue them." She gave Ephiny a knowing look. "Taking bets on how long it's gonna take."

The regent's lips quirked in acknowledgment. "All right… so I'm being a broody hen." She glanced at them. "After all.. they've got.. what… fifty, sixty guys? Boy are they in trouble." She backhanded Xena in the belly. "Leave some for me, huh?" She edged past them and went over to a gap between the crates, where Pony had stuffed some of the thick packing to make a little nest. The weapons master followed her silently, and as they sat down together, fair head and dark bent together in quiet conversation.

Apologies, I guess.. Xena chuckled, then looked at Gabrielle, her brows inching up. "Shall we?" She gestured towards a shadowy bend in the cavern wall, which hid a pile of colorful woven blankets she'd scavenged and built into a comfortable place to lay down.

With a wolf curled up in the exact center of them. Ares looked up as they approached, and lifted his head, poking his pink tongue at them and stretching in complete comfort. "Hey!" Xena put her hands on her hips and mock glared at him.

"Roo?" He snuffled at her boots.

Gabrielle laughed, and dropped down next to him, rubbing his head affectionately. "Did you steal mommy's bed, huh?" He rolled over and presented his belly, which she scratched thoroughly.

Xena slid down the wall, and curled up on her side, letting her head rest against one propped fist. "Sure…sure…side with him, huh? I see where I stand."

A green eye winked at her. "You're lying down." The bard dryly reminded her, sighing. "Gods, Xena… it's killing me to know those guys have our stuff… my diary." Her face tensed into a profound wince.

The warrior put a finger on her nose. "My armor." She reminded her partner. "And the chakram."

"Eek." Gabrielle covered her eyes. "I hope they don't try to use it. That could get messy."

"Save us some trouble." Xena muttered. "Hope they've got the sense to leave Argo alone." The battle trained mare wouldn't put up with a strangers hand, and she was well able to protect herself with sharp teeth, and dangerous hooves.

"She'll be all right." The bard soothed her, gently. "Do you have a plan yet?"

Xena waggled her hand. "Gotta see what the situation is in the light… frontal assault's out.. they've got too many hostages. Same thing for picking them off one at a time.. I don't want her to start tossing bodies outside of the gate." She saw the flinch. "Sorry."

"No no… you're right." Gabrielle murmured. "So you have to outsmart them."

The warrior hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah.. more or less."

The bard shrugged. "Well, I can sleep in peace, then." She regarded her partner quietly. "When you do, I think it's not going to be a case of will the Amazons accept you, love." A smile creased her face. "It'll be more like, will you honor them by joining the Nation?"

"Gabrielle… " Xena rubbed her eyes. "It's not about that… this is a group effort. I'm not… " She stopped. "Not… "

The bard was just looking at her, a knowing smile on her face.

Not the key to this? Don't be idiotic, Xena. She wryly mocked herself. Of course you are. "I guess this means I don't have to have a fistfight with Pony then, huh?" She muttered. "Figures you guys would take out the only fun part of it."

"Tch… have pity on the poor thing, Xe… she gets clobbered, and captured, then has to live with Paladia rescuing her, then you surprise the leathers off her and now she and Eph are in a spat. Be nice." Then she gently nudged Ares to one side, ignoring his grumbling growl, and curled up against the taller woman with a sense of deep content. Xena let her arms close around the bard, and Gabrielle just lay there for a long moment, enjoying the warm, loving sensation.

From that safety, she finally relaxed, and allowed herself to think about what Jessan had told her.

From his view, they were just… different.

That might be true, Gabrielle mused. But then, it might not. She knew what the odds were. She knew the realities of life, and after all, it had been her choice to go with Toris. But…..

But.

Today, for the first time really, she'd started to feel a little tiny bit different. It wasn't much, just a sensation in her gut of… well, of a kind of full feeling. A little like what it felt like just before her cycles started, but without the edginess that usually plagued her around that time. Half the time she thought she was just imagining it, and then the other half of the time she was so sure….

"Dinar for your thoughts?" A low, vibrant voice tickled her ears.

Gabrielle reluctantly let her eyes slide open. "Hmm… lemme see the dinar." She teased. "Can't be too careful with you ruthless warlord types."

Xena smiled at her, glad of the moments of peace after a long, frustrating, anxious day. "Oh.. you know we're always after you gullible young village girls." Her voice was warm with affection.

"Mm." Gabrielle snuggled closer, with a smile. She let out a breath, thinking. Should she tell Xena her thoughts? Or would the warrior just… Gods, she didn't want Xena to think she had an obsession about the subject, and her partner had been visibly discomfited by her expressed wish about Xena's role in the existence of her.. of their child. But….

But. Tomorrow they'd go into danger, again, and she'd sworn to herself that she'd never hold back again, never keep her thoughts silent, waiting for a 'good time' to air them, when their lives were filled with so many stretches of 'bad times.' She nodded a little to herself, and let her fingers roam idly over the strong body she was cuddled against. "It's nice to see Jess." She started, ordering her thoughts.

"Hmm? Oh… " Xena pulled her attention back from it's wandering and rested her cheek against the bard's hair. "Sure is.. I couldn't believe it when I found them… " She hesitated. "Nice of him to think of us. "She went on quietly.

"Yeah… " Gabrielle agreed, twining her fingers with her soulmate. "You know.. he figured out I was pregnant before I told him… he was so cute about it." She felt the soft vibration against her as Xena chuckled. "I was telling him about us sharing stuff."

"Oh… I bet he laughed.. I remember the stories he told at Solstice." The warrior commented, with a smile.

The bard paused, nibbling her lip. "Well… actually, he was surprised."

Xena was silent for a long moment. "He was?" Her voice was puzzled. "I don't… "

Gabrielle turned over, and looked up at her, drinking in the way the faint light from the fire slid over her skin. "Yeah… he was, because.. with them… that doesn't always happen."

Intelligent blue eyes studied her. "Really?"

The bard lifted a hand, tracing the familiar planes of her face, and enjoying the moment. "No.. it.. apparently only happens when…they're both the child's parents."

Xena went quite still, only tiny movements of her eyes disturbed her bearing, as she looked down at Gabrielle, her breathing suddenly unsteady. "W…what?" She stammered softly. "B.. Gabrielle, that's just not… "

A gentle exhale warmed the warrior's skin. "I know." Gabrielle acknowledged. "But you…. I was thinking, Xena… you know, I do that sometimes, just sort of sit down, and try to puzzle things out, make sense of stuff.. kinda like you do, only I… "

Xena's hand very gently cupped her cheek, a quiet look of grief on her face. "Gabrielle… I know how much you want this… but I… " She let the words fade to nothing.

"Xena.. answer me this one question." Gabrielle whispered. "Just answer me this.. if Dahok… could use the pure essence of evil to… create.. a child within me… " She made Xena's blue eyes her entire world, and let her heart reach out across the small distance between them. "Then why couldn't the strength of our love do the same thing?" Her voice had dropped to a pleading whisper. "Evil isn't stronger than good, is it?"

The warrior blinked at her, truly stunned.

And as the moments lingered on in a silence that held possibilities unlooked for, Xena knew that for her, for them, there was only one answer to that question.

Ever.

"N… no it isn't." She heard herself say hoarsely.

Gabrielle's eyes seemed to light from within. "Than… anything's possible, isn't it?"

Was it? Xena was suddenly conscious of her own breathing, the air rushing in and out of her lungs in an almost palpable stream. She was a practical person, and had always maintained that the only thing a person could depend on, really, was their own abilities. Accepting what Gabrielle was saying meant deliberately letting go of that, and admitting the possibility that there were things out there she had no control over.

Things she just had to take on faith. And her logical mind, disregarding that, placed the inevitable evidence before her, built on the knowledge of just how unlikely it was that her partner's one meeting with her brother, so close to her cycles, could have resulted in her condition.

And, unable to stop herself, felt in her heart the wonder and magic of a certain night. In a certain tree, when she'd experienced a connection with Gabrielle so profound, it took her breath away remembering it.

Was anything possible, the bard asked? She could have made the argument that Dahok wasn't mortal.

But then that opened areas neither of them had ever brought up, regarding what, exactly, mortal was, in relation to the things they'd lived through. In relation to areas of herself she usually preferred not to think about.

Was anything possible?

"I guess it is." She murmured, in a wondering tone. They would never know, one way or the other, but did it hurt to let Gabrielle believe? To indulge her own wistful wishes? She tried the idea on for size, and felt a quiet happiness fill her. No. It didn't hurt at all.

"It feels good, doesn't it?" Gabrielle's fingertips caressed her cheek. "Just thinking that?"

Xena leaned into the contact, and nodded in silence, as a smile slowly crept across her face.

Their foreheads touched, and they breathed each other's air in a contented silence.

"Just between us, okay?" Gabrielle brushed her lips against her partner's. "It gets too complicated otherwise."

Complicated. Xena almost started laughing, at her soulmate's understatement. "Oh yeah." She returned the kiss, not caring that they were on the hard, rock floor of a dusty cavern, in the middle of a besieged Amazon territory.

Tomorrow was soon enough to worry about that. Right now, there were candlemarks before dawn to be spent in silent, joyous wonder, and she wasn't going to waste a moment of it.

The barest embers were feebly glowing, casting only the tiniest bit of light across the floor. Outside, it was still dark, in the quiet stillness of the hour just before dawn. Even the crickets were sleeping, dew beading neatly on their hard green backs and trickling down to the thick, tough grass they rested on.

Ares was lying curled up on the blankets the Leader had put there, his back pressed against Xena's knees as the warrior curled on her side with Gabrielle wrapped firmly in her arms. Both women were sleeping, but the wolf wasn't. His ears twitched, then twitched again, detecting a soft, scuffling noise.

Instantly, his head snapped up, yellow eyes widening, their color almost disappearing as the pupils dilated to suck in all available light. His nose lifted, sniffing delicately, and detecting the range of odd smells that circled the chamber.

Food, of course, the soup from last night that the Leader had given him a large portion of. The odd, musky scent of the big ones. The suspicious scents of the Amazons. The comforting and familiar smells of his pack.

The sound again, coming closer. Ares ears pricked. The scuffling hesitated, and he sniffed hard, but the draft was blowing over his back, and he could smell nothing but his family. A slither, hair against rock, and now his head lowered, and his ruff came up, along with the thin, dark lips on either side of his imposing canines.

He growled.

A tiny, fuzzy face popped up in front of him, and growled back, it's fangs glinting.

Two natural carnivores stared at each other

Ares yelped, and scrambled back, colliding with Xena's body, and getting half squished as the big warrior reacted in half dazed instinct, one hand reaching for her sword as she rolled up onto her knees, and crouched, her senses casting about for an enemy.

Their adversary giggled.

Xena let her sword drop back down and glared at the cowering wolf. "Damn, Ares!" She looked down as a sleepy Gabrielle poked her head under the warrior's arm and peered into the gloom.

"Oooo.. " She crawled forward, and laid down on her belly. "Hello there…" She wiggled a finger in the baby's direction, and the tot grabbed it, holding on with surprising strength. "I think this is your little namesake, Xena." The bard giggled.

Xena collapsed back onto the blankets, and rolled over onto her back, letting her sword rest on the rock floor. "Great." She muffled a yawn. "Good thing I looked before I swung, huh?"

"Tch." Gabrielle scolded her. "C'mere, honey." She picked up the infant and cuddled her close, tickling her belly with one finger. "Did you come over to wake us up?"

"Bck." The tot poked a tiny tongue out at her. "Poo!" She waved an arm at the glowering Ares, who was hiding behind Xena's legs.

"No..no..honey..he's not a poo, he's a wolf." Gabrielle chuckled. "You can't play with him.. he doesn't like it." She leaned closer to the baby. "He thinks he's soo tough." A tiny fist grabbed a handful of her pale hair and pulled. "Hey!" She swallowed a yelp.

Xena grinned, as she watched her beloved soulmate grimace, her fingers working at untangling herself. She sniffed lazily at the air gently blowing in from the entrance, and detected the heavy scent of rain on it. Oh well. She petted Ares with one idle hand. I like mud. "Hungry?"

Gabrielle gave her a wry look. "Nah." She rolled her eyes, as she got her hair free, and tickled the baby's nose with a lock of it. She sighed. "Of course I am….Xena, where are you going?"

The warrior had rolled up onto her feet, and stretched. "I, am going to go outside, and surprise some unsuspecting fish, which I intend on bringing back here for breakfast." She told the bard firmly. "Would you mind building the fire up a little, and shaking everyone else awake?"

Would I mind? Gabrielle was a little surprised at the phrasing. "Sure… but, gods, Xena.. it's raining out.. you don't have to go fishing.. we can find stuff in here." She stood carefully, still holding little Xena in her arms. "I'd feel a lot better if you'd just stay put.. we'll be out of here soon enough."

Xena regarded her in silence, then acquiesced with a nod. "All right." She agreed mildly. "Lemme hold her?" She held her arms out, and accepted the tiny bundle her somewhat startled soulmate handed over. "Hey…." She rocked the fuzzball, tickling her feet.

The baby giggled softly, clutching at her leathers. "C'mon, cutie… let me get you back over to you mother before she misses you, huh?" Xena gazed down at her, smiling at her wrinkled, snub nose and cute pink ears. She continued whispering at her as she ambled off towards the corner where the rest of her family waited, still asleep.

Gabrielle let out a breath she hardly realized she was holding, and shook her head in mild bemusement. Then a happy little grin crossed her face. She's gonna be such a great mother. The bard stretched, herself, then headed for the fire, detouring towards the nook Ephiny and Eponin had huddled down in. Quiet as she was, both women's eyes were open and blinking by the time she got there, and she smiled at them. "Morning."

Ephiny let her eyes slide half closed again. "Is it? Who can tell." But she yawned and stirred. "I don't remember you being a morning person, Gabrielle."

The bard chuckled. "I didn't used to be, no… but I've had a good influence on my lazy habits." She crouched down, and grinned at them. "It's still dark out.. but I know we need to get a jump on what's going on…wanna give me a hand scraping up breakfast?"

With a good natured grumble, they did.

The rain had slowed down, but not stopped as they readied themselves, the dull gloom outside hardly broken by the faintest of light from the coming dawn. Xena tightened the straps on her leathers, and waited, as the Amazons carefully loaded crossbows. Elaini ambled over to her and regarded her husband, who was bouncing on his feet nearby.

"Listen… I'll stay here and watch things… fighting in the mud isn't my idea of fun." A pause. "Unlike other people I know."

Jessan glanced around, his golden eyes taking on an innocently injured air. "Me?"

Xena chuckled. "All right… I changed Cait's dressing.. she could use some soup in her if you can wangle it." She looked up as Paladia turned up, her pale, straight hair half obscuring her eyes.

"Can I go?" The ex renegade asked bluntly, as Eponin and Ephiny reached them.

The two Amazons regarded her coolly, and their fingers tightened unconsciously on their weapons.

Paladia noticed, and turned her attention to Xena. "I can throw rocks."

The warrior considered the matter, quietly aware of the confident touch against her back, that warmed her skin even through her leathers. She'd caught the tall blond woman bringing fresh water to the injured Cait, without being asked, and the two of them had been in deep conversation for a long time, pale heads bent together, Paladia leaning over the table to hear the younger girls' weak voice.

"Sure." She decided, ignoring the sharp look she got from Eponin, listening to an inner voice instead. "Cait'll be jealous."

A quirk moved the woman's lips, but she remained silent.

Xena took a breath, and flexed her hands, her eyes falling on her soulmate as she turned towards the entrance. Gabrielle was carrying her staff, and had a quiet, serious look on her face. For a long instant, Xena wished she had the guts to order the bard to stay here, safe in the cave with the patient Elaini, and the children, but she decided not to waste her breath trying. "We ready?"

Gabrielle lifted a hand off her staff, and patted her partner's side. "Lead on, blue eyes." She gave her an affectionate look. "Onward into the mud." She half turned. "Ares, you stay here, okay? Take care of our friends?"

The wolf gave her an evil, frustrated look, but sat down, curling his tail around his paws in evident irritation.

Xena's face relaxed momentarily into a grin, then she eased out of the entrance, testing the wind with sensitive ears before she allowed the rest of the group to exit behind her. The cool rain hit her, but she ignored it, moving away from the rock face into the murky darkness. She was aware of Jessan close at her heels, and Gabrielle pacing along beside her, and a familiar shiver of anticipation lifted the hair on the back of her neck.

They moved through the forest, six silent forms that took advantage of the shadows, and they made good time until they reached the first outpost. Xena held a hand up, and they halted. "Stay here." She uttered softly, not whispering, Her voice sounded eerily like the rumble of thunder that was rolling overhead.

"No way." Several voices contradicted her firmly.

"Guys." Gabrielle interjected. "Do what she says." The bard sounded very serious. "This is dangerous, and you have to listen to Xena. Argue later." A lesson learned the hard way.

Obstinate silence answered her. The bard sighed inwardly. "First person who tries to follow is gonna get my staff up their butt." She warned, hearing the soft breath that was Xena's almost inaudible laughter.

A touch against her hair, a warm hand on the side of her face, then the warrior was gone, disappearing into the mist like a wraith of Hades. They settled down to wait, the rain dripping through the leaves and running over their skin.

Xena crept forward, grabbing a branch and lifting herself up onto it, then crawling out over the outpost, and laying down flat, as she watched the activity under her. Despite the rain, and the early hour, the sentries were active, and there was an evident air of tension among them. They had put up lattice as a barricade to errant arrows, and they were peering out into the forest, hands clenching on weapons nervously.

Hmm. The warrior rested her chin on a forearm, and crossed her ankles. I think they figured out there's something nasty out here. White teeth flashed as she grinned. Experimentally, she stripped a nut from the branch she was lying on, and dropped it into the foliage. It made a gentle thud, and drew six sets of tense eyes, and three arrows which went tearing off into the leaves. Oh yeah.. I feel sorry for any squirrels around here. She cocked her ears.

"D'ja hear that?" The short, dark haired man whispered. "Ya think you hit it?"

A thin blond man with a dirty face sniffled and spat into the brush. "Hades, I dunno." He glanced around carefully. "Damn that bitch for comin in her, and scaring us all half t'death."

A dark skinned older man carefully loaded his crossbow. "Don't be damning her.. if it really is Xena out there, I'd rather know it." His voice was faintly familiar to the watching warrior, and she started sorting through her memories to find it. "Hope her plan works, or we'll all pay for it."

The blond scratched his chin. "Didja see what she did to those three Amazons? Man.. that was bloody."

Xena's good humor vanished.

The swarthy man shrugged. "Didn't do her no good. Them women didn't tell her squat… I think she just kept whipping them cause she likes it." He peered out into the dark again. "Them Amazons are tougher than leather britches."

The short man sniggered. "Ya think we'll get a chance to try em on for size?"

A snort answered him "You cracked? You wanna lose your man's parts, ya idiot?" A sound of a fist hitting flesh carried faintly to the warrior. "These ain't common whores… their plucking dangerous.. .good thing we brought that dope with us, or we'd never make it back with them."

Xena had heard enough. She debated quietly with herself, then took a breath, and gathered her body up, releasing the branch and springing forward like a large, leather covered cat.

They never even knew what hit them. Just a dark, hideously powerful shadow with claws that gripped their bodies, and hammers that pounded them, breaking bone, ending in the chilling crack of vertebra snapping in the gloom. It was silent, and they died in terror, without even the glint of gray dawn on steel to mark their attacker as human, or something else.

Xena rose to her feet, surrounded by limp forms, and regarded them coldly. The rain beat against her, and she shook her head to clear her damp hair out of her eyes. The river ran close here, more a stream, really, and she made a quick decision.

The thunder covered the splashes as she tossed the bodies into the swiftly running water, and watched emotionlessly as it carried them away. Then she turned, and put the outpost back in order, carefully stacking the weapons in a neat manner, and returning the lattice to it's protective position.

A faint smile crossed her face.

Gabrielle hunched her shoulders, wishing the rain wasn't trickling down her back, and sighed. It was past dawn, but you couldn't tell that, because the clouds were so dark, only the palest glimmers painting their features in faint silver streaks. She let out a held breath as she felt Xena approaching, and smiled a little as the gloom suddenly moved, then resolved itself into her partner's tall, muscular form.

Xena came up next to them, the cold, edgy energy fairly rolling off her. "Outpost's taken care of." Her voice held a low, fierce anger. "Eph.. they know we're out here." Unconsciously, one arm went out and settled around the bard, drawing her close.

The regent edged forward. "We figured." She replied in a quiet tone, her eyes searching Xena's shadowed face.

The warrior paused a moment. "There's been some… bad stuff in there." Gabrielle looked up at her words, her face tensing as she laid a warm hand against Xena's stomach. "She was after information she didn't get." The tall dark haired woman finished, very quietly.

A grim silence fell. Jessan's lips curled back, exposing his fangs.

"Come on, let's go." Xena finally said. "I want to get closer, and see what's going on in there myself." She reluctantly separated herself from Gabrielle's warmth and started back towards the village.

They followed her, eyes drifting to the silent, empty outpost as they made their way past.

No one asked about it.

Ephiny held up a hand, stopping them, as she peered ahead through the mist. "Hold it.. there's another outpost just behind that large tree."

Xena took a breath, and edged forward, then found herself held in place by a furry hand.

"Uh uh uh.. .my turn." Jessan objected, closing his clawed fingers around the straps on her leathers and tugging her back. "You don't get to have all the fun."

The warrior looked about to protest, then subsided, as the tall forest dweller wagged a finger in her face. "Just hurry it up." She muttered, leaning against a nearby tree. They watched as Jessan slipped forward, amazingly silent for such a large man. His fur, dappled in the meager light, seemed part of the surroundings as he moved through the bushes towards the dripping roof of the small outpost.

Gabrielle took a better grip on her staff, which was getting slippery in the rain. She leaned on it, then looked up in surprise as Xena's arms captured her from behind and she was being drawn towards her partner's body. "Mm." She smiled in appreciation at the warmth, and let herself rest against the warrior, who slipped her arms around her belly, and rested her chin against the bard's head.

It was a little startling, but she wasn't about to complain. The cold rain had been chilling her, and it was infinitely more pleasant to be resting against Xena's warm body. She caught the amused look from Ephiny, and stuck the tip of her tongue out at her, as they waited.

Jessan paused outside the outpost, and went very still. They could hear the patter of the rain against the leaves, then broken words, and rustlings as the men on duty stirred out of their hiding place.

Oblivious, two men moved a woven thatch aside, and peered out, searching the surrounding forest carefully and somehow missing the seven foot tall, befurred man standing right outside their post. They stood up, and took two steps past him, still searching the trees nervously.

Jessan reached out, and tapped them on the shoulder.

They whirled, and he opened his jaws fully, showing every single one of his sharp, white teeth and spreading his arms out wide, claws extended. A bass roar exploded from his chest, and shook the leaves, as the two men leaped in shock, then tumbled over, passing out in pure fright.

Jessan paused in mid leap, and dropped his hands to his hips, blinking in total startlement. "What was that ?" He asked plaintively, then lifted his arms and extended his hands, palms up. "Xeeeeennnnaaa????"

The warrior spared him a wry chuckle as she released the goggling bard, and padded forward, examining his victims with a shaking head. "Pony.. you got some rope?" She hesitated at leaving them alive, but the thought of killing two unconscious men… even her battle hardened sensibilities flinched. "C'mon… Eph, are there any more of these between here and the village?"

The regent strode forward, carefully checking the now empty outpost. "No.. not on this side.. if we move up to that ridge there, we'll have a pretty good view down into the central area." She regarded the rise in question. "I was gonna have those bushes scythed right after the festival… makes too good of a hiding place."

"Nice timing." Gabrielle patted her back.

They left the bound and gagged men behind, Eponin making extra sure they wouldn't be moving by tying the cords around their wrists, bound behind them, to their private parts. "Guys." She brushed her hands off efficiently. "They just got too many weaknesses."

"Hey." Jessan scowled, offended.

"You don't count." Eponin and Ephiny replied together, as they pushed past him, and started climbing up the ridge.

Xena and Gabrielle exchanged amused looks, then stepped around the two men, and headed after them. Paladia paused and regarded the prisoners, then chuckled softly, and shook her head as she followed.

Ephiny reached the ridge first, and dropped to her belly, inching forward under the thick leaves cautiously as she peeked over and down into the village.

Xena, hearing her virulent curse, threw herself down against the turf, and crawled quickly forward, ending up shoulder to shoulder with the regent, whose body was tense with anger. "Damn." The warrior closed her eyes briefly, then glanced back as Gabrielle's arm pressed against hers. "Gab…."

Gabrielle blinked, as she tried to make the entrance to the village conform to her memory of it. The opening had been closed with overturned wagons, and was fortified with various pieces of wood torn hastily from buildings. Over the top of the barricade she could see a platform, made of a few wooden planks on top of a couple of tables, with three ragged, bloody forms limply lashed to them. "W…"

Paladia let out a startled oath, her gray eyes widening. "Damn… what a bitch."

Ephiny let her head drop to rest against her forearm, and Eponin laid a hand on her shoulder.

Xena felt a coldness settling on her, as she evaluated the situation. There were three or four guards around the beaten women, who she'd recognized as Solari, Menelda, and the young kid Gabrielle had beaten in her second staff bout. "All right." She said quietly, setting aside the upset she could feel all around her. "We’d better back off, and see if we can get closer around the back side, near the river."

Footsteps interrupted her, and she glanced up, to see Arella appear at the barricade, looking over it and into the forest with what Xena recognized as apprehension. The warrior let a grim smile play over her face. So… you remember me, huh? The tall Amazon hadn't changed much.. Xena could see her arrogant sneer even from where she was, though she was wearing thick leather armor, looking more like her men than she did any of the Amazons.

Arella turned behind her, reaching out her hand and picking up a leather megaphone, used by the training masters out in the field. She lifted it to her lips. "All right!" Her voice echoed through the rain, and made Xena's eyes narrow.

"I know you're out there.. so you listen. I don't get Ephiny and darling Gabrielle in here before noon, there's gonna be dead bodies starting to pile up outside the gates here. I'll start with those three, and just work my way up." She paused. "Or maybe down.. there's lots of bratty little kids in here that are starting to get on my nerves."

"Think she really knows we're here?" Gabrielle whispered softly to her partner.

"Mm… probably not.. she's gonna repeat that for a few candlemarks.. figure we're gonna hear it sooner or later." Xena replied.

"Noon." Arella repeated, then tossed the megaphone to one side, and paced away, ducking behind the embattlements and disappearing.

They all looked at each other. "She'll do it." Eponin commented, her face a quiet mask.

"Bitch…I should have had her… " Ephiny hissed, her fingers clenching in the turf. "I should have had her hands cut off."

Jessan propped his rounded chin up on a fist, and blinked. "Xena?"

"Mm?" The warrior turned her dark head and looked at him.

"I think I just realized that in your kind, the females are lots nastier than the guys." The forest dweller commented thoughtfully. "I gotta remember that."

Xena snorted softly. "Thanks… " She turned her eyes back to the barricades. "All right.. we've got to find another way in there… a frontal assaults gonna get a ton of folks killed."

Paladia shrugged. "They'll deserve it."

"She means Amazons." Gabrielle informed her, in a low tone.

"Oh." The ex renegade subsided. "Is that the one with you, and the arrow crap.. and all?"

The bard nodded. "Yeah."

"Bitch."

A fair brow lifted. "Yeah." Gabrielle turned to her taller partner. "What do we do?" She peered over the ridge. "We don't have much time… because I'm not going to let people die like that." Her eyes met Ephiny's. The regent nodded at her. "We'll have to go down there."

"You will not." Xena's voice dropped and deepened. "Don't be a fool, Gabrielle."

Green eyes sparkled with anger.

"You go down there, and then what?" The warrior continued, ignoring the rest of them, and concentrating on her stubborn soulmate. "You think that will stop her from killing people?"

"Yes." The bard shot back. "It's what she's asking for."

"And when she puts a sword against your throat, then what?" Xena snapped back.

"She won't." Gabrielle answered, quietly. "We're her ticket out of here… she knows you won't attack her if she has me." A pause. "Alive."

Xena's nostrils flared. "I'm not going to take that chance." A growl entered her voice. "I'll go in there and kill every single one of them with my bare hands first."

A small silence descended, as they all realized Xena meant exactly that, and the warrior wasn't going to back down, not even before the fiery will of her younger partner.

Gabrielle took in a breath. "Then we'd better figure out another way." She whispered. "Before we have to test that theory out."

Xena tore her eyes from the bard's grim face, and returned her attention to the village. "Ephiny, the village is on a slight rise, isn't it?"

The regent cleared her throat nervously. "More of a slope, really… down to the river on one side, and with this ridge on this one…they've probably blocked up the spaces between the sections." Her eyes kept drifting to the three injured Amazons, who occasionally stirred.

The warrior nodded slowly. "All right… from where the guards are.. they've got everyone confined to the dining hall… you've got root cellars under that, right?"

Now they were all looking at her. "Yeah…" Ephiny agreed. "So?"

"Let's get around to the rise on the other side, there…" Xena didn't explain. "Come on."

Eponin stayed close by Ephiny's shoulder as they inched their way around the besieged village, where they could see helmeted heads over wary eyes watching the surrounding thick foliage. "You okay?" She finally muttered, in a very low voice.

Hazel eyes flicked to hers. "No."

The weapons master rubbed her back with awkward gentleness. "S'gonna be all right." She glanced furtively ahead, to where Gabrielle was grimly sticking close to her partner. "I…I know it's kind moot… but.. I.. think Xena's right. You guys going in there is nuts."

Ephiny looked at her, then exhaled, and squared her shoulders. "Gabrielle's got a good point… it's a safety line for Arella."

Eponin closed her hand around Ephiny's arm, pulling her to a halt. "She is, yeah." The caramel colored eyes were very serious. "I don't wanna see you hanging from that gate."

The regent sighed, and put a hand up, covering hers. "I can't let her go in there alone." She replied, simply. "Let's just hope whatever it is Xena has in mind works." They crept on, and came up on a soft, muddy ridge, a cut that rose above the sandy bank of the river, and extended up past Jessan's furry head. It blocked their view of the village, but by the same token, it blocked any view of them, and they gathered around it, regarding the layered mud in silence.

"How close are we?" Xena asked, quietly.

Jessan jumped up, and grabbed the edges of the tough bushes on top of the rise, lifting his body up to peer over the top. He jerked back a little, then let his body fall back down. "Wow… " He dropped his voice to a bare whisper. "The walls are right there… I can see crossbow arrow tips through the palisade.

Xena leaped up, and levered her body against the mud, cautiously poking her dark head up and peering through the grass. Sure enough, the village walls were within a body length from them, and she could spot the walls of the dining hall just beyond. Soldiers lined the walls, protected from attack, and alertly watching the space between the walls and the trees. They didn't suspect, Xena realized, that the bushes covered the gully, where the river had undercut the banks - they assumed the ground ran right down to the water's edge, and would give them ample warning of anyone coming up that way.

She dropped down, satisfied. The rain was getting harder, and the mud ran off her in a smear of red and brown as she stood in it, tipping her head back and letting the cool water center her, and focus her energies. After a moment, she straightened, and put her hands on her hips. "All right." She glanced around. "Find some flat rocks."

Gabrielle stepped up, and put her hands on the warrior's chest. "Xena, what's up?" The bard's eyes met hers, with quiet insistence. "What's the plan?"

Xena's hand gestured towards the bank. "We're gonna dig."

"Dig?" Eponin put a finger against the thick, crumbly surface. "Where to?"

The warrior smiled. "Right into the root cellar." She knocked her fist against the dirt.

It really was, Gabrielle reflected as she clawed the clay like mud out of her eyes for the nth time, a clever plan. Not a comfortable one… not an easy one… the Amazons were covered in head to foot encasements of the red stuff, and Jessan looked like a walking bog monster, with his thick fur standing up all over. But clever, and after all, since Xena was in there digging too, there wasn't much they could say.

They'd managed to hollow out a person sized indentation in the bank, and were now almost two body lengths deep into the tunnel. Gabrielle estimated that it would take another candlemark or two before they were under the fence itself, then… she chewed her lip and looked up at the sun. They weren't going to make it by the deadline.

A hand touched her arm, and she jerked out of her thoughts, to see her partner's pale blue eyes looking at her out of a dirt covered face. "Oh… sorry.. I was… "

"Thinking we're running out of time." Xena finished for her, quietly.

Gabrielle let out a breath, and studied her. "Something like that, yes." She reached out and grabbed Xena's leathers as the warrior turned to redouble her efforts, and held her there. "Wait…. " They looked at each other. "Xena.. it won't be for long… we're almost through here.. I can distract her for a candlemark or two… that's all it's gonna take."

"You saw what she did to Cait… she's got no regard for life, Gabrielle.. she almost killed you the last time." Xena replied, in a sharp tone.

The bard stepped forward, ignoring the mud and laying a hand on the taller woman's chest. "I know." She replied softly. "But you taught me about the greater good, Xena.. I can't let those people in there be killed on my behalf…don’t ask that of me."

A quick glance around, to insure they were alone. "I can't watch you walk in there and maybe get spitted by an arrow I can't stop… don’t ask that.. of me." Xena answered softly. "Please, Gabrielle." The warriors hand lifted and covered the one resting against her skin. "Please?"

Angry resistance she was prepared for. Stubborn obstinance she was ready for, and had arguments against. But she looked up into those pleading blue eyes and felt them conquer her completely, as she recognized the anguish, and the fear there. She felt terribly at war with herself, with her conscience urging one thing, and her heart and soul just as firmly tugging in the other direction, and she almost welcomed the faint clearing of a throat nearby.

Jessan edged up, trying fruitlessly to wipe some of the mud out of his fur. "Hi."

"Hi." Gabrielle answered, seeing her partner had no intention of doing so.

"Listen.. I figure we need a distraction." The forest dweller drawled, spitting a rock out of his mouth. "And I need a break or my fur's gonna fall off… mind if I stir these guys up a little?" He grinned, a startling show of white teeth against red stained hair. "Give em something to worry about?" He gathered in the look of heartfelt gratitude from Xena and tucked it away, smiling inwardly.

Gabrielle cocked her head. "Sure… just don't get into any trouble.. okay?"

The forest dweller ambled down the river bank, then turned to look at them. "Where's the fun in that?" A flash of teeth, and he was gone, slipping among the trees with startling speed.

The bard watched him go, then returned her attention to her soulmate. "You planned that."

Mild blue eyes regarded her. "No… but I would have."

Gabrielle leaned forward, and rested her mud covered forehead against her soulmate's chest. "It's all right.. I was caving in anyway." She admitted softly, wanting Xena's embrace and getting it, despite the grime. "That was a terrible thing to do to me, Xena."

The warrior hugged her close. "I'm sorry." She replied in a hoarse whisper. They rested together for a moment, then Xena took and released a large breath. "Okay.. let's get digging… " She started to steer Gabrielle back toward their tunnel, when Arella's voice floated over the trees.

"Time's almost up!" The mocking tones grated unpleasantly.

Eponin and Ephiny came scuttling out of the hole, listening intently as Paladia followed them, flicking a clump of mud from her arm.

"I guess you don't much care about these people in here… and I know I sure don't." Arella went on. "If you don't…. crap!"

Ephiny raised a muddy brow. "That's a weird threat."

"What in Hades…. What is that… ouch!" The woman's voice cut abruptly off, and they heard pandemonium inside the compound.

Xena smiled. "C'mon… let's get to work… Jessan's gonna keep them occupied."

The air was getting really close inside the tunnel. Gabrielle paused, as she handed another handful of dirt to Eponin and watched the Amazon relay it back outside. They were in a single line now, with Xena in front using her greater strength to good advantage, and digging out dirt armfuls at a time.

Then Gabrielle would pass them back to Eponin, who would give them to Ephiny, who would pass them to Paladia who had the job of making sure they got put somewhere out of the way. Too much mud floating down the stream might attract unwanted attention, so the ex renegade was carefully packing it against the bank.

The tunnel was taking it's toll on her soulmate, though, Gabrielle realized with a wince. Xena had stopped twice in the last half candlemark, and just rested her head against the close roof, taking slow, ragged breaths. Gabrielle had sent Eponin out for some water, clearing a little space, and the breeze had blown in, easing the warrior's distress a little.

They were almost through. No more yells had come from the village, and they'd heard the odd volley of arrows shredding the leaves as they fired at an elusive, furry form. Gabrielle hoped Jessan was being careful…but his antics had given them the small slice of time they'd needed to get as close as they had.

Abruptly, Xena's digging stopped, and she cocked her head wearily. "Think we're there."

The warrior put her hand against the dirt and pushed, feeling the surface give under her fingers. She poked an experimental hole in the wall, and peered through.

Darkness. A scent of roots, and dried vegetables came to her, though, and she nodded. "We are." She announced, as they clustered forward eagerly.

"Hey." Paladia's voice interrupted in a hissing whisper.

Xena pushed back from the wall. "G'wan.. see if you can get in there." She told Gabrielle in a low voice. "I'll see what's up." Any excuse to be out of this damn hole. Her mind seethed, as she wriggled out of the crowd, and headed for the opening, where she could see the ex renegade's pale head. "Yeah?"

Paladia backed up, allowing the warrior to exit into the light of day. "Heard a racket."

The warrior spent a moment just sucking in the cool, wet air, before she listened for the sounds. Her eyes fell on the entrance, which Paladia had artfully enhanced with the dirt they'd taken out of it, shaping the substance into a curved, fanciful shape replete with curls and knobs and a scroll like bottom. Her blue eyes blinked in startled amazement. "Damn."

Paladia shrugged, then pointed towards the forest. "Listen."

Xena did, hearing a loud crashing sound. Cursing, she grabbed her sword, and shifted it, motioning the other woman to get inside the tunnel. "Give em a hand.. I'll keep watch out here."

The tall, blond woman took one look at the mud covered, almost unrecognizable apparition holding a longsword and grunted. "No problem." She ducked inside, leaving the warrior alone in the misting rain.

Xena heard a splash, then a chorus of yells, and she shifted her grip on her sword in anticipation. Her eyes remained glued on the stream, and she blinked as she saw a dark, furred head break the surface and head in her direction. "Aw… centaur poop." She cursed, seeing the arrows piercing the water behind it.

Jessan broke quickly across the stream, stroking against the current and ducking under a fallen tree that had spanned the stream and was a favorite plaything of the younger Amazons. He pulled himself out of the water, and turned, gasping, as a wall of armor clad bodies crashed through the underbrush, and headed their way. "I think I overdid it." He managed to cough out, giving Xena an apologetic look.

Xena took one look at the angry soldiers, and sighed. "Yet another legend in the making." She muttered to herself, as the first arrows reached them.

Gabrielle watched her partner squeeze out, and gave a little sigh of relief, as she returned to the wall and attacked it with determination. The dried mud crumbled under her hands, and she pushed against it, feeling a whole section give way and fall to the floor inside the dark chamber. "Bad onions in there." She commented, as a strong, pungent scent floated out.

"Ugh." Ephiny agreed, pulling at the wall with anxious fingers. "C'mon.. we'll worry about the vegetables later." They both shoved hard with muddy shoulders, and the wall of the tunnel collapsed inward, causing both regent and bard to stumble into the root cellar and drop to their knees in the inky darkness.

Gabrielle struggled to her feet, moving away from the tunnel and into the room, and held out her hands uncertainly, walking forward until she bumped into an opposite wall. She felt above her, until she detected the roof. "Okay… okay…. I think I feel a latch here."

"Careful." Eponin's voice came to her out of the darkness. "We don't know what's going on up there." They clustered around her, and she realized Paladia had joined them. "What's going on outside?" She asked the woman.

A shrug. "Don't know… heard a noise, got told to come in here."

The bard chewed her lip, then regretted that as she tasted the banks of the river on it. "Okay." She felt the latch with her fingers. "I'm going to work this.. Paladia.. you're the tallest here, you peek through the hatch and see if you see anything.

Slowly, she slid the bar which held the latch in place to one side, knowing the other side had a twin to it, and would be moving also. She inched it up, as a meager, candlelit illumination flickered through, and outlined Paladia's blunt features.

"What do you see?" The bard whispered.

"A stake, about to take my damn eyes out." The ex renegade answered, then ducked as the hatch was jerked open, and a row of murderous faces peered down at them. A loud roar hurt their ears as bodies shifted forward, and hands grabbed at them roughly.

"Hey!" Gabrielle yelled, her strong voice punctuating the chaos. "Cut that out!"

Silence settled, and the faces looking at them blinked in startlement. "That's Queen Gabrielle's voice." A torch was held close, outlining distinctive pale green eyes in a mud covered face. "Poop.. it is!" Hands reached down. "Come on!"

Gabrielle shook her head. "No.. we've got a tunnel out." She said in a low voice, seeing startled amazement on the Amazon's faces. "You guys come this way."

'There's still some folks being held by the gate." A quiet voice objected.

Ephiny stepped up. "We know." A murmur rose as her name was whispered. "Come on… let's get outta here, then we'll work up a plan to retake the place."

The hatch opened fully, and the captive Amazons milled around, grabbing what they could in the way of weapons. They were all naked, and some had injuries, but their faces were grim, and they were very obviously glad to see their queen and regent. Slowly, they started to drop into the cellar, and Gabrielle backed away from the opening, returning her attention to the tunnel, and the muted sounds worrying her, and her absent soulmate.

Catching arrows was really… more of a tactic than a skill. And it really didn't work too well if you had dozens of people shooting at you, missing a couple was always a possibility. Xena knocked another shaft aside, feeling the flesh tear in her leg as she lunged forward and engaged a determined soldier. The first ranks of the men had closed with them, fighting hand to hand, and the rest were clustered behind trees, shooting them with crossbows which fortunately hit their compatriots just as often as it did their two determined enemies.

Jessan's luck had put him behind the tree crossing the stream, so the shooters were mostly concentrating on her, and she was starting to feel the strain of battling them off and keeping the arrows from plowing through her, all while protecting the mouth of the tunnel. With a sigh, she drove her sword hilt against her current opponent's, and pushed him back, then got a quick thrust in that ended his life and for a moment cleared her for an unobstructed targeting by the archers.

She had no idea, afterward, how she managed to get them all. It was kind of a blur, and she thought she remembered her sword moving, deflecting the shafts as she twisted out of the way, but …

Then everything stopped. The men rushing them halted, and their eyes grew round.

Xena took a breath and looked behind her, taking in the sight with a sense of profound relief. "Never thought I'd be so glad to see a pack of naked, dirty, madder than Hades Amazons." She commented to Jessan, who wiped a hand across his head, smearing red mud over it.

The Amazons spotted their targets, and yelled.

Xena just got out of the way, and leaned against the bank. Then she turned her head, and searched for Gabrielle, her eyes not finding her. Cursing, she forgot about the fight, and bolted for the tunnel.

Gabrielle had hopped up into the dining hall, and was urging the Amazons to move quickly, and quietly down into the cellar. It was an almost surreal experience - this line of sweating, naked women disappearing into the ground and not coming back.. the room was getting emptier and emptier… until at last, she was the only one in it.

Momentarily, because Ephiny jumped up into the room, and got to her feet, joining the bard as they paced silently across the floor and peeked cautiously through the front window, which was barred shut.

Through the cracks in the wood, they could see the central area, where the platform was. Men were running here and there, and it seemed to be very chaotic. "Less of them than I thought." Gabrielle murmured.

Ephiny nodded, her eyes on the platform. "Good plan, Gabrielle." She commented softly, patting the bard on the back. "Now we've just got a detail to take care of."

"Not my idea." Gabrielle corrected her firmly. "You know that, and I'm going to make damn sure everyone else does too." She glanced behind her, hearing a scraping sound, and was surprised to see Paladia hauling herself up out of the cellar. "They all out?"

"Going." Paladia confirmed. "Eponin's about at the end of the tunnel… getting too stinky in there." The tall woman joined them at the window, peeking out of a higher gap in the boards. "Huh.." She grunted, spotting the captives, and the scurrying soldiers. "Where're they going?"

Ephiny squinted. "I don't.. oh, they're headed out to the other entrance… Jessan must still be keeping them busy. " She smiled a little. "We're going to have to make an exception for him, aren't we?"

Gabrielle smiled back. "Yeah…I was thinking that." She looked out. "Hey.. we can get to the platform…they're all gone." She moved to the door, and put her hand against it, then tugged. "Oh.. duh.. it's locked."

"Got a solution for that." Paladia commented, still peering out.

"Yeah?" Gabrielle turned, and cocked her head inquiringly. "What is it?"

The ex renegade blinked at the small group of soldiers running towards the building. "Well… they're gonna open that door from the outside.. better move."

The bard dove for her staff, which she'd dragged down the tunnel with her, and slammed up against the other side of the door, with Ephiny right behind her carrying a thick piece of chair leg. Paladia pressed herself against the other wall, and they waited, tensely, as the lock worked noisily and the door was flung inward.

Six men rushed in, and stopped dead, staring in bewilderment at the empty room.

Gabrielle reached out with her staff and tapped one of them on the shoulder. He whirled. She smiled. "Hi there."

His sword got partway up, then was neatly taken out of his hands by a swift jerk of her staff, and she swung the other end around, whacking him on the side of the head with it. He dropped, and there was a moment of shock, until the rest of the soldiers recovered, and charged.

Ephiny grabbed the nearest one, and flipped him over her shoulder, letting him land with a thud as she grabbed his sword out of his hand and turned to engage the next attacker. She disarmed him quickly, then reversed the sword in her hand and slugged him in the jaw, watching in satisfaction as he slid to the ground. "Ouch." She shook her hand, turning to watch as Gabrielle neatly took care of their last adversary, his partner already being pummeled by a mildly delighted looking Paladia.

Gabrielle took a breath, letting the end of her staff fall to the ground, and gave them a brisk nod. "Okay… now the door's open. This is a good thing." They slipped out, noting the nearly deserted area with surprise and suspicion. "Wonder where everyone is?" The bard muttered, under her breath.

Ephiny shook her head, and shifted the sword in her hand, glancing around. "I'm going to go get those guys." She started around the perimeter, not willing to cross the open area. Gabrielle and Paladia followed long behind, and the bard noted that the ex renegade and taken the opportunity to take a mace from her unconscious victim.

They were halfway there, when a tall, rain drenched form lunged in front of them, the fitful light glinting off a longsword. "Oh no… there you are you… "

"Arella." Ephiny let her sword rest on her shoulder, and regarded the renegade sourly. "You're little game's up."

Arella shifted her sword from one hand to the other. "You're wrong… I've got what I really wanted now." She moved forward.

Gabrielle stepped unexpectedly in front of the regent, and, in a flickering motion, whipped her staff up and around, and slammed the weapon right out of Arella's hand. "I'd say… what you have is a lot of trouble." She informed her, watching the woman shake her stinging fingers and curse. "You've got a lot to answer for." She turned her head. "Like those people… and Cait."

Arella glared at her, a tinge of madness in her eyes. "You're not going to win again, green eyes… and you have no idea how good it felt to put an arrow through that little girl.. just because I knew she was a friend of yours."

"Hey." Paladia ambled forward, and tapped Gabrielle on the shoulder. "That's the one.. the one with the arrow, and all that crap?"

The bard darted a look at her. "Yeah.. can we talk about this later?"

"Nah." Paladia handed her mace to the bard. "Hang on to this, willya?"

Gabrielle barely had time to get her fingers around the mace handle before the tall blond was hurling herself at Arella, startling the Amazon and taking them both to the ground. Paladia pounded her with heavy fists as they grappled.

"Damn you.. " The blond growled, getting a headlock on her heavier rival. "Gotta have me hear that damn, mucking, sappy pain in the butt piece of centaur dung plucking story every single damn night for the last plucking MONTH!!!" She rolled them both up onto their knees, and slammed an elbow into Arella's face. "I'm gonna kill you for that!!!!"

Gabrielle and Ephiny exchanged startled glances. The bard leaned on her staff, and dropped the mace, scratching her head in puzzlement. The two woman battled, grunting and screaming as they tumbled over the refuse from the absent army, until finally Arella wrenched herself free, and rolled over, grabbing hold of a crossbow with a scream of triumph, lifting it and pointing it at Paladia.

A hand closed over the mechanism, over her shoulder. It was a big hand, covered with mud, and gore, and it was attached to a muscular forearm likewise stained. Furious, she looked up, into ice blue eyes that robbed her of any voluntary motion. Then everything went black, as something large, and hard, hit the side of her face.

For a moment, the only sound was the rain falling. Then Xena sighed, and brushed her hands off against her leathers, as Ephiny moved to the platform. After a moment, Paladia got up out of the mud and joined her

Gabrielle walked over to her partner, and touched a bleeding gash on Xena's arm. "Are… you all right?" The bard asked, softly.

Xena put her hands on her hips, and exhaled, giving her soulmate a wry, tired look. "I have about a dozen arrow holes in me, a couple of cracked ribs, more pulled muscles than I wanna talk about, and headache that would drop a centaur at thirty paces." She paused. "Yeah.. I'm fine. You?"

A tiny smile appeared on the bard's face, and she leaned against the taller woman's shoulder. "Well.. half a loaf… " She sighed, letting her eyes roam to the gates, which were being thrust aside to reveal a marching group of mad, mud covered, drenched and naked Amazons, surrounding a stumbling group of half conscious captives. "I think we won."

The warrior nodded, turning her face up and letting the rain wash it clean. "Yeah." She put an arm around the smaller woman. "C'mon.. let's give Eph a hand." They walked towards the oncoming group, seeing Jessan's tall form bringing up the rear and Eponin breaking out of the ranks to dash over to the platform.

Gabrielle let a long breath out. "Xena?"

"Mm?'

"I'm going to have to do something about her this time, aren't I?"

Blue eyes rimmed with mud regarded her. "Yes."

Gabrielle only nodded.

Xena leaned back; closing her eyes as gentle fingers patched up her torn and battered hide. She was inside the healer's hut, having followed the quiet group who had carried their three fallen comrades inside, and taken a few moments to evaluate them before she herself was pushed down on a cot.

After she'd detoured to make sure Argo was all right, of course, and to check out their quarters. They'd been trashed, and their possessions thrown around, but her armor hadn't been touched, and neither, she was surprised to note, had been her chakram.

Gabrielle's diary had been found in Ephiny's quarters, which Arella had taken over for herself. The bard had taken the book back with a quiet smile, but her eyes had been stormy, and she'd inspected the bound volume carefully for damage. She'd turned to one page, and stood in the pale light coming in the window reading for a moment, before she closed the diary, and tucked it under her arm.

Jessan had scooted out, and returned with Elaini and the triplets, and Cait whom he'd laid down carefully on a pallet here where Xena was sitting. The Amazons had spent a moment or two goggling at their strange guests, but between those of them who'd met the tall forest dweller at Amphipolis, and the first sight of the children…. It had been one large bunch of cooing Amazons, that's for sure.

Arella had done a savage job on the three women. They'd been tied to the planks over night, and whipped, and by the cut marks on Solari's body she'd had a dagger taken to her as well. But they were Amazons, and they were tough, and Xena was pretty sure they'd be all right after some patching up.

Warm water coursed over her skin, and she wistfully wished she was soaking in a tubful of it, to finally get all the stinking, sticky mud off of her. Reluctantly, she pried her eyes open and gazed at the pale head bent close as Gabrielle meticulously stitched the one bad arrow slice just over her collarbone.

The bard bit off the end of the thread she was using, and gave Xena's arm a pat, then straightened up, leaning one hand against the wall. "That's the worst of it…"She ran her fingers through her soulmate's dark hair and pushed it back off her face. "I think you need a bath, honey."

Xena nodded. "Yeah… " She reached out and pulled a bit of twig from the bard's leathers. "You too." With a sigh, she sat up, wrestling down the pain from her ribs, and sorted out her options. "We're gonna need cleanser, ointment…

Two Amazons who had been standing by came over, and knelt in front of her, resting their arms against their knees. "Tell us what you want, Xena… we'll get it." The older one said quietly. "Whatever you need."

One dark, if obscured eyebrow lifted. Xena darted a look at her soulmate, whose face twitched in reaction. "Um… " The warrior collected herself. "All right.. " She named six or seven items. "That'll do for now… oh yeah, water heated to clean off some of those whip marks. They've got leather embedded in them."

The pale haired Amazon in front of her winced at that. "Poor Soli… she was so gutsy, too. Told Arella she'd have to roast her alive before she'd tell her where Eph and you all were."

Xena's eyes flicked to the dark haired Amazon, stirring feebly on the pallet. "She'd have had to.. Solari didn't know." The warrior stated quietly. "Why the other two?"

The woman, Selene, Xena remembered, looked at her. "Menelda mouthed off to her. " She gave a nod at the warrior's wry look. "Yeah.. and the kid… the kid told her it was too bad you hadn't broken more than her jaw the last time." Selene shook her head. "Not saying I don't agree with that… " She turned. "Come on, Evie. Let's go get this stuff… and we'll bring back something from the dining hall, you guys must be hungry."

Xena felt a tiny, wry grin edging across her face, so different was the Amazons attitude towards her. "Thanks." She herself was wincing at the thought of putting food in her sore stomach, but she suspected her soulmate was about due for a feeding, especially after all their activity. "I know her Majesty here would appreciate that."

"Tch." Gabrielle gave her a look. "I can go get my own, thanks…besides, I want to find Eph, and see how things are going."

"Hey, Elananora.. " Selene had stood, and called to another Amazon crossing the floor. "Get some water heating, all right?" She turned and inclined her head towards the bard. "Can we escort you?"

Gabrielle stifled a rolling of her eyes. "Sure… let's go." She patted her soulmate's knee. "You stay here.. okay?"

Xena nodded amiably. "Okay… " She'd had her eye on a water cistern at the back of the healer's hall for some minutes, since her leathers were starting to really itch from the mud. "Have fun."

The bard sighed, and followed her two escorts out the door, heading across the compound. Already it looked more normal, with now clothed Amazons moving around in purposeful patterns. The scaffolding had been taken down, and several women were breaking it up, stacking the wood into a firepit for later burning.

"So… Queen Gabrielle.." Selene cleared her throat. "Mind if I ask a quick question?"

The bard turned to her, surprised. "Sure… sure.. go ahead."

The blond woman rubbed her neck." Um.. so.. about the food.. any particular type I should bring her?" She gave the bard a mildly embarrassed look. "I mean… Hades…. We all feel so… last time it was so bad, we were so… and then you guys go in and rescue Ephiny.. and now this… "

Gabrielle stopped, and put a hand on the woman's arm. "It's all right." She reassured her. "Xena understands what went on… and so do I." She took a breath. "But we're past that now.. so let's just go on from here." She went on, giving the woman a nod. "As for your first question… well.. pick three things that are really bad for you, and I guarantee that'll be fine with her."

Selene let out a surprised laugh. "Really?"

"Yeah… "The bard started walking towards the dining hall. "Trust me."

"Well.. we've got some leftover ribs.. with all that gooey sauce.. and some of that cake.. " Selene offered, hesitantly, still not sure if the bard was joking or not.

"Perfect." Gabrielle told her dryly. "But do me a favor, okay? Stick a carrot in with that.. maybe I'll get lucky."

"You're serious." The Amazons both looked at her.

"Oh yeah." The bard smiled a little, as she reached the door and pulled it open. "Believe me, there's a person under all that leather and armor.. just like you and me."

A ragged cheer rose as she was spotted, and she stopped, puzzled. "What?"

Ephiny rose, and gestured her over. "I was just telling everyone our side of story.. but now that you're here… "

Gabrielle pushed aside her exhaustion, and nodded. "Okay… let me get something to eat, then… " She sat down next to Ephiny and pulled over a tray of bread, breaking off a piece and dipping it into a dish of herbed olive oil. "So.. where did you stop?"

Xena wearily stripped of her leathers, and, using a wooden bucket, dumped pails full of cold water over her body with a sense of utter relief. She scrubbed gingerly with a bit of soap end she'd found, and managed to get most of the river mud off of her, before she doused her leathers and threw them over the railing to dry. Gabrielle had brought back her padded gambeson when she'd put away her diary, and the warrior slipped into the worn, soft fabric gratefully.

That, so she'd be able to wear her sword, which Gabrielle had correctly assumed she'd want to, until the situation was completely stabilized. She clipped the scabbard to its clips on the back of the gambeson, and buckled the chest straps, tightening the garment around her body and giving it a twitch to settle the fit.

Wow.. that feels good. She ran her fingers through her dark hair, flicking the damp locks to rid them of excess water. A sound a the door made her look up, and she spotted Elaini ambling in, with Ares trotting at her heels. "Hey there." The wolf immediately jumped up against her, nuzzling her chest with a happy whine. "Hey Ares… how are you doing?" The damp fur ruffled under her fingers.

The forest dweller waved a furred hand. "Thought you could use some help in here." She knelt beside Solari and hissed as she saw the whip marks. "You're a cruel kind, you know that?"

Xena sighed. "Yeah, I know." She admitted quietly. "Thanks… the kids settled okay?"

Elaini snorted softly. "Oh yeah.. they got dozens of aunts… gonna spoil them rotten." She got up, then walked over to Xena and pushed her into the light from the window, and examined her carefully. "You look like deer droppings."

"Nah… " The warrior shrugged her off. "Just a few arrows.. nothing major." She felt a bit of energy returning, which she suspected was probably mostly a phantom result of her being clean. "Got them bringing some herbs… some stuff that got taken out of here. Looks like they were going to loot the place clean when they left."

Elaini nodded, deciding not to argue with the aggravating human about her physical condition. "That was a pretty clever plan of yours…Jess is having a grand old time embellishing it."

Xena rolled her blue eyes. "Oh great." She looked up as the door opened, and the two Amazons came back in, laden with trays. "You can set that stuff over there." She motioned towards the worktable with one hand. "Thanks." An intriguing scent caught her attention, and she wandered over, poking among the contents of the tray and uncovering some ribs emitting a spicy, sweet smell.

Did I say I wasn't hungry? She picked one up and started chewing on it as she rummaged further. "They got all those guys locked up?"

Selene hid a grin at the warrior's selection, and cleared her throat. "Pretty good, yeah… stripped all their clothes off, and stuck them in the threshing barn."

Xena looked up. "With all that grain chaff?" She pictured the naked men milling around with all the sharp-hulled seed, which tended to stick to the skin.

The Amazon grinned evilly. "Yeah… "

"Ouch." The warrior let out a faint chuckle. "What about Arella?" Now her smile disappeared.

"Hog tied in the root cellar." Selene informed her.

"Didja take those rotten onions out first?" Xena started on a second rib.

"No."

The warrior chuckled, swallowing quickly. "Good."

The Amazons left to finish their chores, and a quiet settled, broken by the soft murmurs of the patients. Elaini started sorting the medical supplies, and snitched a rib herself, as she prepared a cleaning solution, and added several soft linen rags to soak in it. "Here." She poured half of it in a bowl for Xena, who accepted it with a nod. "By the way… congratulations."

Blue eyes looked up at her, a trifle startled, then Xena's face cleared. "You mean Gabrielle?"

The forest dweller nodded. "Jess told me she's pregnant?"

Xena smiled. "Yeah." Her eyes twinkled gently. "She is." She stirred the contents of her bowl, then looked up. "I… I think it's great."

Elaini let a crooked grin show her fangs. "So I See. " She remarked wryly. "And.. he says you've been.. um… having symptoms yourself?"

The warrior finished off her rib, and wiped her hands, then cleaned them with a bit of linen and cleanser. Then she walked over and knelt down at Menelda's side, motioning Elani to start with Solari. She set to work cleaning the whip strikes, gently removing bits of debris from them with a pair of wooden tweezers. "Yeah… I guess I am." She finally answered Elani's question.

Elani continued to work over the dark haired Amazon, digesting this. "When did you notice?"

Xena exhaled. "Few weeks back, I guess.. I started getting sick to my stomach… smells were stronger, they bothered me more." She spread a bit of soothing ointment on a particularly deep mark on Menelda's neck. "I.. was losing track of things…eating weird stuff." She chuckled a little. " Finally one morning… I guess I started to figure out something was wrong, then Gabrielle told me she was about a week late."

Elaini watched her thoughtfully, a she gently swabbed the cuts on Solari's arm. "Sounds… familiar." The forest dweller admitted. "That's.. more or less how Jess found out." She looked down as her patient stirred, then waited, as Solari's eyes blinked open, and she stared foggily up at Elani.

There was no panic in the Amazon's eyes, which kind of surprised her, and she gave the woman what she hoped was a reassuring smile. "Take it easy.. everything's okay now."

Solari slowly inched her head around, and spotted Xena's kneeling form. A tiny smile twitched across her lips. "Took… ya long.. enough."

The warrior turned her head, and gave Solari a look. "Who won the bet?"

The dark haired Amazon just nodded a little. "Everybody okay?"

"Everyone's fine." Xena confirmed.

Solari turned her head the other way, and spotted Cait's sleeping form. "Hey… "

"They shot her." Elaini told her gently. "She's going to be all right."

The dark head looked up straight. "Elaini?"

A smile. "Hey.. and here I thought all us fuzzballs looked alike."

Xena exhaled, and returned her attention to the injured healer, who was also beginning to stir. She'd gotten most of the lashes taken care of, but Menelda also had a broken wrist she was going to have to set. As she watched the older Amazon's eyes fluttered open, and tracked to her face. Conflicting emotions flowed across her features, and settled on a resigned grimace. "You.."

"Yep." Xena kept her voice carefully expressionless.

"Bastards must be outta here then."

"They are." A pause. "Hang on.. I gotta set your wrist." The warrior pressed a point on the inside of the injured Amazon's elbow, and felt her jerk in response. "Just hold still."

"I know what to do, damn it." Menelda growled. "I could do it myself now that you turned the pain off."

Xena gave her a level glance, then quickly set the fracture, feeling the cracked bone ends slip into place with a faint, squeaking grate. She wrapped up the arm, then released the point, seeing the older woman's face tighten as the pain returned. "Should be all right."

Menelda sniffed, then glanced over Xena's shoulder, spotting Elaini. "What the Hades is that?" She blurted, startled.

There had been times in the past, when Xena had felt the urge to just reach out and hurt someone, just because they were getting on her nerves. Most of the time, she'd surrendered to the craving, which had resulted in a lot of brutal injuries, and eventually had lead to her army learning not to get on her nerves. She'd thought she'd left that behind.

Apparently not. "She's a friend." The warrior could feel her jaw muscles tightening, and it brought a dangerous pitch to her voice.

"Figures." The woman sniped.

Xena let herself breath in and out a few times. "You know something, Menelda?"

"What?"

"Fifteen years I've been roaming around the nastiest places on earth, and I never have run into a sorrier piece of horse manure than you." Abruptly, the warrior stood up, and paced across the room, settling on one knee beside Cait. She busied herself checking the young Amazon, ignoring the frozen silence at her back. That was petty. She chided herself. And the damn woman's hurt… gods, Xena.. get a grip on the temper, willya?

Cait's eyes drifted open, and blinked at her. A tiny grin tugged at the girl's lips. "Missed everything.. didn't I?"

The warrior let her irritation slide off somewhere as she gazed down. "Just about, yeah."

"Rats." The girl managed a mini scowl. "Did you smash that blithering Arella again? I wish I'd seen that."

"Nope." Xena admitted, with a quiet smile. "Your friend Paladia did."

Cait's gray eyes opened wide, in mild astonishment. "No way." She breathed. "Really?"

"Yep." Xena assured her, as she replaced the dressing on top of the girl's shoulder. "Really." She watched a series of emotions trickle over her young friend's face. "She got Eponin outta trouble, too."

The Amazon stayed silent for a moment, then her brows scrunched. "Did you drug her?" She asked, accusingly.

The warrior let out a surprised chuckle. "No." She tucked the blanket back in around Cait. "She did it all on her own."

Cait considered that. "Why?" She asked, bluntly.

Xena laid a hand on her shoulder. "I dunno, Cait.. you'll have to ask her." She hesitated, debating on getting involved. Aw, what the heck. "You know.. she was.. um… pretty concerned about you."

A soft, definite blush colored Cait's pale skin. "Get out."

Xena's dark eyebrows lifted. "Sorry.. it's true." She patted the girl's arm. "Take it easy."

The girl's face took on a pensive, somewhat confused look, but she nodded. "Is Gabrielle all right… oh, that's a silly question.. you wouldn't be here otherwise."

The warrior chuckled. "She's just fine." She leaned closer, and lowered her voice. "Get some rest." She hauled herself to her feet, and peered around. Elaini had finished working on the other young girl, and was now washing her hands at the basin. Xena joined her, letting out a sigh. "Busy day, huh?"

The tall forest dweller peered at her. "You do the understatement thing really well, Xena.. has anyone ever told you that?" She replied wryly. "Come on.. let's go finish up that tray before Gabrielle gets back and yells."

They removed themselves to the back of the infirmary, where there was a small worktable next to the window which let in a wash of gray light. Xena seated herself in the chair against the wall, and rested her forearms on the table's surface, turning a rib in her fingers several times before she selected a starting point and started eating it.

Elaini nibbled on her own portion, and watched her curiously. "So.. is this sharing thing causing problems for you?"

A shrug. "Nah.. not really.. once I realized what it was." Xena replied, chewing unconcernedly. "It's… I guess it makes me feel a part of the whole thing…I kinda like that."

The forest dweller nodded a little. "Yeah.. I always felt it brought Jess and I closer together… and it gave him a feeling of what I was going through." She nibbled a claw. "Xena… "

"I know." The warrior said softly. "I'm not supposed to be experiencing this." She stared at the table. "But I'm not imagining it, Elaini."

The forest dweller reached over and put a hand on her wrist. "I know that." She lowered her voice. "I'm going to tell you something… I.. I don't know much about humans, you know that. You .. and Gabrielle.. and these people are almost the only ones I've ever met." She paused. "But I do know about our people.. about what I see… when I look at them, and how that changes after two people join together, how that's different from lifebonds.. and how different even that appears after two people have brought themselves together and produced a child."

Xena just looked at her. "What are you saying?" The warrior asked, slowly. "Elaini.. you know we're different than you are."

An exhaled breath. "But you're not." She glanced around. "Xena, if I close my eyes and Look, I can't tell the difference between you and Gabrielle, and me and Jessan." Her jaw worked a few times. "In any aspect."

The warrior exhaled, and ran a hand through her hair in agitation. "That… is not.. physically possible, and you know it."

Golden eyes gentled unexpectedly. "I know that… but Xena…. There is so much to you that isn't physical." Elaini told her, with a quiet smile. "Don't worry about it…I didn't mean to get you upset."

The warrior gave her a small shake of the head. "It's not…. It's just that Gabrielle wants that to be true so badly, and after everything that's happened to us… " She stopped, and rubbed her eyes. "Maybe I do too."

The forest dweller shrugged. "Then believe it." She replied in a normal voice.

Xena let out a mirthless chuckle. "Just like that."

Elaini nodded. "Yep." She patted Xena's arm. "Given the other possible choice, you're not going to be able to tell the difference anyway.. and if it'll make you both happy, why not?" She considered for a moment. "Until the kid gets big enough to pick up that round thing of yours, that is."

"No." Xena firmly shook her head. "Not the sword.. not a warrior. No."

Elaini got up. "Okay." She peered out of the window. "Here comes some trouble." She chuckled, then gave Xena a quick look. "So.. no fighting, huh?"

"Nope." The warrior responded. "There are other things to teach."

"Mmhn." Golden eyes twinkled in ancient knowledge, as she studied the strong, sharp profile. Ah… there are things born in us, Xena… and we can't deny them. That will be your blood telling, indeed. "Better eat your carrots. The boss is coming."

She ducked as the carrot in question hurtled towards her with deadly accuracy.

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

Specific Story Disclaimers:

Violence –Well… this is a more or less violence lite story. Now.. you've got Xena in it, and Amazons, and Gabrielle with that staff.. so it's not all sweetness and light, but no one gets their heads cut off in this one. (Sorry MaryD)

Subtext - Do I really still have to disclaimer subtext? Someone asked me if I thought Xena: Warrior Princess was a romantic show. My answer was, when a show has one main character state in no uncertain terms to the other main character that she would rather die at her side than live without her, that show cannot be defined as anything less than a romantic tale. Yeah, there's subtext.. maintext… under the table text.. whatever you wanna call it.

This is, of course, PG13 level involvement here, no more. That never changes.. for those of you who are waiting for me to stick in a rip roaring, no holds barred graphic orgy scene, make sure you have plenty of coffee and doughnuts handy. And a comfortable chair.

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

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

mailto:merwolf@bellsouth.net

Festival - Part 7

By Melissa Good

"Gabrielle?" Xena ducked her head close, and glanced around as they made their way across the village towards their quarters.

"Hmm?" The bard looked up.

"There are guards everywhere." Came the mildly amused answer. Every doorway, every entrance, every remotely clear spot seemed staked out by a fully armed, very serious Amazon warrior. "What's up?"

"Paranoia, and a good dose of serious embarrassment." Gabrielle replied wryly. "I mean.. here they are, rough, tough Amazon warriors and all that poop.. and they get caught with their.. um… leathers down like that." She exhaled. "You should have heard Eponin reading them the riot act."

Xena absorbed that thoughtfully. "Well.. yeah.. I guess.. I can imagine how I would feel if it'd happened to me." She offered, amiably. "I'd be pretty embarrassed, too."

Green eyes flicked her way. "As if." Gabrielle backhanded her in the gut. "And besides.. you're more dangerous wet, naked, and covered in soap than the rest of these guys are fully armed like a porcupine."

The warrior smirked a little. "Think so, huh?" She hated being complimented like that, usually, but somehow when Gabrielle did it… Xena sighed happily, and just enjoyed the warm, fuzzy feeling.

"Tch." Gabrielle tucked her hand inside her partner's elbow and hummed. contentedly. "Yes.. I do think so." She giggled softly. "Did you know you held off a couple of hundred slavering, well armed, berserker warriors today?"

"Augh… " Xena rolled her eyes. "Gabrielle, c'mon now.. if there were thirty of those guys, it's a lot.. and they had rusty armor, and half of em had… " She caught the impish smile on her soulmate's face. "You little fink.. you're pulling my leg."

"Heh." The bard did a little wiggle as she walked. "Am I good, or what?"

The warrior let out a sheepish chuckle. "You got me, all right." Her gaze dropped. "Hey.. can I see that little move again? That was cute."

Gabrielle blushed a little. "No.. now that you mentioned it, I won't be able to do it again." She muttered, as they reached their door and Xena pushed it open. "You think it's safe to go take a bath? I feel like a six day old mud puddle."

"Hmm… " Xena stepped closer, and peered at the bard's ear intently, then reached her hand out, and with a lightning quick gesture, captured something. "Maybe you better. " She replied seriously, opening her hand and displaying a tiny pollywog. "If you got these in there… "

The bard's eyes widened as she stared at the creature, which wriggled in her partner's palm. "Oh… centaur poop.. that's gross!" She reached up and grabbed both ears, searching in agitation. "Xena.. see if there any more.. uck.. if that crawls up my ear, I'll go nuts.. I… "

She looked up and saw the mischievous grin.

"You…. You… " The bard spluttered.

"Gotcha." Xena grinned, picking up the pollywog and tossing it out of the window.

"Auggghh!!!" Gabrielle hurled herself on top of her soulmate, and they tussled, ending up crashing onto the bed in a pile with the bard making a determined effort to pin the taller woman's arms down, and tickle her. "I'm gonna…. Augh… yow.. cut that… Xena…..Aiiieeeeeeeeeeeeeeee"

"I love that squeal." The warrior whispered in a sultry tone, just outside her ear.

Gabrielle paused in her attack, and glanced down at the very blue eyes inches from her own. "You do, huh?" She lowered her head a trifle and tasted Xena's lips, as she felt the tickling fingers switch to a more soothing stroke. "Can I interest you in a nice, warm, private regal bath with me?"

"Mm." Xena felt a grin edging its way along her face. "It's good to be the Queen, huh?" She nibbled the bard's neck, working gently up across the line of her jaw.

Gabrielle let herself get lost in a mild haze for a minute. "Queen? Of what?" She mumbled finally, lolling her head to one side, and peering at her partner with a silly grin.

"Of my heart?" The warrior replied lightly.

Blond eyebrows lifted, and a hand came to rest gently on Xena's tanned forehead. "Funny.. you feel cool… " The bard commented wryly. "That was an amazingly sappy thing for you to say, Xena."

"Yeah… " A sigh. "I know." Xena rolled over onto her side so they were facing each other, stretched out full length on the bed. She crossed her ankles and wiggled a booted foot. "I think you're rubbing off on me."

"Hmm." Gabrielle considered this, as she studied Xena's face minutely. "Took me long enough." She grinned.

Xena grinned back.

"You know… " The bard hesitated, then took a breath and went on. "I'm really glad we're friends."

The warrior blinked at the unexpected statement. "Well…I am too, but… where did that come from?"

"When I was little… " Gabrielle traced out an idle pattern on the blanket. "There were two other kids in the village… and they were really good friends. I used to play with them every once in a while.. and I liked them." She paused, and collected her thoughts. "But I always felt.. when I was with them, that I was… well, kind of a.. an intruder, I guess, or..just.. extra, and even though we had fun, it was also sort of sad for me."

"Mph." Xena made a small, encouraging sound.

"And I asked one of about it… you know… and they told me it was just… well, they were best friends, that was all, and everyone else was not… a part of them." Gabrielle sighed a little. "I didn't understand… I didn't know what it was like…"

She looked up. "And now I do." She reached over and curled her fingers around Xena's. "It's always having someone to turn to.. always having a shoulder to cry on… knowing someone who you don't have to pretend with."

Blue eyes watched her silently, and she heard the soft noise as Xena swallowed. "Someone who knows all the bad parts about you and doesn’t care." The warrior whispered.

Gabrielle bit her lip and nodded. "Someone you can tell anything to, and share everything with." She tightened her fingers. "So many people don't know what that is, Xena."

A slow exhale. "I know."

"I'm really glad I'm not one of them anymore." Gabrielle concluded, lifting their linked hands, and brushing her lips against Xena's fingers, smiling as she detected the subtle scent of herbs from the healer's hut on them.

Xena smiled. "Me too." She stroked the bard's cheek gently, feeling the softness of her skin with a quiet sense of pleasure.

They laid there quietly for a few moments, simply reflecting on that, then Gabrielle let out a quiet sigh. "Shall we? I think the bathing hut is about empty… Eponin instituted strict schedules. No more than two at a time, for a quarter candlemark."

The warrior burst out into a laugh. "Is she standing there timing them?"

"Probably." Gabrielle rolled her eyes, then sobered. "What are we going to do about her and Eph?"

"We? " Xena's brows arched. "Us?.. Gabrielle, they're both grown women, in case you hadn't noticed." Gods… matchmakers to the Amazons…I'll never live thatdown.

"Who are acting like stubborn teenagers." The bard replied, with a snort, as she rolled off the bed, and tugged Xena with her. "Ooof.. come on.. you're too big for me to be hauling you around like a sack of potatoes."

"Fortunately." Xena smirked, as she scooped the bard up and cradled her. "I can't say the same for you." She started for the door. "One hot bath, coming right up, your Majesty."

"Xeeeennaa…" Gabrielle tugged at her shirt. "Now.. come on.. you can't just waltz around the village carrying me!"

The warrior skillfully opened the door with one booted foot. "And why not?" She asked, reasonably, as they emerged into the damp air, which was almost, but not quite dripping with rain. "Now that's the kinda service the Amazons should be giving their Queen.."

"Oh stop it." Gabrielle laughed, giving up and just clasping her arms around the taller woman's neck as they made their way towards the bathing hut. Amazons on guard around the compound blinked, then hid grins as they went by. "Xena.. they're snickering."

Xena stopped, narrowed her eyes, and made a slow, complete turn, glaring at everything in her path. Bodies jerked to attention, and faces froze into stern seriousness instantly. "No they're not." She informed her silently convulsing soulmate. "See?" She padded on, with a satisfied grin.

The bathing hut was almost empty, as Gabrielle had predicted. Only Ephiny was there, quietly soaking in private, regently splendor, a thick sponge resting on her forehead. She rolled her head to one side, and peered at them as they entered. "Oh…" Then she straightened, with a mildly alarmed look. "Hey.. Gabrielle, are you okay?"

The bard wiggled her feet, and gave what she hoped was a sufficiently haughty look. "Of course… isn't this how the Amazon Queen always travels?" She tapped Xena's shoulder. "Down, please." She regally ignored Ephiny's burst of laughter.

The warrior let her down gently, then walked over to where buckets sat against the fireplace, heating. She grabbed two of them, and walked over to an empty tub, dumping them in and going back for more.

Gabrielle leaned on Ephiny's tub with a friendly grin. "Bet that water feels good."

The regent let her chuckles wind down, and nodded. "Oh yeah… I finally got all the mud out of… um… everywhere." She turned her eyes to Xena, who was steadily completing her task. "Hey… if you get a chance, could you hold Pony down and check that cut on her neck? I think it's really sore..but… "

Xena paused, and rested her arms against the tub, then crooked a finger at her soulmate. "Sure… " She replied. "Probably needs some cleaning… we weren't real careful about that during the fight… I had a Hades of time getting the dirt outta my scratches."

"Who did?" The bard asked, archly, as she tested the water with one finger. "Oo.."

The warrior ruffled her hair. "Okay..you did." She splashed a handful of the stuff at her. "C'mon.. in you go."

Gabrielle willingly removed her leathers, and hopped into the tub, sighing in pleasure as the warm water covered her. Xena unbelted her gambeson and joined her, settling behind the bard and leaning back against the edge of the tub. She took a bar of herb soap she'd brought with her, and started on the bard's back. "Talk about mud… gods, Gabrielle.. you've got an outline where your leathers were."

The bard didn't answer, being far too busy enjoying the strong, massaging fingers across her back. Xena kept up her work, but turned her head towards Ephiny. " Things getting back to normal?"

The regent shrugged. "More or less… it's gonna be moons before everyone's ego gets out of the manure pile…" Her hazel eyes glinted a little. "But I gotta tell ya.. it sure was nice to be one of the rescuers for a change… damn, that's a good feeling."

Xena chuckled. "Yeah… I know." She scrubbed behind Gabrielle's ears and shook her head in mock despair. "I think I found another pollywog in there." She teased softly.

Gabrielle turned her head, and gave her a look out of one half-open, green eye. "I'll give you pollywogs…I'm gonna put some in your bed later on." She ran her fingers up Xena's inner thigh. "Let them wriggle around."

The warrior snorted a laugh, biting her lip. "Cut that out."

"Ooo… " The bard grinned evilly. "Found a spot, did I?" She ran her other hand up the other thigh, then did them together, feeling her partner's body convulse. "Heh."

"Gabriellleeeee.." Xena pleaded, through clenched teeth. "You're gonna regret this…. "

"Hehehehehehheheh" The bard chuckled, tickling harder. "I don't think.. whoa!" She found her hands grabbed, and held, and then long, agile fingers were finding her most ticklish spots . "Aiieeeeeeee!!!!"

"Shhh!" Ephiny hissed. "You're gonna freak out the guards, Gabrielle! They'll have a fit!!"

The bard bit her lip hard, and squirmed, sloshing water out of the tub as she struggled. "Okay..okay… " She gasped. "I give!"

Xena stopped immediately, and pulled her back, to rest against her, both hands circling her waist and squeezing a little. "Good."

Gabrielle relaxed, letting her damp head rest against the warrior's chest, as she gazed over at Ephiny. "Sorry." She grinned wryly. "We get carried away sometimes."

"Just like a couple of kids." Ephiny watched them, feeling a touch of unexpected envy grab her chest. Gabrielle had a quiet, contented look on her face that matched the peaceful indulgence on her partner's and the two of them together presented a picture of… gods, was it possible they were happy? Xena rested her chin on the bard's head, and smiled, the muscles of her shoulders tightening as she drew Gabrielle closer.

They were happy. Ephiny sighed inwardly. Even after everything. She tilted her head back and regarded the ceiling, counting the splices as the thatch met, and overlapped. Despite everything. She let her eyes drift over, and saw Xena close hers, as she listened to something Gabrielle was saying in a voice too low for Ephiny to hear. The warrior chuckled softly, deep in her throat, and her partner produced a slow, easy smile in response.

It brought her own dilemma squarely into focus, and she remembered something Gabrielle had said, about why they'd decided to move their friendship into a deeper realm. "Xena said.. .she just got tired of fighting it."

Yeah. You could get tired of that. Ephiny admitted to herself. You could get tired of a lot of things. "Well… I'm gonna get dressed, then I've got… something I gotta do." She announced quietly.

"Anything urgent?" Gabrielle questioned, enjoying her soulmate's soaping. "Need help?"

Ephiny smiled ruefully at the thatch. Probably. "No.. nothing big… you guys finish up.. and we're gonna do a potluck tonight, until the kitchen gets back into order." She turned to Xena. "Don't suppose that'd include those fish you're so good at catching, huh?"

Xena lifted a brow. "I think that can be arranged. " She admitted.

The regent nodded, then hoisted herself out of the water, and wrapped her body in a large linen sheet., tucking the ends in neatly. "Good.. see you in a little while."

They watched her leave, then eyed each other. "Something's up." They pronounced in serious unison. Xena chuckled. "Guess we'll find out later."

Gabrielle snuggled closer, and began an attentive cleaning of her partner's skin with her lips. "Much later." She carefully avoided the arrow wound and worked her way up. "Much.. much.. later." Her lips brushed against the warrior's. "Is that okay?"

Xena laughed softly, her hands already starting a gentle wandering over the bard's body. "You're the Queen."

Ephiny took her time going across towards her quarters. She made a point of examining the place, making sure that things were being put back the way they should be, and clean up was proceeding at a good pace. Several Amazons were busy rebuilding the huge firepit, and they waved at her as she walked by. "Make it nice and big." The regent called, with a grin. It would take them the rest of today, and part of tonight to get things back on track, but damn it, they were going to celebrate this festival if it was the last thing they did.

Celebrate the harvest, and the year to come. And fallen friends, she regretfully noted. Of the sentries, two had been killed, and the rest were in various stages of recovery, as they had taking Arella's appearance on trust, and let her in, some greeting her as a friend. She cursed herself again for not seeing this coming, for believing that the woman would just meekly go off into the hinterlands, and behave herself.

Ah well… not like they give you training for that. She reasoned. You just have to make the best decision you can, and live with it.

Yeah. She paused on her own doorstep, and turned around, leaning against the wall for a long moment and just breathing. The damp breeze brushed against her skin and pushed her curly blond hair back, as she rehearsed what she wanted to say. What she wanted to explain. Finally she exhaled and straightened up, then nodded a little, and entered the hut.

Eponin was seated at the worktable, her right fist tangled in her hair as she propped her head up. She was working on a set of parchment pages, her quill held firmly in her left hand. That has always intrigued Ephiny, because as a fighter, the dark haired Amazon was strictly right handed. She shot her bow, handled her sword, and a staff all the conventional way, but had admitted to being naturally left handed when the regent had caught her doodling one time. She stood for a moment, studying the weapons master's snub nosed profile, then edged her face into a smile, and settled in the seat across from her. "Hey."

Eponin started, then glanced up. "Gods, Eph… ya nearly scared the feathers off me." She blinked. "Didn't hear you come in."

"So I see." Ephiny rested both arms on the table, and plucked at the corner of the parchment. "Whatcha working on that's so interesting?"

Pony looked down at her hands, and smoothed the feathers on her quill. "Um… " She studied the document. "Oh..it's… they're nothing.. just reports.. stuff.. I wasn't really… I was kinda just thinking about something else."

Ephiny gazed at her quietly. "Yeah? Like what?" She kept her tone light, sensing her lover was distracted by something.

A faint shrug. "Just stuff… about what happened, and… just… I don't know."

The regent exhaled, then stood and moved around to where the linen press was, pulling open a section of it and removing a light shift, which she replaced her towel with. She folded the damp fabric in half, then draped it over a bar set in the wall for that purpose. Then she gathered herself together, and crossed back over to the worktable, settling onto the arm of the chair Eponin was seated in, and resting one forearm on her shoulder.

For a long moment, the dark haired woman didn't move, then she hesitantly looked up.

Ephiny blinked. She'd known Eponin most of her life, and had seen many, many expressions on the older Amazon's face, ranging from anger, to happiness, to disgust, to sadness. But this was the first time she'd ever seen fear in those warm, honey colored eyes. In reflex, she reached out and gently cupped her cheek. "What's wrong?"

The muscles under her fingertips worked, but Pony just shook her head a little. "Nothing.. w.. what do you mean?"

She could have been imagining it, true… Ephiny reasoned, except she could see the flutter of Pony's heart against the pale skin of her neck and knew she wasn't. On the other hand, getting her stubborn lover to admit something was wrong was pretty scary territory, so she decided to go ahead with her little, prepared, speech. "Listen… I know it's been pretty rough for us lately."

Eponin's face went very still. "Still mad at me for going off on Xena, huh?" She whispered wryly.

Ephiny's brows drew in. "No… no.. that's… that's over with, right? Hades, you got her to apologize, which I thought was a likely as Mount Vesuvius spouting honey wine." She shrugged a little. "I know how it is with you."

The dark haired woman's eyes dropped, to some place near the floor of the hut. "Yeah.. I…should have realized that would…I guess it just got too… I'm sorry."

"It's all right." The regent collected her thoughts again. "Anyway, I know it's been tough… and we haven't been having such a good time, and I… " Ephiny stopped, seeing the sudden shift of light as her lover's jaw muscles clenched so hard, she could trace every ridge from her chin to her ear plainly. A glance down showed her the weapons master's fingers wrapped around he quill, her knuckles standing out in stark relief. Her whole attitude, Ephiny realized, was very much like someone waiting to be hit.

Bracing against something that was going to hurt, very much. Her heart clenched, and she slipped off the chair arm, and knelt, so that Pony was forced to look her in the eye. "What on earth is wrong?" She kept her voice very gentle. "Come on now… you're scaring the crap out of me."

Pony swallowed audibly, then sucked in a breath and forced an almost surreal calm. "Hey…" Her voice broke a little, then steadied. "It's no problem, Eph… I under.. understand." She licked her lips. "We're probably better off anyway… I mean.. you must get tired of all this… "

Ephiny curled a hand around hers, and held it. "What are you talking about?" She felt the convulsive tremors under her grip, and she frantically tried to work out what the heck was going on.

"I mean…I figure.. you're going to… a ask me to leave, and I.. .I don't blame, you, so.. it's okay." Jaw muscles clenched again, but a lifetime of being a warrior kept a stolid, calm look on a face so tense with anguish it hurt to look at.

Ephiny slowly let her head rock forward and rest against the chair arm. Oh gods… what have I done to her? How could she think…..what if that's….what she w..The regent exhaled softly I've been so blind. She rolled her head to one side, and opened her eyes, peering up at the still, quiet face. "No.. I wasn't going to ask you to leave." She replied gently. "I was going to ask your forgiveness for what I've been putting you through."

Eponin blinked a few times, as though her mind was having trouble encompassing Ephiny's words, so sure had she been of what they were to be. Finally she released a held breath. "Oh." One word, full of such unutterable relief, it was painful to hear. "Don’t worry about it." She added, in a mumble.

How typical. Ephiny found a tiny, sad grin somewhere, as her trepidation dissolved away. "I… um.. I want to worry about it." She paused. "I want.. to worry about you."

Startled, caramel colored eyes darted to hers.

"You.. spent an awful lotta time worrying about me… and.. .I figured… I think first of all, I wanted to thank you for… being there.. and … putting up with all the poop I had to go through, and all that stuff." Ephiny felt, for a moment, like her tongue was being twisted into knots. Gods.. how in Hades does Gabrielle come up with this stuff? To hear her it's easy.. damn it, Gabrielle, it's not easy! "And I know it's been rotten, and you… I mean things got kinda weird after what happened with them.. and…and I know I hurt you." There. That was out. "I'm sorry." That too.

"Um… " Poor Pony looked overwhelmed. "No.. no.. it's.. it was okay… I.. um… I'm a big girl, right?" She picked up a fringe on her leathers and dropped it. "Mean, tough.. Amazon…I can handle stuff." Her eyes flicked over the room, then settled on Ephiny's face. "But.. um…. I thought you were worth it." Eponin produced a tiny, hopeful smile, which faded quickly. "Course, I never really understood why you.." A hand lifted shakily and indicated the village. "You have your pick."

A wry, sad look slid on to the regent's face. "You're so damn modest."

Eponin scowled.

"It's one of the things I love the most about you." Ephiny felt the words come out easily, before she could measure their meaning, or judge their impact., and she found herself looking into a face so stunned, and so open, it was heartbreaking.

"W…w… one of the th..th..things?" Eponin stammered softly.

It was, Ephiny decided, the sweetest of feelings. "One of the many things, yeah." She laced her fingers with the older woman's. "You're not gonna hit me for saying that, right?" A pause. "Pony?" Longer pause. "Hey… " Ephiny leaned forward, concerned, at the wide open, stunned expression. "Po?"

A look of childlike wonder and delight transformed the dark haired Amazon's face. "I didn't think you…." She breathed out quickly. "I mean… we… uh… I just thought…" She ran out of words and just collapsed against the back of the chair, relief turning her muscles to water.

Ephiny sat down cross-legged on the floor, and leaned her head against Eponin's hip, circling a hand around her knee. "I was just so convinced I couldn’t… risk… caring too much." She admitted softly. "I'm sorry… I swear I am."

Eponin's fingers found their way into her hair, stroking it gently. "What.. made ya change your mind?" Her voice was hoarse, but not with tension.

The regent smiled sadly. "The Queen."

A ragged sigh. "She talked ya into it, huh?"

Ephiny shook her head. "No." She shifted, and turned to look up . "She didn't have to say a word." Glinting tracks of wetness trailed down Eponin's face, and as she blinked, a droplet fell and landed on the regent's arm.

Eponin stared at it in puzzlement, then rubbed her face in irritation, sniffling self consciously. "Sorry." She mumbled. "Last time I did that was when that boar nailed me in the butt."

"Here." Ephiny offered her a sleeve, which necessitated her getting up, and perching on the chair arm again. And then it was just easier if she wrapped her whole arm around Eponin, to give her more fabric to work with.

That somehow turned into a very satisfying hug, which warmed her from the inside out, in a very odd, and very special way.

Funny. Ephiny thought to herself. Melosa taught me about courage… but she never did tell me that sometimes… the most courageous thing you can do….

Is surrender.

Hey. A mild, amusing thought chased that one. And it didn't even take me two years to figure that out.

 Running footsteps alerted her. The Amazon trotted closer, calling out. "Queen Gabrielle!" and had made it to the front entrance of the queen's quarters when a large hand covered her mouth unexpectedly. "Qufmf flf" The woman's eyes widened, until she caught sight of her assailant.

Xena removed her hand cautiously. "Shh." She scowled. "What they Hades is all the noise?"

"Sorry." The Amazon reached up and scratched her ear. "The elder's council is meeting… they sent for the regent, but… "

The warrior's dark head cocked to one side. "But?"

"Um… she told me to.. um… " The woman hesitated. "She was busy."

"Busy." Xena repeated slowly. "Whadda they want?"

The Amazon snorted. "You think they tell me?" She sighed. "Anyway… I thought I'd find Gabrielle, instead." Her eyes flicked to the door. "Is… she in there?"

Xena nodded. "Uh huh.. but she's.. um… busy." Her blue eyes twinkled, as she saw the woman's shoulders slump. Actually, her soulmate was fast asleep, and Xena fully intended on her staying that way. "So I guess they'll get me instead."

The woman started, then peered uncertainly up at the taller woman. After a moment her lip quirked. "Okay."

The warrior patted her on the shoulder. "Let me just drop this off." She hefted the staff she was carrying, and ducked inside the door, sparing a moment to gaze at the still form on the bed. Gabrielle was curled on her side, one arm tucked under her head, and the other curled around the edge of the pillow. Xena had covered her with their blanket, the dark, furry surface making her fair hair stand out where it spilled over the edge.

She fought an insidious urge to join the bard. Her body suddenly craved the contact and wanted nothing more than for her to crawl into bed and wrap her arms around her sleeping partner, as her mind already heard the contented murmur Gabrielle would make when she did. It took a stronger effort to deny the need than she'd anticipated, and she closed her eyes for a long moment in concentration before she let them drift open again. Damn. C'mon, Xena.. let's have some discipline here. You can't spend your whole day snuggling.

And why not? Her obstinate conscience retorted. With a sigh, she set the staff against the wall, and pointed at Ares, who was curled up next to the bard with his head draped over her knees. "Take care of her, okay?" The wolf's ears flicked at her, and she smiled, then turned and rejoined the impatiently waiting Amazon.

They walked along in silence, until the woman cleared her throat. "That was a really great idea, that tunnel."

Blue eyes flicked to her in mild amusement. "Thanks." What was her name? Kisi? Pisi? Oh.. right… Dosi. Damn Amazons called themselves the weirdest things sometimes. She suspected that wasn't the woman's real name, but one she'd taken on joining the Nation. "Glad it worked."

Dosi nodded. "Yeah.. we heard noises in the cellar.. we figured an animal had gotten in there." She nibbled her lip. "Then after a bit, it sure sounded like a huge animal.. scared the feathers offa us."

Xena paced along. "So.. what were ya gonna do if it was an animal?" She queried. "And how'd ya figured it got in there?"

The Amazon scratched her head. "Beats me… I think the frustration level was so high, we were hoping it was some animal just to be able to do something besides sweat, stink, and make snitty comments about each other's anatomy."

Xena burst out laughing, then stifled it. "Sorry.. I know it really wasn't funny."

Dosi scowled, then grinned herself. "Yeah it was." She sighed, as she reached out to push open the door to the council chamber. "Well, good luck."

The warrior gave her a look. "Thanks." She left the Amazon behind at the door and entered, aware of the sudden silence as her tall frame filled the doorway. She stopped just inside, and let her eyes move around the room.

A dozen surprised, and faintly uneasy faces looked back at her.

"Something you need?" The warrior asked, her eyebrows lifting.

The woman in the center seat stood. "Um… we… weren't really… I thought we asked.."

Xena shrugged. "Ephiny's otherwise occupied, and Gabrielle's sleeping." She paused. "I'm not waking her up… so, if you need something.. you're stuck with me." She ambled to a stool set in the center of the semicircle that was defined by the council tables, and perched on it. It was obviously set there for people being interrogated, but she claimed it with such utter confidence, it was more like they were being reviewed by her.

Exactly how she intended it to be. She crossed her arms over her chest, and raised one eyebrow in question at them, as she crossed her legs at the ankles. "Well?"Hmm.. she glanced around. Been a long time since I was the youngest person in a room. It made an odd little grin tug at her lips.

"Ah." The oldest of the elders put her fingertips on the table, and leaned forward a little. "I see." She cast about, obviously at a loss. "Is the Queen all right?" She finally asked. "I wasn't aware she was injured in any way… "

Xena relaxed a little. "She's fine." She assured the woman. "Just taking a nap."

"Good.. good.. " The woman responded. "Ah.. well… " She squared her shoulders and took control of herself. "This is a bit awkward, Xena… the subject we wanted to raise with either Ephiny or Gabrielle was.. um… well, it was you."

A lazy smile formed on the warrior's face. "I figured." She drawled. "Who better to answer your questions, then?"

The elders all looked at each other, then most of them shrugged. "Good point." The senior woman stated frankly, and sat down. Her eyes studied the tall, quiet form before her judiciously. Xena had put her gambeson back on, not feeling like subjecting her body to the abrasion of leather due to the myriad of cuts and sore spots, and the Amazon seemed to find the garment fascinating. "I understand you came up with the plan to dig into here?"

Xena nodded amiably. "Seemed like the quickest way." She inspected her fingernails, which despite her long bath were still stained with red clay. "Not the most fun I've ever had, but it worked."

A small silence. "You are injured." The elder motioned towards her leg, where a bandage stood out, stark white against the warrior's tanned skin.

"Got a few nicks… nothing major." Xena replied, blithely, mentally cursing herself for allowing Gabrielle to industriously plaster her with neat bandages. She'd felt like a walking advertisement for a cut rate herbal salesman before the bard had finished. "Gabrielle wanted to make sure they stayed clean this time." She offered, wryly, remembering the look of peaceful absorption on her soulmate's face as she'd simply relaxed under the younger woman's ministrations. The bard got such a kick out of taking care of her…as though she were a prize stallion or something, that Xena usually found herself submitting to her just to watch her smile.

"Ah." The elder nodded. "She… feels very strongly about you."

Xena didn't feel that needed an answer, so she simply nodded in confirmation.

"Frankly, we were a little surprised when Ephiny told us you two were planning on… going through with a joining ceremony here… I know relations between us haven't been cordial lately." The woman spoke quietly, steepling her fingers and resting her lips against them. "I couldn’t imagine you voluntarily wanting to become part of us."

Xena considered the question, taking her time. The silence in the room didn't bother her, though she could see it was making some of the elders a little restless. Finally she just shrugged. "Neither could I." She answered, honestly. "Your… infighting.. the attitudes… you drive me nuts most of the time."

They blinked at her, not expecting the frank admission.

"But this is a part of Gabrielle's life.. and it's something she really wants me to share so.. " Blue eyes twinkled wryly. "So…what the Hades."

One of the other elders, a short woman with rusty gray hair that once must have been red, leaned forward. "So.. that's it? That's why? Not that you want to help the Nation.. not that you have anything to offer.. not that you think we would be good allies… just… just because she wants you to?"

Xena grinned. "Yep." She settled back and regarded them mildly.

The woman snorted. "And we have to take you on your terms, is that it?"

The warrior gazed at her. "Yep… cause I'm not changing any time soon."

Now the silence was definitely chilly. "That.. is not the way we do things." The gray haired woman stated. "Not even for our queen." She glanced at her comrades. "What guarantee do we have.. "

Xena stood, and glided over to her, making the most of her greater height as she leaned on the table, towering over the other woman. "You don't." She deliberately lowered her voice. "The only guarantee you have is this - as long as your best interests match hers, I'm right there, understand?" She powered her eyes around the table, letting the darker, edgier side of her personality show clearly. "I don't need the Amazons, all right? But in the past three years, you sure have needed me, and on more than one occasion. "

Silence greeted that.

"So let's cut the poop." Xena finished. "I'm not here to be judged by you."

 The gray haired woman looked her right in the eye. "You're not much for diplomacy, are you, Xena?"

A crooked grin quirked the warrior's lips. "I leave that to Gabrielle." She was aware of the women circling the table, and forming around her, but she stayed still, and waited.

They were close, so close she could smell their leathers, and she straightened up, letting her arms fall to her sides as they closed around her. She kept her breathing even, but her hackles rose, and she couldn't prevent the tiny shiver of response that tensed the muscles just under her skin and brought her senses to painful alertness. I hope they don't try something stupid. I'm not in the mood.

The silence thickened. Twelve foxy old Amazons surrounded their prey, hands slipping to weapons. Xena topped them by a full head, and outweighed most of them , but they didn't appear intimidated. "I don't think we like your attitude." One of them drawled.

Xena chuckled humorlessly. "I don't think I give two pig's feet if you do or not." Privately, she admired the group for their aggressiveness, something she usually found lacking in their younger comrades. However, it was late, and she really didn't feel like getting into an all out, knock down drag away fight at the moment.

"You're pretty tough sounding for someone surrounded by armed warriors." The shorter woman remarked, in a faintly humorous tone.

The warrior lowered her head slightly, and felt her hands tense. "If you intend on finding out just how tough I am, get it over with, and I don't wanna hear about it if people get hurt." There was no humor in her voice now. Her bodyweight shifted over her center of balance, and she put her defenses on hair trigger.

"You're unarmed, and surrounded, and you 're warning us about getting hurt?" The woman countered.

"Yeah." Xena replied.

"And what if it's you that gets hurt, Xena?" The eldest member said softly.

The warrior smiled easily. "Then you're gonna have to deal with Gabrielle, aren't you?" Xena reminded them. "And let me tell you… if you think I'm rough to handle, you ain't seen nothing yet."

They all paused, and looked at each other. The eldest, Rena, scratched her head. "Poop. She's right." She drummed her fingers on the table, then gave Xena a wry look. "Called our bluff, huh?"

A dark brow lifted in response.

The woman started laughing, and at that, the rest of them did too. One reached out and slapped Xena on the back, startling the still tense warrior into almost backhanding her into the wall. "Xena, if you could put a cupful of your attitude into this bunch of little puppies we got here, you'll be worth every single aggravating minute of it."

Xena slowly relaxed, and let a grin creep across her face. "If you all haven't.. what chance do you think I've got?" She put her hands on her hips. "They are a little wimpy, huh?"

"Uch." Rena threw up a hand in disgust. "I don't know what's wrong with these kids today.. to let themselves be caught like that? Hades.. in my day.. " She sighed. "Of course, we had to be up at the Centaur village, making patty cake with Tyldus when the whole thing happened or let me tell you… it woulda been a different story." She sighed aggrievedly. "We got back just in time to see you holding off that pack of smelly pigs.. but boy, if we'd been here…"

"Uh huh." Xena leaned back against the table and let out a silent sigh of relief. She scanned the feisty, tough looking faces, and grinned quietly to herself. These, she realized, were Amazons. Like she remembered them. "S'allright.. we took care of it."

Rena snorted. "No kidding… that kid from Potadeia's got more spunk in her than half the damn Nation… wow.. can she use that staff… nice work, Xena."

The warrior grinned. "She's pretty good, huh?" A look of pride crossed her face. "You should see her go up against guys twice her size… just bam… down they go."

"Yeah… and centaur farts, can you use a sword… " Rena brandished an arm. "Hey.. introduce us to that fuzzy buddy of yours… he's pretty damn good too."

"Sure." Xena agreed readily. "Come on… I think I saw him over in the dining hall." They clustered around her, discussing the battle with enthusiasm, nudging her mood up yet another notch. Heh. This might not be so bad after all.

"Oh..oh.. wait, hey, Xena, did you realize you cut that big, ugly guy all the way in half?" A tall, wizened woman tugged at her sleeve. "How did you get through his spine? I've never been able to do that." She swung her arms in a half arc, and stopped. "I always get the metal stuck in the bones…drives me nuts."

"Well, it's mostly in momentum." The warrior began to explain, clasping her hands together as though she was holding a sword hilt, and pausing, as she spread her legs and moved her balance forward. "You gotta… " She powered her body around as they jumped out of the way and slammed both fists into the door, shattering it and sending splinters everywhere.

Silence fell.

"Whoops." Xena dusted her hands off. "Didn't mean to do that."

Rena looked at the door, then at her. "Needed a new one anyway." She slapped Xena on the shoulder. "Come on… let's get the woman a drink."

The cheerful group marched off towards the dining hall.

Gabrielle woke with a start, missing her partner's presence with a sharp pang of anxiety that faded as she took in the armor draped neatly over the chair, and felt Ares warm body tucked against her knees. She lay for a moment, letting her heart settle back down as her fingers smoothed the fabric her head was resting on. She'd replaced the Amazon's blanket with one of their own, and both that, and the shirt she was wearing carried Xena's scent, calming her as the last wisps of a disturbing dream evaporated. She let her eyes drift around the room then, taking in her staff leaning against the door, and the fact that Xena's weapons were still there, and concluded her partner had merely stepped out on a short errand or something.

Or something. That started her curiosity going, and she wondered what Xena was up to, hoping it was something pleasant, and not something that involved her getting into trouble. The tall warrior was really good at getting into trouble, lately, and combined with the fact that they were with the Amazons…

Gabrielle sighed, and contemplated getting up, though her body really wanted to remain where it was. She decided to compromise, and slipped out of bed, padding over to the desk and picking up her diary and quill case, then returning to the blanket's warm comfort and huddling down into them again. She drew her knees up and rested her diary against them, setting the quill case out next to her and opening it up. Her fingers lifted a quill out and sharpened the tip automatically, as she tried to focus her thoughts.

They weren't cooperating much, and she let her head fall back to rest against the backboard. A scent distracted her, and she looked over, to see a cup of tea, lukewarm now, resting there. She picked it up and sipped it, smiling as the taste of honeysuckle and mint wound its way down her throat.

So.. here I am, updating. Since the last time, as usual, lots of stuff has happened. I won a staff battle, but that feels like it was weeks ago, not yesterday. I did win, though, which was interesting, but kind of disappointing, too. I expected to be happy, or satisfied, or… something. What I ended up being was kind of sad, because everyone thought it was so great that I could beat up someone.

Xena understood, though. Which was really weird, because if anyone is competitive, it's her.. and she never minds entering those wrestling things at festivals, or archery, or .. whatever, and she always likes winning. But she understood, and she hugged me, and told me it was all right, and that I'd never really be like the Amazons because I felt the way I did.

I can remember a time where that would have bothered me, but now… it kind of made me feel really good. I mean, not because I’m ashamed of that. I'm glad I can work my staff as well as I can, and that I can take care of myself, but I'm also glad I can feel compassion for the other person, and that I don't want to hurt them, if it's not real.

Whew. That was complicated to work out, and my brain's still kinda fuzzy. The Amazons got ransacked yesterday, captured, and locked naked in the kitchen by Arella.

I just reread that, and it's so funny sounding, I almost took it out, but I'm going to leave it in because aside from the people who got hurt, and the two people who died, it was a kind of funny thing to happen. Xena, of course, came up with an idea to get everyone free - we tunneled into the storage cellar under the dining hall, and everyone got out, then they beat up Arella's goons, and now they're our captives, just like she is.

That was a really smart idea of Xena's. I liked it, even though I still have clay caked about everywhere… gods, I've never been so dirty in my entire life. For a while, I thought I was going to have to turn myself over to Arella.. just because she said she was going to start killing people otherwise… and I really thought I was going to do it, but then Xena asked me not to.

Not… demanded, like she used to, and not told me not to .. she asked me not to, because it would be too hard on her. Wow. And I realized something… because she asked like that, I wouldn't have done it. Greater good, or no greater good…something about the way she did that just grabbed hold of me, and wouldn't let go.

There's still some little raw places in both of us, I think. Like when I just woke up, and she wasn't here. Or those dreams about betraying her I still have. I guess that was one of her raw spots.. I think she still has nightmares about things happening to me and her not being able to stop them.

That's not really fair for either of us, but.. healing from that is going to take time. It's incredible that we've come as far as we have, and sometimes I have to remind myself of that.

Let's see.. what else. Oh yeah.. Jessan, Elaini, and their kids are here. Those kids are sooooo cute I can hardly stand it.. all furry, and adorable…they're like puppies, only smart. Xena found them out in the woods last night.. they were headed for Amphipolis.

Jessan told me he'd heard about what happened to us, and was coming to see if we were okay. That's so amazingly sweet of him, considering how dangerous it is for him to travel around like that, so far from home. He's a good friend, and I think he was really happy to see things were all right.

So am I, of course. In fact, until he and Elani showed up in the cave last night, me and Xena were the two least messed up people there. I told her that, and she almost blew water out her nose, because she was drinking when I said it.

That was funny. But it was true, though, and even she agreed. She said she hoped Eponin and Ephiny got things worked out, because she really thinks they belong together. That was a weird thing for her to say, but I think she's right.

We talked, just a little, about the baby. Nothing really new on that subject from me, which is okay, but I managed to get her to at least consider the idea that… oh gods, this is so weird I can hardly write it. That Toris might not be the father. I know it's crazy, I know… I know… and maybe I’m just lying to myself, and deceiving myself because…

Because I don’t know why. I'm starting to suspect it might be guilt over Solon, and that's not really fair to either of us, or Toris for that matter, but…

But. The fact of the matter is, if I was about to start my cycles, and I was, that day - then the chances of him being the father are about the same as Argo being the father, according to Menelda, who I talked to the day before yesterday. I haven't said that to Xena.. I wonder if she realizes. I thought she might.. when I told her that first time and she got this real strange look on her face. She's a healer, and she knows more about that stuff than Menelda ever will, so I bet she does know.

I should be scared witless. But I know in my heart that there is only one other possibility, and I’m just going to hold that close to me, and believe it. We'll just wait and see…it'll take a couple of years, probably, but if that kid starts to ride full size horses at the age of three, then we'll know.

Just kidding, I think.

Now, my worst problem is what to do with Arella. I need to talk to Xena about that.

Gabrielle looked up as a faint , hesitant knock sounded on the door. "Come on in." She called out, tapping her quill against her jaw.

The door edged open, and Paladia poked her blond head in, hesitantly.

"Hey." Gabrielle motioned her in. "It's okay.. come on." She pointed to the chair. "Sit down."

The tall woman eased inside, and trod cautiously across the floor, seating herself gingerly. "Hi."

The bard studied her. "Hi."

"You're in charge here, huh?" Paladia reached up and pushed the long, straight hair out of her eyes.

Gabrielle waggled her hand. "Yeah.. more or less… I mean, there is a council, and Ephiny's the regent, but… yeah." She put the diary down and turned on her side, leaning on one elbow and giving the tall woman her whole attention. "Do you need something?"

Paladia stared down at her boots in sullen silence for a bit, then looked up at her. "Change my penalty."

Mist green eyes regarded her warily. "I wasn't the one who decided that." She replied. "But considering what you did the past few days, I’m sure I can work something out with Ephiny… we can probably just end your sentence, if that's what you want, or… "

Paladia shook her head. "Naw." She looked everywhere but at the bard. "I didn't say I wanted to… I mean, I know I did stuff that was bad.."

Gabrielle slid down and propped her head up on one hand. "Oh." She felt a smile tugging at her lips, and she surrendered to it. "I get it.. you want to stay here."

"Didn't say that." Paladia protested, grumpily.

"Didn't have to." Gabrielle shot right back, with a gentle twinkle in her eyes. "You forget who I live with."

The gray eyes peered at her, then the faintest hint of a smile pulled reluctantly at Paladia's lips. "You were always nice to me." She commented. "I don't understand that.. I messed you up."

The bard chewed at her quill, and smiled absently at the taste of cinnamon. "I guess I just believe you have to take chances on people… and that you should treat them… like you'd want to be treated, even if they don't feel the same way."

Paladia blinked at her. "That's nuts."

Gabrielle sighed. "Sometimes, yeah." A vision of Arella danced mockingly in her eyes, followed by a haunting, brief shot of Hope's infant face. "But mostly…it just makes me feel good to think that way."

"Huh." The taller woman pursed her lips, and peered at her own, clasped hands. "Whatever."

The bard gazed at her, feeling older than her years. "I tell you what… I'll fix it so you can stick around… if you go and apologize to Ephiny." She waited for Paladia to look up, her eyes startled. "And you have to mean it."

"B…" Paladia objected. "You can't apologize for that, are you crazy?" She subsided, with a tired sigh. "Forget it."

Gabrielle slipped out of bed, and dropped one knee, putting a hand on the ex renegades arm. "Paladia, believe me. You can apologize for anything." She said, her voice soft, and sincere. "And be forgiven for anything."

The blond woman stared at her, expressionless, for a long moment, then she stood, and merely nodded, before she turned and left.

Gabrielle sighed, and sat back on her heels as she watched the door close. "She's pretty stubborn, Ares."

"Agrrroo." The wolf licked his lips, then put his head back down on his paws.

"But not as stubborn as I am." The bard went on, pushing herself to her feet, and sitting on the bed, one hand scratching the dark ears. "And besides, I've got a lot of experience with those tough, silent types."

"Rrrr." Ares licked her leg.

"Yeah, rrr… and speaking of tough, silent types, I wonder where your mom is?" She drummed her fingers on her leg. "I think I'd better go find her.. no telling what kind of trouble she's gotten herself into." She studied her garb, and decided the Amazons would cope with her wearing an oversized shirt for the nth time. They probably think I just don't know how to shop for myself.

With a wry chuckle, she rummaged into her pack for a leather belt Xena had made for her, and wrapped it around her waist, sliding the end through the sturdy ring, and tucking it into a knot, then bending down to pull on her boots. "C'mon, Ares." She called, as she stood up, stamping her feet to settle the leather. "Let's go."

Paladia ambled across the compound, muttering curses to herself. It drew odd looks from passing Amazons, but she was used to that so she ignored it, preferring to keep to herself as she usually did. She really had no destination in mind, so she was surprised to find herself in front of the healer's hall.

She scowled at it, then sighed, and figured she might as well go in and say hello to Cait, considering the girl was the only person in the village who would talk to her. Aside from Xena or Gabrielle, of course, and she sure didn't want to go talk to them. Once was enough. Though Eponin had talked to her, a little, which was okay, but she guessed it was because she let the older Amazon loose from that tree.

But other people… nah.. they avoided her, unless they couldn't help it, or they needed something carried, or moved or… Paladia sighed, as she pushed the door open. She had no idea why she wanted to stick around here anyway.

Inside, the room was dark, and mostly quiet. Eight of the ten pallets were occupied, and the three or four healer's assistants were moving around, changing bandages, and carrying bowls of whatever. They looked up as she entered, then went back to what they were doing, in silence.

That was all right. She didn't have anything to say to them anyway, so she just turned to her left, then edged down the row where Cait was lying, crouching down next to the girl's pallet and settling awkwardly on the tiny stool that had been left next to her.

Cait's shoulder was bared, and her bandage had just been changed, as Paladia could detect the sharp scent of the cleanser they used. The girl's disheveled blond hair, usually pulled back into a braid, hung loose about her head, soft waves of it brushing across her chest. Her face, while still very pale, had started taking on a hint of its usual color, and Paladia figured that by now, if the kid wasn't dead, she was probably going to be okay.

The ex renegade considered how she felt about that, and decided she was all right with it. Cait really wasn't so bad, once you got over her talking all the time, and how pushy she was. Paladia regarded the still form, and her brow creased as the girls' eyes slowly opened and met her own. "Hey."

Cait was silent, obviously gathering strength. "Hello." She finally whispered.

"You missed tons of good stuff." Paladia informed her bluntly. "Still hurts, I bet."

Cait nodded faintly to both. "Hear…you've been quite busy." She was quiet for a while, then took a breath. "Could have gone."

The ex renegade looked with disinterest across the room, where Menelda was struggling to her feet, pushing away the help of one of her assistants. She shrugged. "Yeah, I know." One hand lifted and scratched the back of her neck. "Figured I owed them a couple of things… they coulda had me flayed alive for what I done." That sounded better than the simple fact that she'd wanted to find Cait, and talk her into leaving with her… and had stumbled into the raider's camp purely by accident. "Had to stick around to give you a hard time anyhow."

Cait stirred a little at that, and turned her head, studying Paladia intently. "You have to tell me everything, at once." Her weak demand sounded ridiculously imperious.

Paladia shrugged again. "Don't remember, really.." She remarked offhandedly. "Happened so fast."

Cait's eyes pinned her. "Paladia, come on now… please?"

Please.. that was new. The taller woman's eyes brightened a little in interest. "What's in it for me?" She inquired, seriously.

"What do you want?" Cait countered, just as seriously.

To go back, and make things different. Her mind answered. "I don't gotta hear that story no more." Was what she replied audibly.

The girl sighed. "All right."

"What do you like that one so much for, anyhow?" Paladia asked, with a scowl. "Always ends the same way… and it's so damn goopy."

Cait looked a little sad. "Because it always ends the same way.. and it's so goopy." Her eyes blinked, and her face tensed in pain. "Maybe I wish it was my story."

Paladia stared at her, not expecting that answer. The kid usually came back with sarcasm, or some nasty remark, but never stuff about herself, or..all at once, she felt bad, and she had no idea why. "Uh…right.. okay, well.. if you're gonna be like that about it, I guess I can remember some stuff."

The girl's pale eyes warmed. "Super."

"What are you doing here?" A gruff, sharp voice interrupted them, and they looked up to see Menelda standing there, her eyes fastened coldly on Paladia.

The ex renegade bristled defensively, but was kept from having to answer by Cait's soft words.

"Keeping me company… is there something the matter?" The girl asked, warily. She was well aware of the healer's sometimes unpredictable moods, and her steadfast dislike of Cait's personal hero. That marked her down as a bad egg in the girl's book, but she tried to be as respectful to her as possible, because otherwise, it just got very ratty.

"I don't need any more criminals in here. There must be things for you to do, to get this place back on track. Go do them." Menelda replied, crisply.

"Actually. " A very cold, brittle voice inserted itself. They all turned to see Gabrielle standing there, her green eyes snapping. "I think you need more time to recover from your injuries, Menelda. Go to your quarters and lie down."

"Your Majesty… " The healer protested indignantly.

"Go." Gabrielle answered, in an inflexible tone. "Or I'll have you taken there." She paused. "That wasn't a request."

Menelda hesitated, then turned, and left without another word, and a heavy silence fell over the room.

"Gosh." Cait finally rasped.

Gabrielle raked a hand through her fair hair, and knelt down beside Cait's pallet. "Sorry about that.. I'm not really sure I know what her problem is."

Paladia snorted softly. "I could give you a clue." She muttered. "Thinks everyone else in this place owes her."

"Well." The bard sighed. "I think she's a little behind in the news… I'm not sure if she knows exactly what's happened the past few days."

"She wouldn't give two squats." The ex renegade shook her head. "Still talks like crap about Xena… think she's just got a pair of peach pits shoved up her… " She stopped, at the bard's raised eyebrow. "Whatever."

Gabrielle nibbled her lip, managing to keep a grin off her face by sheer force. "She's kinda on my bad side for that, really." She admitted wryly. "How are you feeling, Cait?"

Cait offered up a weak smile. "Not bad, actually." She lied with a straight face. "Ephiny said she and I have something in common now.. " Her eyes dropped to her shoulder, then back up at the bard. "I think Menelda's just pissed off because Xena's such a smashing healer, and she isn't, not really."

"Mm… " Gabrielle considered that. "That's kinda silly, though, huh?"

"Too right." Cait replied, with a wince. "Thank you for sending her away."

The bard leaned on her knee. "You're welcome." She replied softly. "Speaking of which… has Xena been by here? I'm looking for her."

Cait shook her head regretfully. "I've been out, really… " Her eyes went to Paladia's face in question.

The tall, blond woman scowled. "Nah… " She knit her brows in thought. "Saw her on the way over here.. headed towards the dining hall with a pack of the oldsters around her."

"Really." Gabrielle answered, biting her lip in thought. "Wonder what that was all about."

Paladia shrugged. "Someone was yelling about getting weapons or something.. " She remarked. "Didn't really… " She looked up as Gabrielle stood, surprised at the dark expression that had settled on the bard's face. "Uh."

"Excuse me." The bard gave them both a nod, and headed for the door.

"Gosh." Cait murmured. "She got awfully mad, awfully fast, didn't she?"

"Huh." Her taller companion grunted. "Was gonna tell her they looked like they were having a good time, but… "

"Right." With a fiercely determined look on her face, Cait pulled herself up a bit. "Now… you were about to tell me everything." She hesitated. "And don't leave out any of the good bits."

Paladia rolled her eyes.

Cait slid a hand out from under the covers, and gently clasped Paladia's wrist. "And don't leave out any of the parts you were in." She set her jaw in a determined look.

"I didn't… " Paladia protested.

"That.. is not what Xena said." Cait overrode her, implacably, then waited.

The ex renegade groaned. "Aw… " But she knew she couldn't get around that one. If Xena said the sky was bright purple with pink spots… Cait would be arranging her shirts not to clash. "Okay… " She finally agreed, grudgingly. "But you gotta shut up and just listen."

Cait smiled, and settled herself back expectantly.

But she didn't release Paladia's wrist, and for some reason, the taller woman couldn't seem to find a reason to make her.

"Awright..look…" Xena backed a little, trying to get some room to move. The group ignored the attempt, though and just clustered closer. The warrior felt her shoulderblades press against the wall, and she sighed. Not that she minded the enthusiasm, but… She swept her arm out, and twisted the hand that held the weighted club used for sword practice. "If you keep your hand this way.." She held her hand up and down, at an angle to the floor, and rotated the club. "You can defend against downstrokes a lot easier, because that's how the joint works."

"Well.. yeah.. " Rena leaned forward and studied Xena's muscular forearm "But what about a side swipe?"

"You just.. " Xena angled her hand. "Like that."

"Xena, that won't hold against anything strong…" The elder objected.

The warrior handed her the other practice sword. "Go on." She kept her hand still, as they finally… finally backed off a little and gave Rena some space.

"I'm not a lightweight." The stocky elder warned.

Xena's brows lifted wryly. "Neither am I."

"Mmph." Rena chuckled, then swung, a short, powerful movement that brought her sword against Xena's at about waist level. "Damn!" She dropped the club, shaking her hand. "That stings like crap, you… you… "

A chuckled met her words. "Yeah, it can hold, if you train your muscles the right way." Xena remarked. "I beat a stick against a barn wall for…" She chewed her lips. "Gods… a year? More, maybe…until I made it so I could take a hit from that direction, with my hands still in this position, and it makes a difference."

"Huh." Rena boldly took Xena's hands in her own, and examined them, turning them over and touching the thick tendons that joined them to her powerful wrists. "And here we always thought it was just some kinda magic… what a party pooper you are, Xena… telling me what it takes is just old fashioned hard work."

The warrior smiled. "Sorry."

The elder sighed, then picked up her club again. "What about… well, you don't have the problem, I guess.. but most of us are shorter than a lot of the fighters we go against…what do you do for that?"

Xena tapped the bench, and indicated that she should get up on it. "Same thing Gabrielle does." She waited for Rena to climb up, cursing, before she waved her on. "Go on.. "

The Amazon wrapped both hands around her hilt, and slammed a blow down, which Xena caught with her arm half raised, letting her shoulder take the brunt of the impact. The club stopped a foot from her head, and she locked in place, as she heard the door open, and a warm, familiar presence made itself known.

Xena had looked up at the sound of the door opening, and felt her eyes widen at the sight of the dark blue clad, furious looking woman who was headed in her direction, both hands balling into fists, and sparks of anger flashing form her mist green eyes. Uh oh. She realized their position was somewhat compromising, and quickly dropped her guard, stepping back as Rena turned in confusion.

"There better be a damn good reason for what I'm seeing here." Gabrielle barked, as she reached the outer ring of elders and starting shoving people out of her way. The first few resisted, then saw who it was and started scrambling out of the way of the golden haired younger woman in her progress towards the tall warrior.

"Gabrielle.." Xena began, struggling to keep a grin off her face. When Gabrielle was angry, it lent a fierce, fiery glow to her that enhanced her natural good looks and seemed to roll off her tanned skin like water.

"I don't know what the problem is with you people.. what do you have to do, bleed on top of Artemis' damn altar at high noon dressed only in feathers before.. " The bard spat out, as she continued forward.

"Gabrielle." The warrior tried again, as her partner reached her, and swiveled, putting herself between the startled elders and her soulmate. Xena dropped her practice sword and put both hands on her partner's shoulders. "Hey…"

"Damn it! I want to know what the Hades is going on here!" The bard yelled, scaring everyone into taking a step back.

Xena sighed. Sometimes, she reflected, there really was only one way to shut Gabrielle up. Fortunately for her, of course.

"All right… you te…" The bard had turned, and faced the warrior, only to have her words cut off with a gentle, sensual kiss. She blinked as Xena reluctantly broke off, and they looked at each other. Gabrielle's eyes softened, and her body relaxed as she read the lack of tension in her soulmate, and realized she'd probably over reacted.

"It's all right." The warrior said quietly. "I was just showing them some techniques."

Gabrielle exhaled. "Oh." She glanced around at the wide eyed circle of older women. "Sorry."

Xena had kept one hand tangled in the bard's pale hair, and now she scratched her neck gently. "Thanks for coming to my rescue, though." She looked at the elders, who swiftly hid knowing grins.

"Whew." Rena wiped her brow. "Ya saved us from a fate worse than honey and feathers, Xena… we owe you one." She gazed at Gabrielle with a look of healthy respect. "Didn't meant to upset you, your Majesty."

The bard chuckled ruefully. "My fault.. I shouldn't have assumed the worst… I guess I.. just got used to doing that for a while." She gave her partner an apologetic look, receiving another neck scratch in response and her body reacted as it slid closer, and she tucked herself against Xena's side with an abashed expression.

Xena settled down onto the bench behind her, and patted the surface next to her. "We were about done anyway… share a cider with me?" She could sense her soulmate's embarrassment and wanted to ease it.

"Cider?" Rena pounded on the table. "Aw..c'mon, Xena.. you're not gonna sit there and tell me you don't like a good cup of ale."

The warrior chuckled. "I do.. but my friend here can't indulge.. so.. " She gave Gabrielle a fond look, and circled the smaller woman's shoulders with an arm. "Cider's fine with me.. especially if it's cold." She felt the bard settle against her, the warm stream of her breath stirring the hair on the warrior's upper arm.

The elders glanced at each other, then at the bard. "You… allergic to ale?" Rena hazarded, curiosity evident in her eyes. "Your Majesty?"

Gabrielle rested her cheek against the warrior's shoulder, enjoying her warm, musky scent. "Hmm?" She finally responded, realizing they were talking to her. "Oh.. no… no.. I'm not allergic…" She paused, thinking. "I mean, I am allergic to some stuff, Xena says… like pickles, for instance." She wrinkled her nose. "I get hives."

"Umm…..you…have some sort of … moral thing?" Another elder offered a guess.

"What?" Gabrielle chuckled. "No… well, yes, I have a moral objection to drinking bad ale, of that's what you mean… we were at some village way in the north once, and the stuff smelled like old cheese… it was gross."

Winces all around. Rena tried again. "The gods forbade you?"

"Oh.. yeah .. right… " The bard rolled her eyes. "Gods no.. nothing like that. I'm just pregnant." She replied, offhandedly "Xena says it's not good for the baby."

Eyes shifted from the bard, to her warrior, then back to the bard. Then to Xena. Eyes widened.

Xena gave up, and just leaned back with a smug look. Let em think whatever the Hades they want to think.

"So." Gabrielle decided to break the frozen silence. "How about those centaurs, huh?" She tucked a hand inside Xena's elbow and rubbed the soft skin with her thumb.

Rena leaned forward. "Excuse me… your Majesty… did I understand right.. you're expecting a child?"

The bard nodded. "Mmmhmm." She eyed them. "Is that a problem?"

The elder slapped her hand down on the table. "Well, then… this is going to be quite a festival." All the other elders nodded, and a buzz of discussion rose. "That changes… everything."

Gabrielle gave them a confused look. "I don't understand.. what does my being pregnant have to do with anything?"

"Gabrielle.. it's the harvest festival… we're celebrating fertility, and hoping for the fruitfulness of the coming year… to have you.. our Queen, come to your first festival blessed with new life… it's a great omen for the Nation." The tall, spare woman told her, with a frank grin.

"You tell her, Visti." Rena nodded. "Better than slaughtering a pig to Athena."

"Thanks." The bard replied. "I think." She looked up at Xena, who was keeping a carefully blank expression. "I'm glad to hear that." She leaned over. "Aren't I?" A bare whisper she knew the warrior would pick up. She got a puzzled shrug in response and sighed.

"Oh yeah.. and we'll have to have an initiation ceremony now." The eldest elder stated, to a round of ribald chuckles. "This is gonna be wild."

Gabrielle glanced at them. "What… kind of ceremony are we talking about?"

Another round of chuckles. "Now.. don't you worry about it, your Majesty… we'll take care of the details." Visti assured her. "I wonder if I still have that body paint." She muttered, rubbing her jaw.

The bard gave her partner an alarmed look. Xena cleared her throat to get everyone's attention. "Excuse me." Her voice was low, and even, and got everyone's attention effortlessly.

They all looked at her, breaking off their excited discussion. "Yes?" Rena asked.

"Whatever happens to the queen here, also happens to me." The warrior announced. "And I really, really hate being embarrassed, you catch my meaning?" Her voice dropped to a menacing growl.

"Xena… come on..it's tradition." Rena laughed.

Cool blue eyes held hers unrelentingly.

A sigh. "All right..nothing horrible." The elders grumbled about youngsters, and no fun, and stuffy. "Can't you take a joke?"

The warrior looked right at her. "No." She replied flatly. Then she arched an eyebrow. " But I sure can play one." A wicked grin shaped her lips. "Got me?"

They regarded her warily, then glanced at Gabrielle, who smiled endearingly.

They all nodded.

 "Eph?"

The regent decided to try and ignore the sound, even though it was being created inches from her ear. She was in a warm, very comfortable spot, and had no intentions of leaving it.

"Eph?' This time a gentle shake was added, and she groaned inwardly.

She resentfully pried one eyelid open, and regarded her assailant. Rats. No one she could yell at. "Hi." She mumbled. "Village burning down?"

Eponin snorted softly. "No…"

"Good. Gobacktosleep." She let her eyes close again in relief, and snuggled closer to her lover, luxuriating in the sensation of being totally relaxed for a change. No disasters, no problems, the village was retaken, she'd gotten a sensitive chat under her belt.. life was good.

 "Um…" Eponin shook her again lightly. "I'd love to.. but I can only put everyone off for so long."

A hazel eye reopened, and Ephiny gave her a puzzled look. "What?"

"The elders were looking for you." Pony mentioned.

"So?" The regent let her eye slid slut. "Told em to get lost."

"Yeah.. well, the messenger got told to come back, so she decided to try and get Gabrielle to take care of whatever it was instead."

"Good girl. She gets a cookie." Ephiny muttered.

"Cept that Gabrielle was asleep." The dark haired Amazon went on, playing idly with Ephiny's blond curls.

"Lucky her." Ephiny remarked, pointedly.

"So Xena went instead."

Both hazel eyes popped open. "Don't tell me that." Not with the elders… gods… they wouldn't take the warrior's superior attitude kindly.

"Sorry." Pony traced a finger down the regent's bare shoulder, an absorbed, wondering smile shaping her lips. "Menelda was looking for you, too."

"Whoa." Ephiny held up a finger. "Go back one..okay? What happened with Xena and the elders?"

Eponin shrugged. "I don't know…but I heard someone talking about some kind of commotion in the dining hall, and then.. the reason I mentioned Menelda is because I also heard she was sent to her quarters."

Ephiny stared at her, aghast, then looked up at the window, where the last rays of the sun were staining the sill a blood red. "But it's not even dinnertime yet." She mumbled. "I wasn't asleep that long, was I?"

"Bout a candlemark." The older Amazon confirmed. "Didn't want to wake you up.. you look kinda wiped." She neglected to mention her own fatigue, naturally, and the nagging pain from her knife wound.

The regent's brows creased. "I am." She confessed wryly. "I feel like I haven't slept for about a week." But she sighed, and hitched herself up on an elbow. "Guess I'd better go see how much damage was done." She gave Eponin a rueful look. "How bad could it be, right? They decide they don't want Xena to be admitted to the Nation… and get their collective wrinkled butts kicked by Gabrielle."

Pony grinned. "I'd pay to see that." She admitted. "I get tired to death of Rena callin me 'kid'."

Ephiny took in the snub nosed face and her eyes twinkled. "Can I call you kid?"

Caramel colored eyes went comically round. "Aw… Eph…." She groaned. "I bet Gabrielle doesn't call Xena 'kid'"

A chuckle. "Mmmm… no… actually, she calls her 'tiger.'" She lowered her voice. "I overheard 'em."

"Really?" Eponin's brows hiked up. "Heh."

A knock sounded, and they looked at each other. "Here we go." Ephiny sighed. "Come on in."

The door opened, and a pale, familiar head poked in. "Hey." Gabrielle smiled at them kindly.

Ephiny felt a faint blush color her cheeks, but she waved the bard forward anyway. Gabrielle eased inside, pushing her fair hair back, and tugging the hem of her dark blue shirt to straighten it. "What's up?"

The bard settled in a comfortable chair next to their bed. "Um… where do I start… okay, first off, we need to talk about Menelda." Her face was serious. "What's up with her, Eph?"

Ephiny debated getting up and discussing the matter, but it was just too comfortable where she was, and Gabrielle didn't seem to mind, so… "What's up with her… well, that's kinda a long story." She paused. "You mind if I ask you if I'm gonna be jumped by the elder council when I poke my fuzzy blond head outside, first?"

"For what?" The bard asked, puzzled.

The two Amazons glanced at each other. "Uh… I heard Xena went to talk to them?" Ephiny replied, hesitantly.

"Yeah… so?" Gabrielle answered. "Gods… please.. don't you think it's possible she could handle a simple conversation without causing mayhem?"

They looked at each other again. "With our elders? No." The regent advised her.

Gabrielle chuckled. "Well, she did… I think they like her. They had her in the dining hall demonstrating with a couple of sticks." She shook her head. "All of them glued to her like honey on a bear's paw."

A third exchange of glances. "Uh oh." Eponin muttered. "That could be worse."

"Mmm." Ephiny agreed. "Well… anyway… I'm glad to hear that." She collected her thoughts. "Menelda." She paused, and watched Gabrielle pull her legs up and tuck them under her, as she settled down to listen. The sunset painted the bard, gilding her hair with crimson, and throwing half her face into shadow. "She's Melosa's sister, you know."

A shake of Gabrielle's head. "I didn't."

"Mm." Ephiny sighed. "When Melosa was killed by Velasca… some people expected her to make a fuss." The regent's eyes went to the wall, studying the framed, matted painting there. "She didn't… and I didn’t find out until later it was because she.. well, let's say that Velasca's aims had a fairly wide base of support in the Nation."

Gabrielle nodded. "I knew that." She fiddled with her necklace, which shone almost red in the light. "But she didn't actively join Velasca's side… I would have remembered."

"No." Ephiny agreed. "She didn't.. but she wouldn't have been unhappy if… things had turned out differently." She considered. "I think she's always borne a grudge against Xena, by the way, for beating Melosa, and proving your right… it's kind of complicated with her."

"Hmm." The bard mused. "Yeah… I can see that." She thought a minute. "She… never seemed part of Arella's group, during that whole thing, though.. I'd have thought.. I mean, Arella's ideas were along the same path."

"Ah… well, no… " Ephiny murmured. "I think she felt that.. if anyone was going to head up that kind of faction.. it should be her. And Arella never got on with her.. called her an old, toothless wanna be."

Gabrielle's brows creased. "But. She's not even a warrior.. I don't understand."

"She was." Eponin interrupted, unexpectedly. She'd been lying there quietly, providing a pillowed surface for her lover, and just listening. "And a good one… some people say she would have received the right, instead of Terreis, but she made a big mistake."

"Mm.. yeah." Ephiny agreed, with a pensive sigh. "She and a close.. friend… had headed up across the mountains, towards Amphipolis during the cold season.. no one's really sure of what happened, but the end result was they got into a rock slide. The other woman, a girl, really, was killed, and Menelda got broken up pretty bad.. she never recovered all the way. "

"Oh." The bard's eyes focused on something beyond sight.

"Yeah… she can do most stuff, but her strength never came back, and she has very little stamina… it kind of took away her only real talent, I guess.. so she fell back on healing." Eponin went on, somewhat somberly. "She's not bad, but it's not her heart's choice, and it shows."

"Yeah." Gabrielle murmured.

"And then, ya know.. " Pony gave the bard an apologetic look. "No offense, but someone like Xena comes along, who… I mean, feathers, Gabrielle, is there anything she doesn't do good?"

"Cook." The bard replied, succinctly. "And a number of other things, but I get your point."

"I'll take your word for it." The weapons master sighed. "But here.. I mean, she's carved out a niche for herself, knowing what might have been, and I think she can handle it with most of us, but when Xena's around, it just chews at her a lot. " A shrug. "Hades.. I feel like that sometimes… like… I don't know, defensive, I guess…so for her it must be a lot worse."

The green eyes cooled a degree. "So… she's supposed to pretend to mediocrity when she's here?"

"Gabrielle..come on now, that's not what Pony meant, and you know it." Ephiny gave her a look. "It's not a problem."

"Ephiny, it is a problem." The bard objected, leaning forward. "Every time we're around you guys, it becomes one big competition… don't you think she gets tired of that?" Her eyes turned to Pony. "She did her damnedest not to have that happen this time, and you wouldn't let her get away with it… and frankly, I don't see that changing just because she joins the Nation."

"I didn't…" Eponin started, then stopped, and sighed. "She coulda just said no."

"No she can't." Gabrielle responded, gently. "She can't say no, she can't back down, she… " The bard exhaled. "We talked about it on the way up here… she says, this is the only place where she has to prove her self over, and over, and over again. "

They all looked at each other, in consternation. "What are you saying, Gabrielle… you don’t want to go through with the ceremony?" Ephiny asked, quietly. "You don't have to, you know.. it's not like everyone doesn't know you two are…" She hesitated, looking for a good term for it.

"Soulmates." The bard pronounced the word carefully, tasting the flavor of its meaning.

Ephiny took a breath. "Soulmates." She nodded a little. "That's a nice word." She smiled at her friend. "Look, I think I know what you're saying.. but I think the more time you spend with us, the less that'll happen, because everyone'll just get used to things, you know?"

Gabrielle propped her chin up on one hand. "You think? I'm a little nervous about it… I'm not much into ceremonies and stuff."

The Amazons chuckled. "Oh..nah, don’t worry about it, Gabrielle…you'll do fine. It's a breeze… it hardly takes a minute, and then it's over with." Ephiny assured her, feeling a sense of relief flow over her. "Really easy."

"Good.. good… then you guys won't mind joining us, right?" Gabrielle replied, with a bright smile.

"Sure."

"Sure"

They answered together, then halted in shock, and looked at each other, openmouthed.

And Gabrielle, Bard of Potadeia and Amazon Queen, buffed her nails against her soulmate's dark blue shirt and stood. "Great. I'll go tell the planners. See you guys at dinner. Bye." Green eyes sparkled in the waning light, joined by an impish smile, which vanished in the blink of an eye as the door closed behind her.

Total silence reigned.

"That little… "

"I don't believe it…"

They studied each other for a moment then Eponin lowered her gaze, and started to scramble out of bed. "I'll go haul her down… before she.."

Ephiny lifted one hand and covered her mouth, using the other hand to hold her in place. "You didn't mean it then?" She asked, softly.

Pony's eyes grew rounder, and she slowly let herself back down onto the pallet. "I…" She searched Ephiny's face with a wondering look. "I meant it."

The regent smiled, throwing caution to the wind. "Well then… we can't disappoint the queen now, can we?" It was a very peaceful feeling, and they basked quietly in it for a minute.

Then Eponin took a deep breath. "She's good." She commented wryly.

"Oh yeah." The regent ruefully acknowledged. "She sure is."

Continued in Part 8 

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

Specific Story Disclaimers:

Violence –Well… this is a more or less violence lite story. Now.. you've got Xena in it, and Amazons, and Gabrielle with that staff.. so it's not all sweetness and light, but no one gets their heads cut off in this one. (Sorry MaryD)

Subtext - Do I really still have to disclaimer subtext? Someone asked me if I thought Xena: Warrior Princess was a romantic show. My answer was, when a show has one main character state in no uncertain terms to the other main character that she would rather die at her side than live without her, that show cannot be defined as anything less than a romantic tale. Yeah, there's subtext.. maintext… under the table text.. whatever you wanna call it.

This is, of course, PG13 level involvement here, no more. That never changes.. for those of you who are waiting for me to stick in a rip roaring, no holds barred graphic orgy scene, make sure you have plenty of coffee and doughnuts handy. And a comfortable chair.

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

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

mailto:merwolf@bellsouth.net

Festival - Part 8

By Melissa Good

It took her a while, but Gabrielle finally found her target, hiding away near a shady rock overhang, ostensibly fishing. How she was fishing lying down tossing pebbles in the water, the bard found it hard to imagine, but.. She paused for a long moment, just watching her partner. Xena's eyes were unfocused, and her hand motions were mechanical, as though her thoughts were a million leagues away, and it took her seemingly forever until she blinked, and turned her head towards where the bard was standing.

"Hey." Xena greeted her quietly. "How long have you been here?"

The bard smiled, and picked her way down the rocks, with Ares following her to join the warrior in her little dell. Xena was resting on her side, and Gabrielle settled down right in the curve of her body, draping one arm across her soulmate's thighs, and the other over her shoulder. "Not long." She answered. "Just a minute or two." Green eyes studied her partner quietly. "You were pretty deep in thought… anything you'd like to share?"

Xena exhaled, and gave her a rueful look and a shrug. "Wish there was… I've just been kind of looking out at the water for a while.. watching the ripples." How's that for a lame answer, huh? I was just lying here daydreaming.. I think I'm losing it. "Wasn't thinking of anything in particular.

The twilight was fading, and the water was mostly dark shadows with the occasional glimmer. Off to their left, an owl hooted softly, and Gabrielle could smell apple blossoms on the cool evening breeze. At the edge of her hearing, she detected a faint sound of drums from the village, and realized they were probably starting to gather for dinner. "It's pretty out here." She took a deep breath. "Mm… smell that?"

Xena dutifully sucked in air. "Water, mud, rocks, two frogs, three birds, figs, and…. " She closed one eye judiciously. "An apple tree."

Gabrielle leaned back, and gave her an affectionate look. "You're such a brat sometimes." She gently tickled the warrior behind her knee.

"So are you." The taller woman responded, getting her on the back of her neck and making her giggle. They shared a smile, and then Xena stretched, and stifled a yawn. "Time to go back for dinner, huh?" The thought of spending the evening in the company of Amazons made her head spin, for some reason, but she patiently waited for Gabrielle to answer anyway.

The bard considered the question. "Yeah… I guess." She slid down a little, until her head was resting against Xena's hip and looked up at the sky, which was beginning to come alive with a curtain of stars. They were beautiful tonight, she mused, enjoying the cool breeze that tugged at her shirt and sent tiny chills up and down her mostly bare legs.

"You guess?" Xena asked, in a mildly intrigued voice. "You don't sound very sure about that." She lifted a hand, and gently stroked the bard's hair with it, letting the strands trickle through her fingers. "Did you find Eph and Pony?"

"Mmm hmmm." Gabrielle closed her eyes. "Made em propose to each other."

Xena's eyes widened in startlement, unseen by her younger partner. "You did?"

"Yep." The bard serenely answered. "I figure if those crazy elders are going to try anything, that'll keep them honest." She turned her head and blinked. "Besides, it'll be good for them."

"Uh…huh…. And since when are you an expert on this subject?" The warrior queried, with a chuckle.

One blond brow lifted, and cocked itself at her.

Xena bit off a rueful grin. "Okay… point made." She continued petting the bard's soft hair. "You wanna go back up there?" She hoped her voice didn't sound half as reluctant as it seemed to her.

Gabrielle folded her hands across her stomach and considered the question. "Um…. " She drummed her fingers lightly. "Not really… I kinda like it right here." She answered honestly. "It's.. been a really long day, and I kind of need some quiet, I think." Her eyes lifted to Xena's. "What about you?"

"Huh." Xena mused. "Lemme see… I can choose between a roomful of yammering Amazons, or staying here with you." She gave an exaggerated sigh. "What a choice." She reached over her head and dragged something closer, pulling a small basket over her body and thumping it down next to Gabrielle's shoulder.

The bard peeked inside curiously. "Oooo… " Inside were apples, figs, a pair of sour oranges, and a small bunch of berries. She selected a fig and chewed on it happily, resuming her comfortable spot. "And here I thought you spent the entire time daydreaming." She gave Xena a tiny poke in the leg.

"Almost." The warrior confessed, letting her head rest against the turf, as she plucked a few strands of river grass up, and started idly braiding them. "Like you said, it was a long day." She continued wryly. "Didn't mean to end up lazing around here so long, but… I.. um…it felt good just to sit down for a while." Hadn't realized how tired I was until I did…. Gods, I could go to sleep right here. She rubbed her eyes briefly. Guess the years really are catching up to me.. that's for damn sure.. used to be able to fight all day and not feel it.

Gabrielle put her fig down, and rolled over onto an elbow, peering through the lavender twilight at her partner's face. "Are you all right?" She asked, a bit worried. "It's not like you to say stuff like that."

Xena gave her a wry look. "See? I can't win… I don't tell you, you get mad. I mention when I'm not up to par, you get all worried."

"B.." The bard started, then stopped. "I… but… " She exhaled. "Not fair, Xena… you've trained me to watch all your little non verbal signals… what am I supposed to do when you just up and TELL me when something's wrong??" She asked plaintively, as she sat up, and scooted closer. "Here… lie down." She pushed the warrior flat, and picked up the bunch of berries, selecting a few and offering them to her. "But thank you… for making an effort to do that." She added, with a smile. "I appreciate it."

Xena munched her berries, and relaxed, propping one leg up and nudging the bard with her elbow. "G'wan.. lean back." She offered, tossing a berry to the waiting Ares. He snapped it up out of mid air, and chewed it, then licked his lips hopefully and watched her.

Gabrielle let her body rest against Xena's thigh, propping her arm lightly on the warrior's ribcage and continuing to offer her fruit. Now that she was looking for it, she could see the faint lines of exhaustion in her partner's expression and a wave of guilt flowed over her. "Gods… I'm sorry." She cupped Xena's face with one hand, and sighed. "Here I am, running around fixing things, and I forget to check the most important thing of all."

"Mm…I'm ignored… you steal my clothes… " Xena reached out and tangled a hand in the shirt her soulmate was wearing, pulling her forward gently. "I feel so abused." She lifted her body up and captured the bard's lips, sinking back down and taking Gabrielle with her. "Lucky for me… " She growled softly into the younger woman's ear. "I like that."

Gabrielle stroked her cheek. "I was being serious." She objected softly.

"I know." Came the ready response. "You were right to take care of these people first, Gabrielle.. they are your responsibility." Xena reached up, and put a finger on the bard's nose. "Besides, you checked me out, remember? I've got bandages all over me to prove that."

The bard considered that. It was true. The warrior had been uncommonly meek about allowing that, as a matter of fact. "Mm hmm… and you wouldn't stop and take a nap with me this afternoon because Zeus forbid you show any weakness in front of the Amazons." Gabrielle poked her gently in the chest.

Xena grinned, a touch sheepishly. "I think you got me, there." She admitted. "I do have a reputation to maintain, y'know." She added virtuously.

Gabrielle smiled. "I know." She offered a bite of fig. "I'd say you did a great job of that today, tiger." She'd heard the other Amazons buzzing about seeing Xena's fierce defense at the tunnel entrance, and had watched the admiring looks her partner was collecting as they moved about the village.

The warrior smirked quietly. "Not bad." She allowed, with a shrug.

The bard chuckled softly, and allowed herself to drink in the sight of Xena's body with unabashed admiration. The light was almost gone now, twilight fading into the ghostly, burnished silver from the half moon, which stained her soulmate's blue eyes a deep gray, and brushed interesting shadows over her bare arms.

Lovingly, she ran a finger across Xena's lips, which parted and gently captured her, the teeth making the softest of nibbles against her skin. "I love you." The bard whispered, hardly louder than the river grass brushing by in the wind.

Dark lashes moved, and one corner of Xena's lips twitched up. "I love you too." She burred, clasping the bard's hand in her own, and kissing her knuckles, then pressing both their hands against her chest. The warrior felt behind her, and drew out something white and fragrant, her eyes never leaving her soulmate's as she gently threaded a few sweet smelling night blossoms in her pale hair. "Thanks for coming to find me."

Gabrielle took the last blossom from her fingers, and sucked in a breath of its sweet, slightly spicy fragrance. "Always." She painted Xena's face with the edges of the flower, its fragile petals just brushing her skin. "Always…" She repeated, softly.

The grass brushed her face as she slowly lowered herself until their foreheads touched, then bent her neck and kissed her partner's lips, a slow, subtle exploration that built in intensity until she was having serious problems breathing, and her body slid out of her control, wanting Xena's touch in a way that was very hard to resist.

She knew they should stop. She knew they knew better, but Xena's hands kept up an enticing motion, finding sensitive spots with devastating precision and reducing her to core of strengthening sensations, which made her forget where she was.

Almost made her forget who she was, until she heard a small voice uttering a mewling whimper that she was sure wasn’t hers. Instantly the pressure eased, and a cool touch whispered against her overheated face. "Hey…" Xena's voice, deep, and on an irregular breath. "What's wrong?"

Gabrielle forced her eyes open, her breathing ragged. "I'm all right." She gasped out. "Just got real intense there." She bowed her neck, and let her head rest against Xena's shoulder, inhaling her scent greedily. "This is a little risky, isn't it?" She silently begged her soulmate to disagree.

Soft, low chuckle. "A little, yeah." Xena patted the bard's side, and pulled her into a warm hug. "I don't think either of us would ever live it down if they found us, as a matter of fact."

The bard remained quiet for a moment, then she gently tugged at the buckle of Xena's gambeson with her teeth. "On the other hand… " The buckle came loose and she started on the next one. "This is a festival dedicated to fertility, right?" Green eyes gone a mysterious gray peeked up at Xena, as Gabrielle nibbled gently down her breastbone. "Unless you're too tired." A contrite look.

Curving eyebrows and a flash of white teeth answered her, as Xena let out a soft, sexy chuckle. "Like I said.. I've got a reputation to maintain." She found her place with admirable skill. "Just try not to scare the guards into shooting us, huh? I don’t think my reflexes are up to it."

Gabrielle felt a little giddy, as she surrendered to the onslaught, but had the presence of mind to make a certain, subtle move. She found her hands instantly caught, and she smiled, knowing Xena would feel that under her searching lips. "I'd say the old reflexes are right where they need to be, love."

Overhead, a nighthawk chuckled.

Ephiny slouched back on her bench, hooking her feet under the leg of the table she was seated at and relaxing. The hall was full of mostly tired, slightly cranky, still irritable Amazons, which reminded her of the dreaded monthly 'cycle of Hades' time. It was odd, but predictable that most of the village got on the same pattern, but damn if it wasn't inconvenient to have everybody in a bad mood all at once.

Right now, of course, even the worst case of cramps couldn’t damp down the stupid ridiculous, immature, absurd sensation she was feeling in her guts.

Insane. At her age, to be this giddy about a….

Damn that sneaky little Gabrielle. Ephiny's lips curled into a faint smile. I can't believe she did that. The bard had pushed her neatly over an edge she hadn't anticipated, but now that she was out and floating…

It felt pretty damn good.

Her and Pony. And she thought I was gonna kick her out.. as if I would. Ephiny sighed inwardly. But I guess I've been being pretty cold lately… can't say I blame her for thinking that. She sipped ale from her mug. I think I’m gonna like this. She tugged a note from her belt and spread it out on the table.

To Ephiny, Regent of the Amazons, does Tyldus, Leader of the Centaurs send greetings.

We have heard the commotion down there, and hope things are well with you. Rumor has it that things turned out fine, and we are hoping that you haven't canceled your Harvest festival plans, because myself, and a few of my cohorts will be traveling that way and expect to be near your village tomorrow.

In especial, a young centaur would very much like to see his mother, and has persuaded me to bring him along, especially since he has heard that his favorite aunts are there, and he is anxious to see them.

Until tomorrow then, be well.

Ephiny smiled, feeling a warm surge of happiness at the thought of seeing her son. He stayed with the centaurs for his own good, she knew that, but she missed him, especially when she saw other children like Jessan's three tots.

On the other hand, she mused. She'd have to explain to him about Pony. Hmm. She drummed her fingers against the table, then chuckled wryly. Well, maybe it was a good thing Gabrielle was here.. she was really good at that kind of thing.

A burst of laughter caught her attention and she turned to see a cheerful knot was a group clustered around Jessan and Elaini. The forest dwellers had their cute little kids with them, and Elaini was busy discussing labor and birth with a few of the older Amazons, while her partner was hemmed in by a ring of young admirers.

"Can I touch your fur?" One of the bright-eyed girls asked, to a round of giggles.

Jessan regarded them nervously. "Uh.. .sure." There sure was, he reflected, a lot of energy around here. He watched as the girl patted his arm, then tugged the thick covering experimentally. "Hey!"

She jumped and squeaked.

"That's attached to my skin, y'know." Jessan blurted, flustered.

"Do you have fur… everywhere?" A dark haired girl asked, innocently.

The forest dweller cleared his throat. "Uh… well, yeah.. I mean.. not on the palms of my hands.. " He held his big hands out and turned them over. "Or on my nose, but everywhere else."

Giggles. "EVERYwhere?" The girl asked again.

Jessan's brow scrunched, and he cocked his head. "Well, ye…" Then he realized where they were all looking and his muzzle turned brick red. "No.. no.. no… not… exactly… everywhere, no…" Desperately he reached for a glass, and gulped its contents, then realized his mistake when a fiery burn ignited in his guts. "Oh.. Ares left ball." He closed his eyes and waited for the steam to stop coming out of his ears. "What was that?"

A veritable chorus of giggles.

"Where's that damn pepper spice mixture… " One of the cooks muttered as they walked by. "Trying to marinate that stinking fish… "

Jessan's nostrils flared. "Could one of you get me a glass of water." He managed, in a strangled voice. "Please?"

Ephiny came to his rescue, clearing out a few of the Amazonettes and handing him a mug of cider. "Here."

He grabbed it in furry hands, and took a few, desperate swallows, after which he sat panting for a long moment, before he finally sighed. "Thank you."

The regent sat down and patted his leg. "No problem." She gave the suddenly shy girls a direct look. "Don't you have chores to do?"

They took the hint, leaving the regent and their guest alone. "Sorry about that, Jessan… they get a little rambunctious sometimes." Ephiny patted his arm.

Jessan cleared his throat and winced. "It's okay… " He gave her a sheepish look. "They just kinda… uh… I wasn't expecting them to… to ask that kinda stuff." He peeked at the girls, who had scuttled over to the other side of the room, and were watching him with mischievous eyes. "They're.. um…. Very… um… "

"The term we use here in the Amazon nation is 'raunchy.'" Ephiny remarked, very dryly.

"Hmm." Jessan's nose wrinkled. "We use that to describe overexcited stallions." He cleared his throat again, irritated by the mixture he'd drunk. "Thanks for making us welcome here, by the way, Ephiny. We both appreciate it."

The regent chuckled. "Thank you for fighting in our behalf this morning.. I think it's the least we could do, and besides… you are good friends of our queen." She smiled at him. "And I know she thinks very highly of you."

The forest dweller blushed a little. "I think very highly of both of them."

A little silence fell. "Do… you know what happened?" Ephiny asked, in a low tone, her eyes watching his face.

"Yes." Jessan responded quietly. "We heard… I was… I mean, Elani and I were headed to Amphipolis… to see if we could help out in any way." He hesitated. "I'm glad we didn't need to."

"Jess… " Ephiny glanced around, and leaned forward. "What would have happened if it wasn't okay?" Her eyes searched his. "What would they have done?"

The tall, fur covered man sighed, and regarded the floor, his face settling into introspective lines. "I.. honestly, Ephiny.. I don't know." He nibbled a claw. "There's a lot of things we don't know… that we don't understand about your people." He thought some more. "I can tell you that I have never known two of your kind who have shared a stronger connection than what they have, but… " He sighed. "I was afraid for them."

"Me too." The regent admitted. "It was hard.. I had to make choices.. that I'm not very happy about."

Jessan remained silent, digesting this. "Gabrielle needed a friend." He finally replied sadly. "And she is part of your people."

"Yes." Ephiny agreed. "We wanted to protect her."

The forest dweller nodded slowly. "She is not the only one who needed a friend, though." He reminded her quietly. "How lonely that must have been for Xena."

It was a startling realization for Ephiny, that here, in this furry, strange person was someone who would see that first, see beyond Xena's armor as though for him, it didn't exist. She tried for a moment to imagine what it would have been like for Xena, finding her son dead, betrayed by the best friend she had in the world, and torn from the only stabilizing influence her life had known for many years.

Gods. Looking back at it, and knowing what she was.. they were lucky she hadn't gone berserk, and taken out half the Nation in pure rage. She was more than capable of it, and Ephiny knew that. Somehow, through the pain, and the madness though, she'd fixed on the one thing… no, the one person who to her, was the key to everything. The only Amazons who had gotten hurt were the ones who had tried to keep her from her target.

A thunder of hooves, and Ephiny had run like crazy for the purging hut, dodging panicking guards who tried to form up in a wall to keep the oncoming warrior from their queen. Ephiny had gotten to the door just as Gabrielle staggered out, the aching green eyes flicking over her head and fastening on the threat with an expression somewhere between utter despair, and exhausted relief. "She came back." The bard had whispered, her voice breaking.

Ephiny had grabbed her. "Come on… we've got to get you out of here." And she'd started to pull the half-conscious woman towards a pair of nervous horses. "We'll get you across the border… the centaurs will keep you for a while.. I've made a deal with them. We'll hold her here."

Incredibly, the body in her arms resisted. "No."

"Gabrielle, come on!" Anxiety, and the rapidly increasing sound of the hoofbeats made her voice sharp. "This is no time to argue with me!"

Bare feet dug in to the dirt, and the strong form twisted, wrenching itself out of her grasp. "Let me go."

"Gabrielle!"

Somehow, the bard's hands were on her shoulders, and bleak, tear filled eyes stared into hers. "Let… me… go." The bard's voice cracked. "Stay out of the way, Ephiny… don't try to stop me."

Dirt and rocks spattered them, and a thump shook her world as through the yells, she heard heavy boots moving towards them. The Amazons guarding Gabrielle went flying in all directions, helpless against the rage, and the anger that was literally pouring from Xena's menacing form.

And then she was the last defense. The last barrier between her friend, her queen, and the most destructive force she'd ever known. The ice blue eyes had burned through her, as she whirled, and readied herself, reaching out to grab Xena as she closed with them "Xena, wait… "

She never really saw it coming. Just felt the explosion of powerful muscles against hers, and then the searing crack along her arm that sent her to her knees in agony.

She remembered looking up, and seeing Gabrielle's eyes close as Xena grabbed her, the younger woman's face crumpling in pure, helpless despair. The warrior vaulted to the horse's back, dragging the bard with her, and in moments all was left was dust and heartache.

"Should we go after them?" Solari's voice, swift and urgent, as she motioned together a group of warriors.

The pain had been so intense, Ephiny had almost passed out, but she struggled to her feet and stared after the disappearing pair for an endless moment, seeing those bleak, haunted eyes before her.

"No." How many, many times had she lain in bed the next while, debating with herself over that decision? "Let them go." She'd told them.

"Eph.. are you crazy? She'll kill her!" Solari had turned, eyes wide, and protested.

"Maybe that's her destiny." The regent had finally answered, cradling her broken arm. "But if she does… this Nation won't rest until I have Xena's head on a pike in front of the village."

She'd never once thought about how Xena felt. Nobody really had… except Gabrielle. And this forest dweller. "It must have been unbearable." She finally responded, quietly. "I don't know how they did it."

Jessan sighed, and bared his fangs in a tiny smile. "I've stopped trying to figure that out… it just is how it is."

Ephiny nodded in agreement. "That's true." She glanced around. "And speaking of them.. I wonder where they are? I checked their quarters on the way over here… no sign of them. I figured they were out in the stable or something.. but it's full dark."

Jessan drummed his fingers, then let his eyes drift closed, extending his Sight in the most likely directions.

Moments later, his golden eyes popped open, and his muzzle blushed a deep crimson. "They're just fine." He managed to say, in a voice higher than normal. "Absolutely fine… spectacular.. no problems there, nope… they're great."

Ephiny stared at him, puzzled, then turned to Eponin as she came up. "You seen the queen anywhere?"

"Nope." Pony replied, looking at the blushing forest dweller curiously. "What's up with him?"

"Beats me.. .Jessan? You okay?" The regent inquired.

Jessan crossed his legs and studied the ceiling. "Just fine… tip top shape here. Yep… thanks for asking."

The Amazons gave him a strange look. "I think we'd better go dig them up.. I need to talk to Gabrielle about Arella." Ephiny decided. "C'mon." She patted Jessan on the arm. "You take it easy, okay?"

"Yeah.. okay." Jessan gave them more of a grimace than a smile. "I think they're.. um… " He pointed hastily towards the rear. "That way."

"Thanks." They left him to his cider.

Elaini slid over onto his bench. "You okay, honey?"

Jessan gritted his teeth. "You'd think I'd have learned not to go poking my nose in their direction… right?"

His partner chuckled. "Ooo… poor baby.. did you get your senses rung?"

The forest dweller bit his lip. "Boy.. they throw off more wild stuff than all those randy little girls combined."

"Oh yeah?" Elaini ran a claw down his furry thigh with a seductive chuckle.

"Awww…. Laney…. " He squeaked. "Don't go there!"

"Where are you going?" A young, piping voice interrupted them.

Jessan peeked out of one eye, to see the ring of Amazonettes back. "Oh.. hi." He bit the end of his tongue. "Hey… do you girls know where there's any cold water?"

They looked at each other. "Sure." The tallest replied. "Lots of it.. in buckets."

"Ah.. could you bring me one?"

Elaini just laughed.

"Xe?"

"Hmm?"

"Can I tell you something?"

"Sure."

"I'm really glad that's one of your many skills." Gabrielle took a bite of apple, and shifted her shoulders, settling herself more comfortably against her partner's stomach.

"You are, huh?" Xena gave her an affectionate look. "Well, you're not so bad at that yourself, y'know."

The bard chewed a minute, then swallowed. "Really?"

The warrior reached down and plucked the apple from her hands, and nibbled it, then returned it to her. "Really." She assured the younger woman.

Gabrielle absorbed the compliment with a pleased look, then gazed out over the moonlight water. A frog was croaking at the edge of the water, and she could hear the gentle burbles as the stream ran by, rubbing off the rocks and licking them with tiny splashes. She could smell the smoke from the campfires now, mixed with the green scent from the trees and she sighed happily. "What a nice night."

Xena crossed her ankles and tilted her head back, regarding the now ink dark sky, with its lacework of stars. "Weather cleared up." She took a deep breath. "Cooled down a little… that feels good."

The bard snuggled closer. "Yeah… a little chilly, though."

A soft chuckle answered her then Xena took hold and tugged her up, folding her arms around her and rubbing her back gently. The bard had pulled her shirt back on, but hadn't fastened it, and her skin was cool to the touch. "Better?"

"Mmmmmmm." The bard smiled against the soft linen of Xena's gambeson. Then she sighed. "I guess we should go back before they start having fits, huh?"

Xena grunted. "I guess."

They watched the water in silence, as the moon peeked through the trees and set silver flickers dancing. Xena stretched a little then stiffened, as she heard a soft noise off to her right. "Ares?" She called softly.

The noise grew louder, and then she heard a startled yell, followed by a crashing.

"Damn it!" A familiar voice yelped. "Ares, you jerk.. cut that out!!"

Blue eyes and green met. "Gotta love him." Xena chuckled, reaching down and tying Gabrielle's belt securely, and sitting up.

"Ares! Ow!!! " The voices came closer.

Gabrielle buckled her partner's gambeson straps and settled back against Xena's chest, running her hands through her hair and straightening the tails of her shirt, smoothing them down over her thighs as the brush rattled violently, disgorging two frazzled Amazons with ruffled feathers.

Xena slipped one arm around Gabrielle's stomach, and snapped the fingers of her other hand. "Ares.. c'mere, boy." She looked up innocently at the new arrivals. "Hey there."

Ephiny brushed broken leaves off her skirt, and sat down, giving the two of them a dour glare. "Xena.. that damn wolf practically herded us into the stream.. what in Hades is wrong with him?"

The warrior petted the wolf, who had buried his head into her shoulder. "Good boy." She whispered. "You get a cookie later." She then cleared her throat. "I dunno… maybe he… " She chewed her lip. "Thought you were in some kinda danger.. didn't want you to fall in the water."

Ephiny looked at her. "Oh… right… let me get this straight… Ares, Warrior Lifeguard, right?"

Gabrielle giggled softly, turning her head and burying her face in Xena's shoulder.

"Right." The warrior agreed solemnly. "So.. what's up?"

Eponin had wandered down to the water's edge, and was seated on the rocks, dabbling her feet in the water. She half turned and looked over her shoulder. "Wanted to see where you two disappeared to."

"Here we are." Gabrielle cleared her throat. "We… um… " Her eyes flicked over the water, as she tried to come up with a good excuse, and failed. "Er… I… well, it's like… we sort of…"

"We needed some quiet time alone." Xena stated mildly.

They all looked at her in surprise, Ephiny and Eponin trading shocked expressions and Gabrielle's eyebrows creeping up.

"Thought I'd give bald truth a try." The warrior shrugged. "Got a problem with that?" A brow lowered, and she slapped one of her sterner looks on.

"Uh.. no.. no.. " Ephiny waved a hand hastily. "That's fine… that's.. good, I um… no, fine. Fine, really… I understand."

"You do, huh?" Xena replied, with a quiet twinkle in her eyes.

Ephiny caught it, and blushed, then smiled back ruefully. "Anyway… what we.. what I wanted to talk to you about was Arella." Her eyes found Gabrielle's. "I'd like to get that squared away before we start in with any of the activities tomorrow… I don't want that hanging over us."

Gabrielle sobered, and took a deep breath. "I… was thinking about that." She admitted quietly. "What are our…excuse me.. what are my choices?"

The regent hesitated, looking down at her hands and watching the knuckles whiten as she pressed them together. "Gabrielle… you don't have to… I mean, I can pronounce sentence on her.. there's no need.." A hand on her wrist stopped her, as Gabrielle leaned forward, shaking her head.

"No." The bard exhaled. "This is my responsibility, Eph…I was here, I was involved… if I turn my head now, what does that make me?" She drew a breath in shakily. "What are the choices?"

Ephiny sighed, then looked up as Pony ambled over, seating herself down on the cool ground, and leaning against the regent's leg. In reflex, she dropped a hand to the dark haired woman's shoulder and sent her a silent thank you for the tacit reassurance and support. "Well, we tried rehabilitating her. Didn't work."

"Yes." Gabrielle's answer was stark, and quiet.

"There's confinement." Ephiny offered. "But for what she did… that would be for a long, long time." She considered the option. "It would be hard for us.. we don't really have the resources to do that for an extended period.. that's why we treated Paladia the way we did."

"I understand." The bard replied softly.

"And the… other… option is to… eliminate.. the problem." The regent finished, delicately.

A silence fell.

"You mean kill her." Gabrielle's voice came from the gloom.

The blond Amazon paused. "Yes."

Xena cleared her throat. "Gabrielle… " She stopped as a gentle finger was placed against her lips.

"I… know she did things.. that are not excusable." The bard stated. "She… tried to have Ephiny killed, she tried kill me, she tried to kill Xena, and now she caused the deaths of two Amazons, as well as physically tortured three others."

Ephiny studied her hands. "Yes…that's all true."

Gabrielle half turned, and looked up through the ghostly moonlight to her partner's pale hued eyes. "Do you think she could change?" She asked quietly. "If she was counseled, and worked with, and had the opportunity?"

Xena was dead silent for a long stretch of time, tiny muscles moving just under the surface of skin the only indication of her intense thought. Gabrielle waited patiently, feeling the tension in the body she was leaning against and fighting the urge to retract the question.

The warrior was in a dilemma, caught between her instinct to say no, and the knowledge that anyone in their right minds would say the same about her. How could she condemn Arella for crimes far less than her own had been? How could she say, in all honesty, that the woman should be executed, when only the kindly intervention of Gabrielle had stood between herself, and Tartarus? She had no right to an opinion, and she knew it. "I can't tell you that." She finally said, in a hoarse voice. "I don't know.. Gabrielle."

The bard remained quiet for a moment, a look of almost disappointment on her face. "I want to believe anyone could change." She commented. "I really do." Who am I really thinking of here… Arella? Or Hope? Silently she searched the ghostly grayed eyes watching her. I was right about you, wasn't I?

Wasn't I? Were you always a wolf, or just a lost, dark sheep, Xena? Can someone be born bad, or just turn out that way?

Could I have made a difference in Hope? Her eyes traced the lean planes of the warrior's face, half hidden in silver shadows. Have I made a difference in you? Or would you have just… kept on course all on your own? Can anyone really change? Will I ever know?

She turned to Ephiny. "Has Arella always been a problem?"

The regent pursed her lips. "Well… " She considered the question. "Her mother… she used to get pretty frustrated with her, I guess. She was a healer here… and she knew Arella wasn't cut out for that, so she tried to get her mentored pretty early with a few of the older warriors.. I was just starting out as a pretty junior member of the training staff, and I remember her mostly as a kind of surly, uncooperative type."

"No crime in that." Eponin remarked, mildly. "She was good with a sword.. not so great with a bow… hand to hand she used to about break people. Got some of the instructors really pissed off with her, so they pounded her harder.. didn't work much."

"Yeah…I remember that…" Ephiny mused. "She broke old Ella's leg… we had to retire her after that."

"Arella bragged bout that." The weapons master muttered. "Problem was, she was good, and she knew it.. and after a while, she just pounded anyone who got in her way." The dark haired Amazon paused a moment, and sighed. "She… didn't have respect for many people."

"Melosa, a little." Ephiny commented quietly.

"Mm" Her lover agreed. "Not Velasca, though." She continued, unexpectedly. "She agreed with her a little, but she thought she was nuts."

Gabrielle nodded in understanding. "Did… anyone ever work with her… try to understand why she was so… "

"Obnoxious?" Pony finished for her, bluntly. "I asked her why she was such a centaur's butt, yeah…she just laughed at me."

"Um.." The bard rubbed her temple. "That wasn't… exactly… what I meant." She was painfully aware of the stillness of her soulmate. "People… I mean, usually people have a reason for being the way they are… stuff happening to them, or.."

Ephiny shook her head. "Not… really, I mean, she had a pretty normal growing up here.. there were about a half dozen others in the same age group.. we had no major wars, no real problems… times were okay… her mother tried, Gabrielle.. she really did, but they were too different."

The bard looked pensively out over the water. "Do you think people are born good, or born evil, Ephiny?"

Long silence, as the blond Amazon studied the rocky ground. "I.. I think people tend to… okay, I think, when you make decisions… you can make them either for yourself only, or with other people in mind. " She paused, and chose her words carefully. "It comes down to being selfish.. I guess… most people I guess I think of as bad, make decisions for themselves, and they don’t really care about how it affects other people.. all they care about is how they feel, and how what they do makes them happy."

Gabrielle looked very thoughtful.

"And… people I usually think of as good… "Here, the regent's eyes found Gabrielle's face, and a tender smile crossed her lips. "Make decisions based on how it will affect everyone else. They don't… really consider their own good when they do it." She blinked a few times. "Even… when they're bad decisions."

Xena hadn't budged in what felt like at least a quarter candlemark, unsure of what her partner was thinking, and not wanting to distract her. She had one arm curled around the bard's middle, and now she felt a warm hand interlace its fingers with hers, as Gabrielle took and released a deep breath.

"That's an interesting thing to say." Gabrielle replied quietly. "So.. those are my two choices? Confinement, or… execution?" She looked from Ephiny to Eponin. "No other options?"

Eponin's eyes flicked over her uneasily. "There's… well, I mean… what she did to Solari and the others." She replied, her voice heavy with reluctance. "I don’t personally think.. well, anyway, the law does allow for it."

The bard's blond head dropped forward a little. "Torture, you mean?"

"Physical discipline." Ephiny corrected her quietly. "It's been known to be used before."

A slight nod. "And that would change her attitude… how?" She glanced from one to the other. "You think it would make her afraid to do that again?"

Both Amazons sighed. "No."

Gabrielle tucked her fingers more firmly around Xena's. "Okay. Do you need to know right now? I'd like some time to think about it."

Ephiny gazed at her unhappily. "Gabrielle… honestly… let me do this." She protested. "I've.. had to do it before, and… well, I don’t like it but…"

Green eyes pinned her unmercifully. "I can't." The bard answered quietly. "It's my responsibility, and I'm not going to dodge that, Ephiny."

The regent lifted her appeal to the expressionless face above hers, and found a quiet, stolid grief there, but no agreement. She sighed. "All right." She patted Pony's shoulder. "Come on… I want to go visit Solari.. see how she's doing."

Xena watched them leave, then let the silence lengthen as she observed her soulmate's quiet profile. Gabrielle was watching the water, a sad look on her face, until she finally straightened, and turned her head.

"Xena…I need some time alone to think about this."

The warrior's face didn't twitch, but Gabrielle felt her breathing catch, and she watched the shadows slowly appear in the pale eyes as Xena released her, and shifted, moving away so that they weren't touching any longer.

It was almost a physical pain, and Gabrielle could feel it, both in herself, and through the link that bound them, and she almost took the request back except that it was true, and she knew she needed some space to consider her decision.

Free of the warm, reassuring presence of the person whose very existence proved one half of the argument she had to consider. She watched as Xena slowly stood, and brushed herself off. "I'll… um.. " The warrior fell silent for a moment. "See you later, I guess."

Gabrielle circled her leg with an arm, and gently kissed her knee. "Thank you."

A faint smile rewarded her, which quickly disappeared. "Ares, stay." Xena exhaled, before she turned, stepping around the rocks and fading into the darkness.

Now what? Xena put a lid on the roiling emotions churning in her guts as she moved through the darkened forest. Not that she blamed her partner for wanting some quiet time.. it was just… damn…

She stopped, and leaned against a tree. Having Gabrielle send you away hurt. Fine. Accept that, and get on with it. You told her you couldn't advised her, couldn't help her decide… what choice did she have? You're just a distraction. Just let her think.

Yeah. Just let her think about whether she should sentence someone to death.

Xena turned, and slid down the trunk of the tree, the damp leaves brushing against her skin and leaving a faint scent. What would I do? No question about that. She picked up a leaf and shredded it. Damn I should have realized she was trouble after that whole thing… why didn't I just finish her then?

She considered that seriously. She remembered getting the weapon away, and taking her down, remembered the sharp pop as she dislocated her shoulder. Remembered the threat, as she pinned her to the tree.

Remembered the rank impatience to be rid of her, because kneeling in the mud, not far away was a friend she hadn't seen in far too long, to whom her heart was pulling her irresistibly. She just really hadn't cared what happened to Arella. All she'd cared about was Gabrielle.

After all, Arella was an Amazon problem, and she had been content to allow the Amazons to handle it, while she focused her entire attention on the giddily overwhelming sensation of her heart's desire, right?

Right. And if she closed her eyes, she could catch a faint, fading memory of what that had felt like, when they'd tentatively set their hearts free, and everything had seemed so full of.. possibilities.

"Oh my gods, Xena, you're joking." Gabrielle had choked out, peering fearfully over the edge of the precipice. She peeked over her shoulder at her companion, who was slouching nonchalantly against a tree, pretending to examine a bird sitting on a branch nearby. "You really climbed up that?" Her voice had risen into a squeak.

Xena had ambled over, and thumped to her knees next to the supine bard, dropping forward and leaning over the edge. "Yep." She pointed at a ledge some ways down. "That was the hardest part.. I got stuck down under that and had to jump and grab that.." A hand covered her mouth, and she breathed in Gabrielle's scent in startling suddenness. The faint roughness of the skin on her palm tickled the warrior's lips, and she had been hard pressed not to taste it.

"Don't… tell… me… please… " The bard begged, taking her fingers away slowly. "I don't want to think about that." Her gentle touch had brushed across the warrior's cheekbone. "Okay?"

Xena had rolled over, so that they were side by side, arms pressing against each other. "Gabrielle.. it really wasn't so bad..and…well, it's something I'm proud of doing."

The bard had been resting on her elbows, and she turned her head, locks of her pale hair brushing against Xena's face. "You are?" She murmured, shyly.

The warrior had nodded. "Yeah." She let her cheek rest against Gabrielle's upper arm, reveling in the warmth, and the shift of muscles under her skin. "I remember standing down at the bottom, and looking up, and thinking…that I had told you that if you… needed me.. that all the legions of Hades couldn’t keep me from getting to you. What was a little mountain, right?"

A slow, sweet smile had crossed the bard's face, lighting her eyes from within. "Awww…Xena… that's so… " She'd paused. "So romantic." Her eyes had twinkled gently.

And Xena, formerly the Destroyer of Nations, had blushed. Badly. She'd felt her hard won defenses just disappear, and it had left her wide open, as she gazed up into Gabrielle's eyes, her emotions just spilling over into everything. She'd been disoriented, she just stopped breathing, and her confusion must have shown because Gabrielle's eyes widened perceptibly, and she shifted her weight onto one elbow, reaching out hesitantly with her other hand. "Hey…."

The warrior had closed her eyes as fingertips touched her face, remembering the fear that had gripped her, on that long, desperate run that had ended in a splash, and a catch, and a kiss. And the fear of a different kind that had her legs trembling as they surrendered to the inevitable and crossed the line they'd been balancing on for what had felt like half a lifetime.

"Xena?" A soft, almost breathy sound invaded Gabrielle's normally strong tones.

She'd forced her eyes open, to see the bard's concerned green ones inches from her. "Yeah… yeah.. I'm okay.. sorry.." She finally said, feeling a little embarrassed. "I was… just… " An awkward pause. Realizing what happened. Her mind informed her, gleefully. G'wan, Xena…say it… believe it.. you finally let it happen, and now it's here, and it's real and that's love looking back at you from those pretty, pretty green eyes.

Gabrielle's hand had never left her face, and now the touch had traced down her chin to her neck, as the bard wonderingly explored the surface of her skin. "You're so.. beautiful." Had come the surprising whisper, followed by a soft, incredulous laugh. "I've been waiting for such a long time to be able to say that to you."

Xena had gazed over at her, gently pressing her cheek against the bard's arm, then kissing the soft skin, with a delicious sense of freedom. Gabrielle had hesitated a moment, then dropped her head to one side, and brushed her lips against the warrior's own.

They separated, and looked at each other.

"I'm dreaming." Gabrielle laughed, weakly. "I must be."

Xena had cupped her cheek, and drew her head back down for a second, longer kiss. "Me too.. but if I am, then don't wake me up." She murmured, feeling the pulse point under the thin skin of her throat flutter hard. "I want to sleep forever."

Now, in the dark of an unfriendly forest, she felt a wistful longing for that day, whose memory was fading sadly even now. She'd known, then, that it couldn't last forever. Nothing ever did, but somehow she'd convinced herself that it would be different for the two of them.

That their love would carry them through anything. Through everything. That she'd always have someone who loved her with that kind of love that transcended the good times, and the bad times, and would always be there.

But life didn't work like that, as she'd found out. They had both been subject to the same insecurities, and the same destructive emotions that anyone else would have been. She remembered the first time Gabrielle had deliberately separated their bedrolls, and how she'd spent the entire night staring bleakly up at the stars. And how silent the next day had been, out there alone in the wilderness.

Sometimes, she sighed, it felt like they'd lost so much. She let her head drop back against the tree, as her exhaustion came flooding back, and her eyes closed involuntarily. All the day's hurts came crashing down against her lowered defenses, and she crawled deeper into the underbrush, tucking her knees up and wrapping an arm around them. She was vaguely aware of her trembling equilibrium, but all at once it was too much. Part of it, she knew, was complicated by the wash of emotions coming from Gabrielle, a wash she was just too tired to battle off, so she surrendered to it instead.

It took her a long time to hear someone approaching. Far too long, in fact, and she barely had time to straighten up, and rub her eyes before the footsteps crackled in the underbrush a body length from her. She looked up reluctantly. "Hey.."

Eponin shuffled a step closer, peering down. "Um… Xena?"

The warrior sighed silently. "Yeah." She ran her fingers through her hair, putting it in some order. "What's up?"

"You okay??" The dark haired Amazon asked, hesitantly.

Xena exhaled. "Sure.. yeah, I'm fine." She answered brusquely. "I was giving Gabrielle some space to think about tomorrow."

Long pause. Then Eponin squared her shoulders, and stepped forward, turning, and settling down next to the warrior. "You don’t sound fine." She finally commented, with a touch of nervousness.

The taller woman exhaled, then lowered her head to rest on her fist. "I'm all right… it's just been a damn long day." She muttered, defensively.

Eponin paused, then gathered her courage, and put a hand on Xena's shoulder. "I.. I don't know what's wrong, but… I.. um.. I hope it all works out."

Xena's head turned, and pale blue eyes regarded her, faintly surprised. "You dabbling in sensitive chats now, Pony?" She inquired wryly. It made her feel a little better, though.

"Me? No..no…no…" A pause. "Well.. kind of, I mean…you .. worried about Gabrielle?" The dark haired woman hazarded a guess. "I mean.. not like I'm poking in your business, Xena… but.. Eph's all worried, so…"

A slow release of a held breath. "It's a bad decision for anyone to have to make. Much less her. "

"Oh, well.. yeah.. ." Eponin agreed softly. "I know…that's why Eph wanted to… kind of do it for her.. and… well, she was thinking of getting it over now.. I mean, before… uh.. "

Xena straightened up. "You.. can't do that to her." She replied, tersely. "Much as I'd… " Her voice faded a moment. "She wants it to be her decision." She finished quietly, then sighed. "Yeah, I'm worried."

Eponin watched her from the corner of her eye. Xena's face was relatively impassive, but the Amazon could see the aching tension in the broad shoulders, and the reddened eyes, and she could suddenly view past the sturdy defenses, which unnerved her. She suddenly realized she was way out of her depth, and decided on a different route. "You… wanna come on back to the campfire? We've got some good stuff… c'mon, Eleinaria has her harp out, and she's got a great voice."

The warrior was still for a long moment, then she nodded wearily, and shoved herself to her feet. "Not a bad idea." She straightened up with a wince. "Thanks, for the offer." She paused, then held a hand out. "Want a hand up?"

Eponin took the offer and allowed herself to be hauled to her feet, then paced along side the tall, silent figure through the shadows back towards the light.

Gabrielle threw a pebble into the water, and watched it ripple out, disturbing the natural flow of the stream. Xena had told her, once, that once you throw the pebble in, even after the upper levels of the water stilled, you changed the stream forever.

Wow. Was that ever right. She had so many pebbles in her, she felt like a chicken with a pile of gizzard stones.

She threw another pebble, and watched it sink. What am I gonna do? I think the problem is, I don't want to do anything. Not that I want her to get off for this.. I just don't want to be the one to stand there and proclaim a sentence.

Does that make me a coward? I guess. What I want more than anything is to just… is to walk up to Xena, and lay my head down on her chest and tell her to make it all go away.

And I can't. Because she would.

I don't want to do this. I don't want it to be my responsibility, because there is no good decision here. I wonder… I wonder if this is how Xena felt with Velasca. She didn't want to bring Callisto back, but she knew she had to, or lots of people would get hurt.

But she knew that she.. would get hurt because of this, not from Velasca, or from Callisto, but personally because she knew I wouldn't understand why she did it. And that I might hate her for it, because of what happened with Perdicus. I guess when I said that, about how I heard him scream in my nightmares every night, she felt that it might be the end between us, and that really hurt her. I saw it in her eyes, and the way she just froze up, but I was too busy being mad to realize what it meant.

She did it anyway, though, because it was the right thing to do, and because she was willing to give up her own happiness so that I would be safe.

I guess she always kind of does that. Even when she first started, it was for Amphipolis, no matter how awful it turned out after that

She always does things regardless of how they'll affect her, and, you know, that makes her a good person in Ephiny's book.

I think I've always known that. Even in the darkest times, even when she slips back, and that ugly, hateful passion takes her, she still does things for other people. Like when we fought the Horde, and she lost a lot of that hard won light, but it was to save the remnants of the Athens army, not for her own glorification. And I'll never forget that apology. You understand hate, but you've never given into it.

I wish I could have lived up to that, Xena. I really do. Looking back now, I kind of understand where you were when you said that, and how innocent I really was.

I miss that. I never really figured it out until I lost what that was, but she knew.

When she went after Caesar, even though that was a personal vendetta, she still did it to free Boudicca's people.

When she gave birth to Solon, she knew she had to give him up, for his sake.

When she was hit with that dart, she fought on, even though she was dying, and she made me understand that I had to keep going too, to help those people.

She would have given up her sight to make sure I was safe. She would have given up her future, condemn herself to a lifetime trapped on a ghost ship because I was there.

She would have given up her life to unchain Prometheus.

When we were in the middle of the Thessalean civil war, she stayed there, and tried to help out, even though they didn't appreciate her, and even though… it almost cost her half her soul.

I can say that now, because I know what happened. I wonder what she would have done if I had died? Would she have continued on, or…

And.. when I needed her to come back to me, she did. I wonder what I would have done if she hadn't? Would I have continued on? Ruled the Amazons? Probably not. Velasca would have killed me.

Would I have cared if she had? Or would I have welcomed the chance to join Xena on the other side?

So.. I guess… some people, even though they do bad things, are really good inside, and even if they try to squash that goodness down, and let the darkness take over, eventually that part of them fights back, and gets control.

Like Xena.

And, if that's true, then it's also true that some people can be born bad, and even though they have good things happen to them, and people who care, they still do bad things because that's just who they are.

Like Hope.

Like Arella.

I can't let her hurt the Amazons any more. I know that. I don't think torture is the answer. But I'm not sure I can stand up, and send someone to their death like that, even if they deserve it.

The funny thing is, with all she did, the thing that makes me maddest of all about her is that she sent those Amazons to kill Xena. I don't… really care about what she did to me, or tried to do… but that.. makes me want to run her through, because of what she did to her, and to Solari, and even Menelda.. and that poor kid.

I guess.. maybe.. that means I must be a good person too, if you can believe Ephiny.

What is the price of my innocence? How can I value that against the good of everyone else?

Xena knows. She tried to tell me. Bad people have many choices. Good people… really only have very few, and those.. are always the hard ones.

Gabrielle looked out over the silvered water for a string of heartbeats. Then she quietly stood, and brushed herself off, and headed up the path.

Ephiny leaned back, hitching a boot up on the railing that ringed the platform in front of her quarters and sipped ale from a deep mug. The clean up was finished, and a large bonfire was roaring in the center pit, surrounded by darkness shrouded bodies. She could hear voices, raising and lowering, and frequent bursts of laughter that put a quiet smile on her own lips.

Solari was doing all right, she reflected, and Menelda was sulking in her quarters. The big surprise had been Cait and Paladia, the tall ex renegade crouching over the injured Amazon's pallet, muttering in a low tone, with soft chuckles issuing from the pillow. What was up with that, Ephiny wondered, having witnessed the two of them bicker and squabble the last month.

Paladia. The regent thought about her for a moment, pushing aside the wave of chills that always accompanied that particular memory. She was getting better about that, though, as the echoes of her ordeal had faded, and she'd allowed the busyness of her life to nudge aside thoughts of dark caves, and a roiling nausea from the drugs she'd been given.

It had taken her a while to get used to seeing the tall woman around, dressed in plain Amazon leathers, and glowering at everyone, but now… she'd been able to separate herself from the situation sufficiently that she could step back, and view Paladia as a trial of her life that she'd mastered, and gone past.

Thank the gods she'd had Eponin around, though. Even the worst nightmares fled from the fierce Amazon, who had spent many night simply holding her as she slept, waking her gently when the dreams became too intense.

She took a long swallow of her ale, and tipped her head back, regarding the sky. Then she heard faint footsteps, and straightened, peering off into the shadows uncertainly. A dim, moving form was coalescing out of the trees, the moonlight spilling shafts of silver across pale hair, and dark fabric. Ephiny shivered, a little, as the almost familiar form came closer and resolved itself into Gabrielle's tense, pensive features. "Gabrielle." She called out, in a low tone.

The bard slowed as she reached her, and turned, to lean against the railing and study the village along side her. "Hi."

Ephiny waited for a moment, to see if she was going to go on. She didn't. "Everything okay?"

Mist green eyes that had taken on a smoky hue regarded the campfire. "No." Gabrielle answered softly. "But I've come to a decision about Arella."

The regent waited silently, focusing on the faint roar from the flames, and the soft rustling from the trees that surrounded them. A soft burr of laughter echoed from the ring of Amazons. She could see the aching tenseness in Gabrielle's slender form, and she wondered what torture the young bard was putting herself through in order to fulfill what she thought was her responsibility. "And… what was your decision, your Majesty?"

Gabrielle drew in a breath, then released it. She curled her hands into fists, and seemed to wait a long, uncertain moment before she drew in another breath. "Is tomorrow too late to tell you? I'd really like to sleep on it, before I have to say."

Ephiny closed her eyes, that being enough for an answer. "Sure, Gabrielle… that'll be fine." She reassured the bard. "I know it was a tough decision."

Gabrielle nodded wearily, and pushed off the railing.

"Where are you going?" The regent asked quietly. "Do you… I mean, I've got some very weak wine in my quarters… do you want to just go relax for a while?"

The bard studied the ring of women around the fire and straightened her shoulders. "No.. thanks, Eph.. but I'm going to go get Xena, and make sure she gets some rest." And get a much needed hug. She silently added. "I'll see you later."

The walk across the compound seemed to take forever, but finally Gabrielle neared the flames, and spotted her soulmate in a fairly isolated corner, one knee drawn up and her hands clasped around it. Her face was mostly hidden in shadows, but occasionally a flicker of light caught her eyes, and glinted silver fire back at the watchers.

The bard slipped around the perimeter of the circle, unseen by the other Amazons, and ended up next to Xena, who looked up as she arrived. The bard dropped down next to her, onto a knee and just gazed at her, reading the painful tension without effort, and knowing she was echoing it back.

Xena unclasped her knee, and spread an arm out and without speaking, Gabrielle crawled into the warrior's embrace, burrowing herself against her partner's body with a shuddering breath. Xena's arms closed around her, cradling her gently, and the low voice murmured softly in comforting tones, glad beyond reason that the bard had come to her, seeking this. I'll find a way around this.. I'll find a way to keep her from having to fight her way through it. She vowed silently.

"Hey… hey… easy….I got you…" The warrior whispered, as she felt the gentle tremors pass through the bard's body. "Look… I.. I'll find Eph… have her call the council, get someone else to be…"

"No." The bard objected hoarsely, lifting her head slightly so her voice would carry. "No… it's.. all right… I did it. I chose."

Xena felt like a stone had fallen on her chest. "Oh." She mumbled, then fell silent. Too late, I guess.

Gabrielle sniffled, and hugged her.

A breath. "I remember the first time I had… to decide someone's fate outside of battle." Xena spoke softly. "When you're fighting… it's different… because the other person is trying to kill you, and I thought this would be the same thing."

"But it wasn't." The bard rasped.

"No… they brought this deserter up.. he was mostly just a kid." Came the answer. "He'd grown up with me in Amphipolis, and he just looked up, like he knew he was going to be all right." Xena paused. "He trusted me."

Gabrielle remained silent.

"And I told them to gut him." Xena continued. "Because I thought that was the only way to make sure there wasn't any more defections." She paused, looking off into the fire. "And because I thought everyone would respect me then."

The firelight reflected off the bard's eyes as she lifted her head a little and peered up. "When was this?"

"Right after Cortese."

Good gods. The bard was shocked. "Did it work?"

A slow nod answered her. "Oh yeah." Xena answered. "I stood there and watched them do it, and after that, they respected me all right."

Gabrielle let out a breath. "How did you feel about it?"

The warrior didn't answer for a long time. Then she cradled the bard's head against her chest and rested her cheek on top if it. "I cried every night for a moon… and I was so sick to my stomach, I couldn't eat." She admitted. "I just kept seeing those eyes, looking up at me, trusting what he thought was a friend."

The bard let her head fall back down onto her partner's chest and absorbed her words in a heavy, somber quiet. What was Xena trying to tell her? It was all right to feel bad? It was all right to not feel bad? Or just that… life sometimes really just stank? "Arella isn't my friend." She finally said, very softly. "She tried to kill me." A pensive pause. "And more important to me, she tried to kill you."

Xena seemed startled by that. "A lot of people have tried that, Gabrielle."

"None of them have been Amazons, Xena." Her soulmate stated quietly. "I'm responsible for these people." She blinked. "After tonight, I guess I'm responsible for you, too." A soft sigh. "Not that I always wasn't."

"I can take care of myself." The warrior reminded her. "Don’t let that…concern.. influence you."

Gabrielle straightened and looked at her steadily. "Are you telling me I should spare her?" She absorbed the intense confusion in the warrior's eyes as she struggled with her emotions. "Or are you just telling me I should spare myself?"

Xena couldn't find any words to answer her for a long moment. "I don’t want to see you get hurt." Softly, pleadingly.

"I can't spare either of us." The bard finally said, sadly. "But it does hurt.. and I need your help to get through this." She felt the arms tighten around her and sighed. "I need to know, Xena… am I doing the right thing?"

Oh gods. Xena felt her heart stop. How in Hades could she, Xena, who had killed more people than lived in a dozen Amazon villages tell Gabrielle what was right? "Gabrielle.. I… "

"Please." The bard whispered. "Don’t tell me follow my heart… don't tell me look inside.. don't tell me to trust myself, Xena… I don't. I can't… I need to know what you believe."

"Me?" The warrior whispered back, tightly. "Gabrielle, I'm a killer… what do you mean, what I believe? What I believe is, I wish I'd broken her damn neck the last time and spared all of us all of this, that's what I believe." She ground out. "I wish I'd…. when I took that bow from her hands this morning I wish I'd cut her throat, and left her bleeding to death in the dirt, all right? "

Gabrielle took steady, even breaths. "Because of what she did?" She asked quietly.

"Because of what she's doing right now, to you." Xena answered tightly.

The bard absorbed that for a moment. "You didn't answer my question."

Very long silence. Then finally, Xena closed her eyes in utter defeat. "How can I answer that?" She muttered.

"It's just a question, Xena."

Blue eyes pierced the gloom. "A question with two answers." The warrior answered in exasperation. "It's the right answer for the Amazons, Gabrielle.. but it's the wrong answer for you."

"Why?"

Xena's shoulders slumped. "You shouldn't have to live with that on your conscience." She sighed. "I don't want you to."

Gabrielle looked off into the darkness. "I've already got two souls on my conscience…what's one more?" She paused, but when Xena didn't answer, or make any sound at all, she looked up.

Utter grief faced her, twin pools of anguish framed in a face that seemed to have aged ten years in an instant. "M'lila was wrong, after all." The words seemed to be dragged out from a fathomless depth. "I would rather have stayed dead than come back and hear you say that."

Gabrielle felt as though she was frozen in stone. Even breathing took an enormous effort, as the words, and the expression on her soulmate's face registered. Oh gods… she means it. The warrior's body was rigid, and she could feel the stark emptiness echoing through her connection with the taller woman. She put a hand against Xena's still chest. "I'm sorry."

A ragged breath escaped. "Not nearly as sorry as I am right now." Xena's whole body jerked, as though she wanted to escape, and was preventing herself from moving by sheer will. "I swear to you, Gabrielle, if I could turn back time to that moment right now, I would."

Gabrielle stared at the buckle on her gambeson without seeing it. "And give this up?" She whispered. "Give us up?"

A couple of heartbeats passed. "Yes."

The bard lifted her head, and looked Xena right in the eyes. "You… are saying… that you would rather… have never fallen in love.. never found the other half of your soul… and spent eternity in Tartarus… just to spare me this decision??"

"Yes."

Silence filled the small clear space around them.

The fair head tilted a little. "You love me."

Xena's brows knitted. "Of course."

A nod. "Does being in love make you happy, Xena?"

A faint relaxation in the tense muscles. "It's one of the few things in my life that ever has."

Gabrielle sighed. "Then everything I've gone through is worth it to me." Her fingers curled around the soft fabric, wrinkling it gently. The bard looked up after a pensive moment. "Xena, you are my greater good."

The tears startled her. Xena's always did… not accompanied by sound of any kind, just slow, liquid trails that caught reflections under her pale eyes. She caught the first one, as it slid off the warrior's high cheekbone, and dropped to her hand. "You know what I think, Xena?"

Her soulmate just shook her head.

"I think you and I, are both good people." Gabrielle said quietly. "Because I know that sacrificing everything for someone else is not something a bad person could do."

Xena swallowed. "Then let me take the responsibility for Arella from you." She pleaded quietly. "Gabrielle, as much blood as I have on my hands, one more won't matter."

Green eyes peered steadily at her. "It matters to me." Gabrielle's head lifted. "I should have taken care of this before, but I didn't, and now three people are hurt, and two are dead. This is my responsibility, Xena.. and it's my decision." She paused. "I can't take the chance of letting her hurt anyone else."

The warrior sighed, and let her head drop back against the tree. After a moment, she rolled her head to one side, and blinked wearily at the bard. "All right." Xena replied, a remote look dropping onto her face. "Then for what it's worth, I think you're doing the right thing."

It was sweet to hear, despite the meaning, and Gabrielle felt a tight band across her chest relax. She smoothed the fabric over her soulmate's chest, and laid her head back down on it. "Thank you."

Xena's grip tightened again, and Gabrielle felt the warrior's chin rest against the top of her head. She rubbed the warrior's arm gently, as the tense body under her relaxed. "Hey… " She called softly.

"Yeah?" Xena's voice was hoarse, and very close to her ear.

"C'mon… I know a very tired little munchkin who needs to go to bed."

A soft, wry snort of laughter was surprised out of Xena. "I don’t think I've been characterized like that since I was six years old." She admitted.

"Mmm… am I wrong?" The bard queried.

Xena exhaled wearily. "No." It was a startling confession. "I feel like I jumped off a cliff."

Gabrielle got to her feet, and held a hand down to her partner. "Well, you'd know what that feels like, I guess."

The warrior accepted the hand up, and staggered a little as she stood, gripping an overhanging branch to steady herself, a little surprised at the shakiness of her legs. "Whoa."

The bard stepped closer, a look of concern crossing her face. "You all right?"

The shakiness didn't subside, and Xena took a better grip on the branch, sucking air down into her lungs and rubbing her eyes. Instantly, a warm arm slipped around her and she felt the bard's strong body providing badly needed support. "Damn… where did…" For a long moment, the darkness whirled around her and she hung onto tree for dear life, until the world steadied, and her body started responding more normally. "Okay… I'm all right."

Gabrielle kept her secure hold, pulling her soulmate's arm over her shoulders and securing it. "Come on.. let's get you into bed." She muttered softly, guiding her towards their quarters, gathering startled looks from the gathered Amazons.

 "Excuse me." The bard poked her head out of their quarters, hailing a passing guard. The woman detoured immediately towards her, and padded to a halt next to the door.

"Yes, my queen?" Intelligent hazel eyes regarded her, in an angular face framed with ginger curls. The guard was a little taller than Gabrielle, and carried herself with a quietly confident air.

"Erin, right?" Gabrielle queried, getting a smile of agreement from the Amazon. "Could you do me a favor?"

"Of course." Erin cocked her head. "What is it?"

The bard eased outside. "Okay… well, I'd really like a tray of just… whatever's left from dinner… anything's fine, and a pitcher of cider, if that's available."

The Amazon gazed at her. "Your majesty.. I could have a boar slain for you, if you like." She protested. "And we have an excellent crop of wine this year… please… let me.."

Gabrielle put a hand on her arm. "No.. no.. I don't want a boar.. thanks… really.. I'm trying to cut down." The joke went completely over the Amazon's head. "Just some sandwiches would be great.. and I can't have the wine, but cider would sure go down good right now."

Erin looked puzzled. "But… look, I can't be bringing the queen of the Amazons leftovers!"

The bard sighed. "Oh.. well, okay.. I understand." She nibbled a fingernail. "I'll go get them myself." She decided, casting a faintly worried look behind her. "Maybe some of those little cakes.. " Something… anything.. to perk up her soulmate, whose quiet depression was starting to scare her. Xena hadn't spoken much since they'd gotten back here, she'd just settled onto the padded bench under the window and fiddled with a piece of Argo's bridle, after saying she was just too tired to sleep.

It had made little or no sense to the bard, but she knew better than to push her soulmate too far. Some things, she reflected a little sadly, you had to work out by yourself. She walked away and let me do that, now it's my turn. Maybe the warrior was still upset about that, she mused, then started to walk towards the dining hall. "Thanks anyway."

"No..no..no…" Erin waved a hand at her rapidly. "That's not what I…. Look, okay.. I'll get you whatever you want, I just didn't…" She paused. "Sandwiches, right? And cider… and…um… cakes?"

Gabrielle smiled at her. "Yeah… if you wouldn't mind…I didn't get dinner tonight, and neither did Xena." She sighed, as Erin trotted off, headed determinedly towards the dining hall. "Amazons." The night breeze stirred her hair, and fluttered the torch planted squarely outside her quarters. She could see the dim outlines of a sentry nearby, and the faint, moving forms of other Amazons as they crossed the central area. Smoke was on the air, from the campfire, and the rich scent of the surrounding forest, and a snatch of song drifted over as she turned back towards the door and pushed it open.

It was quiet inside. Ares was sprawled out next to the bench, his big head resting on his paws, and his tail wrapped loosely around Xena's boots. The warrior was still fiddling with her piece of tack, her body leaning against the wall. She looked up as Gabrielle reentered the room, and smiled a little. "Hey."

Gabrielle seated herself on the bench and tucked her legs up under her body. "Hey." She reached out and played with a lock of dark hair. "What's wrong with that bit?"

Xena gazed at what she was holding for a moment, as though surprised to see it. "Oh." She finally mumbled. "Um… this thing here?" She showed the bard where the tiny bar that the bridle leather attached to had come away from the main piece. "I'm wrapping this bit around here, and kind of tamping it down, like that."

"Hmm." Gabrielle observed the item. "But you've done that already." She looked up at the taller woman's face. "Twice."

A faint quirk stirred the muscles around Xena's lips. "Yeah, well… " She turned the metal piece in her fingers. "I.. um… "

The bard took the bit from her, and put it down gently, then stood, and tugged her upward. "Xena, no arguments, okay? You're going to come with me, and let me tuck you in." Her voice was firm, and brooked no disagreement. "You're making me nervous."

Xena sighed, and hauled herself to her feet, allowing the younger woman to lead her across the floor and push her down onto the bed. She'd already changed into a soft linen shirt and now simply acquiesced as Gabrielle fussed over her.. "I'm not really that tired." She protested mildly.

Gabrielle just looked at her. "Xena, this is me you're talking to, okay? So cut the centaur poop." She put her hands on her hips and regarded the older woman sternly. "You look that tired."

The warrior sucked in a breath, hesitated, then gave in and slumped back against the pillow, regarding the ceiling wanly. "Okay." The nagging depression settled over her again, making her feel as though rocks were piled on her chest.

The bard sat down on the edge of the mattress, and smoothed her partner's dark hair back, surreptitiously feeling her forehead at the same time. The skin was cool, much to her relief, but it didn't explain Xena's listlessness. "Honey?"

Blue eyes focused on her. "Hmm?"

"You want to talk about it?" Gabrielle asked quietly.

A breath. "Not really." Came the soft response.

It stung. "All right." The bard let her hand drop to her side, feeling a distance between them that she hadn't sensed for long months. It shaved off curls of her soul, and she stood, moving away from the bed and towards the window.

Halfway there, she stopped, and turned. Xena was watching her through what seemed to Gabrielle a thick, choking fog, and although the fire was lit in the fireplace, she was chilled to the bone.

No. She reversed her steps, and ended up next to her soulmate, dredging up a courage borne of desperation and experience. "It's not all right."

The angular face tensed, and a brow lifted.

"I'm not going to let this happen again, Xena." Gabrielle whispered. "You're going to talk to me." She held her breath as the familiar features tightened, and she was subjected to an intense scrutiny by the warrior's formidable gaze. Come on, Xena… No breaking of that stony look. "Please?"

Now a hand relaxed, and turned up, from where Xena had been gripping both of her own together. Gabrielle accepted the offering, and tucked her fingers around the warrior's, surprised at how cold they felt. "What is it?" She urged gently. "What's wrong?"

A weary, hesitant shake of the head. "I didn't want you to change."

It was the last thing Gabrielle expected. She sat down on the edge of the bed, a confused look on her face. "How… gods, Xena, how could I not change?" She asked. "How could I live the life I do and not… "Her voice trailed off, as she watched the warrior close her eyes. "Xena, this is my choice, remember?"

Xena exhaled. "You're walking into the darkness, Gabrielle." Her tone was very quiet. "And I don't know if I can live with that."

"I'm not…" The bard's voice faltered. Was she? She thought about it. Am I more warrior than bard now? Visions of her bouts flitted in front of her vision. I've fought a lot more than taught the whole time I've been here.

Gods. What am I becoming? I've decided to sentence someone to death. Me. The little girl from Potadeia.

No. Not anymore. That little girl is dead.

It brought hot, desperate tears to her eyes, and she reached for the only real comfort she'd ever known..

The only home she'd ever had.

Understanding Xena in that moment like she never had before, as her conscience crashed down on top of her and her body convulsed in sobs, rebelling in pure reaction as she acknowledged the truth of what she was doing. It was all the grief she'd felt after Meridian, but had never had the chance to release, which had hid itself down deep and coiled itself inside her.

Arella had dredged that all up, bringing her to yet another choice. And she had chosen death, again.

Her soul cried out, piteously. She was adrift in a sea of darkness, her only anchor a pair of strong arms and a will that knew the very heart of her, that kept her safe, and whole, and conscious of the light.

She cried herself out, as the warrior silently held her close, until her head throbbed dully, and Xena's fingers very gently started to ease the tense muscles of her neck. Well. She closed her eyes and looked inside herself. "Xena?"

A hand stroked her hair very gently. "I'm here." A pause. "I'll always be here."

"If I am walking into the dark, I'll bring the light of our love with me. No matter how dark it gets, I'll let that light the way." Gabrielle whispered. "I'll be all right as long as I have that."

Xena rocked her for a while, feeling the heavy despair lifting from her as she let what they had between them dissolve it away. "Feel better?" She finally murmured.

Gabrielle nodded against the warm, soft skin she was cuddled against. "Yeah.. I… " The bard's brows knit, and she turned her head, looking up at Xena's candlelit profile. "Wait… you were the one feeling bad, I just.. " Her voice trailed off. "That was me?"

The warrior felt a quiet peace descend on her. "I don't know.. but I feel a lot better now." She replied. "I can't… really describe how that felt, Gabrielle.. it was like the weight of the world was on my shoulders."

The bard exhaled into her pillow of warm skin and linen. "Yeah." She responded softly.

Xena continued her massage. "Gabrielle?"

"Mm?" The exhausted bard mumbled a response.

"I want you to do something for me." The warrior said.

Weary green eyes peered up at her. "Anything, you know that."

Xena cupped her face. "Tomorrow…when they bring Arella up in front of you… she may decided to call challenge."

Blond brows furrowed. "What? Oh… well, yeah, she could.. but that would be… I mean, what would it gain her?"

"I want you to say yes, if she does." Xena replied gently. "Promise me?"

A moment of silence. "I don't understand." Gabrielle puzzled over this. "Xena, she wouldn't be fighting me anyway, she'd be put against..." Her voice petered out as she brought the sentence to it's logical conclusion. Put against you. She looked up at the stern face, with its pale, glittering eyes, which watched her in stark confirmation.

Dead silence. Gabrielle let her head lower slowly to rest on Xena's collarbone. "Oh."

Xena didn't say anything. She kept rubbing the bard's back for a while. "You made the choice, Gabrielle." The warrior said, finally. "That's a damn heavy load. Let me help you carry it."

The bard wound her hands into the fabric of Xena's shirt, and let out a long, defeated breath. "If she challenges." Came the tired confirmation. "But only if." She allowed herself to sink deeper into Xena's embrace, welcoming the overwhelming rush of sleep. "Don't leave me." She whispered, as the warrior pulled her down into a more comfortable position. "I don't want to dream tonight."

A soft, melodic voice caught her spirit, easing her into oblivion.

"I won't leave you." Came the low response, as the music paused. "Even in your dreams, I'll be there."

Gabrielle surrendered up her soul into the night's safekeeping, wrapped in a blanket of peace, and sweet music.

Continued in Part 9

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

Specific Story Disclaimers:

Violence –Well… this is a more or less violence lite story. Now.. you've got Xena in it, and Amazons, and Gabrielle with that staff.. so it's not all sweetness and light, but no one gets their heads cut off in this one. (Sorry MaryD)

Subtext - Do I really still have to disclaimer subtext? Someone asked me if I thought Xena: Warrior Princess was a romantic show. My answer was, when a show has one main character state in no uncertain terms to the other main character that she would rather die at her side than live without her, that show cannot be defined as anything less than a romantic tale. Yeah, there's subtext.. maintext… under the table text.. whatever you wanna call it.

This is, of course, PG13 level involvement here, no more. That never changes.. for those of you who are waiting for me to stick in a rip roaring, no holds barred graphic orgy scene, make sure you have plenty of coffee and doughnuts handy. And a comfortable chair.

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

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

mailto:merwolf@bellsouth.net

Festival - Part 9

By Melissa Good

"Eph?" The voice nudged the regent out of her dreams, and she objected, pulling her pillow over her head and curling away from the light coming into the window.

"G'way."

A hand on her shoulder, shaking her. "Eph?"

That didn't help the pounding in her head, and she was unpleasantly reminded of just how many cups of ale she'd downed the previous night. With great reluctance, she pried one eye open, and squinted it at her tormentor. "S'matter?" The eye rotated towards the window. "Quarter candlemark past damn dawn, Pony… what're you waking me up for?"

The weapons master grimaced. "Yeah.. I know…but I figured you'd want some time to get going before stuff started." She hesitated, then dropped a hand to the regent's neck, and kneaded it. "Sides, I'm tired of being rumor patrol."

That got Ephiny's attention, and she uncurled a little, cranking her other eye open to regard her lover. "What's up?"

Dark brows knitted together. "Not sure… but the buzz is something's wrong with Xena." Pony advised her. "Don't know if that's not true.. she was acting real weird last night, and Gabrielle had to help her back to their quarters… Esta said she about passed out."

The regent raked a hand through her curls. "Really?" She considered. "She was okay when we saw them last night… but now that you mention it, Gabrielle told me she was going to get her, and put her to bed."

They looked at each other. "Did she get hurt yesterday?" Ephiny asked. "I went with Gabrielle.. you were out by the river."

Pony eased herself down onto the pallet, and thought about the question. "Well… " She mused. "Damned if I know… she was moving so Hades be damned fast, I couldn't tell if she was taking hits.. though I know she got clipped by a few arrows." She worried her lip with her thumb and forefinger. "Wait a minute.. yeah… she went down under a bunch of them before we got over there, and I saw someone pounding her with a mace." She reported. "She was kinda slow getting up."

Ephiny scowled. "Damn… and it's not like I can have Menelda go look at her, right?"

"Nu uh." Eponin shook her head. "Wouldn't Gabrielle have asked for help? I mean… " She paused, and gave her head a little shake. "Damn, Eph… what if she's really hurt?" She didn't envy the bard if Xena was half the patient she herself was.

The regent rolled over and rested one hand negligently on her lover's thigh. "Centaur poop." She muttered softly. "Stubborn old fool wouldn't admit it to us now, would she?" She drummed her fingers on Pony's leg. "She'd rather swim upstream hogtied than have to show a weakness to us.. damned if I don't know it, too."

"Mm." Pony agreed, gruffly. "You… uh… want me to um… go and scout her out?"

Amused hazel eyes regarded her fondly. "Oh.. yeah.. I can picture this… you two doing a little heath discussion together… " She cleared her throat, and deepened her tone to approximate the weapons master's. "So… Xena.. how're you feeling?" Then she pursed her face up into a scowl. "Fine. Go away." She barked in mock response, deepening her voice further to match Xena's low pitch.

Eponin snorted. "Think you could do better?"

The regent sighed. "Probably not.. best way to do this is go through Gabrielle." She shoved herself up to a sitting position. "C'mon."

She was chasing rabbits. And the funniest thing was, it didn't seem like that was a strange thing to be doing at all, as they bounded across the sunny plain ahead of her, their tails flipping impudently. Xena dashed after them, feeling the ground uneven beneath her feet, and the warm wind whipping across her face brought hints of churned earth, and water far off, and the sweet smell of the grass as it brushed against her. She felt.. wonderful. Alive, and full of energy, and she lifted herself up into several flips out of sheer exuberance.

The rabbits turned suddenly, and hauled off in another direction and she bolted after them, leaping over the boulders and chasms that opened magically in front of her feet, her body responding with a lightness that she hadn't felt in years.

It was wild here, and very quiet, only the drumming feet of the rabbits, and her own breathing stirred the air, as even the wind passed silently. Around the sunny plain, a dark ring circled uneasily, but she didn’t let it worry her because it was there, and she was here, and there was no danger.

A splash of color caught her eye, and she noticed the bunnies were headed for it so she followed them, reveling in the warmth as the sun bathed the bare skin of her arms and shoulders.

Ah…exactly what she was looking for.. the splash resolved itself into a form, seated in the grass, in rust and cornflower blue, who turned as she watched and looked towards her. The sunlight seemed to collect in Gabrielle's blond hair, and green eyes gathered her in, with delighted surprise.

"Xena!" A brilliant smile crossed Gabrielle's face. "I didn't expect you here."

Xena grinned right back, and bounded over, settling in the grass next to her and extending her long legs. "Why not?"

The bard looked around her, and a sad, anxious expression crossed her face. "This isn't a nice place." The circle of darkness around the plain seemed to grow closer, and a faint, almost imperceptible whistle could be heard, as though wild winds were howling far off. "Bad things happen here."

Xena shrugged. "That's okay.. I'm not a nice person." She flipped over onto her back, and crossed her ankles casually as she looked at the younger woman. Gabrielle was dressed in the tattered remains of the outfit Xena had first seen her in, though stained heavily, and ripped in almost shreds that fluttered around her body, and she carried a slim, bound volume in one hand. "What are you reading?"

Her companion looked down at the volume, and turned it in her hands. "I don't know…" She traced a finger along it's cover, where interlaced ropes were intricately drawn. "I can't open it." She held it out, and watched as Xena took it, and bent her dark head over the volume, as she easily lifted the cover and peered beneath. "Oh… look at that." She craned her head around. "What does it say?"

"It's a poem." Xena showed it to her.

"Oh." Gabrielle let out a startled little laugh. "Hey… I wrote that." Then she looked up, as the wind moaned. "You shouldn’t be here."

The warrior's face fell. "You don't want me here?"

A flicker of fear crossed the bard's face. "No… no.. I do… please.. gods, yes, I do." She reached out, touching the warrior as though assuring herself of the realness of her skin. "It's just that… usually I'm here, and then people come and I… " She looked at her hands, turning them over and over. "I kill them."

"Well, not today." Xena assured her confidently. She handed over a bunny to the bard. "Today it's just you, and me, and the bunnies."

Gabrielle petted the furry animal, tracing the black and white sections as it nibbled her socks. "But they're coming. I can hear them." She looked up at the taller woman.

"They won't hurt you."

"I'll hurt them."

"No, you won't."

Rustling in the grass now, and dark shadows, which came closer, making the rabbit huddle against Gabrielle, and sending dark stripes over Xena's sprawled form.

The bard moved, nervously. "They're here."

"Ignore them." Xena held out a hand, palm upmost. "Come."

The wind howled, whipping dark hair and pale into twisted patterns.

"No.. they'll hurt you… I have to stop them." A knife appeared, dark with old blood, grasped in a strong hand. Gabrielle half rose, her eyes darting around the shifting, dark circle that surrounded them. "I have to protect you."

"No." Xena pulled her down, despite her resistance, and gently took the knife from hr hand. "Just come here… you'll be okay.. they can't hurt you." The bunny hissed at the shadows, who chuckled, and came closer, shifting and whispering The warrior tucked the shivering bard into her arms, surrounding her with a wall of warm muscle.

"She is ours…" A sibilant hiss. "We will take her."

"She's mine." Xena's voice rumbled in counterpoint, deep and velvety. "You'll never get her away from me." She felt Gabrielle huddle closer to her, and she bared her teeth at the shadows. "Never."

The sound built, screaming around them in a whirlwind of terror, tugging at their bodies, and attempting to rip them asunder. Xena laughed back at it, feeling her own inner strength rising to match the challenge, pushing them back and surrounding the frightened bard with a wall of utter confidence. "Never!" She yelled above the wind, her strong voice echoing weirdly in the wind.

And then darkness faded, leaving them in sweet, gentle light. The bunny chewed a bit of clover contentedly, as Gabrielle raised her eyes, and stared at her. "It's really you, isn't it?" She lifted a hand and touched her dream companion's face in fascination. It seemed more sharply planed than her waking one, and a brilliant spirit danced in her eyes, lighting her features with fierce, feral joy.

With no apologies for what she was. "Oh yeah, it sure is." Xena replied, with a laugh, as she hugged the bard happily. "See? They're gone… " She tweaked Gabrielle's nose. "C'mon.. let's play." Long fingers tickled the bard's ribs through the tattered cloth, and they both scrambled to their feet and dashed off over the gently waving clover grass, laughing up at the benign blue sky, the fear forgotten as though it had never been.

The sounds of wind and grass whispering slowly merged into the rustle of leaves, and the far off clangs and thumps of an early morning in the Amazon village. Xena let her eyes drift open to see a mild, pale sunlight pouring in the room, spreading a leaf shadowed blanket over the bed they were lying on. As she regarded the room quietly, the details of her dream faded, leaving her with a sense of quiet bemusement as she wondered if it was just a dream, or more than that? Well.. she reflected. She could always ask Gabrielle what she had dreamed about, just to see if her dreams were similar, right? Nah…quit being silly, Xena. She scoffed at herself gently, and sighed. Time to start the day, I guess.

But not right now. She was curled up on her side, with Gabrielle's warm body nestled against her, the bard's hands tangled in her shirt, and her head resting alongside Xena's outstretched arm. Her face was relaxed in peaceful sleep, and Xena spent a few moments just watching her, smiling a little at the faint traces of babyish softness that still lingered, blurring the more mature planes that had recently settled on her features.

The bard stirred a bit, shifting a little closer to Xena's warm body, letting out a tiny sigh, and a murmur as she nuzzled the warrior's shoulder. Gabrielle's shirt had slipped down, and by the dawn's soft light, the watching woman could now see the subtle beginning of the changes caused by her pregnancy. A smile of wonder crossed Xena's face, as she ran a very gentle finger across the lightly swollen breasts, and the darkened nipples, then her expression darkened as she spotted the clearly visible ribs underneath. Damn. Competitions, battles, digging tunnels.. and what she'd gone through last night… it had to stop. She pulled the bard's shirt up, and tucked it around her shoulders, then kissed the top of her head as she wrapped her arm more firmly around her.

Idly, the warrior's eyes flicked to the table, where a covered tray was resting, having been brought by the helpful Amazon the night before. Gabrielle had been fast asleep, and Xena had decided not to wake her, instead she'd nibbled on a few of the tidbits while watching the stars wander across the sky through the darkened window.

Thinking about what had happened, and starting the process of accepting it. Her mind worked like that, it worried about things that she could do something about, and discarded everything else, rationalizing that it was a waste of time crying over spilt ale. It was how she survived during ten years of savage brutality, by not dwelling on the details, merely accepting them, and moving on. Gabrielle, on the other hand, took all that inside her, and worried over it, trying to make sense of the world and her part in it.

Lips nibbled her skin, and she glanced down, to see half open green eyes peering lazily up at her. "Good morning." The warrior drawled.

Gabrielle simply studied her for a moment, then slipped a hand under her shirt and rubbed her skin lightly. "Thanks."

Xena's brows knit. "Huh?"

"You said you'd be there.. in my dreams.. and you were." The bard answered, simply. "Thanks."

Blue eyes blinked. "What dream did you have?" Xena asked, curiously.

Gabrielle traced the smooth muscles under her skin. "The field.. the rabbits… you… " She paused, and shrugged. "You don't believe me, right?" A gentle sigh. "Want me to recite the poem?" A brow raised in challenge. "I lay here, at the break of dawn, as the first light sneaks across the trees…"

"I believe you." Xena breathed. "I.. um… have no idea how that happened, but… "

The bard laughed. "It happened because you said it would, Xena." She tickled the warrior's ribs and felt the jerk of muscles as she fought a chuckle. "Oo… I think you, my love, are getting more ticklish." She ran her fingers down Xena's side, and watched her squirm. "You are."

"Augh… Gabrielle, cut that out." Xena pleaded. "C'mon…"

"Oh, all right." The bard relented, as she snuggled closer. "Ow." She winced, drawing a concerned look from her partner. She glanced up with an embarrassed look, shifting her position slightly. "I'm a little tender up top, I guess." She blushed.

Xena chuckled softly. "Mm… yeah, I noticed a bit of a difference." She traced the outline through her partner's soft shirt. "However… " Her expression went stern, as her fingers dropped to the bard's ribcage, and ran along her slim waistline. "You need to stop pushing yourself so hard, Gabrielle. I mean it."

The bard rolled over onto her back, and crossed her arms. "Xena, it was not my fault the village got conquered, we had rescue people, dig tunnels and fight bad guys the whole day yesterday." She protested reasonably.

"Maybe not, but right now… you're going to stay put while I bring you some breakfast." Her soulmate stated, grabbing hold of the bedposts and vaulting over her. "Or else."

The bard stretched out on her side, propping her head up with one hand as she watched the taller woman pull on an old, faded green tunic pulled from their packs. "Or else what?" She inquired.

Xena looked up from where she was tugging on her boots. "What do you mean, or else what?"

Innocent green eyes peered at her. "You said, I have to stay put, or else." She responded. "So I'm asking…or else what?"

The warrior stood up, and put her hands on her hips. "Look.. nobody asks me what else, Gabrielle, okay? " She found a scowl somewhere and forced it onto her face. "It's that evil, mean, nasty warlord thing." A pause. "Got me?"

The bard's face wrinkled up in laughter. "Oooo… " She pulled the pillow over her head to muffle her giggles.

Xena sighed. "You are ruining my reputation, little bard."

The giggles got louder, and the warrior rolled her eyes, then shook her head and moved towards the door. "I'll be back." She tossed over her shoulder. "Try not to suffocate under there, huh?" With that, she stepped out the door, and headed across the compound into the early morning sun.

Eponin paused in mid sentence, then gave Elaini a harried look. "Okay… I gotta go." She took a breath, then broke into a brisk trot, as she spotted a familiar form moving through the mist towards the dining hall. Slipping in and out of the tree's shadows, it was hard for her to judge her quarry's condition, but she finally caught up to Xena's powerful stride and fell into step next to her. "Hi."

Pale blue eyes glanced down at her. "Morning." Xena drawled. "Kinda early for you to be out, isn't it?" She asked with disarming innocence.

"I was just.. uh… doing my rounds, and I.. " A pause. "Hey!" Eponin glared at her. "What kinda crack was that?"

The warrior grinned. "Sorry.. just kidding." She apologized, glancing around at the early morning activity.

Pony scowled. "Everybody's a comedian…I've been getting that poop from the whole bunch here since me and Eph.. um.. " Her eyes flicked to the taller woman's face. "You know."

Xena nodded agreeably. "Oh yeah.. I know… " She chewed her lip briefly. "Hey… I have to deal with it too.. Toris gives me a hard time when we're home."

Eponin looked at her. "Really?" She asked, intrigued.

"Yeah…" A rueful chuckle. "Being with Gabrielle has definitely changed my outlook." The warrior advised her. "I can't remember the last time I voluntarily got up before dawn."

"Oh." Pony mused. "Yeah?" She felt suddenly better about her recent bouts of laziness, and a happy smile captured her face momentarily. Then she recalled her mission. "So.. uh… how's everything?"

One dark brow inched up. "Fine." Xena replied, slowly. "Why?"

"No.. no reason.. just asking… everything work out okay last night?" The Amazon put her hands behind her back. "I..um.. you seemed a little.. I don't know…." A faint shrug. "Disturbed."

"Disturbed?" Xena repeated, with a quizzical look.

"Uh.. yeah.. you know… upset… pissed off… bothered… "

"Ah." The warrior exhaled. "Yeah… I guess… I just wish I… " Xena went silent for a long moment, a sudden sequence of ideas cascading into her head. "Wish I'd gotten some sleep… it was a rough night." She slowed her pace, and sighed, rotating her shoulders stiffly. "After a very long day… when is this thing supposed to happen?"

Eponin watched her like a hawk, her brows knitting in worry. "Um… about two candlemarks… Eph's got the council warden drawing up the paperwork."

Xena nodded. "Good… I'll be glad when that's over." She reached up casually and rubbed the back of her neck, closing her eyes briefly and wincing. "Hey… " She forced her eyes back open. "For the sentence, how.. "

"Crossbow." The weapons master supplied readily. "It's fast." She reached the door and pulled it open, stepping back to allow the warrior to precede her. "G'wan… listen..you..uh…. you sure you're okay?"

Xena gave her the best impassive look she could muster. "I'm fine." She replied coolly, as she ducked inside the hall, and headed up to where the cooks were portioning out breakfast. "Morning." She greeted the dour Esta, who grunted at her, and gave Eponin a dark look.

"Fine mess you left things in." Esta growled. "Mud everywhere.. and that horses' ass locked up in the cellar… how am I supposed to get anything down with her down there?"

Eponin snorted softly. "Be a welcome breakfast without those damn onions in it." She retorted. "Stank so bad I had to burn the damn leathers I was wearing."

"Hmph… damn things needed a burning… animal that died for 'em wouldn't have taken 'em back." Esta sniped.

"Oh yeah? What's that supposed to mean?" Pony growled.

Xena quietly gathered up a wooden tray, and selected a number of items from the preparation table, piling them on the tray with little regard for order or symmetry. When she was done, she straightened. "I'm gonna stop by the healer's, then head back. We'll see you in a candlemark or so, I guess." She exhaled, then headed out, conscious of the two pairs of eyes firmly fastened on her back. The sill to the door suddenly became an obstacle, and she caught her balance against the jam, passing out into the cool, morning air with an audible curse.

 Silenced reigned behind her, and she cocked her ears expectantly, catching the faint sound of leathers against wood, and softly placed footsteps. With a half grin, she continued on her mission.

Fragrant steam rose, curling around Gabrielle's face and bathing her senses in mint and honey. She took a slow sip, as she spread her diary out on her lap, and removed a quill from her case. Ares had hopped up onto the bed, and was curled up against her legs, his thick fur warming her skin. "Well, Ares… "

The wolf lifted his head, and looked at her over his dark shoulder. "Roo?"

"Guess I'd better get this over with, huh?" She sharpened the quill tip and dipped it in some ink, then smoothed the parchment page down and paused, as she collected her thoughts.

This is a hard thing to write. I had to make one of the hardest decisions in my life last night, and I still don't know if it was the only thing I could have done. I know I can't let Arella loose to hurt any more people, but the thought of taking her life from her is making me sick to my stomach.

I guess, in a way, that's not a bad thing. If I could just do things like this, without caring, or without it bothering me, then… well, I wouldn't like it, that's all.

Xena… was really great last night. She so wanted to take the whole thing on her shoulders… I could just feel that in her, and believe me, a big part of me wanted to let her. That's awful, but I can't help it. If there was anyway to get out of this, I think I would have, but there just wasn't.

Part of me wants to go talk to her. To Arella, I mean, and just… see how she feels, find out why she did this.. but I think I realized that there really is no good reason for it. I know she desperately wanted the Amazons to become more aggressive, and more warlike, but violence is not the way.

Ironic - here I am saying that, and I've sentenced her to death. I wish there was another way… and I know she won't challenge me. Xena's hoping she does, because then it makes it a death by battle, and it's… well, it's just different. But Arella's scared of Xena.. she really is, and she knows she can't beat her, so..

She was so gentle last night. It was like she got inside me, and just put me together like one of those puzzles of hers. I was hurting so much, and then I thought she was… oh gods, for a minute last night I thought we were back a few months ago, and it was starting all over again. I almost…I couldn't stand it.

And then it turns out the problem was me, not her… she was just reacting to what I was going through and once I got that all out…

Wow.

She came into my dreams last night. It feels so weird to write that, but it's true - and it wasn't… I mean, I didn't make her up, you know? She was really there..really …real. All fierce, and wild… is that the way she really sees herself, I wonder?

What does that say for me? I always feel so.. small… so… hateful in that dream. But not last night. Not after she chased all the bad things away, and we ran together over the grass.

My protector and defender. You know, I might be ready to believe that again. It sure felt good last night. I started off wearing that old, rotten outfit I left home in, like I was hanging on to that. But by the time the dream finished, I was… I was wearing leathers.

Wonder if that's my insides telling me it's time to bid farewell to that little girl who left Potadeia.

Maybe it is. I always like to think I kept a piece of that.. kept who I was then a part of me, but the more I think about who I am now, the more I realize I don't have much in common with her anymore.

So, goodbye then, little girl. Stay home. Stay there in Potadeia, where it's sunny, and the worst thing you'll have to endure is locusts, and the spring flooding rains.

I have a different destiny.

The faint knock disturbed her concentration, and she looked up, sucking on her quill end, and sighing. "Yes?"

Ephiny's curly blond head poked itself inside. "Morning."

Bacchae bottoms. "Hey." Gabrielle put a smile on her face, and motioned her forward. "Morning."

The regent entered, and padded over to the bed, perching on a corner of it, and giving her friend a grin. "You're up early."

Gabrielle studied her, noting the bloodshot eyes, and the faint lines around her mouth. "You too." She commented quietly. "What's up?"

Ephiny rubbed her temples. "I need to… ah… I mean, I figured by what you said last night, that you'd.. um…" She let her words trail off weakly, and cast a look at the bard.

"Ah." The bard exhaled. "I've.. decided to ask that she pay for her crimes with her life, yes." The words sounded so strange, they almost lost their meaning. "I don't really see any other option."

The regent stayed quiet, regarding the blankets with a pensive frown. "Gabrielle, I…. "She looked up at the bard, a pained expression on her face. "I'm sorry."

A gentle hand curled around her wrist. "It's all right." Gabrielle answered softly. "It was hard… last night.. but Xena was there for me, and we got through it." We. Such a tiny word, with such a huge meaning to her. "I'll be fine."

Ephiny's eyes met hers, and the regent forced a smile. "I know you will… I just feel rotten you had to face this." She paused, then glanced around. "Xena off on a run?"

A shake of the bard's head. "No… actually, she's getting me breakfast." Gabrielle assumed a rueful expression. "The overprotective streak is running rampant… with all the stuff we've been involved in, she's worried that I'm getting a little run down."

"Mm." Ephiny chewed her lip. "Well, you are pregnant." A faint twinkle entered her eye. "Not that anyone could tell."

Gabrielle smiled sheepishly. "Yeah… well, that won't last forever." She replied quietly. "What's going to happen now?"

The regent paused. "Well, it's a short thing.. very businesslike. I'll read the charges, she has a moment to respond, then you pronounce sentence." She tried to keep her voice casual. "It's done with a crossbow, and Pony's already said she's going to be the one to do it." Ephiny considered that. "She'll make sure it's done right, first time."

The bard nodded grimly. "All right." In her mind, a torture room in Chin appeared, and a vision of Xena spread-eagled on an altar to evil, glittering knives resting nearby. Or herself strapped up on a cross, with a centurion taking aim for her legs. "There are worse ways, I guess."

"Mm." Ephiny waited for a space. "Listen… I need to ask you a question." She looked around. "It's about Xena."

This got the bard's attention, and she put her quill down, focusing her intense green eyes on her friend's face. "What is it?"

The regent exhaled, running over her possible options. "Well, Pony told me she took some bad hits during the fight yesterday.. and I heard from half the village that you practically had to carry her back here last night." She watched Gabrielle's face, seeing the faint flaring of her nostrils. "I'm worried about her."

That earned her a charming smile from the bard, whose eyes warmed appreciably at her words. "Thanks for being concerned, Eph."

A little silence fell. "But?" Ephiny finally prompted her.

"She's fine." Gabrielle answered easily. "She got her usual collection of bumps and bruises.. I don’t think she feels them much anymore." She advised her wryly. "A couple of arrow cuts… nothing a stitch or two couldn't handle. I took care of it… she was just a little tired last night."

Ephiny studied her. "For real?"

A nod. "For real." Gabrielle confirmed. "She was fine this morning… she's… well, she takes a licking, and keeps on ticking, that's all."

The regent's brows contracted. "What does that mean?"

Gabrielle shrugged. "I dunno.. but it rhymes." She put her diary down, and stretched luxuriously, then cocked her head. "You can ask her yourself.. she'll be here in a minute."

"Uhhh… no.. no… that's okay.. " Ephiny hastily stood up. "No need to mention it.. I was just curious… " She held up a hand. "No problem." She glanced up as the door pushed open, and revealed Xena's lithe, powerful form. "Oh… hi."

Xena traded glances with her soulmate, and put the tray down on the small table next to the bed. "Hi." She replied mildly. "You'd probably better go check on Menelda."

Ephiny's eyes widened. "Uh…"

"I didn't do anything to her." The warrior stated flatly. "I just passed through the healer's hall and picked up some herbs I needed.. and I heard her raising Hades in there."

"Right." The regent ran a hand through her curls, disordering them. "I'll be back shortly." She muttered, and headed out the door.

Gabrielle watched quietly as her partner fussed with the contents of the tray. "So… did you get rid of her for a reason, or…what?" She teased gently.

Blue eyes looked up at her innocently. "Get rid of her? Gabrielle.. I have no idea what you're talking about… I thought she might want to take care of a problem there…something wrong with that?" She picked up a dish of various items, then settled down on the edge of the bed with it. "Come on… get started on this."

The bard obediently set her diary aside, and took the offering. "Everything okay out there?" She inquired, around a mouthful of muffin, which surprised her with a delicate, honeyed taste. "Mm." She hadn't thought she could eat much, really, the impending sentencing crouching over her conscience was putting a damper on that, but suddenly her body decided differently and she attacked the plate.

Xena watched her for a minute, then reclined across the foot of the bed, propping her head up on her hand.

Gabrielle paused, and gave her a stern look. "Where's yours?" She put her muffin down, and crossed her arms obstinately until her partner sighed, and pushed herself up off the bed, padding over to the remains of the tray and collecting a piece of flatbread to which she added a slice of cheese, and a piece of smoked meat. The bard cleared her throat, and grinned, as the warrior gave her a look, then picked up a pear and carried them both back to the bed. "That's better." She resumed munching. "Nothing else going on?"

The warrior shrugged. "Not that I could tell… Menelda was yelling about something… Elaini said she came in and just started rearranging things this morning. She tried to stay out of her way."

"Elaini?" Gabrielle inquired.

"Yeah." Xena nodded.

They finished a quiet breakfast, then Gabrielle dusted her fingers off and let out a sigh. "Wow…" She observed her now empty plate. "Guess I was hungrier than I thought." She gave Xena a wry look. Guess it's time to get started. She sighed. "I'll.. need a little help to put all that stuff on."

Xena had finished her meal and was lying lazily on her back with her eyes closed, her hands folded across her stomach. "No problem." She replied. "You ready?"

It was, Gabrielle admitted, a good thing Xena had been there. She'd developed a case of fumble fingers that frustrated her until the warrior merely removed her hands from her leathers, and did the job herself, adjusting the intricately tooled top with a little, knowing grin. "Fits a little different." The bard commented, with a faint blush.

"Uh huh." Xena fastened the metal chain armor to her shoulder, and adjusted it down the length of Gabrielle's biceps. She moved the bard's hair out of the way, and gently kissed the back of her neck as she adjusted the catches, watching goose bumps skitter across her skin in response. "You all right?"

Gabrielle closed her eyes briefly. "Not after that I'm not." She joked nervously. "I guess I'm a little… scared."

The warrior paused in her efforts, and put her arms around the smaller woman. "I know." She turned Gabrielle around, and faced her, gazing into her eyes with bleak compassion. Every instinct was screaming at her to find some way, any way to protect Gabrielle from the next little while. "You can do this." She said, deliberately forcing her clamoring conscience back. "I'll be right there with you."

Aching green eyes looked back at her. "I need you there." The bard admitted, moving closer and tucking her chilled body against her partner's. "I don't think I'm cut out for this, Xena."

The warrior petted her hair gently, rocking them both a little. "You'll be fine….it'll be over before you know it."

Gabrielle allowed herself to get lost in the comforting warmth for a long moment, then she straightened up, and sniffled. "Okay… let's go." She stepped back, and eyed her partner's sleek form, encased in Amazon leathers. "Gods.. you really do look good in that, Xena… I mean it." She ran her fingers over the tanned skin, and gave her a little pat. "But I'm not the only one who has to stop pushing themselves so hard." The warrior's skin seemed to be pulled over muscle and bone with stark tautness, and the ugly arrow wounds stood out with angry prominence. "I can almost see through you."

"Mom'll take care of that." Xena replied lightly, kissing the top of her head. "When we get home."

Home. Gabrielle treated herself to a moment imagining the days ahead, and it allowed her to settle her composure for the task at hand. She looked up at Xena, and let her eyes absorb the sunlight dappled face, a smile edging her lips. "I love you."

Xena's eyes softened, and she returned a smile. "I love you, too." She tilted the bard's chin up, and ducked her head, kissing her with a simple, gentle passion. "Remember your promise, okay?" She reminded her.

Promise? Oh.. right. "Xena… " Gabrielle put both hands against her partner's chest. "She's not going to challenge you… what point would there be in that?"

A momentary silence, as Xena idly straightened the braids hanging down on either side of her soulmate's face. "I… Gabrielle, if I were face with either being cut down, or dying in battle… I think you know which one I would choose."

Gabrielle considered that. "Yes." She conceded. "I do know which one you'd choose.. but Xena, that's you… and we both know you'd have a chance against whoever you were pitted against." She thought a moment more. "And I don't think Arella would give you the satisfaction of being the one to… I mean, she knows you can beat her. I don't see her making that choice."

No. Xena privately admitted. Not unless she though she had a chance. Blue eyes glinted in the sunlight. "Maybe you're right." She conceded. "But I'm not gonna pretend I'm not hoping she does anyway."

The bard nodded in understanding. "Time to get going." She allowed Xena to make a few last minute adjustments to her Amazon outfit, then she straightened her shoulders, and headed for the door, the warrior's powerful, shadowy presence a comforting bulwark at her back.

Eponin loped across the open ground, to where she'd spotted Ephiny in deep conversation with one of the apprentice healers. She pulled up next to the regent with an explosive sigh. "Definitely something's up."

Ephiny glanced at her, then dismissed the healer. "No kidding." She muttered in response. "Gabrielle's got her lips fastened, but Elias there tells me Xena stopped for an awful lot of painkillers from the healer's…and she said she thought Xena almost passed out when she was standing up after she said hello to Cait."

They looked at each other. "Damn pigheaded stubborn piece of.. " Pony let the thought trail off. "Tell you what… once we get through this thing, we'll gang up on her." She sucked in a breath suddenly. "Great Artemis… what if that damn bitch challenges?"

Ephiny stared at her. "Oh crap." She breathed. "I hadn't thought of that…. She wouldn't be that stupid, would she?"

Eponin shook her head. "She's crazier than a wildcat in heat, Eph… I don't know." She considered a moment longer. "She's had a taste of Xena's fire… maybe, maybe not." A beat. "If she thought she was running on all hooves, probably not."

Ephiny sighed in exasperation, putting her hands on her hips. "All right… then let's keep this really quiet. We don’t need rumors flying around where she can hear them." She remarked grimly, as glanced up, noting that a crowd was beginning to gather near the platform at one end of the circle they were standing in. She could see a group of warriors forming up near the dining hall, assigned to bring the prisoner forward. The sun was just rising over the trees, and painting the village in gold, and Ephiny spotted Gabrielle's distinctive form moving in from the direction of the queen's quarters. "Maybe we'll get lucky, and get through this without a fight."

The queen walked with a quiet assurance, her russet leathers complimenting her tanned skin as she stepped up onto the platform, and stood waiting. At her left, Xena took up a position of quiet alertness, choosing not to step up onto the wooden deck, perhaps to avoid overshadowing her smaller partner.

As if she could help that. Ephiny mused, studying the taller woman anxiously as she made her way across the compound, Pony at her heels. Xena had donned her set of Amazon leathers, and with that much of her body showing, the marks of battle from the day before were distressingly obvious. The warrior stood watching the gathering Amazons, the wind stirring her dark hair, her face expressionless.

Ephiny joined Gabrielle on the platform, giving her a tight smile as Pony continued on and took up a position next to the Xena's dour form. "You all right?" She muttered under her breath.

Mist green eyes turned to her, and darkened slightly. "No." Gabrielle admitted quietly. "But I don't think I'll ever be ready for this, so let's get going."

The regent put a hand on her shoulder, and nodded. "That's exactly the answer I expected from you, my friend." She replied, then turned her head towards the crowd. "Bring the prisoner." She raised her voice.

A silence fell over the crowd, as the small group of warriors clustered near the dining hall moved forward, their soft boots scuffing the packed dirt of the courtyard as they surrounded the tall, disheveled form. Arella's red hair picked up the sunlight like a torch, and she glared around her, eyes fastening on the platform with dark intent.

Pony darted a look at her taller companion, shifting her crossbow a bit on her back as she surreptitiously studied Xena's watchful attitude. The warrior's shoulders were tense - the Amazon could see the movement of the muscles under the skin of her shoulders as Xena drummed long fingers against one bare thigh. She was wearing her sword on her back, and her chakram was clasped on a thin belt that circled her waist, the darker leather contrasting starkly against the crimson surface of her skirt, and the sunlight winked briefly against the ring that circled one finger.

Eponin struggled with her conscience, then edged closer to the warrior. "Xena."

Piercing blue eyes swept over her, one dark brow rising in question. "What?"

"Listen… " Pony snuck a glance at the approaching group. Arella's eyes were pinned on Xena's tall body, and a faint smirk was edging her lips. "If she's dumb enough to throw a challenge.. lemme take it."

Xena's eyes widened in surprise. "What?"

"Don't… " Eponin lowered her voice. "Just… just… let me, okay? I know her, I can take her."

"Pony, thanks, but I can handle this." The warrior muttered back, ducking her head so that her voice wouldn't carry.

"Xena… this is no time for pride, damn it!" The Amazon hissed back. "It's serious."

Icy eyes regarded her. "Damn serious." Xena replied, then turned her head as the penal group reached them. "Just stay out of my way, Eponin."

"Stubborn piece of.. " Eponin cursed, then fell silent as Ephiny stepped forward, and unrolled a scroll.

A faint, almost imperceptible smirk twitched Xena's lips, as she studied the bound prisoner. Arella was staring back at her with equal intensity, a look of feral hunger on her face.

"You are charged with murder, attempted murder, and betrayal of the Amazon nation." Ephiny stated flatly.

"You're charged with being a piece of peace loving crap." Arella answered immediately. "I guess we're both guilty."

Ephiny just looked at her, and shook her head. "Do you have anything intelligent to say in your defense?"

Arella stepped forward, smirking at the surrounding Amazons who took hold of weapons in warning. "Defense? No thanks… I'm not defending a damn thing." She held her head high. "What I did, what I've always done, is in the best interests of the Amazon Nation." She focused her attention on the silent Gabrielle. "In fact, I'm challenging you, little green eyes, for that damn mask you have no business wearing."

Gabrielle sucked in a breath, surprised. She still believes that. The challenge took on a desperate tone, as she realized this was Arella's last, fierce hope to bring what she considered her people out of the pit of peace she'd percieved them falling into.

Maybe it was for the best, she mused. Xena knew… she was hoping this would happen to spare me the need to look this woman in the eyes and tell her she was going to die.

But I know Xena. If I accept this challenge, that's exactly what I'll be doing anyway. But it's Arella's choice. She doesn’t know what I'm going to sentence her to.. for all she knows, I'm going to hand her over to the civil law, or let her go, or… no. She's chosen this course.

Ephiny's eyes widened, and she half turned, lifting a hand towards Gabrielle, who was standing a step behind her. The bard shook her head slightly, and put her hands on her hips. "You're not worthy of leading the Amazons, Arella… all you've done is get them killed." She pushed past Ephiny, and came face to face with the taller woman, unintimidated by her size. "Being aggressive and stupid doesn't qualify you to lead."

Everyone jerked, a little, unused to hearing that kind of speech from the gentle Gabrielle. Arella recovered, however. "And being weak and useless does?" She replied, challengingly. "What have you done, other than get them involved in puling peace treaties, and fights with goddesses?"

Gabrielle felt a deep anger rising in her, and she briefly played with the idea of accepting the challenge personally. It would be her choice of weapons, and with her staff, she had a good chance of defeating the taller woman.

But that still left the question of whether she could kill her. And in her heart, Gabrielle knew, really knew, felt it deep, and strong, and real, that she couldn't. She'd be right back in the position she was in now. But was offsetting that on Xena's shoulders fair?

Gabrielle sighed inwardly. There was no good decision. There was no way to get out of this without blood on her hands. She looked up at Arella. "You have no idea what strength really is."

That puzzled the tall redhead. "What the Hades does that mean? Do you accept, or not?"

Ephiny grabbed Gabrielle's arm, and pulled her back, setting her lips next to the bard's ear. "Don't do it… you don’t' have to."

The bard gently pried the regent's fingers off her arm. "It's all right, Eph."

"Gabrielle! She knows she has an advantage, for the sake of Artemis, just sentence her." Ephiny hissed in response.

Blond brows knit. Advantage? She gave Ephiny a look. "Back off, all right?" Then she turned to the waiting Arella. "I accept."

A loud, nasty laugh erupted from the woman's chest. "Fool… " She rubbed her hands together. "Okay, green eyes… what'll it be? Your little stick?"

Gabrielle gazed at her. "Actually, since you'll be fighting my champion, I think that's your choice." She replied mildly, then paused a moment. "Not that it matters." She got a raised brow from Xena at that, but she was glad she'd said it.

Pony cursed under her breath, and all eyes turned to the quietly watching Xena, who gazed back at them dispassionately.

Arella took a breath in, and grinned ferally. She spread her arms out empty. "Nothing." She purred. "Just these." She flexed her big, formidable hands.

It was, Eponin realized, a crafty plan. Arella knew damn well she wasn't in Xena's class with a sword, hurt or not. And chobos would give Xena an advantage of reach. Hand to hand, though… if Arella could get in and deliver a barrage of body hits to the injured warrior, that… a chill went down her back. That could work. She started forward, only to have a powerful grip descend on her shoulder and stop her.

"All right." Xena's low voice penetrated the murmurs. "Let's get this over with."

A circle slowly formed, of living bodies that penned them in. Xena stepped forward, pausing a moment at Gabrielle's side, and looking down at her.

The bard looked back, then took up both of the warrior's hands, and gently brushed her lips against the fingers. "Be careful." She said, softly.

Xena winked at her. "I will."

She turned her attention to her opponent, and stalked into the circle of sunlight.

Gabrielle folded her arms, and glanced to either side as Eponin and Ephiny came up to flank her. Uh oh.. she noted the furious expressions on their faces. What's up with them?

"Gabrielle.." Ephiny dropped her voice to a low, angry growl. "What are you trying to do?" She expelled a breath. "I thought you'd made up your mind… why didn't you just do it? Why didn't you just sentence her to death?"

The bard felt very tired, suddenly. She turned her head and looked right into Ephiny's eyes. "I did." She replied softly. "Don't you realize that?"

Ephiny sucked in air, wondering if Xena had kept her condition from her partner as well. Must have. She concluded, as she turned to watch, her heart sinking. Damn… how can I stop this…. She watched the two fighters size each other up, and saw a cruel smile edge Arella's face.

She was bigger than Xena, heavier, and far more muscular than the older warrior. She was fast, Ephiny knew, and was probably one of the best hand to hand fighters their Nation had ever produced.

The advantages Xena would normally have, that of skill, and intelligence, were discounted in this kind of brute contest. Arella had planned well, and by the looks she was giving the dark haired woman Ephiny suspected she'd heard the warrior had been injured in the fight.

What if Arella won? Ephiny darted a glance at Gabrielle's face. It was resigned, and sad, but not concerned, though if the bard didn't know about her partner's handicap…

Gods. Ephiny straightened, and found Eponin at her elbow. "She's not gonna win." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "She can't, Pony."

Eponin looked right at her. "She won't." The weapons master vowed.

Xena circled Arella, consciously loosening up her muscles as she paced over the packed earth. The warm sun draped itself over her shoulders, and she could feel the cool breeze brush against her bare skin. A surge of dark energy wound it's way up from her guts, and she welcomed it, feeling the hairs lift on her arms, and a seductive buzz stir her blood.

Ahead of her was Arella, and Xena fully indulged her hatred of this woman, who had caused her precious soulmate so much pain. She let the wolf rise, and a low laugh trickled from her lips, as she saw the sudden widening of Arella's pale eyes. That's right. Be afraid.

Arella watched the smooth play of light ripple over her opponents tanned skin, as she planned her attack. Before she could lose her nerve, she charged, launching herself on top of her opponent, and bearing them both to the ground, yelling at the top of her lungs, as she slammed her blows down on a body that somehow was no longer beneath her. A knee connected, and she grabbed what holds she could, striking hard with an elbow into Xena's ribs, using her heavier weight to hold the dark haired woman down.

The shock jarred her shoulder, and she felt herself being flipped over, as a muscles tensed under her grip, and hands closed around her with chilling strength. She butted her head against Xena's jaw hard, feeling the warrior's grip loosen briefly, and she took advantage of that, slamming her fists against the older woman's stomach with all her strength.

By all rights, Xena should have gone down. If what Arella had been told was true, she should have caved in like a thatch roof under a rock fall.

Instead, a low, throaty laugh answered her, and she felt a searing pain as a hand gripped her wrist, and snapped it like a stick. The scent of blood, and sweat, and leather overwhelmed her, as her body was jerked out of her control, and she felt a dizzying whirl of air as her feet left the ground. Awkwardly, she flailed her limbs, trying to knock Xena off balance, but she felt a surge of animal power as she was lifted, and turned, and then the ground was coming up.

She was upside down, and the last sight she saw was the sunny sky, and puffy white clouds, and a bird whose cry echoed in her ears as her back impacted on a bent knee, and a tremendous shock of pain seared through her.

But it only lasted a moment. Then she felt nothing, nothing at all, save a faint burning, and the blue sky darkened to night. But there were no stars.

Xena let the body slide off her knee, to drop lifeless and broken to the ground. She eyed it a moment, then stood up, brushing her hands off against her leathers. After a long, frozen silence, a cheer rose, more of a triumphant chant, and she lifted a hand to it, as she turned to face Gabrielle.

Their eyes met, and two souls reached out.

Gabrielle ignored protocol, and jumped off the platform, running over and throwing her arms around her partner.

"Shh. " Xena hugged her. "It's over." She lifted her eyes and met Ephiny's and Eponin's gaze, as they stood watching her in awed confusion. "It's all over." She patted the bard's back.

Gabrielle drew a shuddering breath, and looked up at her. "Are you all right? She hit you pretty hard." The bard anxiously examined her partner's body, smoothing fingers over the raw red marks on her belly. Watching Xena body press the larger woman over her head had been shocking, and she'd shuddered hearing the low growl of rage coming from the warrior's throat as she let Arella drop onto her knee and broke her back with a hideous crunch. It had made her a little sick.

The warrior rested her arms on her partner's shoulders. "I saw it coming." A wry grin edged her face. "I had time to tighten up." She circled Gabrielle with one arm. "Come on." They turned away from the still, slumped form and moved over to where the elders had surrounded the regent and her lover. "Let's put this behind us."

Gabrielle let out a breath, and leaned against her. She felt utterly relieved, but guilty for that, and her mind flicked remorselessly back to a cave, where her heart had been hot with anger at Perdicus' murder, and she'd locked eyes with a blue eyed, raven haired avenger, and told her. "Get her, Xena."

She'd never… really had the courage to ask Xena, afterward, if those words led to her deliberately watching Callisto sink into the earth. But she'd known, in her heart, that it was what she had intended.

Now she faced that, and the fact that she'd come to accept that life was full of hard choices.

She just hoped she'd always choose wisely. "I don't understand why she did that, Xena… she knew what she'd be facing."

Xena paused, as they reached where Eponin and Ephiny were standing. "Maybe she didn't."

"Well, Xena… " Rena gazed at her approvingly. "Damn nice job." She poked one of her cronies. "Fast, efficient…I like that." She turned to Ephiny, who was still just looking at Xena, with an indecipherable expression. "Well, shall we get this festival finally started?"

"Yeah." Ephiny blew out at breath, and shook her head a little. "Sounds like a good idea." She eyed Gabrielle. "You all right, your majesty?"

The bard was tucked against Xena's body, and she spared the regent a quiet look. "Yes." She pinned Ephiny with her eyes. "Can we talk later?"

Hazel eyes flicked to Xena, then back to the bard. "Sure."

They walked on towards the dining hall as the normal sounds of life rose once again around them.

"Well?" Cait pulled herself up, as she spotted Paladia slouching back in the door. She was almost frantic with her inability to get up, and she ignored the pain so that she could get to a sitting posture before the tall ex renegade arrived at her pallet. "Well?"

Paladia looked around, then sat down on the stool next to the pallet. "Glad that mucking Bacchae's gone." She'd suffered Menelda's tongue twice that morning already.

"Paladia…. Will you tell me what happened?" Cait asked, exasperated.

"Oh." The taller woman cleared her throat. "Right.. .well, she's toast."

"Who.. is toast?" Cait asked, none to patiently.

"The redhead." Paladia answered. "Didn't take long." She had privately been impressed with the fight, but she had no intention of letting on to that. "Damn Xena broke her in half."

Cait's eyes widened. "Really?"

"Oh yeah." Paladia's voice gained enthusiasm. "It was something else… the redhead got hold of her, then Xena flipped her off like some kinda leaf, then Red grabbed her again and punched her so hard I could hear the impact, but Xena.. boy.. she didn't even flinch.. then Xena picked Red's nasty butt up, put her over her head, then let her drop down onto her knee." She grinned. "You could hear the bones crack. Sounded like dead wood."

"Gosh… that's fantastic." Cait responded. "I wish I could have seen it." She gave her shoulder an annoyed look. "Bother this dratted arrow." She moved the wrong way, and her face tightened. "Ow."

"Hey.. " Paladia glanced around to make sure no one was watching, then she dropped to her knees, and gently eased the younger girl back against the pillow. "Stop moving around so damn much, will ya?"

Cait sighed. "Being hurt is the absolute pits." She blew out a breath, puffing the straight blond hair up off her forehead. "I can see I'm going to have to make sure this doesn’t happen again."

The tall ex renegade snorted. "Whatcha going to do… become a Hestian priestess?"

The girl gave her a dour look. "Very funny." She exhaled, looking over Paladia's shoulder at the drab interior of the hut. "I'm so tired of this place."

"You've only been here a day…gimme a break." Paladia laughed, then looked around. "But yeah.. it's pretty depressing.. specially with that damn cross grained goat of a healer around." She licked her lips in nervous thought for a moment, then grinned. "Hey… " She leaned forward conspiratorially. "Listen.. I was gonna cut out for a while.. work on my picture.. you wanna come too?"

Cait frowned. "Don’t you have chores to do?" She asked, pointedly.

Another grin. "Yeah… but I did a bunch already… I was just gonna sneak down by that crick we found for a little bit."

The girl drummed her fingers on the blanket. "The healers are going to be simply furious."

"Uh.. yeah." Paladia agreed.

"We're going to get into frightful trouble."

Another nod. "Probably."

"Hmm.." Cait considered. "Well, that's two plus things… I suppose you can't ask for better than that.. but.. " She took a pained breath. "I don't think I can get out of this bloody bed."

Paladia looked around carefully, noting that the other patients were either too far away or sleeping. Solari was the closest, her dark hair spilled in a disordered wave across the pillow. "Look." The ex renegade's voice was gruff. "I could carry you."

A moments pause. "Could you?" Cait asked, cautiously.

"Well.. yeah… " Paladia studied her. "You don't hardly weight nothing… about half of old Queenie, and I saw Xena carrying her around like a rag doll yesterday."

"That's Queen Gabrielle, to you." Cait corrected her, indignantly. "And she is certainly not old."

The blond woman rolled her eyes. "Yeah yeah yeah…. Whatever… listen, do you wanna go, or not?"

Cait considered. "Yes." She finally decided. "I do."

"Right." Paladia edged closer, then stopped, her brow creasing. "How do we do this?"

"How did Xena and Gabrielle do it?" Cait asked, reasonably. "You said you saw them."

The ex renegade thought a moment. "Quee… uh.. Queen Gabrielle had her arms around Xena's neck." She stated hesitantly. "And then… Xena was just kinda… uh… " She eased closer, and nervously slid a hand behind Cait's back. "Uh.. I think… and… " She stopped speaking as the girl painfully managed to wrap a tentative grip around her neck. "Yeah… yeah… and .. " She got her other arm under Cait's knees, then slowly sat back, cradling the girl in her arms.

They looked at each other, embarrassed. "Uh." Paladia glanced around.

"Just don't drop me, all right?" Cait bit her lip. "I think you stand up now."

Paladia staggered awkwardly to her feet, almost sending them both pitching into the next row of pallets. "Whoa!" She yelped, then got her balance. "Damn.. that's harder than it looked."

"Shhh!" Cait pried her eyes open, and looked around. "Quickly… surely they heard that."

"Yeah yeah… everyone's a critic." Paladia muttered, as she made her way towards the door, pausing as she reached it. "Uh oh."

"I don't like the words uh and oh." Cait whispered. "At all…what's the matter?"

The tall woman blinked. "We don’t fit." She blurted, looking at the door.

Cait gritted her teeth, then pulled herself up against Paladia's chest, breathing in the warm smell of leather as her cheek pressed against it. "Go on. .hurry!"

"Ab..uh.. ar… " Paladia gave up, and slipped through the door, darting towards the nearest bank of trees which would hide them from sight. "Okay." She rasped, as they reached the safety of the woods. "You can let go now."

"Hmm?" Cait glanced up. "Oh.. oh.. sorry. " She released her grip, and settled back demurely.

Paladia looked at her. "How old are you?" She asked suddenly.

The girl's brows peaked. "Fourteen." She answered promptly. "But I'll be fifteen shortly. How old are you?"

The ex renegade peered around suspiciously. "Sixteen, but don't you tell no one."

"Really?" Cait bit off a grin. "You don't look it."

Paladia scowled. "I grew big." She muttered. "C'mon… my arm's hurting." She nudged her way through the trees, then hesitated. "Um… there's another narrow bit up here."

Cait obligingly pulled herself closer again. "You know, Xena was only fifteen when she defeated Cortese."

Rolling eyes. "Aw.. how did I know that was coming?"

"Well, she was."

"Bet she can't make pictures."

"I bet she could… she can carve."

"Get outta here." Paladia snorted, as she squirmed through the branches to a small, quiet glade they'd found a week or two back.

"She certainly can.. she carved me a duck."

"Yeah? Well, watch that duck while I go get my picture." The ex renegade set her down with acceptable gentleness, then backed off. "Be right back."

Cait settled down, with her back against a smooth barked tree, looking out over the water. "Okay.. wait.. bring back some lunch."

Paladia put her hands on her hips. "Lunch?"

The girl gazed up at her. "Yes… have you had yours, yet?" She made a face. "All we got in the healer's cot was gruel."

The tall blonde's face scrunched up. "Gruel?"

Cait lifted her shoulder. "Yes."

Paladia rolled her eyes. "All right.. all right.. I'll see what I can do. No promises." She stomped off into the woods, muttering.

Cait waited until the footsteps faded. Then she tipped her head back and let out a soft, joyous laugh, heard only by the brook, and the trees, and the silently listening lizard bobbing on a branch nearby.

"I don't get it." Eponin was sitting in a corner of their quarters, on a low padded bench. "I don't get it, I don't get it.. what the heck was going on?"

Ephiny was lying on her back on the bed and staring up at the ceiling. "I haven't a quarter of a clue." She lifted her hands and let them fall back onto the bed. "Not that I have a problem with how it happened, right?"

"Pfft." Pony let her head rest against the wall. "Either she's a actor worthy of the Parthenon, or there's nothing wrong with her, Eph… she for frigging centaur hooves pressed that damn woman over her gods be blasted head!"

The regent winced at this string of profanity. "She sure did." Her head shook back and forth in disbelief. "It was… pretty unbelievable." She rolled her head to one side. "The elders have a new hero, you realize."

Pony rolled her eyes. "Oh gods… yeah.. I know… they sound like a group of juniors having their first crush."

Ephiny chuckled a little. "Do you remember your first crush?" She asked, idly.

Eponin grunted. "Long time ago."

The regent glanced at her. "Listen to the old crone, here." She held out a hand. "C'mere."

The weapons master grudgingly gave up her corner seat and padded over the bed, flopping down on it and resting on her elbows. "You think she's part god, Eph?"

Ephiny gave that some serious thought. "I dunno." She finally said. "She's part something.. that's for sure… you remember Velasca always said she was more than she seemed."

Pony snorted. "Velasca always said we were the daughters of Ares, too." She reminded her lover. "Remember?"

"Yeah… " Ephiny mused. "And she said Xena was a true Amazon, though she'd never acknowledge that." They looked at each other. "You know the old story."

"Mm." The dark haired Amazon agreed. "That would explain some things."

Ephiny eyed her. "Would it make you stop trying to get the jump on her?" She asked, hopefully. "Cause if it would, heck. I'll go burn an offering to Artemis and just ask if it's true." She was kept from pursuing that by the sound of hoofbeats approaching. "Ah!" She got off the bed, and got to the door just in time to open it, and let in a small, charging figure. "Hey!"

"Ma!" Xenon threw his arms around her enthusiastically.

Ephiny dropped into the chair nearby and hugged him. "Xe… oh, it's so good to see you." She rubbed his back, her fingers trailing over the line where soft skin became tickly hair. "When did you get here?"

"Now." Her son stated briefly. "Granpa's outside."

Ephiny bit off a chuckle at what she imagined the dignified Tyldus' reaction to being called Grandpa was. "Okay… I should go say hi to him." She glanced behind her. "Xenon, you remember Pony, right?"

Xenon gave his mother's lover a sunny grin. "Hi!"

Eponin grinned back. "Hi." Xenon shared his mother's curly blond hair, and his rounded face also bore a strong resemblance to the Amazon. "He's a cutie, Eph."

Ephiny smiled proudly. "Yeah, he is, isn't he?" She ruffled the young centaur's hair. "C'mon.. you r aunt Xena and aunt Gabrielle are here."

"Yep..yep.." He bounced on all four hooves expectantly. "I know." Then his small face grew serious. "Ma… are they okay?"

The Amazon caressed his cheek. "Yes, honey.. they're very much okay."

Innocent blue eyes peered at her. "I miss Solon."

"I know, Xenon… but he's someplace nice, okay?" She combed through his blond curls. "He's with his daddy."

"Oh." Tiny hooves shifted. "Will I get to see my daddy someday?"

Ephiny felt tears ripping at her. "Yes, honey.. but not for a long time, I hope."

"He's in a nice place too, right?" Xenon persisted.

"Oh yes, definitely." His mother assured him. "He was very, very brave."

"Good." The boy nodded, then he turned as the door pushed slightly open and Tyldus ducked his russet head in. "Granpa… here I am."

"So I see." Tyldus rumbled, giving Ephiny a wry look. "Greetings. I hear we just missed some excitement."

Ephiny waved a hand at him. "Yeah… I'll explain later." She covered Xenon's small pink ears. "It's a Xena thing."

Tyldus grunted understandingly. "Ah."

"Well, come on… I've got some new friends to introduce you to." Ephiny stood, and gave Pony a wry look. "I think you'll… um… like them." She gazed blandly at Tyldus. "They're good friends of Xena's."

"Oh." The centaur carefully backed up, clearing space for the women and Xenon to exit the hut. "More Amazons?"

"Um.. not exactly." Ephiny kept an arm around her son's shoulders as they walked.

"Oh.. humans, then." Tyldus shrugged.

"Not exactly." The Amazon chuckled. "Just wait. You'll see."

"Mind if we take a walk?" Gabrielle glanced up at her partner's quiet face. "I could use a few minutes of peace ."

Xena reached down and took the bard's hand in hers. "Sure." She interlaced their fingers and gestured up a leafy path. "How about up there?"

"Works for me." The bard agreed, as they started in that direction.

The morning air was still cool, and it brushed against them as they traveled up the shady path, climbing up the slope with matched, powerful strides. They passed two outposts, where guards peeked out at them in mild startlement, then reached the crest of the ridge, and found a nice, comfortable spot where they could peer through the trees, and see the rising face of the next mountain.

Gabrielle stretched her booted feet out, and crossed her ankles, her fingers toying with her soulmate's as she took a breath of the clean upland air. "It's nice here."

Xena drew one knee up, and rested her forearm against it. "Yeah." She exhaled slowly, and turned her head, to watch her partner's face. "You all right?"

A gentle sparkle entered the mist green eyes. "I was just going to ask you that." The bard admitted. "I guess you got what you wanted, huh?"

Xena studied her hands. "It.. wasn't what I wanted, Gabrielle. It was something… I mean, I don't take joy in killing." She paused. "Anymore." She amended, honestly. "But it's something that's very much a part of me, and of who I am.. and I didn’t want you to face that."

"I know." Gabrielle leaned her head against the warrior's muscular shoulder. "Half of me wants to.. oh, I guess it wants to know that I'm grown up enough to make that kind of decision, and the other half… Xena, the other half wants to just tug on your sleeve, and have you take care of it for me." She sighed. "I know I could have done it, I guess that's the important part."

"Mm." Xena agreed.

"I still don't understand why she did it." The bard shook her head. "I guess that's just one of those warrior things I don't get." She turned her head to gaze up at the warrior. "Why would she choose that way to die, Xena? "

The warrior was utterly silent for a long moment, then she sighed. "Maybe she thought it was the best choice… because she had a chance, that way."

"Xena." Mist green eyes darted to her face. "Come on now… it's not like she didn't know who you were, or what you were capable of."

"I know that." Xena answered quietly. "But if she thought I was… incapacitated, then maybe she'd choose that."

"Incap… " Gabrielle half turned, and put a hand on her shoulder. "But you're not…" Her voice trailed off. "Wait a minute.. that's what Ephiny was going on about.. .she thinks you're hurt." The bard blurted. "She came and asked me about it this morning."

A faint smile faced her. "Yeah… Pony asked me the same thing."

"But… " Gabrielle's face contracted in confusion. "Where would they get an idea like that?"

Xena looked at her, pale blue eyes glinting lightly in the leaf shadowed sunlight.

The bard felt the air go out of her lungs. "You let them think that." She gasped.

The warrior closed her eyes in confirmation, then let them flutter open again. "Yes, I did."

Gabrielle sat in stunned silence. "You were faking last night?"

Xena's eyes dropped. "No." She lifted her gaze regretfully. "That must have started them talking, though… I picked that up this morning when I went to get you breakfast. I just…." She lifted a shoulder into a shrug. "Gave them a little more evidence."

"You.. lied to them?" The bard seemed to be having difficulty with the concept.

"No.. " Her soulmate leaned back. "I just…fulfilled their expectations of how they think I should act…that's all." Xena waited, then glanced over at her. "Are you mad at me for that?"

Gabrielle considered the question. "Was it so important to you?"

"Yes." A single answer, very quiet.

The bard exhaled slowly. "I should be. Mad, I mean, because it was supposed to be my decision, Xena.. I'm not a child anymore, and I can take responsibility for myself."

"You made the decision." Her partner argued. "You know you made it, and the Amazons know you made it.. it served it's purpose. I just… I didn't see the need for you to have to watch her be spitted like a deer."

"Maybe I did need to watch that." The bard replied sharply. "That's the consequence of my decision.. remember?"

Xena fell silent, and dropped her gaze to the dirt. "I'm sorry."

Gabrielle tucked a hand inside her elbow. "Don't be… I'm not mad. I said I should be, but…." She sighed. "It was her choice, Xena… and after what she said, I have to believe she'd have done it anyway, regardless of whether or not she thought she had a chance."

The warrior let out a silent sigh of relief. "Probably."

A little silence fell.

"That was pretty subtle, though." Green eyes studied her with interest.

Xena smiled. "Yeah it was, wasn't it?" She chuckled softly.

"No one ever expects you to be subtle, do they?" The bard leaned closer, rubbing her cheek against her partner's upper arm. "That's why you get away with stuff like that, huh?"

"Sometimes." The warrior agreed. "Wasn't anything I really planned.. I just saw an opportunity with Pony, and kinda went with it." She shifted a little. "I figured knowing the Amazons, it'd get around."

"Especially in the dining hall." Gabrielle added. "Where it just so happened Arella was being held prisoner."

"Right." Xena nodded. "Better than have them talking about your belly button."

A half choke, half snort came from her partner. "What?"

The warrior batted her dark lashes at the younger woman. "That was the subject being discussed before I went in there."

"Xena, don't be goofy.. how could they have an entire disc…. What is there to discuss about my belly button?" Gabrielle protested, glancing down at it. "It's just a hole."

The warrior rolled over onto her side, and inspected the topic of conversation. "Well, I dunno.. " She leaned forward and nibbled the area gently. "They didn't ask my opinion."

Gabrielle sucked in a breath, as her partner's lips did very distracting things against her skin. "Xena, that's not very subtle." She muttered, on an irregular breath. "And these woods are crawling with sentries."

Xena sighed, and relented, but remained where she was with her cheek pillowed against the bard's belly. "Gabrielle, I don't think it would surprise them to find out that I consider you incredibly attractive." She remarked wryly, sneaking another nibble.

Green eyes gazed shyly down at her. "Likewise."

They exchanged grins, and Gabrielle began running her fingers through the dark, soft hair lying over her stomach. "Should I tell Ephiny it was a setup?"

Xena had her eyes closed, blissfully enjoying the bard's fingers against her scalp. She considered a moment, then eased open a blue orb and regarded Gabrielle. "Good question." She thought a bit more. "On one hand, you don't want her thinking you endangered the Nation by indulging my ego."

Gabrielle's eyes popped out. "I'm sure she wouldn't…gods, Xena."

The dark brow above the orb lifted. "On the other hand, it would make her feel lousy to know she'd been duped." A pause. "Used, in a way."

"Hmm." The bard's forehead crinkled in thought. "I guess the best thing would be to let her think she just overreacted.. I mean, after all, I actually told her point blank that you were fine." She frowned ."But I hate lying, Xena."

They exchanged quiet, thoughtful looks. "I know." Xena commented quietly. "But you didn't.. you told the truth. For that matter, I told the truth… but they were expecting a lie."

Gabrielle exhaled. "Yeah…not that I blame them, because that's exactly what you'd do, even if you were hurt." She turned a stern eye on her partner. "Except to me, right?"

Xena chuckled softly, sending a trail of warmth up her partner's chest. "Right."

"So.. I guess we'll let her think she was just being a little over protective." The bard decided.

"All right." The warrior accepted this, then closed her eyes again, murmuring contentedly as Gabrielle continued to run her fingers through her hair.

It brought a little smile of wonder to the bard's face, as she watched Xena's total acceptance of their closeness, and she reflected on the fact that their relationship now really was different than it had been before all the ugliness divided them.

In some ways it was deeper. In a lot of ways it was more equal, even though they still had their moments, when Xena's past triggered her aggressive need to take control, but even then, like now, she usually got an apology afterward.

Once, that would have been unthinkable… Xena, apologize? Not. Her soulmate was consciously more considerate, but she was also quieter, and sadder, and Gabrielle knew there were things that weighed on her mind just like they did on her own.

She ruffled through the dark strands looking for grays, and a blue eyeball appeared, with an amused glint in it. "Find any?"

Gabrielle laughed softly. "Nope… and you know what? I don't think I ever will."

The eyeball's brow arched sharply. "Nice sentiment, my love, but not very realistic." Xena replied, with a wry chuckle. "I'm no Hercules."

They looked at each other in silence for a long moment, bearing witness to a truth neither of them wanted to voice. "Well, I'll believe it when I see it, then." Gabrielle finally murmured. "But my mother started getting them very young.. I bet I get some before you do."

Xena considered their age difference. "I bet you don't." She replied ruefully.

The bard's blond head tilted. "Fifty dinars."

"Fifty!!!" The warrior yelped, watching the smirk appear on her soulmate's face. "Gabrielle, that's…"

"Hmm?" One finger found it's way down to perch on Xena's chin. "Put up, or shut up, Warrior Princess."

A long sigh. "All right." Xena shook her head, tickling the bard's belly and making her giggle. "You're a tough negotiator, Amazon Queen.."

Gabrielle chuckled triumphantly, and resumed her massage, as they both fell silent for a while. The trees rustled peacefully in the wind, and she found herself very contented to merely stay here, and spend time with Xena, leaving the bustle of the Amazon village behind. However. "They're going to be missing us, aren't they?" She finally sighed, reluctantly.

"Probably." Xena mumbled sleepily. "I'm supposed to be injured… you could be chastising me."

"Hmm? Oh yeah… bad girl." Gabrielle teased. "Get some of that Amazon discipline going."

"I thought we decided the Amazons have no discipline." Xena remarked smugly. "I gotta tell you, Gabrielle.. getting caught in their skins in the bath… that's pretty damn bad." She opened her eyes. "Even with the fact that Arella knew the codes to get past the guards."

The bard sighed. "I know.. I know… " She looked speculatively at her soulmate. "Hey.. maybe you can give them some lessons while we're here!"

"Oh no." Xena shook her head. "Oh.. no no no.. .that's asking for trouble, and you know it. They'll go nuts." She briefly imagined Eponin's face at the suggestion. "Gabrielle, I've got enough problems here, okay?"

"Xena." Gabrielle leaned forward, and poked the tip of her nose. "After tonight, you're going to BE an Amazon, remember? It'll be different… right?"

Wryly amused blue eyes looked back at her. "Look.. you can put me in leathers… " She indicated her body. "That doesn't make me an Amazon, and we both know it."

The bard chewed her lip. Xena was, she had to admit, right about that. Even though she loved her soulmate in the Amazon garb, she knew the tall warrior was about as comfortable in it as she herself would have been in Xena's armor. It just wasn't who she was, and for that matter, Gabrielle felt the same way. "Okay… I see your point." She admitted reluctantly.

It wasn't who she was. Gabrielle considered that. "Xena."

"Mm?" The warrior folded her hands across her bare stomach.

"Would you do something for me, at the ceremony tonight?"

Both dark eyebrows lifted. "Um… " Xena wondered what she was going to get into. "Okay… sure." She screwed up her courage. "You can't ask me to wear less.. this is pretty minimal." She joked faintly, glancing down the length of her body again.

"No… I want you to… " Gabrielle gently traced a line down her shoulder. "Um.. wear your armor." Her fingers wandered. "The whole get up."

Xena remained silent for a long moment. "Uh…" She looked at the bard in puzzlement. "Uh.. okay… " What was that all about? "Sure… it's more comfortable for me anyway." She watched Gabrielle's face closely. "What's up?"

The bard's youthful features settled into a serious pose. "I've been thinking about who I am, a lot lately." Her fingers lifted a piece of the metal armor draped along her upper arm, and let it fall. "And of all the people I've had to be so far, I think I've decided I like being the Bard of Potadeia the best." Her green eyes lifted to Xena's face. "So that's who the Amazons are getting tonight." She reached down and traced a dark eyebrow gently. "Along with a very famous warrior I've tagged along after making stories up about."

Xena folded her arms across her chest and smiled at her. "And what a lucky warrior that was." She nodded twice. "All right." Then she cocked her head. "Definitely time to go back."

The bard's eyebrows contracted. "You hear them calling for us?"

Wicked twinkle. "I hear your stomach growling."

Gabrielle groaned. "Gods… all right, let's go… we've got a party to get ready for."

 Continued in Part 10

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

Specific Story Disclaimers:

Violence –Well… this is a more or less violence lite story. Now.. you've got Xena in it, and Amazons, and Gabrielle with that staff.. so it's not all sweetness and light, but no one gets their heads cut off in this one. (Sorry MaryD)

Subtext - Do I really still have to disclaimer subtext? Someone asked me if I thought Xena: Warrior Princess was a romantic show. My answer was, when a show has one main character state in no uncertain terms to the other main character that she would rather die at her side than live without her, that show cannot be defined as anything less than a romantic tale. Yeah, there's subtext.. maintext… under the table text.. whatever you wanna call it.

This is, of course, PG13 level involvement here, no more. That never changes.. for those of you who are waiting for me to stick in a rip roaring, no holds barred graphic orgy scene, make sure you have plenty of coffee and doughnuts handy. And a comfortable chair.

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

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

mailto:merwolf@bellsouth.net

Festival - Part 10

By Melissa Good

Steady thuds of hammers rang through the air, as sets of Amazons worked industriously on the area they'd be using for the party that evening. Four stocky women were balancing logs on their shoulders, placing them carefully for the bonfire, and two daring girls were inching out along thin branches, putting up long strings of brightly colored flowers.

The entire atmosphere of the village had definitely picked up, Xena realized, as she saw two or three of the normally serious scouts start pelting each other with extra fruits. A grin edged her face. Maybe this won't be so bad after all… Several of the working women spotted them, and sent up cheerful greetings, which Gabrielle returned. The bard glanced up at her. "Better than last time, huh?"

Xena exhaled. "I was just thinking that." She admitted wryly. "Yeah… " A passing figure caught her eye, and she noticed the tall blonde's intent interest on her. "I think they're kinda warming up to me."

Gabrielle watched the quickly striding blond Amazon run right into a tree. "Think so, huh?" She commented innocently, as the girl bounced off and ducked into the nearest hut. "I'm not sure 'warm' is the temperature we're looking at here, munchkin, but…" She reached over and straightened the front of Xena's crimson leathers. "I do love you in red."

Xena laughed, and draped an arm across the bard's shoulders and pulling her closer. "Well, it is the Festival of Dionysus.. we might as well enjoy it." Her eyes twinkled, and she ducked her head quickly, surprising Gabrielle with a gentle kiss.

The bard sighed, watching another Amazon walk into a tree. "Xena, you're causing chaos." Then she licked her lips, and pulled the warrior's head down again. "Might as well do it right." They stopped in the shade of a large tree, and enjoyed the moment, peripherally aware of the sudden cessation of noise around them. "We have to cut this out." The bard murmured.

"Why?" Xena nibbled her jaw.

"We'll be eating thatch tonight and sitting on rocks." Gabrielle replied, with a giggle. "C'mon."

The loud voices were echoing out of the dining hall as Xena and Gabrielle strolled up, arm in arm. "Uh oh." Gabrielle muttered. "Sounds like trou… don't you look at me like that!"

Long, dark lashes batted. "I wasn't going to say anything."

The bard's green eyes slitted. "You were thinking."

Xena laughed, as she pulled open the door and nudged her partner inside.

A group of Amazons were clustered around the head table, and they could just barely see Ephiny's curly blond hair in the middle of it. Menelda was leaning against the wood table, yelling.

"Damn it, Ephiny… I've had about enough of this! I'm telling you the bastard took off, and kidnapped that young girl, and you've got to do something about it!"

Xena and Gabrielle exchanged looks. "You know, Xe.. we don't cause trouble here. We just usually end up fixing it." The bard muttered, in an undertone. "All right.. what's going on?" She added, in a louder voice.

Menelda turned around, and put her hands on her hips. "The problem you sent home, your Majesty."

Gabrielle felt the blow up coming and just barely got her hands on her soulmate before the village healer was treated to a taste of Xena's dark side. "Whoa, tiger… hold on…" She put her hands against the steadily moving chest and willed the flashing eyes to drop to hers. "Hey.. hey…. "

Ephiny stepped around the table and put herself between Menelda and the still bristling warrior. "Menelda, that was uncalled for. And it was my decision, not hers." She spoke sharply, then turned serious hazel eyes to Gabrielle, who had her back to the regent since her attention was focused on Xena. Reluctantly, Ephiny met the warrior's smoldering blue eyes. "Paladia and Cait are missing."

Gabrielle felt the pulse under her fingertips slow, and she rubbed her thumb against the smooth skin before she turned around to face Ephiny. "Missing?" She looked from the regent to the irate healer. "Maybe they just went for a walk?" She commented mildly, as she felt Xena's hands settled on her shoulders in a warm grip.

Menelda snorted. "Went for a walk? Cait's badly injured, or did you forget that?"

Gabrielle felt the fingers on her tighten and she put her hands on her hips. "Can I ask what your problem is?" She asked in irritation. "Are you incapable of basic civility, or something? You act like you have a chobo stuffed up your.. " The grip tightened, but she could feel the faint warmth of a chuckle tickle the back of her head.

Menelda stared at her in dislike. "We're standing her babbling when that criminal could be doing who knows what to Cait."

Gabrielle looked at the ground in disgust, then turned and faced Xena. "Could you please go find them?"

"We've already searched." The healer interjected.

Xena touched the tip of her nose with one finger. "Right." She turned and gave the gathered crowd a look. They parted without a word, and she paced through them, snapping her fingers for Ares as she got to the door and the wolf met her.

"We have a search party out." Ephiny told Gabrielle, in a low voice. "Pony's out there, and a few others… we don't know how long they've been gone."

The bard nodded. "Xena'll find them." She looked at Ephiny, then at Menelda. "I think we need to talk." She paused to let them absorb that.

"Now?" Ephiny asked, glancing at the crowd.

"Now would be good." Gabrielle informed her. "In fact, now would be great." She motioned for them to precede her. "How about my place?"

Two silent Amazons paced quietly out the door, followed by a very annoyed bard.

"Where are you off to, Xena?" Rena caught up to her as she reached the healer's hall, and started checking the ground.

"Going to go find someone." The warrior replied, dismissing the front door, and moving around to the back one. Her eyes caught on the doorsill, and she peered at one stout support, which bore a scuff on it about shoulder level. She leaned close, and spotted a tiny string of blue embedded in the wood. She plucked it out, and examined it, then ducked her head inside the room and peered at the nearest pallet. "Paladia and Cait are missing." She noted the blankets that were laid over the beds, and let her eyes run over Cait's, which was missing its cover.

"Ah." Rena had been perched on an upturned bucket, watching her with evident enjoyment. "Run off, did they?"

Blue eyes picked up sunlight as Xena looked back over her shoulder. "What makes you say that?" She stood up, and dusted her hands off, noting no signs of a struggle.

The grizzled elder chuckled. "I'm old, not blind, Xena." She stood, and ambled over to where the warrior was standing. "I cleaned up big time when you gave that pretty lassie of yours that peck in the Centaur's courtyard." She whispered, giving the warrior a poke in her bare ribs.

Xena fought down a blush, and settled on a gruff snort instead. "Well, I gotta go find em, so.. " She clucked for Ares, who was sniffing around in the nearby brush. "C'mere, boy." The warrior stepped inside, picking up the pillow Cait had been using, and offering it to the wolf.

Naturally, he bit it, then shook his big head, ripping the pillow out of her hand, and sending stuffing flying all over the pallets. "Agrufhf."

"Hey." Solari protested weakly, brushing a bit of down off her face. "Save the pillow fights for when I can enjoy em, huh?"

"Sorry. "Xena retrieved the shredded item. "Ares, just smell it, okay?" The wolf did so, then sneezed. "Find." Xena said, deepening her voice. "Find."

Ares panted at her, then sneezed again. "Roo." He pushed past her, and trotted down the forest path, his nose firmly rooted in the earth.

"I think I'll tag along and give you a hand, Xena." Rena decided. "I like that kid."

The warrior sighed inwardly. "Suit yourself, but you gotta keep up." She strode after the wolf, then broke into a faster gait as he headed up into the forest.

Rena fell into pace beside her, chuckling a little. "I'm not one of these little puppies, y'know.. I've made it a point to keep my conditioning up." She kept up with the taller woman easily. "You young sprouts have it easy… just wait till you get to be my age, and have to do this stuff."

Xena loped along after Ares, and gave her companion a wry look. "I'm not that young, Rena."

"Pfft." The Amazon snorted. "Listen, kiddo.. I'm twice your age, so eat my feathers." She hopped nimbly over a protruding root. "I could be your mother." A pause. "Gods, that's a frightening thought." She muttered. "I hear these kids moaning about aches and pains… I could just throw up my lunch."

The warrior scratched her jaw, but remained silent.

"See? That's what I like about you, Xena." The elder nodded briskly. "Never hear you complaining.. and don't think I don't know you got clobbered yesterday."

A shrug. "No point in making a big deal over it." Xena kept an eye on the frisking Ares, and dodged as he headed up a narrow path. "But Gabrielle disagrees with you. "

Rena chuckled quietly. "Of course she does… but that's different." She ducked a low hanging branch. "I bet she takes every opportunity to coddle you, huh?"

Xena just looked at her.

"Enjoy it." The elder's eyes twinkled. "Comes right from her heart."

A faint smile traced the warrior's otherwise grim face. "I know."

She leaned forward a little as the path sloped upward, powering up the incline as Ares scrambled forward, his nose brushing the leaves eagerly. Abruptly, the wolf came to a halt, and pranced on the edge of a ravine, peering down into it with a puzzled look. He turned and peered back at Xena, then looked down again.

The warrior pulled up next to him, and peered down, then glanced along the lip of the ravine. "Hm…. I bet they didn't climb down there. "

Rena peered past her. "Bet you're right." She examined the tree just to one side. "Check this out."

Xena did, seeing a patch of branch that was worn smooth. She put her hand around it, covering the patch completely, and feeling the roughness of the bark at its edges against her hand. "Handhold."

"Mm." Rena agreed, turning Xena's hand over, and peering at it. "A lot smaller than yours, too."

"Yeah." The warrior acknowledged. "Ok.. I guess we go this way. " She edged up the narrow path that bordered the lip of the ravine, placing her boots carefully as she went. Rena followed nimbly, her smaller stature more easily maneuvered around the thickly branched trees. The older woman put a hand against Xena's bare back, then yelped as the warrior's body shifted fluidly.

"Don't do that." Xena warned, with a sigh, having only just stopped herself from thwacking the Amazon into the ravine. "Not without saying something."

"Whoops.. sorry. " Rena grinned unrepentantly. "You got soft skin for such a tough wench, y'know that?"

Xena gave her a look, then she chuckled and shook her head. "Can we get back to finding these kids?" She started up the path again, ducking under a low hanging branch, then freezing unexpectedly, causing the Amazon to collide with her. She managed to keep her instincts in check, and stilled, pointing down. "There."

Rena peered over her extended arm, brushing a branch full of leaves aside impatiently. "Ah." She grinned. "Told you."

Xena grinned as well, as she made out Paladia's tall form, braced against a tall tree, one knee propped up with a piece of pale parchment on it, her other leg pinned in place as it served Cait as a pillow.

The ex renegade didn't look comfortable, in fact, she kept turning her head to look at the smaller girl, the crinkle in her brow visible to Xena even where she was. "Well, well." The warrior commented. "I don't think Cait's in any danger."

A small basket sat nearby, and a wineskin was draped over the branch next to Paladia's head, and it was obvious to Xena that the pair had spent quite some time there, looking out over the water.

"They must have made their way down that side. " Rena pointed, to a half hidden switchback path that would have ended up next to the spot. "Ain't that cute. "

Xena felt a grin edging her own lips, then she sighed, and moved forward. "Well, let's get them back." Without so much as a word of warning, she reached the edge of the glen, and leaped out into space.

"Son of a BACCHAE!" Rena yelped, scrambling to the thin ledge, and peering over just in time to see Xena catch a branch, then swing up and into a double flip before she landed near where the two missing fugitives were settled. "Bleeping bugger of a show off. "The Amazon muttered to herself, glancing back at the watching Ares, who wagged his tail. "She always do that?"

"Agrrroow." The wolf snuffled her boot and nudged it with his nose.

"Oh no.. I'm not doing that… you're crazy." Rena scowled at him, as she started to make her way down the switchback. "I didn't get to be this old by being that reckless."

The queen's quarters were very quiet, as the three women entered, and Gabrielle motioned them to the two chairs set squarely in front of the table she used as a desk. She waited for them to be seated, then she took her own seat behind the table, and folded her hands over her diary. "So.. where do we start?"

Ephiny glanced at the ground, and Menelda folded her arms over her chest, and remained silent.

Great. Gabrielle let out a quiet sigh. "I guess I start then." She pinned the healer with her eyes. "Why are you so hostile?"

She saw a faint quirk touch Ephiny's lips, and she knew the regent was inwardly chuckling at the directness. "I've never done anything to you." She added.

Menelda looked at her sullenly. "I don't like the way things are being run here, and it's just too bad I'm the only one who has the guts to say something about it." She pointedly didn't look at Ephiny, who snorted softly.

Instead of getting mad, Gabrielle reflected on the statement. "Okay. What would you do differently?"

The healer hadn't expected the question, and her jaw sagged a little. "What?"

A faint shrug. "You said you don't like things. All right, I accept that, but not liking things doesn't count unless you have an idea to change them. " The bard explained reasonably. "What is it you don't like, that the Nation is at peace? That your neighbors don't attack you that much anymore? That you've expanded your trade zone to twice what it was? What?"

Ephiny was watching in fascination, her chin propped up on one hand. Gabrielle's style was unique, her attitude gentle and inquiring rather than confrontational, and it put her opponents off balance because you just couldn't look into those pretty green eyes and see an enemy. Ephiny suspected that was how she was able to face Xena's darkest corners, because there was no judgement or accusation in her approach, just a need to understand.

"There's… " Menelda struggled to order her thoughts. "There's no discipline anymore."

"Ah." Gabrielle nodded solemnly. "You mean the training? Or are you talking about everyone's attitude in general?"

"Both.. neither… I… " The healer rubbed her head. "I don't know… it's just like no one wants to live by our traditions anymore."

"Hmm." The bard considered that. "How is that my fault?"

The healer looked at her. "You're the queen. It's your responsibility."

"I see." The bard stood, and walked around the table, pacing quietly to and fro in front of the large bed. "So.. let me get this straight… you decide there's a problem with discipline… which suddenly developed.. what, three years ago?"

"It's been going on longer than that." Menelda protested. "You've seen it.. look at what happened the other day?"

One slim hand rose, and a finger made a point. "But I've only been around in the Amazon's life for.. oh…what, two years?." Gabrielle's brows rose. "Right? And not a whole lot of that two years, either… I think I've spent a total of… two months.. here?"

'What does that have to do with anything?" Menelda growled. "It's still your responsibility."

The bard studied her. "Maybe, but since I have no control over day to day events here, it's kind of hard to grasp that." She glanced at Ephiny. "I don't think we've put out any directives that reduce discipline lately, have we?"

Ephiny shook her head. "No.. and I think Pony would be highly insulted at the insinuation. The training regimen she designed was complete, and to my mind, effective."

"Sure, you'd defend her." Menelda sniped. "Look what happened yesterday."

The regent sighed. "All the training in the world can't help you if you're caught by that kind of surprise… we depended on our outposts to warn us, and they weren't expecting a friend to turn on them."

"No.. no one ever expects that." The healer commented, staring pointedly at the quietly watching queen.

The bard put her hands on her hips. "I don't think this has anything to do with Amazon discipline." She replied honestly. "I think… you're unhappy and looking for a convenient scapegoat, and I fit the bill." Gabrielle replied. "So instead of changing your life to make yourself happy, you find someone to blame" She paused. "In this case, me."

The healer stared at her. "You don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't I?" The bard answered softly. "And you still haven't told me what you'd do differently, because you don't know." Gabrielle pressed her point relentlessly. "It's just so much easier to try and make other people miserable." A pause. "Question is, why are you attacking me, all of a sudden?"

"It's your fault, damn it.. " Menelda shouted back. "They look at you and… " She stopped. "Forget it."

The bard rounded on her, and put both hands on the chair arms, leaning forward and pinning the woman with her pale, green eyes. "I don't like whennpeople are nasty to me for no reason, Menelda. It makes me feel really bad, and it annoys my partner."

"But you're the.. "

"No." Gabrielle cut her off. "I'm not 'the queen'." Her voice strengthened. "I'm a person, and my name is Gabrielle, and I have feelings just like you do." She paused. "So… what is your problem with me?"

Long, long silence, as the two women looked at each other. Ephiny remained quiet.

"It's not fair." The healer finally said, hoarsely.

"What isn't?" Gabrielle asked, quietly. "What do you find so horrible?" Her voice dropped. "You didn't used to be like this… we had some great talks when I was here that month."

The older woman's jaw worked. "You stayed with her. "

Ephiny stiffened, and half stood, until Gabrielle waved her back to her seat. "No.. it's okay, Eph… I figured that was it." She said, then paused, and took a breath. "Yes, I did."

"How could you ?" Menelda asked, in almost a whisper. "After what she did?"

Gabrielle gazed back at her. "Because I would die without her." She replied gently. "Because she's a part of me… the other half of my soul." Her eyes searched the other woman's. "Because she forgave me everything." She let the words fall into an aching silence. "But that's not what happened to you, is it?"

Ephiny felt her jaw drop, as she watched the emotions chase themselves across the healer's face. No one… no one living, at any rate, knew what had happened to Menelda. She'd kept everything inside, not telling anyone for all these years. How could Gabrielle know what had happened?

There was no way, but as Ephiny watched the mist green eyes searching, and probing Menelda's silent face, she was convinced that somehow, Gabrielle did know. It was part of the bard's own, special magic, that allowed her to see in the hearts of others, as she touched chords of emotion with unerring precision.

She never expected Menelda to lunge forward, but she did, and caught Gabrielle around the neck, throwing the younger woman back as she let out a wild, anguished cry.

Ephiny hurled herself forward, out of her chair, but Menelda had turned, throwing her body and Gabrielle's away from her, and she was now throttling the startled bard. "Damn you … don't you bring those memories back, you bitch!"

Gabrielle arched her back, and unseated her opponent, then powered them both over by sheer strength, her muscular arms pushing off against the floor as she broke Menelda's hold. She jammed an elbow into the older woman's throat, then got enough leverage to throw her body over the healer's and pinned her down. Menelda was taller, but she was slight, and couldn't budge the bard's solid weight. "We all have memories we'd rather not have."

The woman gasped, her face reddening. "You… are a fool… she'll.. turn on you again.. and then she'll.. finish.. what she started." She struggled helplessly. "Don't you understand? "

Gabrielle merely held her down, watching her in quiet compassion. "I'll take that chance."

The healer went very still, and just looked at her.

"You can't live your life based on what might go wrong, Menelda.. not if you have a chance at being happy. You have to live life for the good parts." Gabrielle told her. "So.. yes.. I know we hurt each other. And I know it might happen again. " She drew in a breath. "But we both decided to take a chance on love." Now her eyes gentled. "I'm sorry it wasn't the same for you."

For a long time, Menelda stared up at her. Then slowly, achingly, she seemed to collapse inside herself. "She didn't mean to hurt me." She whispered. "She just got so angry all the time."

Gabrielle closed her eyes, and relaxed, shifting her weight off the now harmless healer, ignoring the look of shock on Ephiny's face. "Anger is a really destructive thing." The bard remarked softly, stroking the woman's arm in compassion. "It makes you do things you don't really mean, sometimes."

"She came at me.. with a knife… " Menelda moaned. "It was late.. she was… we'd been drinking… hadn't paid attention to where we camped.. knew it was a slide zone… last thing I remember was that knife.. and me reacting.. and then it hurt."

Gabrielle pulled her up, and hugged her gently, remembering the impact of a fist on her own face. And how death had seemed… so tempting at that moment, it had hurt so much. "I'm sorry.. I know how much that must have hurt you." She kept up soothing murmurs, until the woman stopped sobbing, then she sat back. "Eph.. help me get her up.. " Gabrielle sighed, as she got her feet under her and pushed away from the floor, wincing at the sudden ache in her back.

Halfway up, she felt a wave of dizziness hit her, and she gasped, as the world darkened, and she felt a sickening vertigo that grabbed her and took her knees out from under her.

She was barely aware of Ephiny's sudden, desperate grip on her arm, as she stumbled towards the bed and managed to land on it, lying down and watching the world darken, and close in, and grow very, very quiet.

Paladia leaned closer to her parchment to study the line she'd just drawn, then rubbed out a bit with one charcoal stained fingertip and redrew it. She paused and regarded the gully they were overlooking, then went back to her work.

It had turned out to be a more or less okay morning, she grudgingly admitted to herself, though Cait had dozed off after they'd munched the scraps and things she'd managed to snitch from the back of the dining hall. And of course, she'd forgotten to bring a frigging pillow, so the damn girl had decided to use her leg as one.

Paladia looked down at the sleeping girl with a scowl. Cait's eyes were shut, and her slender chest was rising and falling with what the ex renegade supposed was a normal rhythm, though given the angle of the sun, she planned on waking the girl up soon so they didn't get into too much trouble.

With a sigh, she went back to her sketching, drawing in a boulder, and the interesting looking pine tree that was almost wrapped around it, having been struck by lightning and shriveled. She drew the long narrow leaves in, then moved her vision to focus on a leafy shrub next to it when something blocked her vision.

She blinked, with a frown, as she tried to make sense of the tan, and crimson and black, then she jerked as she realized it was a person. "Aw, crap!" She yelped, startled. "Where did you come from?"

Cait woke with a jerk, and blinked, her hand reaching for a knife hilt that wasn't there. She gasped as her shoulder protested, and sank back. "Gosh."

"Stay still, okay?" Paladia gave Xena a look. "It's just the wonder warrior."

The tall, dark haired woman sauntered forward, putting her boot up on a boulder and leaning on her knee. "Hi." She chose to ignore Paladia's description of her.

Cait stiffly rolled over, still using Paladia's leg as a pillow. "Hello….how super it is you found us." She greeted her hero.

"Mm." Xena agreed, seating herself on the rock and leaning back, as she stretched her long legs out and crossed them at the ankles. "More than you know."

They looked at each other. "Aw, crap." Paladia rolled her eyes in disgust. "Lemme guess.. they missed us."

Xena took in the basket, and the nice location, and the view, and smiled. "Yeah." She reached over and neatly plucked the parchment from the ex renegades hands, ignoring her glare of protest. "Hey… not bad." She complimented the glowering Paladia, half turning to compare the view with the picture.

The grumpy look on the ex renegades face faded, to be replaced with a bemused one. "Thanks." She muttered. "Gotta do something to pass the time around here."

Xena handed the picture back, as Rena and Ares trotted up. "Looks like everything is under control, here." She advised the elder, hearing the soft "Uh oh" from Cait.

Rena studied them. "Lookat you lot… talk about lazy kids."

Xena bit off a grin. "Well… I think we can cut Cait some slack."

The elder put her hands on her hips and struck a pose. "I was including you in that, kiddo."

A dark brow edged up. Rena's attitude required an adjustment, since she wasn't use to being treated with such a mixture of familiarity and veiled respect outside her own family. Kiddo? She sighed inwardly. Respect your elders, Xena… "All right, Grandma." She drawled slowly.

That got a flaring of nostrils from the elder. "Doncha give me that look…. The rest of us have to walk, walk, walk down the path, we can't just fly through the air like a damn squirrel." She pointed a finger at the comfortably seated warrior. "Sure.. take the easy route!"

Paladia snickered at the nonplussed expression on the tall warrior's face, then she yelped in shock as she felt a pinch on the skin of her thigh. "Hey!!!!"

Cait folded her hands across her stomach demurely, batting her lashes at the foliage above. "Gosh, it's a nice day, isn't it?"

Xena was caught between being vaguely insulted by the elder's teasing, and vaguely complimented by it, and decided there was really no point in getting mad. She stood up, and dusted herself off. "Well, this is lots of fun but…. "

The sick feeling hit her in the gut so hard she dropped down on to a knee, grabbing for the rock to keep from toppling over. Rena was at her side instantly, and had a hand on her shoulder steadying her.

"Hey… Xena… " The elder's voice sharpened in concern. "What's wrong?"

Xena closed her eyes, and concentrated, feeling a tendril of fear cut through her awareness, sharp and cold as a mountain stream. "Damn." She shoved the disorientation down, and stood, shaking off Rena's hand. "I'm fine.. I've… I have to get back to the village." She took several deep breaths, planning her route. "You take these guys back?"

Rena stared at her, uncomprehending. "Uh. Sure."

"Thanks." And then the warrior was gone as she bolted towards the path leading back towards the Amazons, and a partner she knew was in trouble. Ares bounded along behind her, scrambling up the muddy slope.

They watched her go. "What in Hades right eyeball was that all about?" Rena wondered, turning her eyes towards the two truants.

Cait sighed. "It's Gabrielle, of course." She winced as she tried to sit up. "Something must be wrong.. we'd better get back there."

Paladia snorted. "And you're gonna do what… bleed on the problem?"

"Don't be foolish, girl.. " Rena added. "Woman didn't get a pigeon message… she just probably heard a noise or something."

Cait managed to crane her head around, and gave them both a very severe look. "She most certainly did not." She informed them. "She always knows when Gabrielle's in trouble. It's part of their… thing."

"Well, you both are going to lose parts of your 'things' if you don't get a move on." Rena advised them. "Folks are swallowing dirty feathers over you two."

"Oh… great." Paladia groaned. "Now I guess I gotta carry you back, huh?"

Cait sniffed. "I can walk."

"No you can't." The ex renegade mimicked her tone.

The girl winced, and realized she was right. "Well, I'll tell a story then."

"Aw…. " Paladia groaned.

"Not that one." Cait relented.

Rena watched them, bemused. "Hey, you kids having a fling?"

Two sets of shocked eyes faced her. "Gosh no!" Cait blurted.

"You nuts?" Paladia barked.

"Hmm." The elder wiped a grin off her face. "Right… okay, let's get a move on, then." She helped Paladia gather her things, and carried her parchment and pencils as she picked Cait up, amongst rounds of bickering. "Heh… hope we meet Pony and the girls on the path.. won't they be snarked I found you guys."

Cait peered over Paladia's broad shoulder. "Xena found us." She corrected firmly.

"Shh.. don’t contradict your elders, sprout." Rena chuckled, as she led the way.

Ephiny hung on to the bard as she collapsed, thanking Artemis that Gabrielle had landed on the bed and not the hard floor. She checked the pulse in a slack wrist and bit her lip as she felt the rapid flutter. A noise made her look down, to where Menelda was dragging herself to her feet.

"What happened?" The healer asked, hoarsely.

The regent shook her head, as she smoothed the pale hair back from Gabrielle's forehead. "I don't… understand.. she seemed fine." She muttered. "Her heart's beating so fast… "

Menelda lifted a hand with what seemed an enormous amount of effort, and circled the bard's slim wrist. "Damn." She started looked the younger woman over. "She get bit.. or.. .I didn't… did I do something…"

Ephiny shook her head. "I don't think so… I.. ah, she's pregnant."

The healer's head jerked up. "What?"

Curly blond hair moved as the regent nodded. "About… oh, I guess around six weeks or so." She deliberately set aside her anger at Menelda, figuring rightly there was a time and place for that, and this wasn't it.

"You should have told me." The healer gazed at her. "Or didn't you think it was worth mentioning?"

Ephiny exhaled. "Later… let's take care of her, first, all right?" She felt Gabrielle's pulse point, which hammered against her fingers. The bard was pale, and her skin seemed chilled. "Let me get a cover over her.. she's cold"

Menelda got numbly to her feet and helped Ephiny tug the thick black fur over the bard's slender form, then she put a hand on her head. "She prone to fainting?"

"No." The regent said quietly. "Not that I've ever noticed…she's always seemed really healthy to me, in fact." She studied the bard intently.

A low groan drew their notice, and Ephiny sat down on the edge of the bed, grabbing hold of Gabrielle's shoulders as she stirred. "Hey… take it easy.."

Pale lashes fluttered, then opened and the bard lifted an unsteady hand toward her head. "Wh…" Her face contracted in pain. "Ow… gods… " She curled an arm aaound her stomach and rolled onto her side. "Augh.."

"Gab…" Ephiny clasped her shoulder anxiously. "Hey… what's wrong? Tell me what hurts?"

The bard gritted her teeth. "Cramps… ow… gods… it's like my insides are being turned out."

Menelda sucked in a shocked breath. "Oh Hades… " She ran a hand through her short hair. "No no.. listen.. Gabrielle, try to relax your body, okay?" Healer's instincts took charge, pushing aside other issues for the moment.

"Can you give her something?" The regent spoke softly, and rapidly. "Menelda, she can't… "She cut the thought off and clenched her jaw, rubbing the bard's tense shoulder gently. "Take it easy… take a deep breath, Gabrielle."

Easy for her to say. The bard moaned silently, as she tried to comply. Her body curled into a ball, and she wrapped a hand around the pillow, squeezing it hard. "Okay… " She gasped. "I'm … doing what I can." A mental cry went out for her soulmate, wishing her here, and in charge, wanting her touch desperately.

"Do something." Ephiny gritted her teeth, and stared at Menelda.

"Oh.. now I'm a healer, right?" The woman snapped back, but she got up, and walked over to the bags slumped on the floor, pawing at one, and then the other of them until she pulled out a sack.. "I have no idea if she even bothered to carry… ah." Her hands found the herbs she was looking for, and she stood, carrying them back to the desk where a pitcher and cup were perched.

"Easy…. Easy, my friend… " Ephiny crooned to the suffering bard. "Come on… come on… relax… we're gonna give you something, and it'll make you feel lots better." She mentally crossed her fingers, recognizing the symptoms of a nascent miscarriage. No… Artemis, no…. please… I'll offer you up anything.. but don't let that happen to her.

Gabrielle's eyes blinked open, and she stared at the doorway, unseeing. "It's the b..baby, isn't it?" She whispered, fear spiking her voice. "Oh…sweet gods, please…."

"Shh… no… you're gonna be fine." Ephiny felt the tension in her young friend's body. She looked up as Menelda returned, mixing a cup with her finger. "What is that?"

"You wouldn't know even if I told you." The healer answered shortly. "Just help me get it into her."

Ephiny stared at her, suddenly apprehensive.

"Oh… I can't be trusted, right?" Menelda hissed, seeing her face.

"You did just try to strangle her." Ephiny replied hotly. "But no.. I'll trust you, Menelda. Only remember this.. if anything happens to her, I will personally rip your guts out and leave them hanging on the village gatepost." Her voice was cold and hard, more so than Gabrielle had ever heard it.

They stared at each other. Menelda finally stirred the cup again. "Let's go, or this'll be a moot point." She muttered uncomfortably.

Ephiny exhaled, then she gently lifted the half-conscious bard. "Honey… hang on, okay? You need to drink this."

Gabrielle's eyes opened painfully at that. "What is it?" She croaked.

"Just… it'll relax you." Menelda put the cup to her lips. "Drink."

The bard caught a sharp, unpleasant scent from the cup, but the pain was overwhelming, and she knew she didn't have time to wait for Xena to get back. Reluctantly she drew in a breath, then touched her lips to the liquid.

To be stopped by a gentle hand on her head, and an inflexible one on the cup, which moved it away from her face accompanied by a warm, familiar presence. "Hold it."

Menelda jerked back, and Ephiny gasped, startled by the warrior's sudden, menacing presence. "Gods.. Xena… thank Artemis." The regent moved aside as Xena slid onto a knee by the bed, gently cupping the bard's cheek in her free hand. Didn't even hear her coming… damn…

The warrior sniffed the cup, then with a flick of her wrist, tossed the contents out the window. "Eph… get me my kit." She asked quietly, gently stroking the bard's face with her other hand. "Easy… just relax, love.. I'm here."

"Xe…" The bard almost sobbed. "It hurts." She gripped the warrior's arm causing the veins to jump across Xena's powerful wrists. "Augh… " A low moan escaped her. "Please…."

"Shhh… I know…. Hang on a minute." Xena replied, keeping her speech low, and even, soothing her soulmate with a gentle caress. "Easy now… just breathe.. that's it…"

Ephiny dove back to the bedside with the herbs, and watched as the warrior found three by touch alone, and mixed them, then filled the cup with water from the pitcher at bedside. Xena's face was completely impassive, but the regent could see her hands shaking and the rapid rise and fall of her chest in panicked breath. She abruptly remembered Thessaly, and put a hand on the warrior's tense back in pure reflex. The skin twitched under her touch, but she felt the iron bands under her fingers ease a trifle.

"Okay.. okay… " Xena gently slipped under one of Gabrielle's shoulders, and eased her up, then held the cup to her lips. "Now drink."

One swallow. Two. Gabrielle grimaced. "Oh…gross. " Three swallows, then she drained the cup, and let her head fall down against her partner's chest. One arm was still curled tightly against her belly, and she moaned as another cramp racked her body. "Xe.. I don’t… oh… "

"Shhh…" Xena dropped the cup, and slid up onto the bed, picking her partner up and cradling her against her chest. "I got you…. I got you… you're gonna be fine, love." She told Gabrielle softly, ignoring the two other women in the room, as she willed the herbs to work. "You're gonna be okay." One hand slipped down the bard's back, massaging the achingly tense muscles there. "C'mon… breathe for me… nice deep breaths."

Ephiny felt almost like an eavesdropper, as she listened to the gentle words, so unlike anything she'd ever seen from Xena it was almost like hearing another person.

Which, she realized, was exactly what it was.. this other Xena that Gabrielle seemed to know so well, and who was , in fact, her beloved soulmate as Gabrielle had called it. This was the person she'd willingly risk her life for. Whom she defended fiercely. Whose love she'd clung to, even in the most horrible of circumstances. Maybe now I see why.

She watched Xena's hands move gently over the stricken bard's body, trying to ease her distress and wiping the tears that had squeezed from under her tightly closed eyelids, then shot a glance at Menelda, who was watching the two women with an unreadable expression. Ephiny wondered what the healer was thinking. Probably find out soon enough, she mused wryly.

Gabrielle felt a warm, sweet lethargy pass through her, and she almost cried out in relief as the awful cramping in her guts eased. She squirmed closer to her partner, absorbing the heat from her body, and hearing the harsh hammering of Xena's heart where her ear was pressed against the warrior's chest. It was all right. Xena was here. She was safe. "Better." She mumbled against crimson leather.

Xena felt a shuddering sense of relief, and she closed her eyes, resting her head against Gabrielle's. She could feel the bard's body slowly unwinding, and relaxing against her, and she sent a quiet thanks to whatever god or goddess had been watching over her soulmate.

It had been close.

"How're you doing?" She asked, after a few moments, becoming aware again of the Ephiny's silent presence, and Menelda's stiff form against the wall.

Gabrielle took in a deep breath, then released it. "I'm okay." She felt her senses returning to normal, much to her relief.

Ephiny's head dropped and she sat down abruptly on the nearby chair. Then her curly blond head slowly raised, and she stared at the healer. "Remember what I told you?" Her voice was shaking with anger.

But Xena raised a hand. "Hold it… that first cup wasn't wrong." She slowly slid back against the headboard, cuddling Gabrielle's body to her with amazing gentleness. "It's just… she's very sensitive to herbs… I have to be really careful what I give her." She gave Menelda a short nod. "It was a good choice.. these were just better for her."

Ephiny subsided, and returned her gaze to the floor.

Xena watched the bard's eyes flutter closed. "What happened?" She asked, directing her question to the blond regent.

Ephiny glanced up, and exhaled. "We… were just hashing some stuff out… " How much do I tell her? She observed the tense, controlled features. "There was a little tussle… Gabrielle took care of it… but when she stood up, she passed out."

Blue eyes went ice cold. "Tussle?" Her gaze shifted to focus on Menelda.

"Xe?" Mist green eyes peered up at her. "What's wrong?" Gabrielle's tired voice arrested her building fury. The bard's hand shifted, and she looked up with a worried expression.

It was a struggle. But her soulmate needed her, and that…. Well, Menelda would have to wait until later. She forced her anger down, and took a shaky breath, stroking the bard's hair as much for her comfort as for the younger woman's. "All right… it doesn't matter."

Ephiny rose and crossed to her, sinking down to her knees next to the bed and putting a hand on Xena's knee. "What can I get you… anything you need, or she needs…. I…"

Gabrielle opened her eyes again at that, and peered at her friend, forcing a tiny smile onto her face. "I've got everything I need right here." She joked faintly, patting Xena's chest with one hand. "Sorry about that.. didn't mean to scare everyone." The herbs Xena had given her relaxed her body, but didn't really make her sleepy, and she was content to slump against the warrior's chest as close to motionless as she could manage. The horrible cramping was gone, and now she felt mostly just weak.

And hungry, she realized, startled. What a weird thing to happen.

Xena shifted a little. "Um… " She studied her partner. "If you could get some lunch sent over… I think she mostly just needs some rest." Her brows drew down. "Lots of rest."

The bard peered up. "Xe…. " Her voice sounded a protest.

"Gabrielle, you could have lost the baby." Her soulmate told her, very gently. "You realize that, right?"

The bard swallowed. "I… I didn't…. I mean, I didn't really do anything, Xena… we just walked over here, and talked, and then… "

"And then?" Her partner repeated.

"It was nothing… just a little wrestling, that's all… I was fine." Gabrielle insisted. "It was just when I got up… I just got so dizzy… "

"Gabrielle.. we're not gonna argue about this." Xena stated, flatly. "You are staying in bed until I tell you it's okay to get out of it."

"Xena… for.. "

"She's right." Menelda's voice came quietly from the corner. "Your Majesty."

Xena gave the healer a look, then decided she'd take any ally she could get at the moment. "See?"

Gabrielle looked at both of them. "I feel fine now." She insisted. "I don't want to miss the party."

"Gabrielle." Ephiny put a hand on her calf, and squeezed it. "We can have a party anytime." She let a grin cross her lips. "You know we love parties."

The bard's shoulders slumped. "But… "

Xena took pity on her, and kissed the top of her head. "All right… I'll personally bring you to the party, but you stay here until then, and you just watch everyone when you go." A pause. "Deal?"

"One condition." Gabrielle negotiated skillfully.

The warrior rolled her eyes. "I never get away with this stuff.. okay, what is it?"

"You stay here too." The bard told her, with a smile.

Xena smiled back. "Oh.. is that all?" She hugged the smaller woman. "All right… you win." Like I was going to leave her, even for a minute. Right.

Gabrielle sighed contentedly. Then she lifted her head and gazed up. "So.. did you find them?"

A look. "Yes." Xena's eyes flicked up to the watching Ephiny. "Near the creek… Rena's bringing them back here." She paused. "They were… um… "

"Running off?" Menelda asked, from her corner. "Damn fool kids."

Ephiny saw the sparks flare in two sets of brilliant eyes, and she stood abruptly "We're leaving." She announced. "I'll have a tray sent back here…and maybe some entertainment." Her eyes twinkled soberly. "Get some rest, my friend."

"We will." Gabrielle said softly, one hand playing with the front of Xena's leathers, as she watched them go through the door.

A silence settled over the room, punctuated by the shouts of preparation that were continuing outside. Gabrielle listened to the heartbeat in the chest her ear was pressed against slow, and she waited for Ares to timidly approached the bed and jump up onto it before she lifted her head and looked up at the angular profile above her. "You okay?"

A sharp motion as Xena focused her attention on her soulmate. "Me?" The warrior asked, incredulously. "Gabrielle, I wasn't the one having a problem here."

The bard smiled gently, and plucked a few leaves from under her partner's leathers. "You got here in a hurry." She responded. "I didn't even hear you coming."

Xena surveyed her mud and foliage stained body wryly. "I think everyone else did." She sighed. "I scared the living daylights out of a few people getting across the place."

Gabrielle nodded. "I can imagine." She plucked a few more leaves out. "Um… I think I can survive here by myself for a few minutes if you want to stand up and get that stuff off you." Xena's arms were still wrapped very firmly around her, as though the warrior were afraid she'd escape somewhere.

"Oh." Xena glanced down sheepishly, and released her, setting her very carefully back against the pillows and tucking the fur around her before she got to her feet, sending a small cascade of twigs and leaves to the floor. " She'd eschewed the paths, and taken a more direct route, ending up exploding out of the foliage near the bathing hall and frightening the three Amazons inside into diving out of their tubs and hitting the floor. That had added a little thatch to her body decoration, and now she patiently pulled the scratchy stuff out from under the crimson leathers.

"Why don't you take that off?" Gabrielle inquired. A dark brow lifted saucily. "That's not what I meant." The brow lowered into a scowl. "Oh.. you know what I'm ta… Xena, that's not what I meant either." The bard told her, in mock exasperation.

It was a good idea though, Xena reflected, after she rewarded her younger partner with a wry chuckle. She removed the Amazon leathers, shaking out the bits of tree bark with vigorous movements, then padded over to their bags, and pulled out two shifts, one of which she settled over her shoulders, the other she brought back with her to the bed.

Gabrielle had been watching this in idle enjoyment, and agreeably sat up when Xena perched on the edge of the bed again, to allow the warrior to start removing her ceremonial get up. The warm fingers felt good against her skin, and she remained silent as Xena gathered up the fabric of the shift, and eased it over her head.

"Is Cait okay?" She finally asked, softly, as the warrior worked on removing her boots.

Blue eyes glanced over at her. "Yeah.. she's fine. They were just playing truant." Her lips twitched in amusement. "Found them a nice spot, Cait was snoozing, Paladia was sketching." She tugged the bard's footwear off, then tickled her toes.

"Yah…. Xena!" She snatched her foot away, and muffed a giggle.

The warrior smiled, and quietly fiddled with the blankets before she let out a brief sigh. "So.. you gonna tell me what actually happened, or… " She watched the bard's face intently. "Look… I'm not going to rush off and attack her, if that's what you're afraid of." Her voice took on a bitter twist.

Gabrielle blinked. "No…I…"She paused, reflecting quietly. "I guess that's what it seems like to you, huh?" She murmured, remembering Ephiny's truncated explanation.

"Like I can't be trusted with the truth, yeah." Xena replied honestly.

The bard winced. "Ow."

Xena shrugged.

"C'mere." Gabrielle tugged her sleeve. "Lie down, and I'll tell you the whole story." She paused. "I think I was just trying to find a way to excuse what she did….because I feel sorry for her."

Xena accepted that. "All right." She waited for the bard to move over, then she leaned against the backboard, and stretched her legs out onto the bed. Gabrielle immediately wrapped an arm around her and snuggled close, letting her eyes drift shut in quiet peace for a long moment.

"Mmm… that feels so good." She murmured, after a bit, then she sniffed at Xena's skin. "Why do you smell like sage? I mean.. not that I mind, it smells nice, but it's not your usual after bath splash."

"Um." The warrior scratched her jaw. "I took a short cut."

"A sho….oh, Xena.. no… " Mist green eyes gazed up at her. "Not through the herb garden?" Gabrielle sighed, then reached up, and plucked a bit of dill from behind her soulmate's ear. "Oh, am I ever gonna hear about this.. that's Esta's pride and joy.. she wouldn't even let me walk around in it the last time I was here."

"You.. are more important than herbs." Xena stated, unrepentant. "It was in my way." She examined the sprig of dill and sniffed it delicately. "Hmm." She chewed the sprig experimentally.

Gabrielle sucked her lip and let out a short laugh. "That's my Xena." She patted the warrior on the belly. "Glad to know that stuff still works."

Xena settled herself further into the soft pillows. "Mmm.. oh yeah.. that's for sure." She remarked, wryly "Nearly knocked me out." She tickled the bard's ear idly. "So.. do I get the story, or not?"

"Wait." The bard held up a hand. "Knocked you out? That never happened before."

A sigh. "I know.. maybe it's the whole baby thing." Xena answered. "It was like a… I don't know…. Like standing under a waterfall, I guess… took me a minute to figure out what was going on, then I kinda just took off."

"Hmm. Sorry." Gabrielle remarked apologetically. "Glad you got back here, though…" She took a breath, readying her thoughts. "We'd…. I brought them back here because I was… gods, Xena, I was so sick of hearing her just go off on everyone for everything.. I figured I could… find out why she was so angry all the time."

"I take it you did?" The warrior asked quietly.

"Mm." The bard nodded against her chest. "Sort of, I guess… she… " Gabrielle sighed. "She had a bad time when she was younger…I think that person who died in the rockslide was her partner, and they… Xena, that person was bad to her."

"Bad?"

"Yeah."

Xena considered the statement carefully. "Bad like… your father was bad to you?"

A nod. "She… I guess she kind of felt.. " This was the hard part. "I… think she was mad… at me.. because she thought I…well, she thought we were like she and that person used to be, and…" Gabrielle felt the body under her go very still. "And she didn't understand." A pause. "That we're not."

Xena stared at her. "She thought I was… that I'm…." The words trailed off. "That's what everyone thinks, isn't it?" She finally continued, in a small voice.

"It's a stupid thing to think." Gabrielle stated quietly, but surely. "It makes no sense, Xena.. you explained it to me yourself.. people who do that, do it because they feel… powerless in their life, and that's the way they make themselves feel good." She hesitated. "They have to do that to feel like they're on top."

No answer. Gabrielle looked up to see her partner's face a dull mask, and her eyes focused on something not present. "Xena, you're the wrong kind of person to do that." She caught the warrior's slack hand in her own and curled her fingers around it.

The eyes closed. "They think it anyway." Xena replied. "Everyone always has… seen me as a bully who took joy out of using my fists on anyone weaker than I was." She shrugged. "Goes with the territory, I guess." Her jaw clenched. "I can't even say it's not true."

"I can." The bard stated.

"Can you?" Xena lifted a hand and brushed her jaw, at the exact spot she'd hit Gabrielle in that cave.

"Oh yes." Gabrielle replied, catching her hand, and bringing it to her lips. "I know what that is, remember? I know how it feels to be struck at without cause, and without warning, and what it's like to be left hurting, wondering what you could have done to deserve it." She looked her soulmate right in the eyes. "In that cave, there was no wondering. I knew what I'd done." She exhaled. "That was very different, Xena." Her eyes studied the still face intently. "You think about that a lot, don't you?"

Xena nodded. "I think about… how… I could have done that, no matter what the… situation.. was… I…"She stopped, and swallowed. "It hurts… knowing I could do that… I never thought I…not with you… which is funny, because I've killed people with no remorse more times than I can count."

"I know exactly how you feel." Gabrielle responded softly. "Every time I relive coming through that door and seeing you on the ground with him." She took a breath. "I think.. how could I have done that?"

They sat in silence for a moment. "I know it took a lot of courage for you to let me back in." The bard finally said. "Thank you."

Blue eyes regarded her. "I know it took a lot of courage for you to trust me again." She quietly replied. "And I'm very glad you did, but what I did took no courage at all, Gabrielle." She traced the bard's jawline slowly. "I couldn't face living without you."

Gabrielle had to take a moment just to breathe. "I felt the same way." She whispered at last.

They studied each other. Finally Xena nodded. "Okay… so… you found out what was wrong, and then?"

"Oh." The bard had to think about what she was saying. "Well.. no, before that, I kept pushing at her… and she kind of snapped." Her eyes flicked to the warrior's. "She jumped at me, and we wrestled.. but.. " She held up a hand to forestall the indignant protest. "She wasn't a threat, Xena… she couldn’t hurt me. I had her down in a second, honest.. and then I got that whole thing out of her."

"Uh huh." Xena scowled a little. "Were you feeling bad before that?"

"No.. not that I… well, I guess.. I mean I kind of had a headache…or I was getting one, anyway, and it was making me cranky, I do remember that, and… " She thought a minute. "My back hurt."

They both fell silent as the door pushed open, and Rena came ambling in with a tray. "Well, well, well.. lookee here." She gazed at the two women with a wry smirk. "Aren't we cozy?" She put the tray down on the bedside table, and whisked the cover off. "Now.. we have not one, but two different kinds of soups, roast chicken for the timid, roast mutton for the brave, white cheese, orange cheese, two peaches, two pears, two bowls of nice gruel, and a pitcher of milk."

Gabrielle peeked at her over her partner's chest, sniffing delicately. "Smells nice."

Xena chewed the inside of her lip to keep from laughing. "They weren't taking any chances, I see."

"Uh huh." The elder agreed, then she perched on the edge of the bed. "So… this is your emergency, huh?" Her eyes twinkled gravely at Xena. "Cait the precocious was right, I guess." Her gaze turned curious. "How'd you do that?"

"It's just something we share." Gabrielle informed her politely. "Are Cait and Paladia okay?"

Rena cocked her head at the younger woman. "Funny, that's exactly what they asked me about you." She assumed a stern look. "Now, you listen here, kiddo… this is not a laughing matter, and if'n your body is telling you to slow down, you'd best listen to it."

Gabrielle drummed her fingers on her partner's chest. "You paid her to do this, didn't you?" She mock accused the dark haired woman. "It's a conspiracy."

Rena put a gnarled hand over hers. "No conspiracy, just truth, my friend." She gave Gabrielle a sincere smile. "We want to see a healthy bouncing baby in a few months… so you stay put, and relax, and play around with this rambunctious goat here for a while, okay?"

Rambunctious goat? Xena groaned inwardly. She's worse than my mother.

Gabrielle looked at her, a tiny sparkle making its way back into her mist green eyes.

"Maaaa." The warrior made a goatish stuttering sound. Ares head popped up, and he growled. "Maaaa!" Xena made the noise at him again.

"All right.. all right.. how could I resist that?" Gabrielle giggled.

Rena put her hands on her hips, and stared at Xena. "That leathers full of whup ass attitude is just an act, isn't it!"

The warrior immediately went to serious mode, raising an eyebrow and pinning her with an icy blue gaze. "No." She replied, in utter deadpan. "It's very real."

Dead silence, as Rena blinked at her, and Gabrielle nearly bit her lip through to keep from giggling.

"Most of the time." Xena relented, with a wry chuckle. "And other times… well.. " She tousled Gabrielle's hair affectionately. "My bard here pokes me out of my shell."

The elder let out her held breath, and snorted. "You're a piece of work, Xena… I'll tell ya that." She shook her head. "Well, I'll leave you two little lovebirds to it… enjoy your lunch. " She got up, and strolled to the door, turning as she reached it. "Oh.. and the food, too." Her lined face wrinkled into a mischievous grin, then she was gone.

Xena busied herself in grabbing one of the wooden plates from the tray and filling it with an assortment of things, carefully avoiding the gruel.

"Rambunctious goat, huh?" Gabrielle teased her. "I like Rena… she's really sweet."

A dark brow rose. "Gabrielle, she is NOT."

The bard just chuckled. "Yes she is." Then she sighed. "Xena… what happened to me today? Is this what… I mean, I was hoping… " A sigh. It was too soon for this to be making that big of an impact on her life. She wasn't about to spend the next seven plus months 'taking it easy.'.

"Well." The warrior nudged her over a little, and brought the plate over. "I think your body was protesting that it didn't have enough energy and stuff to do what its doing… so.. ." She eyed the plate, then the bard with a kind, but serious look. "You need to listen to what your insides are telling you, love… give them what they're asking for, and you'll probably be okay." She watched Gabrielle take the plate determinedly.

"That's all I have to do?" A green gaze darted to hers. "And I can keep doing stuff?"

"Rest, eat, take care of yourself. Yes." Xena nodded. "Not too much to ask, huh?"

Gabrielle took a bite of chicken. "Can I have some soup?"

"Sure." Xena smiled in quiet relief, and stretched a hand towards the tray.

"Both kinds." Her soulmate mumbled around a mouthful. "And the cereal."

The warrior turned to her. "You hate cereal."

"Not taking any chances." Gabrielle stated firmly. "Pass the milk?"

 "Have you seen Eph?" Eponin asked, as she plodded into the dining hall for the fourth time. The place was bustling with people, getting ready for the banquet and festival that night. Esta was fuming in the corner, and when the weapons master entered, she bolted for her like a hungry puppy for its mother. "Esta, have you.. yow!"

The cook grabbed Eponin's arm, and dragged her off a few steps. "I'm gonna kill her."

Pony's nostrils flared in alarm. She rapidly thumbed through people the words immediately brought to mind. "Um… I'm sure Menelda didn't meant it."

"Menelda?" Esta answered sharply. "What does that harpy have to do with anything?"

"Uh….the elders raid the pantry again?' The dark haired Amazon hazarded.

"No… " The cook growled.

"What did I do?" Eponin squeaked.

"Nothing, no, not you, not that pack of starving elder wolves, not Menelda.. I'm gonna kill that six foot tall walking pile of nothing but trouble." Esta yelled at the top of her lungs.

"Oh." Pony scratched her jaw. "You mean Xena?" She glanced around. "What'd she do?"

"C'mere." Esta still had a hold of Pony's arm, and she pulled her to the back door to the dining hall, then shoved her head outside it. "That's what!!!"

Pony took a deep breath, sucking in the pleasant fragrance of the herb garden, rich with sage, and thyme, and the tickly smell of eucalyptus. The garden was surrounded by a thick hedge, which protected it from wind and weather, and concentrated the heady scent .

Except that now, there was a hole in the hedge. A large hole.

A six-foot tall hole, which corresponded to a path ripped through the plants that looked like a centaur had gone into rut and run down it. "Um." She drummed her fingers on the doorsill. "Esta.. it was an emergency.. she was in a rush."

The cook pulled her back inside and glared at her. "What kind of emergency is more important than my herbs? I know you warriors.. every Artemis blessed thing is an emergency.. the weather, a rampant cow, your bow is unstrung… so what was it this time?"

Eponin looked at her quietly. "Gabrielle was in trouble."

Esta looked back at her. "Oh." She subsided. "Is she all right?"

The dark haired woman nodded. "Yeah… it was kinda scary, though.. Eph said she almost looked like she was going to miscarry."

"Mis…she's pregnant?" The cook's eyes popped. "Dear gods… did you know that?"

Eponin sniffed, shrugging her shoulders. "Yeah.. for a little while.. she told Eph when she got here, but had her keep quiet because she wanted to compete." She looked around. "Speaking of Ephiny.. have you seen her?"

Esta appeared lost in thought. "What? Oh, yes.. I saw her heading off towards the washhouse a little while ago."

Ah. Pony sighed. Should have known. "Thanks.. I gotta go." She glanced out the door. "Listen.. sorry about the garden.. we'll help you put it right tomorrow."

"Don't worry about it." The cook patted her arm absently. "Hey.. do you think the Queen would like some of those little pastries? She should keep her strength up."

Eponin clamped her lips down on a grin. "I'm sure she'd love em." She watched the stocky woman wander off, then sighed, and slipped out the back door, using the convenient hole as an escape route towards the wash house.

"I'm fine, thanks." Cait repeated, for the sixth time as two apprentice healers hovered over her pallet. "Really." They had changed the bandage on her shoulder, making various sniping noises about the leaves and dirt she'd picked up on her travels through the brush. Paladia had escaped after putting her down on the pallet, fading back before the disapproving stares of the healers and leaving quietly out the back

But not before Cait got a word in edgewise. "Find out about Gabrielle, all right?" She'd heard the faint groan, but then a muttered. "Allright" reached her, and she smiled.

It made the fussing, and the probing worth it, and she suffered them in silence, only rolling her eyes a little bit.

Okay, a lot. Finally, the healers were done, and they tucked her in bed. "Might I have a cup of water?" She asked, when she was very sure they were finished. She received it, and took a grateful sip. It had, she decided, been worth it, since it certainly hadn't been boring. Xena showing up had been quite the surprise, and actually being there, actually seeing their.. thing.. work had been terribly exciting.

She wondered what that had felt like. It must have hurt, she decided, since it had almost made the very sturdy Xena collapse, and her face had been a combination of fear, and pain, and confusion that had been quite remarkable to witness.

But somehow, she didn't think Xena minded. It must be ever so strange to be connected to someone like that, but the warrior seemed to accept it, and certainly depended on it to help her keep her beloved Gabrielle out of trouble. Cait sighed, then looked up as a shadow crossed her vision. "Hello."

Elaini crouched down, and observed her, golden eyes blinking in the dim light. "I hear you had a little adventure."

Cait reached out, and touched the furry wrist. "Elaini… please.. is Gabrielle all right?"

The forest dweller sat down cross-legged next to her, and rested her elbows on the pallet. "I just came back from there… she's resting comfortably." Elaini's lips curved into a smile, exposing her fangs a little. "Very comfortably, in fact." She sighed. "And.. yes, I think she's going to be just fine.. Xena said she thought it was the stress, and the stuff that's been happening the past few days." She reflected. "And she's bullying Gabrielle into taking better care of herself, which is a good thing."

Cait's brows knit. "Is she sick?"

Elaini chuckled softly. "No, little one.. she's expecting."

"Expec…." The girl's eyes grew round. "Gosh.. you don't mean she's pregnant, do you?"

The golden head nodded.

Cait expelled a breath of air. "Wow." She digested this. "So.. she's all right, then?"

"She's fine, yes." Elaini pronounced. "Would you like something to eat?"

Cait shook her head. "I had lunch, just, thanks." She patted her stomach. "It was lovely… all bits and pieces of things."  She stifled a yawn.

"Well, you get some rest." The forest dweller patted her shoulder. "I just wanted to let you know about Gabrielle.. Xena said to stop by."

Cait's eyes lit up. "She did?"

Elani returned her smile. "She did. She figured you'd be wondering."

"Gosh." Cait sighed happily. "That's lovely of her." Her eyes flicked to the shadowed golden ones next to her. "She is quite nice, you know."

A gentle grin. "I know." The forest dweller yawned, exposing her teeth. "She saved my entire village."

All thoughts of sleep fled. "Did she.. will you tell me about it?" Cait pleaded. "I haven't' heard that one yet." A pause. "Please?"

Elaini took a quick look around, noting the interested eyes peering from the other pallets. "All right." She decided. "I can do that…"

She didn't see Menelda's dour form settle back in the corner.

The sounds outside grew busier, but Xena merely kept her eyes closed, and drifted lazily in a half asleep, half awake state that was very pleasant. Gabrielle was tucked into her favorite spot, her head nestled in the warrior's shoulder, and an arm wrapped firmly around her stomach, her warm breath moving evenly over Xena's chest as she dozed.

The bard had kept her word, determinedly cleaning not only her plate, but her partner's as well, sparing only one of the cereal bowls, which went to Ares. Xena had then coaxed her into sleep, giving her a thorough back rub until the younger woman was simply a stressless lump cuddled against her.

The whole thing had… scared her. Not so much because of what might have happened to the tiny, almost formless life growing inside the bard, but for what that would have done to Gabrielle.

She would have been devastated. Xena didn't want that, and she was a little glad that at least Gabrielle would now take her advice seriously, and start taking it easier. The bard murmured unintelligibly in her sleep, and tightened her hold, sliding a knee up to pin her partner in place. This merely elicited a smile from the warrior, who agreeably snuggled closer, breathing in the bard's scent with a sense of quiet satisfaction.

Her thoughts turned to Menelda, anger at the woman's attack, however ineffectual warring with a quiet depression at the reason for her quarrel with the bard. How could they think I was… Xena let her eyes drift open, and glanced down at Gabrielle's fair head. How could they think I would betray this trust? They've seen one small portion of our lives together.. how could they put that against the rest of it… I fought Death herself to keep us together.. doesn't that have any meaning, or is it just…

She thought about how their relationship must look to anyone on the outside, and cringed, remembering early days when she'd treated the young bard so offhandedly it must have seemed cruel to any onlooker.

Had Gabrielle stayed with her because she saw past all that? Or because it was what she was used to, and Xena had been a more attractive alternative to her father? It had taken her so long to warm up to the girl.. to stop ignoring her, and giving her barely the time of day, not to even mention actually listening to her, or encouraging her.

Why? She silently asked the sleeping woman. Why the Hades did you stay? Why did you come back, time and time again? It really made no sense.

Maybe… Xena felt a wry grin edge her lips. Gabrielle had youthfully boasted of being a visionary… of being able to see the future. Maybe this was the future she saw, and it was something she wanted. Ah… but what a road to travel to get here, my friend. She stroked the bard's hair gently. A future she wanted so badly she was willing to risk anything for it.

The warrior thought about that. What an incredible compliment that was, to have someone want to be with you so badly, they would risk life and limb, and their immortal soul on a regular basis, and not feel like it was too great a sacrifice. Could she have done that?

The dark brows lifted in surprise. It was what she was doing right now, wasn't it? Willingly giving up everything she'd known to remain at Gabrielle's side, to protect her, to love her…

Funny how that had never seemed like a sacrifice at all.

Okay, so they were both completely blinded by each other, and deliriously happy in that. Xena sighed, looking wryly at the ceiling. There were worse fates.

A sound of drums dribbled in the room, and a practice chanting. Xena flinched as the voices didn't quite synch up and the resultant discord hurt her sensitive hearing. Ares lifted his head and whined, and she gave him a sympathetic look. "Yeah.. I know… " She muttered, very softly, reaching down and giving him a pat on the head. "Not what you're used to, huh?" Even Gabrielle, who was a self described musical idiot didn't often produce discordant sounds like that, mostly because she'd realized a while back that her partner found off key singing annoying in the extreme.

The campfire had crackled industriously, outlining their forms and giving Gabrielle light for her project, which was memorizing and singing a small piece as part of one of her stories.

Xena had spent most of the evening in vigorous drills, and would still be out there except that after the long day's march, and two fights, she was simply exhausted. Too tired, in fact, to even object every time the bard's wavering contralto scraped against her ears. Instead, she'd huddled in her sleeping furs, doing her best to block the noise out.

It had been futile.. Gabrielle's voice was nothing if not piercing, and try as she might, blocking it out just wasn't working.

So she'd sat up, and wrapped her furs around her, and rested her elbows on her knees as she gazed across the fire at the fiercely intent bard.

The light had flickered across her subtly changing features, outlining a body newly muscular on display in her rust colored Amazon style outfit. Gabrielle was muttering to herself, making marks on a parchment and completely oblivious to the watcher across the way, until she glanced up, right into Xena's pale eyes. "Oh!"

A hand had gone to her chest. "Gods.. Xena.. you startled me." Her brow had knit. "I thought you were sleeping."

A dozen sharp retorts rose effortlessly to Xena's lips, and she forced them down. This was what Gabrielle did, remember? "No..no… I was just.. resting my eyes."

A hint of guilt entered the bard's demeanor. "I'm keeping you up, aren't I?" She sighed. "Sorry about that.. I just can't seem to get this part right…and I need to, to tell this story effectively."

Figuring she'd never get to sleep otherwise, Xena shed her furs and stood, then padded over to the bard's side of the fire, and collapsed on top of her sleeping roll, taking the parchment from her hand and studying it. "All right… look… "

She'd taken a breath, and sang the first few notes, then looked at the bard, wanting her to repeat them.

And found warm, interested green eyes fastened on her face in a kind of trance. "Gabrielle?"

The bard had shaken her head rapidly. "Uh.. sorry." She'd giggled. "It's just so interesting when you do that…I never expect it." She returned her attention to the parchment. "Okay.. what was that again?"

Xena had sighed, and repeated the notes. "Go on.. you try." Her face had contracted involuntarily at the result. "Uh… "

Gabrielle had sighed, and touched the page. "Gods, Xena.. if I only had your voice for a few minutes… you make this sound so beautiful, and I know I never will."

And Xena had shrugged. "If I could just give it you, I would… doesn't do me much good."

The bard had fingered the page. "I think I'll just give up on this one." She'd glanced up at Xena's face. "Let you get some sleep."

That had touched something in her. "I'm not tired." She'd lied firmly, then returned her attention to the song. "C'mon… you can get this."

It had taken half the night, of Xena going over the notes, and the bard repeating them in pure mimicry, until she could finally follow the tune through to the end without eliciting a flinch from her companion. "Oh.. wow… Xena.. that's incredible…. Thank you."

A hand on her arm. Those green eyes pathetically grateful to her. How incredibly good that had felt. "One more time." She'd gruffly responded, pointing at the page.

Gabrielle sighed, but she straightened up like the warrior had taught her, and drew in breath from her belly, and started to sing.

Xena had softly joined her, and their voices had mingled into a magic she hadn't expected, that had lent depth, and color to a silly, child's song as she'd found it incredibly easy to harmonize with the bard.

Strange.

They'd finished, and looked at each other, and a delighted grin had split Gabrielle's face. "Hey.. that was pretty good!" She'd laughed, curling a daring hand around Xena's and squeezing it. "We make a great team."

Xena had chuckled wryly at her enthusiasm.

But somehow had seen no need to correct her.

Now, a green eye opened, and rotated up to peer at her. "Y'need to go give em some singing lessons, Xe." The bard reached up and rubbed an ear. "Sounds like mating ducks."

The warrior smiled, and inhaled. "I'll block em out." She started singing softly, the tune from her memories.

Gabrielle smiled in sleepy delight, and after a moment, a soft, burred voice joined hers in a harmony deliciously familiar.

Dusk was falling as they made their way across the compound, walking with what seemed to Gabrielle ridiculous slowness. Well. She considered the solicitous arm resting around her shoulders. It could be worse. She could be carrying me.

A very pleasant, cool breeze drifted across the open area, bringing tantalizing hints of roasting meat and the smoky flavor of the fire. Amazons dashed past them, most of them laughing, all of them in good spirits as they headed towards the gathering place.

"Nice." Xena commented, as they cleared the dining hall and could see the festival area. It was decorated with huge strings of flowers, lending their fragrance to the air, and featured low, padded platforms to sit on, with a wide, cleared area in front of the fire for the dancers, and other performers.

Musicians were practicing off to one side, the odd sound of flute and lyre punctuated by sporadic drumbeats. Already, volunteer extra servers were passing around the assembling women, carrying trays of mugs and little snacks, which were being grabbed up with eager greed. As they entered the circle of firelight, calls went up, and they were greeted enthusiastically by the crowd.

They both were. Gabrielle bestowed a big, happy grin on them at that, and she tucked her hand inside her partner's elbow as groups of women swirled around them, many asking after her heath. "No, I'm fine.. thanks for asking… nothing really, just a little dizzy spell… " She repeated that about twenty times, then found herself being gently guided towards the front platform, where pillows had been added solicitously for her comfort. "Oh… centaur farts." She rolled her eyes, as Xena arranged a nice little nest for her to sit in. "Would you all cut that out!"

The warrior grinned, and bowed her to her seat with a flourish, then dropped neatly to a cross legged position next to her, and observed the crowd. "You want a drink?" She asked, as one of the servers trotted up, her entire body jiggling in excitement. Xena drew in breath carefully, as she tried not to burst out laughing.

"Would you like some cider?" The Amazon asked, proffering the tray. "Or.. something stronger?" Now her eyes went right to Xena, and she raised a brow in question.

"Cider's just fine." The warrior responded, selecting two cups and giving her a nod. "Thanks." She handed one to Gabrielle, then leaned back onto one elbow as she sipped her own. They'd both fallen asleep and woken up in the last rays of sunset, deciding to just put on a pair of nice tunics which coincidentally matched, instead of their usual outfits.

That was all right, Xena decided. She hadn't really been in the mood for strapping on all the armor anyway, and it was her opinion that it was a little too drafty for Gabrielle to be out half naked. Of course, the bard disagreed, but… So they were in rich shades of purple and bright blue, with matching embroidery chasing around their sleeves and across the thigh length hems. Xena had chosen the pair of soft, indoor boots she carried with them, and she extended her long legs, crossing them comfortably at the ankles as she watched the crowd.

Gabrielle settled herself on her pillows, feeling very decadent as she tucked her legs up under her, and leaned on an elbow near her soulmate, close enough to nibble her hair if the mood should strike her.

It struck. She moved down a little and tasted an ear, then leaned back, sipping her drink. "This is going to be fun."

Xena eyed her, noting that Ephiny and Eponin were making their way over, stopping every few feet to return enthusiastic greetings. The two Amazons looked great in their almost matching colored leathers, Ephiny's fair features contrasting nicely with her lover's dark good looks. Pony was fiddling with something around her neck, and she kept glancing at it, then shaking her head with an almost audible mumble.

"Well, well." The regent smiled, as she stepped up onto the upper platform and seated herself. "Don't we look cozy?"

Gabrielle let her head rest against Xena's shoulder, and smiled back. "We are… it looks great out here, Eph… and it smells great, too."

Ephiny chuckled. "Should.. considering all the flowers we ranged far and wide for… the bees are gonna be pissed off at us, let me tell you." She accepted a cup from one of the servers and took a long drink. "This is long overdue."

Xena let the chatter pass over her, as she regarded the milling group. Several Amazons were passing amongst the crowd, delivering a colorful necklace to each celebrant, consisting of flowers and bits of fabric. As the necklaces were offered, the women kissed, and hugged each person, then went on to the next. A few of the necklace bearers were gathered just off to one side, and were eyeing them with a mixture of trepidation and excitement. Uh oh. The warrior glanced at her sometimes shy partner. "Gabrielle?"

The bard broke off her discussion of the decorations and leaned closer. "Hmm?"

Blue eyes flicked to the necklace carriers, then to the women who accepting the items, along with their attentions, then returned to the bard's face. An eyebrow rose in question.

Gabrielle watched the process, then her face scrunched as a faint blush covered it, and then she sighed. "I'll manage." She muttered. "But if I start pulling on my ear, will you do that jealous Warrior Princess glowering thing you're so good at?"

A brief flash of white teeth. "Sure."

"Thanks." Gabrielle turned back to Ephiny, then paused, and returned her attention to her soulmate. "And, Xena?"

"Mm?" The warrior nuzzled her ear a little.

The bard closed her eyes momentarily, then opened them. "Try not to make anyone pass out, okay?"

Xena pointed a finger at her own chest. "Me?" She batted her dark lashes innocently. "Gabrielle, I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Uh huh." Gabrielle gazed fondly at her. "Let's see how many of them have the guts to come up to you." She shook her head, and turned back to Ephiny, keeping a nervous eye on the flower girls.

The warrior chuckled to herself, and leaned back, looking up as a server knelt beside her, offering her a selection from a tray full of tidbits. Xena took a handful for herself, and one for Gabrielle and gave the Amazon an appreciative smile. "Thanks."

The woman, more a girl actually, blushed and returned her smile, then got up and moved on to her next target, casting a shy glance at Xena over her shoulder. She had long chestnut hair, braided with slim ribbons, and a cute, upturned nose, and it drew an engaging grin from the warrior.

The girl blinked, then tripped, almost plunging off the platform and sending tidbits everywhere. One landed in Eponin's top, making her squawk, and causing Ephiny to playfully try to extract it.

Gabrielle turned, and gave her partner a look.

"What?" Xena protested. "I didn't do anything!" She hoisted herself to her feet, and strode to the edge of the platform, kneeling and helping the flustered server to her feet, then collecting her tray for her. "Here you go." She handed it to her, and watched as the girl unsuccessfully tried to muffle a nervous giggle.

"Nothing, huh?" Gabrielle teased her, as she rejoined the bard, and appropriated an unused pillow to lean against.

"Absolutely nothing." Xena stated gruffly, passing her some tasty tidbits. "Here."

The bard nibbled the treats, then paused as the flower girls approached the upper platform. She stood quietly as the girls approached, and gave the closest one a gentle smile. Weird. She mused. Her hands are shaking.

The girl carefully stepped up onto the wooden deck and took one of the flower wreaths from around her neck, offering it to the bard shyly.

Gabrielle stepped forward, ducking her head to receive it, then looked the girl in the eye, and whispered. "I'm not going to bite."

The Amazon giggled softly, then screwed up her courage and gingerly gave the bard a kiss, followed by a tentative hug, which Gabrielle returned with more confidence. Then she released the girl, and stepped back. "There.. that wasn't so bad, was it?" She sniffed the wreath and grinned. "Boy, that smells nice."

The Amazon gave her a big smile, then bit her lip. Gabrielle noted that Ephiny and Eponin already had their wreaths, and the girls were staring in obvious trepidation at her soulmate.

Who, the brat, was stretched out like a large jungle cat, watching them with predatory blue eyes that twinkled wickedly in the firelight. Gabrielle put her hands on her hips. "Xena, c'mere and get your flowers, honey."

It was perfect. It broke the girl's nervousness, and got a startled blush from her soulmate, who gave her a mock glower before she got to her feet gracefully and padded over, ducking her head considerably to accept the sweet smelling blossoms.

The girl hesitated as the warrior straightened, and Gabrielle sensed it was a totally different nervousness than she'd shown towards herself. Xena stepped forward, with that relentless, powerful motion so common to her, and took control of the situation, ducking her head again to lightly kiss the girl on the lips, then giving her a brief clasp of the shoulders in lieu of a hug.

A moments pause, then Gabrielle grabbed her arm as her knees unlocked, and she almost lost her garlands. "Easy there." She patted the girl's arm, giving her soulmate a wry look.

Xena sniffed a flower residing gracefully around her neck, and winked at her, then returned to her place and settled onto her chosen pillow, extending her long legs again and resuming her attack on the appetizers.

"Brat." The bard muttered under her breath, startling the other Amazons. "Thanks… they're really beautiful."

"You're welcome, my queen." The girl said softly, still looking a little overwhelmed. She backed off, and moved on to the next platform, where Jessan and Elaini were camped, tiny tots exploring the padded surface energetically.

Gabrielle watched her approach the two forest dwellers with confidence, then she sat down, and eyed her partner. The colorful flowers contrasted with her tanned skin, and purple tunic, and the bard reflected on just how good looking the taller woman really was.

The sky was dark, now, and stars arched over head in a sparkling blanket as a slow, even drumbeat began, accompanied by a haunting pipe. Amazons in brief, cloth outfits circulated, passing trays of various hand foods, more substantial than the appetizers, but still able to be picked up and nibbled.

Gabrielle leaned back against her pillows, enjoying the music and watching curiously as the first set of dancers wound into place, their sinuous bodies matching the notes. Her senses seemed heightened as she became aware of the close presence of her partner, and her nostrils flared, catching the warm, spicy scent of Xena's skin.

The warrior selected a piece of venison, and dipped it in a rich, fruity sauce before she offered it to Gabrielle, smiling as the bard gently took it in her teeth and bit off a chunk.

"Mm." Gabrielle eased closer, suddenly craving contact with the older woman. Xena obligingly curled around her, giving her a comfortable nest to lean into, as she draped her arms over the warrior's body. Maybe it was the music, she reflected, absorbing the warmth that surrounded her.

She picked up a flaky piece of fish, and presented it to the warrior, who gently closed her lips around it, and nibbled the bard's fingers at the same time. The pale blue eyes were darkened in the firelight, and her dusky hair shadowed her face, adding a sense of mystery to it. Gabrielle smiled, and traced the soft skin, opening her mouth agreeably when Xena presented her with a bit of cheese, and a stern expression.

They shared back and forth, watching the dancing, listening to the music, exchanging idle chatter with Eponin and Ephiny, who was cuddling Xenon to her, and leaning against Pony's legs. After the next round of tidbits, the rhythm changed, and now another group entered from the side of the circle, this one very different.

Armed to the teeth, in full Amazon regalia, complete with intimidating, black as night masks. The group of eight took possession of the central area, and the two lead Amazons strode forward, spears in hand, directly towards Gabrielle.

They reached the edge of her platform, then had to stop because a tall, dark haired form rose up before them, blocking the way with negligent menace. Xena had concluded this was part of the ceremony, but it never paid to take chances, especially not with her beloved soulmate. She faced the two Amazons down, ignoring their bristling arms and armor as she stood without so much as a belt knife to defend herself with.

It was, Gabrielle decided, surreal. She leaned over and tapped Ephiny on the shoulder. "This is part of the plan, right?"

Ephiny nodded immediately. "Oh yeah… it's a ceremonial challenge.. no problem."

The bard sighed. "You should have warned us."

The regent laughed. "C'mon, Gab.. it's part of the fun."

Green eyes studied her. "It's not going to be fun if Xena breaks someone's arm, is it?"

But the warrior had realized there was no evil intent, and now decided to have some fun with the Amazons, the foremost of whom she recognized under the feathers as Rena. "Whadda ya want?" She put her hands on her hips and challenged the elder.

Rena snorted, audible even through her mask. "The Queen has said she wishes to take a life partner." She stated loudly. "I am here to judge if she is worthy."

"Oh yeah?" The warrior inquired, raising a brow. "How?"

One hand rose, producing a long, black feather. "The tickle test."

Concluded in Part 11

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

Specific Story Disclaimers:

Violence –Well… this is a more or less violence lite story. Now.. you've got Xena in it, and Amazons, and Gabrielle with that staff.. so it's not all sweetness and light, but no one gets their heads cut off in this one. (Sorry MaryD)

Subtext - Do I really still have to disclaimer subtext? Someone asked me if I thought Xena: Warrior Princess was a romantic show. My answer was, when a show has one main character state in no uncertain terms to the other main character that she would rather die at her side than live without her, that show cannot be defined as anything less than a romantic tale. Yeah, there's subtext.. maintext… under the table text.. whatever you wanna call it.

This is, of course, PG13 level involvement here, no more. That never changes.. for those of you who are waiting for me to stick in a rip roaring, no holds barred graphic orgy scene, make sure you have plenty of coffee and doughnuts handy. And a comfortable chair.

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

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

mailto:merwolf@bellsouth.net

Festival - Part 11 - Conclusion

By Melissa Good

Xena was sure she hadn't heard her correctly. "What?" She blurted, incredulous. I didn't heard that. I know I didn't hear that.

The feather rotated. "You heard me, outsider… you pass, you're in. You fail… well, we'll have to decide on your fate." She turned around in a circle, to the cheers from the Amazons. "This is how it works… I perform the trial, you have a mug of ale. Every time you laugh, you drink." She grinned at the startled warrior. "Longer you last, harder it gets."

Damn. I did hear that. The warrior heard a scuffling sound behind her and was unsurprised to feel Gabrielle's hand on her arm, as the bard eased in front of her and confronted the elder. "Hi."

Rena quickly put the feather behind her back. "Why, hello, you're majesty." She gave tipped her mask up, and gave Gabrielle a cheery smile.

Gabrielle put her arm around the older woman's shoulders and leaned close. "Listen. You know.. I'm really very attached to Xena." She stated, in a confidential tone.

"No kidding." Rena muttered, deadpan. "Really?"

"Mm." The bard confirmed. "Yeah, and I'd really hate to think someone here.. anyone here.. was out to.. oh.. embarrass her, or make her look dumb.. or anything like that."

No answer.

"Because if they were, I'd have to do something really horrible, like…oh…make them go to bed and miss the rest of the party." A pause. "Do you see where I'm coming from?"

"Um.. yes." Rena drew the words out. "I.. was just looking for some kind of challenge that didn't involve sharp pointed objects, sweaty women, ropes, or spikes." She nibbled her lip. "It was either this, or an egg eating contest." A shrug. "It's a weird traditional law."

"Weird." Gabrielle exhaled. "Oh yeah… well, in that case, we'll just pass."

Rena's jaw dropped a little. "You serious?"

Now the bard's eyes went very quiet. "You're not going to make a fool out of her, Rena. Not in front of them, and not in front of me, or I swear… "

"Shh.." The elder put a hand on her arm. "That wasn't the plan… take it easy…" They both stopped speaking when a friendly arm dropped around both of their shoulders.

"You two done yet?" Xena's voice held more than a hint of amusement. "I'd kinda like to get this… trial… outta the way so I can get some dessert."

They both looked at her. "You… agree?" Rena asked, hesitantly, giving Gabrielle a doubtful look.

"Xena… " The bard eyed her in warning.

"On one condition." Xena replied, aware of the fascinated eyes watching them from all around the circle.

"Condition?" Rena was rapidly recovering. "Well.. I suppose… all right, what is it?"

With a motion so fast it was merely a flicker in the firelight, Xena plucked a long feather from Rena's headdress and twirled it in her own, long fingers. "Make it a duel." She neatly turned the challenge back on the elder, daring her to back down.

"Uh." Rena was caught offguard. "I'm.. not sure… what the rules say about that."

"No problem." Gabrielle gave her a sweet smile. "I can change them." She gave her soulmate a thinly veiled look of admiration. "A duel sounds good."

"Umm… .not fair." Rena backpedaled. "You have much longer arms."

Xena spread the bodyparts in question. "You're in armor." She purred. "And you're a smaller target."

The elder's eyes flicked up and down Xena's length. "That's for sure." She muttered. "Aw, centaur butt hairs… all right."

A cheer went up, and a buzz of interested talk as the two women separated for a moment to prepare.

"You don't really have to do this." Gabrielle said in a low undertone. "Xe, I mean it.. I'd rather we just forget it… "

"Shh." Xena leaned down and kissed her. "I'll be fine.. I'm not ticklish."

"Xena." Gabrielle gave her an exasperatedly fond look. "You most certainly are."

A fingertip on her nose. "Relax." The warrior whispered, then winked, as she straightened her tunic, then sauntered towards the cleared area, where Rena was in furious consultation with three other elders and Eponin. She strolled around the fire a bit, returning shy grins from the Amazons in the front row while she waited for them to stop plotting. A young server trotted up, bearing a tray full of mugs. She handed one to Xena, who took a sip of it, and licked her lips appreciatively.

A slow drumbeat started, as Rena and crew broke off their meeting, and the elder came trotting over to meet her, stopping a body length away and taking a breath. "I haveta warn you.. I've been at this a long time, Xena.. I have perfect control of my body." She grabbed her own mug, sniffing it, then shaking her head a little.

The warrior took a step closer, and let her animal energy surface, putting a seductive smile on her face as she studied elder from head to foot. The firelight didn't do anything to hide the blush that resulted. "I'll keep that in mind." Her voice dropped to a lower register, and caressed the words lovingly. She held up the feather, and hiked both eyebrows. "Shall we?"

Rena dropped her mask down, and shook her head, bouncing around a little to settle her feathers.

"I can't believe she said yes." Ephiny leaned over, and poked the bard, who was seated on her pillows, her legs tucked up under her watching her partner intently.

"Mm… me either." Gabrielle murmured back. "She doesn’t normally go in for this kinda thing." She turned her head as Jessan crawled up next to her, and relaxed on his side, the tips of his fangs showing in a faint grin. "Hey, Jess… "

"Hey… you shoulda told me the Amazons were so much fun… " The forest dweller cheerfully poked her. "Feather trials?" He turned his head just as Xena was doing her head to foot review of the elder, and bit his tongue. "Ow. .. gotta stop doing that." He slapped the side of his head.

Gabrielle eyed him in mild alarm. "You okay?"

Her friend rubbed his face. "There's just a lot of.. uh… energy… around here." He gave Gabrielle a wry look.

"Energy?" The bard peered at him in puzzlement for a moment, then she blushed. "Oh." She returned her attention to the contest. Xena had stepped back, and rolled her shoulders to loosen them, and the bard could tell by her soulmate's body language that she was regarding the contest as a bit of pure fun. Gabrielle was puzzled, knowing the warrior's ticklishness, but decided to wait and see what happened. She could see what Jessan meant about energy, though… when Xena was in this kind of mood, the sexiness just exuded from her, starting with that charming grin, and not ending with the little bounce in her movements.

It brought a helpless smile to the watching bard's face, and she sighed, resting her chin against her fist.

"I'll warn ya, Xena.. " Rena circled around to her left, raising her feather. "You're asking for it… "

The tall warrior grinned, and lifted her arms, standing stock-still. "C'mon.. you first." She crooked a playful finger at the elder. "Free shot."

The older woman cursed, then edged toward her, feathers in her mask bobbing up and down like a rabid chicken's. She extended a cautious arm, and flicked the feather in her hand across Xena's arm.

No reaction.

She tried the other arm. Then she got bold and stepped closer, tickling Xena under the chin. "You're faking."

The warrior moved smoothly, catching her on the underside of her arm, and eliciting a startled squawk. "You're not." She aimed for Rena's ribs, but the elder danced back out of the way with a curse. "C'mon, drink up."

"No fair…" She protested. "You're covered." But she took a swallow of the potent ale.

Xena grinned and reached for her belt, then glanced over as Jessan yelped and covered his eyes. She untied the fabric, and let the shirt drape open, with a wicked glint in her eyes. "Better?" Her smoothly muscled body was lit with flame and shadow from the fire, painting an alluring picture.

The woman gave her an evil look. "You're a right proper little troublemaker, aren't you?" Came the outraged mutter. But she dove forward, running the feather across Xena's exposed ribs, then darting aside as the warrior got the side of her leg. She bit her lip, but a blurt escaped anyway, and she took another sip as she gave the warrior a disgusted look.

Another dodge, another passing swipe, and this time Xena got her along her back, making her hop forward like a startled rabbit. But she swallowed the chuckle, and so didn't have to swallow any ale. Rena circled, planning her attack. She feinted right, and moved left, getting inside the taller woman's guard, and running her weapon along the warrior's belly, watching the muscles contract sharply in response. "Ah!" She chortled triumphantly.

Xena didn’t bother to tell her it was more her intense struggle to force her defenses down far enough to let the Amazon touch her than anything else. She just grinned, then took a sip of her ale anyway, although she hadn't made a sound. It tasted good, and she was enjoying herself. The game reminded her of the long evening's entertainment she used to have with her army, when contests of all sorts were constantly at hand.

And everyone.. evvverryone wanted a chance at Xena. She lunged forward suddenly and got the Amazon right above the hip, dropping to a knee and spinning out of her grasp as she yelped, then jumping back, lifting her body completely off the ground and lifting her knees out of the Amazon's range. Rena cursed, but drank, finishing off her mug, and wiping her lips.

The server trotted forward and retrieved it, then offered her another.

Her next try was to duck, and get Xena behind the knees, a favorite place of hers. The warrior hopped out of the way as though her knees had springs in them, avoiding the feather with consummate grace. "Bugger." Rena bit her tongue to keep the laughter inside as a light touch skittered down the back of her neck.

Rena realized there was only one way she was going to get the damn woman to hold still long enough to get a score in, so she launched herself at Xena, catching the taller woman around the thighs and bringing them both to the ground. Two cups of ale went flying into the fire, as a yell went up from the crowd, and she yelled back, swiftly following up her advantage and straddling the warrior, going to work on her with a vengeance. "Ahah! Gotcha!!!"

With a wicked grin, she slowly drew the feather down Xena's powerful body, starting at her collarbone and not missing anything on the way to her navel. It was.. almost an intoxicating experience in itself, as she could feel the rumbling power just under the surface, fighting to throw itself against her. She'd lived her life on the edge of danger, but this… Rena sucked in a breath. This was like riding a thunderbolt.

Xena.. exuded danger. She fairly bled off a wash of sensual, dark energy that sent shivers up and down Rena's body, and reminded her forcibly of the bloody reputation than hung over her like shadowy shroud. It would be so easy to get lost in that… how did Gabrielle resist it?

Maybe she didn't. The elder reflected. Maybe she was as facinated by that dark side as everyone else was.

Xena relaxed, and crossed her ankles, peering cheerfully up at her attacker. Not one bit of a reaction as the Amazon covered most of her exposed body in feathery tickles. The blue eyes looked calmly up at her tormentor, and her breathing remained even and slow. "C'mon.. you gotta do better than that." She teased, her grin dispelling the danger like a soap bubble popping.

The Amazon stopped, and stared at her in disbelief. "Son of a frigging Bacchae." Rena threw up her hands in frustration. "I give up…I don't think I've ever…yeeooww!!"

Xena had arched her back and tossed the elder off gently, rolling over and pinning her down with one long, muscular arm. She then flourished her feather, and drew a slow, teasing line down Rena's ribs, watching her teeth grind in reaction. The feather slipped up, dancing across the outside of her shoulder, then down the back of her leg. An odd, choking sound came from the Amazon.

"Y'know what… " Xena returned her attention to the ribs, running the end of the feather up and down, and watching the muscles jerk under it. "I think you're ticklish."

"Yeeewwwooo!!!!!!" Rena finally exploded, as the feather got her behind the knees. "Godsbedamnedyoupieceof… " She pounded the ground with her fists, and growled at the warrior.

Xena sat up, and released her, facing the crowd and holding the feather up in question. A round of applause greeted her, and she grinned. "Anyone else wanna have a go?" She teased them, then pointed the feather sternly at the bard, who had immediately stood up. "Not you."

Gabrielle chuckled. "Awww…. No fair! "

Laughter echoed around the circle, as Rena sat up, and gave her tormenter a wry look. "I think I've been had." But she laughed. "Welcome, Xena." She held out a hand, and the warrior gripped it firmly. "Welcome to the Amazon Nation." A cheer went up, and then it was chaos, as most of the crowd clustered into the central area, to congratulate her.

Gabrielle managed to beat them, though, and was snugging her soulmate's tunic closed with a proprietary air as Xena helped Rena up.

"Ahh… " The Amazon elder dusted her self off. "Damn mask.. I forgot how gods be damned uncomfortable these things are." She pulled it off, wiping the sweat off her lined brow, and giving Xena a look. "No wonder you accepted.. you're not ticklish you beast, you."

The bard captured Xena's feather, and twirled it in her fingers. "Mmm… " She snuck a tickle on the inside of the warrior's elbow and got a squawk. "Depends on who's doing the tickling." She grinned mischeviously, as she ruffled the feather under Xena's right ear, and was rewarded with a helpless chuckle.

Rena's jaw dropped. "You little son of a… "

Gabrielle just smiled, then leaned forward and put her nose against Xena's chest. "How did you do that?" She muttered in a low tone. "I know darn well you're ticklish."

"Only when you do it." Xena replied softly. "No one else."

The bard blinked at her, surprised. "Oh." Then she smiled. "Cool."

"Mm." The warrior agreed, putting her arm around her soulmate's shoulders, then turning to greet her new Amazon sisters.

It was a swirl of bodies, and sounds and scents, and Xena just managed to keep her instincts in check as she was gingerly hugged by lots of warm, sweaty Amazons. Only Gabrielle's hand on her back kept the urge to toss bodies at bay, but she didn't grudge the crowd, as she realized it was their way of making her one of them.

"Try not to kill anybody, Xena.. " Eponin muttered, as she took her turn. "They've been waiting for years to do this."

"Tch." Xena rolled her eyes. "Amazons."

Eponin chuckled, and gave her a pat on the back. "We know a good thing when we see it."

Then, slowly, the crowd dissolved back into a solid circle, leaving only Xena, Gabrielle, and Ephiny in the center. The regent smiled at them, and jerked her head at the crowd. "You go first, guys.. then the rest of us can relax and get this over with."

The low drumbeats made a seductive undercurrent as Gabrielle took her partner's hand, and they walked over to where the regent was standing, holding a scroll. Ephiny waited for them to stop, and then took a breath. "Well." She cleared her throat in the sudden silence, only the soft drums stirring the air. "Gabrielle, you are Queen by right of caste, and you have chosen to take a lifemate here, before the Nation, on this festival night. " The language was formal, and somewhat stilted, and she winced, hearing herself.

Then she waited.

Gabrielle realized some sort of response was expected, but the regent hadn't had time to go over the ceremony with her, due to the incident that afternoon. Guess I have to wing it.. oh well.. "That about covers it, yes." She finally answered, causing the regent to bite her lip to keep from laughing. What the heck. "I think I picked a good one."

A round of laughter, warm and genuine ran around the circle. Gabrielle looked up at her soulmate. "She's tough and sturdy… fights pretty good… nice to look at.. "

Another round of laughter, and this time Ephiny joined in. Xena just raised a brow, and grinned at her.

"Uh.. yeah.. yeah.. " Ephiny lifted a hand. "Agreed.. um.. " She flicked through the scroll. "Ah.. here we are… okay." She took a breath. "At this point I'm supposed to ask if there is anyone here who objects to our queen's choice of consorts, then let that person speak, without charge or censure.

She fell silent.

The rustle of the leaves seemed suddenly loud, as even the drums stopped.

Gabrielle's eyes closed briefly, and her lips tightened, as her fingers wrapped themselves around her soulmate's larger ones. She hadn't expected Ephiny to ask that, and the answer could have been…

But the silence went on, for sixty full heartbeats, as they all looked at each other.

"Let it be recorded. "Ephiny's calm voice almost startled them, after the peacefulness of the moment. She turned her eyes to the warrior. "Xena, you have come before us, and passed our trials." Her eyes rolled, hidden from the crowd. "And have been accepted in the Nation. Do you swear to obey our Queen, defending her even with your life?" It was a subtle change of the verbiage, true, but Ephiny was satisfied with it, and she thought Gabrielle was too.

Xena smiled. "I swear."

"Me too." Gabrielle added, although she knew it wasn't required of her.

"You're the queen, Gabrielle.. you don't have to say that." Ephiny muttered under her breath.

"The sun doesn't have to shine either, but it does." The bard answered, getting a little grin of surrender from her friend.

"All right… your Majesty, your choice is recorded." The regent took a quill handed to her by a young Amazon, and made a notation on the scroll, then ran a finger down the rest of the codicils. "Redundant.. redundant.. useless in this case…oh, I'd like to see them enforce THAT…ah." She cleared her throat. "Seal it with a kiss, and we're done."

"Like we haven't already done THAT in front of everyone." Gabrielle rolled her eyes, and caused the crowd to burst out in laughter. Even Tyldus was laughing, from where he'd come up alongside the fire to see the ceremony. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Jessan's furry head, and she turned, to see him grinning and winking at her.

She turned back, to see her soulmate watching her with intent blue eyes. She slipped her arms around Xena's body, and felt the warrior's hands cup her face. They looked at each other for a long moment, and Gabrielle memorized the scene, to add it to her small collection of the sweet times of her life. She tilted her head as Xena bent hers, and their lips met, as they had the first time over a year ago before many of the same watchers.

She swore she heard thunder.

She could faintly taste the rich barley ale on Xena's lips, and the fruity sauce from the meats, and she let herself dissolve into the contact as their bodies melded together under a blanket of stars.

Xena settled back against the pillows, pulling Gabrielle against her chest, and settling a possessive arm around the bard's stomach. The music was louder now, as the servers passed large mugs of ale, and fruity wine around with the thick, chewy, honey and nut pastries that comprised dessert.

The other three joinings had gone without a hitch, with Gabrielle gently and persistently taking the scrolls out of Ephiny's hands, and performing hers and Pony's ceremony, then chasing them back to their seats as she finished up the other two couples. It hadn't taken long, but the other two looked blushingly grateful that it was their gentle queen presiding, and one of the second pair whispered to her that she hoped she and her partner were half as happy as Gabrielle and Xena.

That had gotten her a big hug from the bard, and a smile from Xena, who was standing solicitously at her partner's shoulder, holding her scrolls for her. Then they'd returned to their platform, with the mostly quiet, and mostly incredulous looking Eponin and Ephiny, and the snoozing Xenon, who curled back up by his mother, tucking his hooves under his body and leaning against her.

Gabrielle nestled against her, leaning her head back and groaning as the warrior offered her another cake. "Please.. I'm going to explode any second." She let out a breath. "I'm so stuffed, I can hardly breathe."

Xena chuckled. "Good." She patted her belly gently, then gave her partner a little squeeze.

"Ugh.. not too hard, or I'm gonna lose it." The bard warned, stretching a little and resting her head against her soulmate's chest. "Did you see the necklace Eph gave Pony?" She looked up at the warrior with a smile. "It's pretty."

"Mmhmm… " Xena agreed amiably, feeling the effects of several cups of ale, and far too much dinner. She sincerely hoped no one got any stupid ideas about anything tonight… she knew she didn't have enough coordination for safety, and she wasn't uncoordinated enough to be harmless. "Very nice… I liked the sword impaling the star." That stirred a memory. "Oh… "She reached down and tugged something out of the cuff of her boot and handed it to the bard. "Forgot.. sorry.."

Gabrielle took the small packet, and studied it, before she lifted her gaze up to the quiet blue eyes. "What's this?"

Xena shrugged. "Figured I should give you something.. consider it a belated birthday present, if you want." She idly tangled her fingers in the bard's hair.

The bard unfolded the item, which was long, and vaguely dagger shaped, moving aside pieces of fabric until she exposed a long, intricately carved piece of ivory, shaped to a hand and ending in a thin, flexible point. Tiny, intricate faces, and strange animals were etched on the surface, and the handle curled into smoothly comfortable grip.

Gabrielle fit it into her hand, and flexed it, imagining herself writing with its thin, precision point. "It's… beautiful, Xe." The diminutive seemed to be coming to her lips more frequently lately, and she made a mental note to ask the warrior later if it bothered her. "Incredible… I've never seen anything like it."

Xena smiled quietly. "No… you wouldn't have, not here, anyway."

The bard turned it over in her hand. "Not here… where is it from?"

The warrior hesitated, then cleared her throat. "Chin." She replied quietly. "After I got off the boat.. I had to wait until dark to… well, anyway.. I wandered around the harbor market for a while.. hadn't seen some of that stuff in a long time, I'll say that." Long haunting sights and smells, not the least of which were the drugs, freely available at every other stall. "I.. saw that… " She stopped, then went on. "I bought it for you before I really thought about… where I was, or what I was doing… I felt pretty stupid when I ….." She stopped again, and this time didn't go on.

Gabrielle turned the item over in her hand again, then looked up, and lifted her other hand to the warrior's cheek, gazing at her in total compassion. "Thank you." Her fingers stroked the soft skin. "For everything."

Xena smiled at her. "You're welcome." She touched the pen. "Write me a poem with it."

The bard smiled back. "All right." Then she exhaled, and reached for the pouch at her belt. "Have I ever told you that you are the hardest person on earth to think of presents for?"

"Umm… no." Her partner admitted.

"Mm.. you are." Gabrielle advised her quietly. "I mean… how many knives and armor bits can you get one woman, right?" She joked. "You don't really wear jewelry, and I know better than to try and get you anything relating to your gear."

"That's true." Xena confirmed. "But… I don't really need gifts from you, love."

Mist green eyes gazed at her. "You always say that… but it never stops me from trying." She tugged something out of her pouch. "Well…I had an idea… I know you like to tie your hair back when we travel.. to keep it out of your face.. so I.. " She unwrapped a leather braiding, stained a deep crimson. "I figured I could actually make one of these myself.. and I did." She gave the item a proud look, remembering the hours spent shaping the leather with tiny curls of a leather knife.

A charmed smile crossed Xena's face, and she touched the braiding with a fingertip. "Wow.. that's really nice, Gabrielle.. thank you."

"Mm…. But then I figured, well, you could get one of these anywhere.. I mean… "

"Not made by you." The warrior interjected, removing it from the bard's hands and studying it.

"Right.. but… " Gabrielle gently turned it over, displaying the interior, where the finished hide was. "This was the hard part…I… well, there's that poem you really like, and I figured, if I could write it on the inside.. well.. that'd really be unique."

Xena blinked, peering at the leather in the low firelight. Tiny golden letters stared back at her, eight, no, twelve lines engraved in patient, carved forms. She read them twice over before she looked up at the waiting bard. "That's very beautiful… thank you, my love." She reached up and touched Gabrielle's face. "It is unique… just like you are."

The bard's jaw clenched, and she swallowed. "Can I.. " She motioned to her partner's hair.

"Sure." Xena bent forward, and waited patiently as she felt the bard's hands gently braiding her hair, the touch soothing her, along with the sound of Gabrielle's heartbeat which she could hear through the bard's tunic where her head was pressed against her. She felt the motion stop, then arms gently circle her shoulders and hug her. "I love you." Came the words, whispered into her ear.

Xena smiled, and returned the hug. "I love you too." She murmured in response, feeling a happy little surge. They stayed like that for a bit, then eased apart, settling into a more comfortable position.

Gabrielle ran a hand through her hair, and relaxed against Xena's chest, as the next set of dancers wound their way across the opening, this group into palm fronds and pipes. "Xena, what is she doing with that coconut?" The bard whispered, curiously.

The warrior cleared her throat.

"Never mind." The bard rolled her eyes, then looked over as an Amazon approached Ephiny, and knelt down beside the regent, gesticulating with both hands. "Uh oh."

Xena rested her chin on the bard's shoulder. "Umm…. okay, I'll try to guess what it is." She observed. "Rabid goats running rampant?"

Gabrielle snorted. "Where do you get THAT?" She watched the woman. "Uh…bad weather expected… the traps are in danger?"

"What clued you into that? " The warrior wondered. "That last hand gesture?"

The bard observed the gesture. "Uhm… no.. I don't think that's what that means."

Ephiny put a hand up, then scrambled to her feet, and padded over to them, dropping to her knee on the platform. "Hey… sorry to interrupt.. " Her eyes twinkled at Xena, who had wrapped both arms around her soulmate's middle again. "We've got a little problem."

They exchanged wry glances. "Really?" Gabrielle gave her full attention. "What's up?"

"It's Cait." Ephiny sighed. "They're getting ready to do the initiation rites, and she was up this time."

"What are they?" Xena asked, quietly. "The rites, that is."

"Oh… the usual.. " Ephiny waved a hand. "Hand to hand your choice, with one of our senior warriors." She grinned. "Generally our lot compete to be the one who does it.. because if you're picked, that means you're considered to be one of the best.. and they were all scared featherless that they were going to have to go up against you for that honor."

"Oh no." Xena shook her head. "Not tonight.. I wouldn't last a half candlemark."

A soft chuckle. "So I gathered.. but anyway, that's the deal."

Gabrielle's brow creased. "Well… Ephiny, she's shown she can handle herself before now.. can't you make an exception?"

"Sure." The regent grimaced. "In a heartbeat.. problem is, she wants Paladia to join her."

Gabrielle and Xena looked at each other. "Ah." The bard pursed her lips. "I see."

"I shudder to think what the council would say if I brought that up.. " Ephiny sighed. "I don't think there's much popular support there." She looked pensively at the ground. "I sure don't know how Paladia feels about it.. she probably doesn't want to have anything to do with us after her sentence completes."

"Hmm… not sure about that." Gabrielle disagreed. "Tell you what… set up a council meeting for tomorrow… let's just see how things go."

Ephiny exhaled. "All right… but I don't think there's much chance.. maybe I can convince Cait to go ahead with this anyway." Her eyes lifted to Xena's face. "You'd have a better chance, y'know." A wry grin. "She eats, sleeps, and breathes what you say."

The warrior gave a little nod. "I know." She replied quietly. "I'll go talk to her." She gave the bard a squeeze, then released her, and stood up, straightening her tunic with an automatic gesture. "Be right back."

Gabrielle watched her, until she disappeared into the darkness before she returned her attention to Ephiny. "So. Things went pretty smoothly, huh?" She gestured at the crowd. "With the ceremonies and stuff."

Ephiny sat down next to her friend and played with the mat's surface. "Yes… very, actually.. more so than I had anticipated." She raised her eyes to Gabrielle's. "I won't lie to you.. there was a certain amount of.. debate… over your choice of consorts." Then her face creased into a wry grin. "But as I pointed out…what we said, or did, wasn't going to affect either of your commitment to each other."

"True." The bard smiled. "It's a pretty ceremony… you and Pony were so cute."

Ephiny blushed. "I got sooo much razzing for that… but I'm glad we did it." She slapped Gabrielle on the knee. "You little sneak." She looked up as Elaini padded over, and settled down. "Hey… you guys all right? Did you get enough to eat?"

"Oh.. boy yes." Elaini put a hand on her stomach and rolled her eyes. "Thank you… " She peered over at the other platform. "So.. Ephiny.. that's your son, right?"

The regent cast a fond eye over to where Xenon was snoozing against a bemused looking Pony. "Yep.. it sure is." She smiled at the boy. "He's at school with the centaurs right now.. I miss him a lot."

Elaini smiled, her fangs glinting. "He's adorable…he came over to see our kids before and it was so cute." She turned to Gabrielle. "Are you going to stay here, my friend?" She patted the bard's knee. "Seems a nice, safe place to gestate."

Gabrielle was caught between a blush and a laugh. "Uh… no, actually, we're going home." She gave Ephiny an apologetic look. "Cyrene would never forgive me if I didn't." She explained. "But we'll be back a lot."

A grin from the regent. "Especially if you bear us an Amazon princess, right?" She gave her friend a teasing slap. "What do you think.. boy or girl?"

A shake of the bard's head. "I have no idea…." She paused. "But if I was a betting person… " Grins all around. "I'd bet on a girl."

"Ooo… " Ephiny laughed wickedly. "I'll hold you to that… are you.. I mean, do you have everything you need there? Blankets, baskets, baby bunting.. "

The bard chuckled. "I don't know.. we.. I mean, they don't know yet, right? We only found out a few weeks ago, and we haven't been back since.." Wonder what they'll say? Yikes.. wonder what my folks will say? "Cyrene's a packrat, though… she mentioned, offhandedly of course, that she had a bunch of baby stuff for 'anyone who might need it.'" They all laughed at that.

"Wonder how Gran's doing… " Ephiny mused. "Figure she's about.. what.. a month ahead of you?"

Gabrielle nodded. "About.. yes… " It was weird, she reflected. It was like she was now a member of a club.. a mother's club that she'd been excluded from before. Strange, but nice. "You'll have to come and visit… give her a hard time." She half turned. "You too… Elaini.. since you guys were headed our way anyhow.. why not come and stay for a few days?"

The forest dweller grinned. "Well. That worked out great.. I was just coming over here to ask you that very thing."

"Great!" The bard sighed happily. "I have a lot of questions for you."

Elaini chuckled softly. "I know, little sister.. I know."

Footsteps interrupted them, and they all looked up as a runner skidded to a halt before the raised platform. It was a scout from one of the further outposts, Gabrielle realized. "What's wrong?"

The woman stopped, and sucked in a breath of air. "Perimeter just signaled… Erika, and a band of armed Amazons are on their way in."

Xena took her time in walking across to the healer's hut, which was situated in the back part of the village where it was quiet. The leaves crunched lightly under her boots as she moved away from the noise of the party, and the cool breeze blowing across the compound brought a welcome breath of air after the crowd.

She looked up, to see the constellations through the leaves, and found a few favorites, then peered ahead of her, seeing the low gleam of light from the healer's windows. The wooden boards of the threshold sounded under her weight, echoing loudly across the stillness as she put a hand on the door, and pushed it open.

Inside, most of the room was in firelight peace, pallets with their occupants shrouded in shadows as the injured Amazons took what sleep they could. She paused a moment at the edge of the room, then paced inside, stepping quietly around the sleepers, and heading for the far back corner, where Cait's pallet was. There was an older Amazon crouching down next to her, speaking softly, but even from here Xena could see the look of stubborn disagreement on the girl's angular face.

They both looked up as Xena reached the bed, and Cait's eyes lit up on seeing her. "Hi." She gave the girl a smile.

The older Amazon stood and scratched her head. "Hello, Xena… how's the party going??"

"Pretty good." The warrior drawled a reply. "Why don't you go catch a mug.. the ale's nice and cold."

She got the message. "Sure… see you out there."

Xena watched her leave, then she settled on the small stool next to Cait's pallet. "You get yelled at a lot for this afternoon?"

Cait looked around carefully. "Gosh yes." She gave Xena an impish grin. "But I don't much care.. I had fun."

The warrior smiled. "Good."

The girl waited a moment, then cleared her throat. "Thank you for sending Elaini by before, that was super of you." Her thin fingers plucked at the blanket. "I'm really glad Gabrielle is all right."

Xena shifted a little, and interlaced her fingers. "So am I."

A little pause. "Were you scared?"

Blue eyes peered through the candlelight. "I guess I was." The warrior replied, the let a faint grin shape her lips. "I tore through Esta's herb garden on the way in."

Cait's gray eyes widened. "No!"

Xena nodded. "Uh huh."

"Gosh…" The girl giggle. "I bet she had an absolute fit." She took a cautious breath in, and looked up at Xena. "Do you… do you remember before we left Amphipolis?"

"Yes." The warrior's angular face creased into a brief smile.

Cait nodded solemnly. "You were right."

"I was, huh?"

"Yes." The girl seemed older, suddenly. "I didn't think you were, at first, you know.. I was really rather annoyed that here I was, stuck with such an awful job, like she was." A thoughtful purse of thin lips. "But I remembered what you said.. about how everyone deserves a second chance, and just kept on, and kept on.. and suddenly, just like that one day, it was all right."

Xena nodded thoughtfully. "That why you asked Ephiny to let her join in?"

Cait considered the question, taking her time in a silence that didn't bother either of two naturally silent people. "I don't think she ever belonged to anything." The girl finally said. "Except that cave lot, you know."

"I know."

"I think it matters,"

Xena shifted again, then rubbed her temples to combat the fuzziness from the ale. "Maybe it does." She acknowledged. "I know… that when I finally was able to go home… and my family accepted me back, it made a big difference." The words tumbled out before she could really think about them. "Having Gabrielle accept me…having her believe in me… that let me regain some of my humanity, Cait… I can't tell you how much it meant."

Cait gazed up at her, eyes fastened intently on her face. "Oh." She exhaled softly. "Does that mean you'll help me out, then?" She gave Xena her best wishing look. "If you said, I'd bet they'd do it."

"Probably." Xena admitted. "But does she want to be an Amazon?"

The girl sighed. "Well, getting her to say would be like trying to get a pig to sing … but she could have left… and she didn't, you know." Her brow furrowed. "I can't think why not… but still."

The warrior leaned over, and put a warm hand on the girls' arm. "I think I know why."

Gray eyes looked at her in puzzlement.

"I think she found a friend." Xena's voice took on a gentle quality.

Cait was silent, as she thought about that. "A rather odd friend." She confessed. "I do go on at her all the time."

A flash of white caught the candlelight as Xena smiled. "I'll see what I can do." She promised. "But you should go ahead with your stuff tonight…you earned, it, Cait."

The girl sighed. "But it's like cheating, Xena… I mean, what kind of trial is it if I'm flat on my darn back in this bed?" Another sigh, as the warrior just looked at her. "Oh, all right."

"Good girl." The dark haired woman chuckled.

Cait grew very pensive. "Xena… can I ask you something?"

The warrior resettled herself, and laced her fingers around one knee. "Sure."

Gray eyes peered around cautiously, and the girl's voice lowered. "How.. I mean, what… oh bother." She cleared her throat. "How did you know.. I mean, what did it feel like.. when…well, how did you know you were in love?" She got the last out in a rush, and her face colored gently. "I mean.. with Gabrielle, of course."

"Of course." Xena bit her lip quietly. "That's a tough question."

"I'm sorry." Cait gave her an embarrassed look. "You don't have to answer.. I can't think what I was meaning by asking you that."

You can't huh? Xena smiled inwardly. "No…it's okay.. it's just a hard question to answer because I never really thought about the exact… moment."

Which wasn't true, of course. She certainly did know.

It had been a totally rotten day. They'd sniped at each other from sunrise to sunset, in the drizzling rain that had completely drenched both women, and an annoyed Argo. Scrublands hadn't given up even a hint of decent shelter, and they'd found themselves having to make camp in the dubious safety of some broad leafed trees, which shed liberal coatings of water on them every time the wind blew.

"I am not cooking." Gabrielle had stated, putting her back against the tree's bole, and slamming her bag on the top of her head in a vain attempt to keep the rain off.

"Perfect, because I'm not making a fire" Xena had snapped back, stripping off Argo's tack, and throwing her own gear down on the other side of the trunk. Her temper had been shot, and she'd spent several wet, soggy moments wishing herself anywhere else but here.

Then she'd peered grumpily around the corner of the tree, and found herself gazing at Gabrielle's miserable profile, the rain dripping off the bard's nose and ears, and running down her bare arms. One of these days, Xena… She'd told herself. One of these days, she's just gonna have had enough, pick up her gear, and start walking back to Potadeia.

At that moment, Gabrielle, perhaps sensing the eyes on her, had turned her head, and regarded her companion, her green eye softening unexpectedly. "I…um.. I could try to… put something together if you could get the stuff out." She offered, tentatively. "Look, I'd really rather not fight with you all night, Xena.. it's miserable enough as it is." The bard's teeth had chattered, involuntarily, and she clenched her jaw shut.

Xena had felt something inside her melt at the words, and she'd extended an arm. "Come over here."

Gabrielle had scrambled over, and settled down next to where she was seated, in the lee of the storm. "Hey.. it's not raining over here." She'd accused.

"You picked a side first." The warrior had shrugged. "Not my fault."

"Yeah? How long were you gonna make me sit over there in the wet?" Now Gabrielle's temper had flared again.

The angry retort had been right on the front of her lips, almost uttered, and somehow..

It had just died there.

"I thought we weren't going to fight all night." Xena countered instead, feeling vaguely confused.

"Well, that was befo…Xena, why are you staring at me?"

"You're shivering."

"Of course I am.. it's freezing out!" The bard had answered, in frustration.

What am I going to do if she does leave? The question had suddenly become of paramount importance to Xena. The thought of how empty her life would be without the girl overwhelmed her, and she sat back, stunned.

"Xena?" The voice had changed, deepened and softened, and a chilled hand touched her elbow. "Hey.. what's wrong?"

She raised her eyes, and looked right into Gabrielle's, the anger that had been there a moment ago dissolved into a warm concern that snared her in and made her focus on what she was feeling for just about the first time.

It wasn't attraction, which was something she'd just taken for granted between them. It was a far more complex, and at the same time a far simpler emotion.

Love.

Shaken, she'd taken out one of the sleeping furs, and tucked it around her smaller companion's body, all in silence.

"Xena?" Now the bard's voice was worried.

"Hmm?" She'd finally responded. "Sorry.. did you want another blanket?"

The bard's hand had popped out of her snug nest, and touched the warrior's forehead. 
"Did you just get bitten by something?"

And Xena had sighed, a little, wry grin escaping. "Yeah.. maybe." Her eyes had roamed over her companion. "You still cold?"

Hesitant, Gabrielle had paused a moment, before nodding. "A little, yeah… listen, are you sure you're okay? You have a really weird look on your face." She'd paused, considering. "Like a deer caught in torchlight at night."

Before she could change her mind, Xena slid her arm around the bard's shoulders, and pulled her closer, feeling the startled resistance melt immediately, as Gabrielle relaxed against herswith a little gasp of surprise. "Yeah.. I'm fine…."She'd mumbled.

Gabrielle had reached up and felt her head again. "I think you're coming down with something.. you feel really warm."

Coming down with something. Oh yeah. Xena had gazed out at the rain unseeing. Wonder where I'll have to go to find a cure for this? It wasn't supposed to happen.

Gabrielle had tucked the end of the furs around her and settled down, confused but happy, as they'd shared trail rations in the rain.

Now she smiled at Cait. "You just know." She admitted. "You look at the other person, and you just know."

Cait digested this. "Hmm."

The door of the healer's hall slammed open, and the young healer came dashing back in. "Gods.. you'll never believe it… we're going on alert!"

The Amazons were assembled and waiting, by the time Xena arrived back at the festival area and she paused just before she got there to observe the group at their fore, waiting for the incoming party.

Ephiny was standing, with her arms crossed, talking in short bursts to Eponin. The weapons master's hands were clenching and unclenching, and the Amazons around them were reacting to the stress by fidgeting, and moving around restlessly.

In their midst, like the calm at the center of the storm stood Gabrielle, her hands resting on her hips and a look of quiet expectation on her face. The bard seemed completely unaffected by the nervous activity around her, and as Xena watched, Gabrielle sensed her presence, and turned her head, her eyes brightening as they fell on her partner's face.

A glance at the Amazons, the faintest rolling of green orbs and Xena answered the thought with a quirky grin

Who needed speech? It was one of her favorite things about their partnership, this silent communication which spoke of an understanding that went far below the surface. The warrior gently nudged her way through the crowd, and ended up at the bard's side. "Hey."

"Hey, yourself." Gabrielle answered. "Did you hear?"

Xena nodded.

"What do you think?" The bard asked, quietly.

A shrug. "I think we'll know in a minute." Xena responded, her greater height allowing her to see a small, armed group approaching. She momentarily regretted not having a weapon, then wryly admitted that in her current state, that wouldn't be the best idea in the world. She rested a hand idly on Gabrielle's shoulder, and waited.

Erika was in the lead of the group, her sword unsheathed and in her hand, her body covered with dirt, and what looked like old, dried blood. She was a short, compact Amazon with dark curly hair, and hazel eyes, which at the moment were bloodshot. A definite look of surprise crossed her grim face as she spotted Gabrielle and she altered her course a little, which brought her standing just in front of the bard. "Your Majesty."

Well, Xena considered. She's probably not here to make trouble, then. She noted the woman's gaze kept drifting and focusing on her, and she gave Erika a cool smile.

"Hello, Erika." Gabrielle replied quietly. "Are you all right?"

Hazel eyes regarded the bard tiredly. "I'm all wrong, as a matter of fact, but… that's neither here nor there. I'm here to warn you… Arella's headed this way, and she intends to capture as many Amazons as she can, to be sold into slavery."

"I know." The bard answered, simply. "She's been here already."

Erika just blinked at her in total astonishment, then she looked around, turning in a circle, before coming back to stare at Gabrielle again. "But…."

"She brought a bunch of filthy mercenaries." Ephiny told her, rubbing her arms a little. "She occupied the village for a half day or so, but… " A shrug. "Things worked out."

The group around Erika looked profoundly relieved, but their leader's face went very grim. "Well, I'll push on then.. I need to find her."

Ephiny and Gabrielle exchanged significant glances. Xena merely glanced up at the swaying leaves. "Why?" The bard finally asked her.

"To bury my sword in her heart." Erika answered, in a stark voice. "Something I should have done a long time ago." Seeing the shock in their faces, she took a breath. "And now, after what she did… "

"What happened, Erika." Ephiny interjected. "At the outpost.. I sent a runner down there as soon as… well, yesterday.. but.. "

Erika looked down at her boots. "She… sold us." The words were bitten off, as though bad tasting. "Someone offered enough dinars, and she just… " The Amazon exhaled. "She drugged us senseless one night at dinner, and the next morning we were in cages." She rubbed her hand through her curly hair. "Anyway… I've gotta get going… anyone know what direction she headed off in?"

"She didn't." That was Xena's low, vibrant voice.

The younger woman gazed at her. "Damn.. you captured her then… that's good." She took a breath. "Makes this easier… " Her eyes went to Gabrielle. "Forgive me, your Majesty.. I know this is your bailiwick, but I must have justice."

Gabrielle studied her, as she felt warm hands gently close over her shoulders, the thumbs pressing against her skin in a light massage. "Erika, justice… has been done."

Puzzled, the dark haired Amazon looked from the bard's grim face, to Ephiny's, then up into Xena's eyes. "She's…no, she can't be… she's dead?"

"Yes." Xena answered quietly. "At her sentencing, she chose to give challenge rather than allow Gabrielle to judge her, and… " A faint shrug. "I answered that."

Erika's arm, still holding her sword, dropped down to her side as though suddenly strengthless. She looked at Xena in disbelief. "She's gone?"

"She is." Ephiny stated.

One of her companions gripped the dark haired woman's arm as she wavered. "Damn… " Erika whispered. "I should feel glad… but all I feel right now is disappointed."

Ephiny motioned to three nearby scouts. "Get these people some food, and drink… settle them in." She ordered, giving the small party a brisk nod. "I think you can all use a break… Erika, come on up here, you can tell us all what happened." She turned around in a circle. "All right.. break it up… let's get back to what we were doing.."

Erika allowed herself to be led up to the highest platform, where she collapsed, laying her forearms loosely on her knees and staring at the padded surface as the other women settled around her.

Xena chose a spot near the back of the platform, and reclined, gazing at Erika thoughtfully. The last time she'd seen the dark haired woman, she and Arella had been best friends. Maybe even more… what had happened to change that? She watched as Gabrielle seated herself, offering the quiet woman a mug, which she gripped with listless hands.

"Erika.. what happened?" The bard asked, gently. In the background, a low rumble of drums started up, and the cool tones of a pipe.

The woman didn't answer. Instead, she slowly turned her head, and looked back at Xena. "How did she die?" Her voice was raspy.

The warrior steepled her fingers, and rested her chin against them. "Broken back."

Erika snorted. "Pity she died then.. you should have left her to live like that." Her voice was very bitter. "Would have been poetic justice." She paused, and took a long sip of the ale she'd been handed. "I guess you want to know why I feel like that, right?"

"Well.. " Gabrielle cleared her throat a little. "You seemed to be pretty good friends the last time we.. I mean, Xena and I, saw you."

"Yeah." Erika snorted. "The good old days." She blew out a breath after a moment. "I went with her when she got sent to the outpost.. things were… okay… I thought she was making progress, in fact, for the first few months it was pretty good." A pause. "I was… well, I was happy, and I thought she was."

"No, huh?" Eponin murmured.

A short, humorless laugh. "No." Erika confirmed. "She started into that 'we've got to save the Amazon Nation from itself crap again.. I tried to talk her out of it." She stopped. "We started fighting." Unconsciously, a hand lifted to her jaw, and touched it. "Things went downhill from there." She shook her head. "I couldn’t reach her anymore.. so I stopped trying."

Gabrielle swallowed, but didn't say anything.

"There were two or three villages close by… I met someone.. a guy, and I decided I really liked him." The hazel eyes closed. "They found him with both legs broken one night… he refused to tell anyone what happened.. but he also refused to even talk to me again." She reflected on her memories. "I don't think he'll ever be able to walk."

"You think she did it?" Ephiny asked, her voice shocked.

Erika looked up at her. "I know she did it." Pain showed in her eyes. "She told me.. every single detail."

Gabrielle looked past her, and found icy blue eyes staring back at her. She swallowed a little, then got up, and went to her soulmate, seating herself next to the taller woman and leaning against her. Xena put an arm around her in pure reflex. "That's horrible." The bard finally stated, shaking her head.

"No, Gabrielle." Erika seemed to lose herself somewhere. "That wasn't horrible.. horrible was… when she found out I was pregnant." Her face went very still. "And she just kept hitting me in the gut over and over until I lost the baby."

Even Xena's jaw dropped. Gabrielle could feel the shock wave, since she shared it, and felt the warrior's arms close over her in unconscious protection.

"Dear Artemis." Ephiny managed to get out. "She was insane."

Erika just dropped her head. "I should have listened to my mother." She replied tiredly. "She was right… she told me before I left what would happen." Her shoulders slumped. "But I'm glad it's over." Her eyes lifted to Xena's face. "Thank you." Then she drained her cup. "Speaking of which.. I better go find her.. if she'll talk to me." Another humorless smile. "I told her she was an intolerant, old fashioned, narrow minded fool before I left." She got up with an effort, and brushed herself off. "Who was the fool?"

A profound silence fell after she left, and the four friends all just looked at each other. Gabrielle exhaled, and leaned her head against her partner. "That's so hard to believe." She looked up at the still profile above her. "Was she really insane?"

Xena gazed off into the fire. Was she? Was there such a difference between what Arella had done, and what she had done to Gabrielle, chasing her without relent, forcing her to abandon her baby, Hope?

The warrior sighed. Even her guilt ridden conscience had to admit there was, in fact, a difference, and that Arella was, in all probability, truly insane.

Or was she simply justifying herself? Was her innate sureness that Hope was evil really just an instinct, or… was she just burying herself under her grief that she'd failed Gabrielle, and this was an attempt to erase that? Get rid of Hope, and they could go back to the way things were.. right?

Gods. Xena felt an ache in her chest. Please don't let me be the kind of person who would have done that on purpose. I don't think I could stand knowing it…

Or did the simple fact that she was asking the question bringing its own answer?

A warm hand on her cheek brought her attention back to the bard sharply. "Yeah?"

"I said… are you all right?" Green eyes studied her in concern.

Xena searched her face, memorizing the soft planes, and gentle curves. "Yeah… just a little too much ale, I guess." She let out a breath she hardly realized she was holding. "I was thinking about the whole thing… it's…damn awful."

Ephiny grunted in agreement. "I never much liked Erika.. " She paused reflectively. "After all, she did try to kill me." A sigh. "But she didn't deserve that…" Her eyes found Gabrielle's. "Listen.. I know you don't need any justification for the decision you made, but… "

Gabrielle studied the padding. "Yeah."

Eponin shook her head. "Menelda's not gonna let anyone forget this anytime soon."

The bard glanced up, puzzled. "What does she have to do with it?"

The two Amazons exchanged glances. "She's Erika's mother." Ephiny answered, awkwardly. "Gods.. sorry.. I though I'd told you that before…"

Gabrielle stared at her, stunned, hearing a soft word in an unknown language escape Xena's lips. "Uh.. no.. you didn't mention that." The bard replied weakly. "She's going to be really upset when she hears about all that.. " Her mind went over what she'd learned about the healer, and she spared a glance towards her partner.

"Mm." Xena agreed softly.

Eponin sighed. "You're right.. I'd better go keep an eye on her." She shyly leaned over and kissed Ephiny, who smiled at her, then she stood, and dusted off her leathers. "Damn party's more business than a full council meeting with feathers on."

They watched her leave, then Gabrielle drew breath, just as a piercing, frightened yell reached their ears.

Everything froze for a moment, then Ephiny expelled a huge breath. "Gabrielle, I love you, but for the sake of Artemis, go HOME!" She wailed. "I'm exhausted!!!!"

The bard stared at her, as she was being helpfully pulled to her feet by her taller partner. "It's not MY fault!!!" She yelped, causing the slumbering Ares to bolt awake from where he'd curled up on the platform after returning from hunting.

The regent glared over her shoulder to Xena. "How do you stand living in the middle of a cyclone ?"

A white flash of teeth. "Makes life interesting.. Besides.. ." Xena turned and stepped off the platform, leaving her words hanging.

"Besides what?" The regent grumbled, as she picked her way though the startled Amazons.

"I love every minute of it." Came the satisfied answer.

Cait lay quietly after Xena left, wishing she could follow her. The warrior had given her a lot to think about, though, and she spent a few minutes just pondering things.

Xena, she decided, was a very complicated person. Sometimes she even seemed to regret being just the most awesome fighter in all the known world, which Cait didn't understand at all. It almost seemed like there were two of her.. the confident warrior who loved to fight, and this other person, who was nice, and funny, and who loved Gabrielle so very much it seemed awful sometimes.

She couldn’t decide which one she liked better, but she suspected perhaps Xena couldn’t decide either, so that was all right.

Xena had the most annoying habit of evading questions, though…especially the hard ones, like how do you know you're in love. What kind of answer was, "you just know."? Cait sighed. Maybe she'd asked the wrong person.. perhaps Gabrielle would be a better target. At least she'd probably get some kind of explanation.. and possibly one of those super cute blushes as an added bonus.

Cait decided she rather liked Gabrielle. At first, she'd kind of thought she was somewhat silly, and certainly very sentimental, though very nice. After a while, though, she realized that the kind of strength the young bard had was just as formidable as any warrior's. And besides, she was quite a good fighter, in the bargain.

A noise to her rear made her cock her ears, focusing on the sound intently. Then a half grin found its way onto her face as she recognized the heavy footsteps. "Hello."

Paladia dropped onto the stool next to the pallet, with a grumpy look. "Hi."

"Did you get tired of the party?" Cait asked, affecting not to notice the bundle Paladia had dropped at her side. "Who won the dancing competition?"

"Beats me." The ex renegade shrugged. "Who could tell? All that bobbing up and down, and throwing sticks and stuff... " Her pale eyes went all over the room, then finally settled back down on Cait. "Brought you over some of the crap they kept passing out…here." She handed over the packet.

Cait balanced the bundle on her stomach, and pulled it open one handedly. "Super." She selected a tidbit from the package and bit into it. "Thank you.. the food in here is simply horrid."

Paladia merely grunted, and studied her hands as she played with a bit of thatch that had fallen from the roof. Everyone had been treating her a bit nicer since the whole capture thing, whether it was because she helped, or because they were just embarrassed for themselves, she couldn’t be sure. But it wasn't so bad. Two of the younger scouts had even talked to her. They had some weird ideas, though, about her and Cait.

Like she and the girl were friends or something. Where had they gotten that idea? "Ceremonies were okay.. all full of mushy stuff you'd have loved." She commented offhandedly. "Yeah.. and.. craziest thing…that sourpuss elder made your hero go through some kinda real strange ordeal."

Cait's eyes widened. "No.. really? What was it?"

"Tickle fight." The ex renegade stated.

"Excuse me?" The girl snorted. "I'm sure I didn't hear that correctly."

"What's to hear?" Paladia retorted. "Two crappy words.. tickle, and fight." She reached out and demonstrated against the girl's upper arm.

"Ooo." Cait jerked, and gave her a stern look. "Stop that."

A look of guilty intrigue appeared on Paladia's face. "Huh… " She experimented again, and got her hand slapped. "Well, your hero did a better job.. didn't laugh once, not even when the old harpy had her down, and was going at her half starkers."

"No way." The girl yelped. "I can't believe it.. Xena wouldn't let anyone do that to her."

Paladia shrugged. "I think she thought it was a gag." She shifted a little. "Anyway.. she knocked whatsherface on her butt, and turned the tables… then everyone kinda went down, and patted her on the butt, and hugged her, and said she was one of them now." A shake of her blond head. "Too weird."

Cait looked very confused. "Very too weird." She agreed. "Maybe it was a joke."

"Mmph." Paladia's lips quirked. "Whatever… but she sure does look good naked, I'll tell ya that."

"Tcha." The girl gave her a look.

"Yeeeah… " The ex renegade lifted both hands and made a subtle gesture. "All nice and…" She glanced up and saw the stormy look being pinned on her. "Ah.. nevermind."

Cait narrowed her eyes. "You are very bad."

A snort answered her. "Me? Like Hades… you shoulda heard the damn comments flying… I felt like a bootless urchin in my first market."

Cait hesitated, then she laughed. "Gosh."

An awkward silence fell. Cait let it go on, until she'd geared up her nerve quite enough, then she drew breath. "Have.. have you thought about what you're going to do next?" The pain in her chest was making her dizzy, but she put that aside.

Paladia was surprised by the question. She hesitated a bit, then finally knit her fingers together, not looking up. "Naw." She answered, briefly. "Figure it out then, I guess."

Cait fiddled with her blanket for a bit, then looked up. "I asked them to let you stay."

Gray eyes met her own in shock. "What'd ya do that for?"

"I don't know.. I thought maybe you'd like to." The girl answered quietly. "I know it get annoying here sometimes.. it does for me, but they're not bad people."

Paladia swallowed audibly. "They won't go for it."

"Does that mean you want them to?" Came the soft question. "Xena said she'd see what she could do."

"Why?" Paladia asked, bluntly. "Why the Hades should she care about what happens to me? I jumped on her precious Gabrielle, remember?"

Cait nibbled her lip. "I don't understand why she does some of the things she does do, but she's very much into making sure people get second chances." She paused. "I suppose because she did."

"Mph." The other girl grunted noncommittally.

Cait paused. "Do you want me to tell her to forget it?"

Long silence. Finally, Paladia sighed heavily. "No."

"Gosh." Cait's eyes twinkled gently. "Don't sound so very devastated."

She got an evil look in response, but it caused her to smile. They both looked up as footsteps drew near, and Cait groaned inwardly. Menelda.

A crossbow cocked, and the healer stepped into the candelight, her eyes dark and unreasoning. "Get away from her." The point of the arrow aimed directly at Paladia's heart.

Cait stared at the healer. "What are you doing?"

The dark haired woman thumbed the mechanism on the crossbow. "Hush, child… I’m not going to let anything happen to you."

Blond brows knit. "I’m perfectly all right.. put that down, please."

Paladia had frozen, and was sitting utterly still, her nostrils flaring out slightly.

"Menelda… put the damn bow down." Solari's groggy voice interrupted her. "You cracked?"

"No.. " The healer carefully aimed the weapon. "I’m just making sure little Cait here doesn't make the same mistake my daughter did." Her eyes fastened on Paladia. "You've got them all fooled, don't you?"

"I’m not fooling anyone." The ex-renegade croaked, her eyes pinned to the crossbow.

"Menelda… " Solari was struggling to sit up. "Put the damn thing down, now!"

"Shut up." The healer tossed over her shoulder. "You're just a soft heart, just like the rest of them. Well, I'm not, and I’m not going to sit here and let this happen again. " She turned and raised the bow, aiming quickly, her finger tightening on the trigger, ignoring Solari, who let out a warning bellow of alarm.

"No!" Cait yelled, then gathered her strength, and pulled herself upright, lunging off of her pallet and throwing herself against the startled Paladia, wrapping her arms around her neck and holding on for dear life.

Paladia grabbed her in pure reflex, her arms tightening around the girl's slim body in startled reaction.

Utter silence fell.

"No." Cait repeated, her voice catching in pain as her wound reopened, spilling warm crimson against Paladia's bare skin. "No.. Xena said.. " She sucked in a breath. "She said she deserved a second chance, and… you.. " A jab of pain lanced through her. "don’t have the right to… take that away."

Paladia didn't look up. Her eyes were focused on something beyond her vision, her chest moving with uneven breaths.

"You little fool." Menelda shook her head. "You don't understand."

"No." A deep, even voice responded from behind them, and the healer whirled, to see a tall, dark haired figure step out of the shadows and into the candlelight. "You're the one who doesn’t understand."

A fair-haired image materialized next to her, green eyes the color of honey in the dim light. "Cait, are you all right?"

A long, tense silence fell, before a muffled. "Actually, I don't think so." Came trickling out.

"Xena… " Gabrielle put a hand on her partner's back.

"Yeah." The warrior padded forward, stopping as she came even with Menelda. Her eyes went to the weapon, then to the woman's face. One eyebrow curved up. "Put that down before I take it apart."

Menelda simply dropped it.

The warrior moved on, and knelt on one knee next to the still frozen Paladia, putting a hand on Cait's back. "Easy… " She gripped the girl's shoulders. "Okay… g'wan.. let go."

For a moment, the warrior thought she hadn't heard her, then the girl's arms loosened slowly, and she allowed Xena to ease her back. "Damn." The warrior cursed, as she saw the blood.

Paladia stared down at the crimson stain on her own chest, as though she couldn’t imagine where it came from. Her arms fell slowly to her sides as the warrior gently laid Cait back onto her pallet, and she raised her eyes, fastening them on the slim, pale form under Xena's hands.

Gabrielle moved up next to Menelda, studying the stunned look on the ex renegades face, and smiling a little, at an old, familiar memory that was its very echo.

She'd felt like she'd spent days and days in pursuit. Through streams, and dirt, and giants…over rocks, and brambles which ripped her skirt, and rubbed her skin raw as she passed. All to come to this last long road, heading slightly uphill to a place whose name she'd only recently learned.

Amphipolis.

And every other step, she'd wondered what in the name of the gods she'd done, chasing out here in the wilderness, after someone who'd tried their best to scare her off. Was she nuts?

Or was she chasing a dream?

She'd gotten a stitch in her side, from running. All the way down that dirt path, and through an unfamiliar village, turning her head from side to side as she looked for its inhabitants.

None. But she'd heard the clamor from the large building ahead of her, and figuring that would at least find her people, she pelted in, shoving the outer door open and dashing inside, then skidding to a momentary halt.

The crowd was ugly, and carrying rocks, sticks, scythes…their focus the tall, dark haired woman who stood against them, her hands raised in meager defense, a look of hopeless despair on her face.

She'd never, in her life, felt such a kinship to someone as she did to this rude, frightening stranger, and seeing her there, seeing those rocks hitting her and seeing the slump of her shoulders as she surrendered to them stirred a feeling inside Gabrielle, a fierce protectiveness that overrode her fears, and sent her plowing through the crowd, to put her back to the beleaguered woman, and face the crowd.

It had felt.. so right. So natural. And she'd turned around, after they'd left, and her eyes had risen to meet Xena's, and that look had been there.

Equal parts disbelief and wonder, guilt and relief.

It was an indescribable feeling, this claiming of an unknown soul, something she'd look back on over the years with the knowledge that her life had been changed, in a very special, and very rare way.

Whatever else went wrong in her life, she would always have that.

She made a mental note to talk to Cait later about it. Now, she turned her attention to Menelda. "That would have been a really bad mistake." She told the healer, softly. "I know you're angry about what happened to Erika, but hurting someone else isn't the answer."

"How can you stand there and say that?" Menelda whispered.

"Because it's true." Gabrielle answered, her eyes fastened on the Xena's silky dark hair. "You have to learn to let go of your hatred."

The healer remained silent for a moment, then she sighed. "I don't think I can do that." She looked at Xena, and the still stunned Paladia. "I can't not hate them." Her eyes turned to the bard. "And I can't understand why you don't."

Gabrielle sighed. "I don't know what I can say to help you… other than to tell you that feeling that way will never bring you peace."

"And all that forgiving has brought you, peace?" Menelda asked, skeptically.

Mist green eyes gazed up at her in gentle pity. "Our forgiving of each other, yes." She stressed the words, aware of Xena's set, expressionless face bent over Cait's pallet. "Very much so." She waited, but Menelda didn't speak. "Maybe… I don't know if this will help, but would you like to go back with Erika? The group there sounds like they could use a hand." Maybe they could help each other, she considered quietly.

Menelda snorted softly. "That would make things more comfortable for you, wouldn't it?" She gazed at the bard. "No one around to criticize the fact that you nurse a viper." She took a breath. "Everyone here just seems to suck this up.. they've jumped on your little wagon… but I'm going to tell you, Gabrielle.. I don't, and I never will."

The bard's reaction was not what she expected. Gabrielle just nodded at her. "You're right." She replied quietly. "Some people can't change." Her eyes pinned Menelda's directly. "So I guess it's your viewpoint up against mine, and I'm going to do my best to make sure mine wins." She turned her back on the healer and walked over to where her partner was kneeling. "So you think about it, and let me know what you want to do."

Menelda stood in silence for a moment, then turned, and left without another word.

Gabrielle sighed, then turned her attention to her soulmate and her charge. "Hey."

"Hey." Xena muttered, under her breath. "Just broke the wound open.. it'll be okay."

"Mm.. what should I do about her, Xena?" Gabrielle whispered. "Menelda, I mean?"

"Slug her." Came the crisp answer.

"What?" The bard hissed. "How will that help her?"

"It won't.. but it'll make you feel great." Xena replied, as she finished adjusting a new bandage on the girl's chest. "To be honest, Gabrielle…I don't much care what happens to her." The warrior shrugged. "She's got an idea in her head about me, and nothing's going to change that."

Gabrielle winced at the blunt honestly, but sighed. "You think she's right?" She asked. "That everyone's just going along with me?"

The warrior gave her an admonishing look.

"Sorry." The bard leaned her head against Xena's shoulder. "I guess it's just depressing when I'm wrong about people.. that's twice now." She exhaled. "My average is getting pretty lousy."

Xena clucked under her breath. "I only count for one??" She chided, trying to break the bard out of her glum mood. "Damn."

Gabrielle drummed her fingers against her thigh. "Well…." She allowed the gentle teasing to coax her spirits up. "You have a point.. you should count for at least two."

"Two!" Xena responded, with a mock injured look. "C'mon..c'mon.. give me five at least… I was the Destroyer of Nations, Gabrielle."

Blue eyes and green met, and exchanged warmth. "Okay..okay… " Gabrielle surrendered, then turned to Paladia. "You all right?"

The ex renegade seemed to have finally regained her composure. "Yeah." She sat down on the next pallet, and clasped her hands between her knees. "That crazy kid okay?"

Xena smiled quietly at Cait, who was looking groggily back at her. "Oh yeah."

The girl's eyes tracked slowly from Xena to Gabrielle, and settled on the bard's face, a tiny, almost wondering grin edging Cait's lips. "You're not going to scold me, are you?"

Gabrielle gave her a warm, loving smile. "That'd be hypocritical of me, wouldn't it?"

"Rather." Cait agreed. "It's quite…an odd feeling, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is." The bard responded, oblivious to the puzzled looks from the watchers. "But it's something I hold very dear to my heart." She touched the girl on the nose with a fingertip. "And so should you."

Cait nodded weakly, and closed her eyes.

Xena finished her task, and stood, offering her soulmate a hand up. "That's done.. c'mon.. let's let these people get some sleep."

"Thanks." Solari groaned. "Take the mushy angst outside, okay?? It's dripping nice in here."

Gabrielle laughed softly. "Thanks for sounding a warning, Solari."

The injured Amazon waved a hand at her. "Anything to get a little peace around here."

Xena guided her partner out, half turning as they reached the door. "Hey." She jerked her chin at the dourly silent Paladia, still seated on the pallet. "Keep an eye on her, okay?"

The ex renegade gave her a deep scowl.

Bard and warrior smiled, then disappeared through the door into the misty embrace of a rising fog.

It was well after midnight, Xena realized, and the area they were walking across was very quiet. Most of the celebrants had been told to stay by the campfire, and to the warrior's surprise, they'd done just that. Even Eponin and Ephiny had turned back, once they'd reached the healer's hall, and seen the still, silent tableau inside.

Now, the dampness of the air was increasing, and the warrior watched as her boots stirred the mist, kicking the wispy stuff ahead of them in gentle, ethereal puffs. A deep breath of air brought a sweet scent of night blossoms, along with the campfire's smells, and Xena smiled as she felt an arm slip around her waist, and the warmth as Gabrielle snuggled up next to her.

"Beautiful night." The bard commented, tipping her head back, and regarding the stars. Feathery clouds obscured some of them, but most winked through at her, making friendly patterns. The security of Xena's arm around her shoulders felt very nice, and she tilted her head, gently kissing the wrist that lay draped over her neck.

Xena reciprocated, brushing her lips across the bard's fair hair, and breathing in the familiar scent with absent pleasure. She suddenly had no desire to rejoin the Amazons, wishing instead for peace, and quiet, and time alone with her soulmate, although she admittedly had truly had a good time at the party.

Gabrielle slowed her steps, and looked up. "Um… " She exhaled. "Xena, you know.. I'm… really kind of tired…you can go on and keep partying if you want to.. though."

The blue eyes warmed, and a grin edged Xena's face. "Gabrielle, after all the trouble you instigated around her the last few days.. you think I'd let you just go off unescorted?"

A twinkle in the bard's eyes. "I could suspect you just want to get me alone."

Xena's right brow edged up, and she leaned forward until they were nose to nose. "You could be right."

"Tch.. that's very antisocial, Xena." Gabrielle took advantage of their closeness, and gently kissed the warrior's lips. "Mm." A hand slipped up and tangled itself in the dark hair, as the bard leaned against her partner's powerful body and went back for a more thorough exploration. "But.. that's not always … a bad thing." She murmured, as strong fingers gently slipped up her side, and sent pleasant chills across her skin.

"C'mon." Xena kept a firm hold on her, and started towards their quarters. "Been a long day, and you need your rest."

Gabrielle grinned and captured a finger of the hand on her shoulder, nibbling it enthusiastically. "Rest?" Her green eyes peeked up at Xena mischievously. "Hmm… if you say so, oh overprotective Warrior Princess." She allowed her partner to lead her to their door, and paused, as Xena's long arm reached out and tugged the lashed door of sticks open. "Gods.. " She looked up sharply. "I know you didn't leave a candle lit in here, Xena."

The warrior blinked in surprise. "No.." Instinctively, she put her body in front of Gabrielle's and edged inside, her senses struggling to throw off the residue of the ale. On the small desk the bard had appropriated for her scrolls, a candle was lit, carefully centered in a small ceramic dish to prevent the wax from falling to the table's surface.

The round, golden light from the flickering candle spread across the desk, and glowed back from a picture propped up against Gabrielle's scroll case, which stared back at her. "Wh…. "

The bard peeked around her shoulder, and sucked in a breath. "Whoa…" She moved in front of the warrior and approached the picture, kneeling down in front of it to study the details. There was the panther, all right, all its inky black hair painted in, and the coy golden red fox, itstail curled demurely around its neatly painted paws.

But now the fox's eyes peered back out at Gabrielle in a shade that matched her own, and the panther… A smile edged across the bard's face. Palest blue in a field of black, so reminiscent of her soulmate it was uncanny. "Would you just look at that?"

Xena knelt next to her, and studied the painting, her face tensing in to an unconscious smile. "That's incredible."

The bard nodded absently, absorbing the look of the majestic cat, its neck slightly bowed, those eyes looking right out in a pose so wild, and so challenging… and the huge paws which circled the fox, so detailed she could see the faint shadows of the muscles under itsthick pelt, the half extended claws on one paw glinting in warning. If she looked closely.. she could swear the cat was smiling faintly, a hint of white fangs at the edges of its lips.

Then she went on to the fox, its fur gleaming, and its posture proudly straight, only the head tilted just a trifle, to give it a gentler, sweeter look as it peered up from misty green eyes upon the watcher.

"It's us." Xena whispered, in an amazed voice. "How in… "

It was most definitely them, Gabrielle acknowledged. Their spirits, caught by the eye of a grudging artist and expressed in a unique, and very special manner. "It sure is." She exhaled. "Paladia did it."

Blue eyes widened. "Damn." Xena leaned forward and studied the picture. "She's really good." Her voice held honest admiration, and she lifted a cautious finger to touch the neatly edged hide framing, which, though plain, was carefully done. "But why…"

Gabrielle had lifted a piece of rolled parchment up that had been perched near the picture, and unrolled it. "It's a joining gift." She said quietly. "I think." She showed the scrap to the warrior.

"These stupid things are supposed to be excuses for presents. Here."

Xena felt a startled laugh escape, and she relaxed into it. "She's… something else." The warrior admitted, then she cupped the bard's cheek. "You can feel good about your judgement there, my love."

A contented smile appeared on the bard's face. "That's true." She sighed, leaning against the taller woman. "That's gonna look great over the fireplace, tiger."

"Mm… ." Xena cocked her head, thinking. "You know, you're right…. Gabrielle, if the Amazons could get her to do commission work.. they'd make a fortune off her… I can tell ya I've met dozens of princes and others who would love to be painted with that kind of detail."

A blond brow lifted. "Hmmm… but she'd have to be an Amazon for that, huh?"

Xena caught her drift. "Oh yeah."

They smiled at each other. "Okay.. now that we have the troubles of the world settled… " Gabrielle eased closer, and ran a hand over the warrior's neck, feeling the soft run of gooseflesh that followed her touch. "I've now been joined to you for the third time. You know, Xena.. most people maybe get to do this once….and certainly only once to the same person. Do you think we're overdoing it?"

"Well.. " Xena laughed a little, as she got to her feet, pulling her soulmate up with her. She tugged the younger woman over to the bed and, putting her hands around the bard's waist, lifted her up onto it. "To tell you the truth, Gabrielle… I kind of.. lost hope, at some point, that I'd ever be able to enjoy something so normal as a joining." She joined the bard on the bed, stretching out on her side with a light groan. "So what's three or four? Especially to the only person I have ever loved enough to want to be called Consort to."

"No… " Gabrielle traced her partner's strong features with a fond touch. "You don’t take second place to anyone easily, do you?"

Xena's eyes drifted up to the painting, then back to Gabrielle's face. "Nope… only to certain foxy little bards." Her teeth gleamed in a feral smile.

Gabrielle ducked her head a little, feeling the faint blush that those eyes could still bring to her skin warm her. She looked up at Xena from under pale lashes, unconsciously imitating the picture, and causing an even broader grin to edge her partner's lips. "That was really nice of Paladia."

"Mmmhmmm... " The warrior agreed, reaching over to brush the pale hair out of Gabrielle's eyes. "Time for *you* to get a trim, my bard." She moved a little closer, and pulled the younger woman's hair up into a tuft. "Woodpecker cut?"

Green eyes rolled. "Gabrielle, Woodpecker of Potadeia." She remarked wryly. "Oh.. yeah.. that would be great, Xena...I always wanted that as a legacy."

A smile. "Speaking of legacies.. " She released the bard's hair, and laid her hand over Gabrielle's belly. "How are you feeling?"

The bard covered her partner's hand with her own, and interlaced their fingers. "I'm all right... I was getting kind of tired before, but...that seems to have gone away for the moment."

Xena rubbed her thumb against the warm skin she could feel under the fabric. "I can't wait to meet this kid."

A startled, happy grin appeared on Gabrielle's face. "Really?" Xena hadn't spoken much about the baby.. other than her initial glad acceptance of the news. Gabrielle had.. well, not exactly wondered, but... "I keep thinking about.. well, how big is it now, and what is it thinking.. or can it even think yet?" She nibbled her lip. "Is it this little thing swimming around like a tadpole, and if it is, why do we have to teach kids to swim again, if they did it in the beginning?"

"Sometimes you don't... " Xena eased over onto her back and crossed her ankles, which were hanging off the bed. She paused to watch the bard, apparently fascinated by the smooth movement of the muscles in her legs as she did this, reach over, and start tracing the lines just under the skin. "Mother says she tossed me in a large tub when I was a baby... and I just started.. "She made motions with her arms, as if swimming like a frog. "Kinda like that."

"Well... " Gabrielle sighed, and rolled over, to be nearer to her target. "You're kind of a natural at things, tiger... I had to have my uncle teach me to swim.. I was really scared when he took me out into the water, even though it only came to about my chest."

"Hmm.. how old were you?" The warrior countered. "I think it matters... after a while.. I know I don't remember learning a lot of things.. swimming, riding... reading, for that matter."

"Really?" Gabreille was fascinated. "I remember learning all those... I don't think I'm a natural at anything." She found her words cut off by a pair of soft lips, and she leaned into the contact, enjoying it thoroughly.

"I beg to differ." Xena growled softly as they parted.

The bard giggled softly. "That doesn't count."

A dark eyebrow lifted. "I was thinking of your skill at storytelling." Xena teased gently, watching a predictable blush darken the tanned skin. "Tch tch.. such a mind." She tapped the bard's knee. "Pull your leg up."

Gabrielle did so, and felt long fingers work at the laces holding on her boot. She sighed happily, as she slid an arm around Xena's neck, and nibbled her way up the warrior's throat, pausing and nipping at the pulse point just under her jaw. "You've been such an inspiration."

"Hmm? To which skill?" Xena countered, with a low laugh, as she worked Gabrielle's loosened boot off, and started on the other, letting her fingers trail down the bard's muscular calf in the process.

"Yes." Came the soft answer as Gabrielle impatiently rid herself of her other boot and let her fingers work at the belt around her partner's waist. She unclasped the buckle and pulled the fabric aside, sliding her hand up the smooth slope of the warrior's belly, and up the rippled surface of her ribs which expanded against her touch as Xena took a breath. "Any story I write.. " She closed her eyes in reaction as her partner's touch curled around her thigh. "Has you at its heart...no matter what it's about."

Her tunic slipped free of her shoulders, and she slid against Xena's body in an ecstasy of sensation, feeling her breathing and the warrior's synch, as they pushed against each other. Fuzzily, she was glad they'd chosen to tuck themselves away in private... the padded platforms of the festival had been designed for intimate activity, but the thought of all those eyes watching.... The bard sighed, and squirmed a little, as Xena's touch traveled down her belly and caressed her thighs. Part of her would always be a village girl from Potadeia, she suspected. And that, she decided, as a low, purring chuckle tickled her ear, wasn't really a bad thing.

Xena felt her defenses drop, but only so far, as she kept senses aware of the life around them. She wasn't really worried about attack, though you never knew, but the possibilities of the curious Amazons skulking around were endless. Not that she cared, Xena chuckled to herself, as she started a slow, relentless advanced down her soulmate's body, starting at her collarbone. But Gabrielle certainly would, and that sometimes shy, and often innocent side of her partner was something Xena found herself quite protective of.

Let the Amazons keep their worldly frankness.. she preferred the bard's gentle honesty anytime. She moved slowly down Gabrielle's ribs, tracing each one with her tongue, and feeling them move faster, as the bard's breathing increased. One hand was curled lightly around her partner's muscular thigh, and she started a gentle stroking against the soft skin, rewarded with an incoherent sound from the bard, whose fingers drifted against Xena's body and sent sharp jolts of fire against her nerves as they found familiar places, accompanied by the warm rush that she always associated with their connection. The need rose up within her, an insatiable desire to add a physical dimension to the profound emotional link that bound them, and she surrendered to it, their bodies reaching for each other in sweet familiarity.

And as peace finally settled over a sometimes fractious, and sometimes tested Nation, Dionysus smiled.

A pleasant breeze cooled Ephiny's skin, and she muttered appreciatively, before snuggling back down and letting sleep start to claim her again. A faint nibble on her ear caused a grin to tug her lips, but she pretended not to feel it.

Another nibble, and this time, a touch against her neck. "G'way.. it's too early." she mumbled in protest.

A brush of something very soft against the skin of her chest followed, and she could feel a warm breath against her cheek.

The breath got closer, then moved around to her ear. She smiled quietly, waiting for the words she knew were coming.

"Chitter."

Ephiny 's eyes popped open, to see the tiny dark orbs staring back at her, topping a cute black nose which wiggled in her general direction. "Hey!"

The squirrel leaped back, chittering at her in outrage, before it flipped its tail in disgust, and hopped of the platform, making a run for the nearest tree.

"Godsbedamnedpieceofmotheatenfurcovered...." Ephiny growled, as she pushed herself up to sitting position, glancing around her in sudden embarrassment. To her relief, she was more or less alone on the platform, and everyone else was still asleep in the misty pre dawn. She raised a shaky hand and pushed the curly blond hair off her forehead, tipping her eyes up to regard the graying sky, before glancing across the compound as soft footsteps reached her ears.

To her relief, it was Pony, who was juggling a pitcher of something warm, two dishes, and a mysterious container. She watched the weapons master tread gingerly around various and sundry bodies, until she reached the top platform in triumph, settling down next to the regent with a satisfied thump. "Hi."

Ephiny rubbed her neck, which was a little stiff "Hi... where've you been?"

Pony held up the pitcher. "Thought you'd like something warm.. it's a little cool this morning. " She answered cheerfully, as she poured a portion of steaming, hot cider into a cup, and handed it to her lover, then opened the container to reveal equally steaming spice bread. "Just done." She grinned, breaking off a piece and putting it in Ephiny' s eagerly outstretched palm.

"Mmm... " The regent took a healthy bite, and chewed it. "All quiet?"

"Absorrupfty." Pony assured her, with a nod. "Nftng doin... wffs gd..."

"Pon?"

"Mph?"

"Swallow, okay?"

The dark haired Amazon complied, then took a sip of her cider. "Sorry. " She grinned, crinkling her snub nose. "What a great morning...huh?" She kicked booted feet against the edge of the platform, and leaned back on one hand, taking in a deep breath of the clean dawn air.

Ephiny gazed at her in mild bemusement. "You're in a good mood." She commented.

Eponin thought about that for a minute, then shrugged. "I guess I am... it's a nice morning, we got through the festival... why not be in a good mood?"

"Good point." The regent agreed, holding out her hand for another slice of spice bread. "Oh ho... we're not the only one's up, I see." She gestured towards the queen's quarters, where two shadowy figures were emerging.

The rising dawn light captured them, in all their contrasting beauty, in Xena's dark power, and her partner's sunny good nature as they crossed to the firepit with matching strides. The warrior was dressed in her dun colored gambeson, and Gabrielle in her familiar traveling outfit, the tan and green fabric contrasting with her sun darkened skin and fair hair. As they watched, the bard gave her companion a pat on the side, and got a ruffle of her hair in response, then Xena turned off towards the half hidden path heading up into the mountain, leaving Gabrielle to continue on her path towards them.

Was it her imagination, Ephiny wondered, or did Gabrielle's eyes really look more luminously green than usual today? Certainly, the bard seemed to glow in the dawn light, and her face crinkled into a friendly grin as she mounted the platforms, threading her steps carefully around still sleeping Amazons. "Good morning."

Ephiny cocked her head and gazed up at the bard, as she settled down cross legged next to them. "You look like you had a good night, actually. " She teased.

Predictably, Gabrielle blushed, but she grinned also. "Yes, I did.. thanks." Her eyes twinkled. "And the party was fun, too."

Hazel and caramel eyes widened in surprise. "Um." Ephiny coughed a bit. "So.. where's Xena off to?"

The bard gave them both a satisfied smile, and accepted the piece of spice bread Eponin hastily handed over. "Thanks... um... where is Xena off to.. well, you know how when you're in a good mood, and it makes you want to just.. well, I don't know.. jump around?"

"Eyahh... " Ephiny answered, drawing the word out.

"Xena, being Xena, loves to work off that kind of energy by putting herself through Hades." Gabrielle informed them, chewing on her bread with a contented look. "Seventeen different kinds of drills, running for leagues.. you know."

"Mm.... I remember her doing that when she was at home.. when I headed down here when you were with us a year ago." Ephiny recalled thoughtfully. "I followed her into the forest.. watched her do some really amazing things, more than usual, and she had a... a kind of wild energy about her that was really incredible to watch." She shrugged. "Don't know what triggered that off, though...sure wasn't our visit. " She gave Gabrielle a wry look. "Unless it was just getting a note from you. "

Gabrielle's brow crinkled, as she gave thought to that. Then her lips tensed into a wistful smile. "When we parted... she told me to think about joining you permanently." She watched Ephiny's eyes blink in astonishment. "Of course.. I never did.. " Her gaze turned apologetic. "But I guess she didn't know that until I sent that note asking her to come get me."

"Gabrielle... " Eponin leaned forward. "Any *idiot* could have told her what your decision would have been, ya know.. even I realized that."

A shrug. "I... know that.. but.. sometimes.. I don't know, she was worried that I was out there with her.. losing lots of chances at what she honestly thought was a better life." A tiny smile crossed her lips. "She's always been like that... whenever I wanted to leave, she was right here, supporting me... telling me to follow my heart.. for the longest time, I thought it was because she was tired of being responsible for me."

"But it wasn't." Ephiny stated.

"No." Gabrielle agreed. "It was that she was scared.. and she still is, that her influence will hurt me.. that because she is who she is, and because of what she's done, that my life will be lived down a very dark path." She shrugged. "And that may be true.. but we influence each other, and maybe what will end up is that we both move towards the center.. she'll move towards the light, I'll move a little into the dark... we'll end up a lot of shades of gray, instead of black and white."

"Wow." Pony breathed. "That's real profound, Gabrielle."

The bard laughed gently. "Yeah, well... I'm a bard, remember? We do the word thing."

Ephiny put a hand on her knee. "Are you scared of that?"

Gabrielle shook her head. "No.. I think about it sometimes.. and it used to scare me.. but after all the stuff I've been through, I've just decided to take things as they come.. and work towards the best life I can."

Ephiny gazed at her friend respectfully. "You're a very brave person, my friend...you do know that, right?"

"Everyone tells me that.. I don't really see it, myself." The bard answered, modestly. "But I do understand Xena better now.. I used to tell her that all the time, about how brave she was.. and she'd just look at me like I was nuts, and tell me she just did what she had to do, so what was the big deal?" A shrug. "That's how I feel.. I just do what I have to do.. and I know I'm capable of being a coward, and other nasty things, so.." Another shrug. "Anyway.. what I came over here to say is that I wanted to thank you both.. for being such good friends to both of us."

A small silence fell. "I'm not sure Xena would have agreed with that, the last time you both were here. " Ephiny finally said, in a quiet voice. "I'm not sure I would have, either."

Gabrielle folded her hand around the regent's. "Xena is a very dangerous person, Eph... no one knows that better than she does.. she's very focused, and single minded when it comes to something she wants.. it takes a lot to stop her when she's like that." She hesitated. "I know.. because I'm one of the few people who has... and mostly I could do that because under all that aggressiveness, and sometimes madness, I always knew that at the core... at the center of everything, a part of her heart belong to me." Her eyes saddened. "But after that funeral, I no longer believed that was true.. and I was very scared when she took me, because I knew... there was nothing left between us that could stop her, if she really wanted to take her anger out on me." She squeezed Ephiny's hand. "You were right to try and stop me. I was insane to go with her."

Ephiny studied the ground, then inhaled, and looked up. "I would have come after her, with every resource I had, if she'd done anything to you."

"I know." The bard replied. "She knows that... and to be honest with you Ephiny.. I don't think, at that point, if she had done something.. that she would have stopped you." She sighed. "We were both... very, very fractured...the fact that you've both accepted her back as both a part of my life, and as a friend, I can't tell you how much that's meant to me."

The regent looked up at her. "I'm glad... but I didn't do it for you." Came the quiet reply. "I don't give up on friends easily...and she means a lot to me."

Gabrielle smiled at her.

"Yeah.. what she said." Eponin agreed hastily. "Me too."

The bard's smile grew broader. "Thanks, guys."

"Um... " Eponin hopped to her feet. "I..uh.... I've got some.. something I have to do, so if you guys would excuse me.... "

Ephiny and Gabrielle exchanged glances. "G'wan." The regent waved her off.

"Thanks.." Eponin waved and started off.

"Pon?" Ephiny rested an arm on her knee and called after her lover.

"Huh?" Eponin trotted backwards, an excessively innocent look on her face.

"If you come back with bruises, don't come looking for me to fix you up, okay?"

"Me? Uh.. no..no.. where would I get bruises from?" The weapons master replied indignantly. "I'm just going for a.. uh.. on patrol."

Ephiny just shook her head and waved back. "G'bye."

Gabrielle laughed as they watched the dark haired Amazon disappear. "Relax.. if she didn't go out after Xena, I think the love of my life would feel like she was being neglected."

The regent rolled her eyes, noting the ease with which Gabrielle used the term of endearment. "So...you headed home?"

Gabreille leaned back onto her hands. "Yeah... we'll stop by Potadeia first, so I can give them the news.." She glanced down at her belly, and gave Ephiny a wry grin. "Then back to Amphipolis.. I won't lie and say I won't be glad to get there." She stretched. "You've gotta come visit this winter, Eph...maybe we can work up that regional market plan we talked about last year... attract merchants from all over, and get some trade going around here."

"Mm... I like that idea." Ephiny nodded. "Between us, the Centaurs, and you lot.. we can really get a seasonal thing going... four times a year, with all that stuff coming in and out.. it'll do good things for all of our pocket pouches." She sighed and handed the bard half of the remaining spice cake. "And I bet you're going to be one of those lucky souls who stays absolutely gorgeous all the way through your pregnancy."

Mist green eyes peeked up at her. "What makes you say that?"

Ephiny laughed. "Just a feeling...why, are you worried about it?"

Gabrielle hesitated, then shrugged. "No."

Her friend leaned forward, and tapped her on the knee. "Gab, I love you, but you can't lie to save your life." She pulled herself closer, and offered the bard a cup. "Now, you listen to Auntie Ephiny, okay?"

That got a giggle from the younger woman. "Gods... listen to ancient you." She joked. "I'm not worried, really.. it's just weird."

Ephiny gripped her arm, and put a serious expression on her face. "You listen to me, okay? I may not know everything, Gabrielle, but I know this... even if you were a one eyed, peg legged, featherless maiden hen, that half nuts, leather loving, sword wielding partner of yours would still be crazy about you, understand?" She exhaled. "And believe me, we all go through feeling that it can't possibly be true."

The bard looked at her for a long moment, then she smiled, and squeezed Ephiny's hand. "Thanks." She replied softly. "You will come visit, right? I bet Gran's going to need the same speech....Toris isn't nearly as sensitive as his sister is."

Ephiny jerked up right, and slapped the side of her head. "Xena.. and sensitive.. in the same sentence... I may have to go record this in the annals of the Amazon nation... " Then she laughed. "You bet I will... when are you guys leaving?"

Gabrielle glanced at the sky. "Midday, probably.... though Xena could probably be coaxed into delaying a little.. I think she had a great time at the festival."

Ephiny got to her feet, and held a hand out. "All right.. let's get some stuff squared away.. and that council you asked me to convene is scheduled for after breakfast." She hauled the bard to her feet. "C'mon...I think I hear another loaf of that spice bread calling me."

"Lead on." Gabrielle answered cheerfully. "You know I won't argue with that."

Xena stopped on the upper ridge, where the high ground looked over a set of sloping, forest covered hills, half shrouded in mist that shifted and changed before her eyes in the brightening light. She leaned back against the tree and caught her breath, having raced up the mountain at top speed scattering small animals and loose rocks before her without much thought.

The brisk fall air carried hints of trees, and moisture from the fog, which collected on her skin and dampened the tan gambeson belted around her body. The breeze also brought small sounds of the forest around her, the crackle of a rabbit chewing, a clattering as a woodpecker arranged a nest, and the soft rustling as the leaves whispered to each other, conveying secrets in a language Xena had always loved to listen to.

Had always wished she could understand. But the energy of the world around her, that she did understand.. and she could feel it thrumming through the wood she leaned against, and rumbling through the ground her booted feet stood on, an energy she was part of, and a source she drew from in a way she couldn’t explain, and hardly even comprehended.

It just felt good to be alive, right then. The rising sun peeked over the horizon, and painted her face in peach and gold light she could feel through her closed eyelids, and she smiled back at the sun, cocking her ears as she detected Ares close presence. She reluctantly opened her eyes, and gave the wolf a look. "So. You're back."

Ares wagged his tail smugly, and sat down, wrapping the long bushy bodypart around his feet. "Roo." He commented, as he dropped a small rabbit at Xena's feet.

"Oh.. so you brought me a present, huh?" The warrior eyed him tolerantly. "Good thing, seeing as how you scared the leathers off me this morning, then tripped me and made me fall all over your other mommy."

Ares panted, which made him look like he was grinning. "Agrrr."

"Oh yeah.. I don't think she minded either, but that's not the point." Xena shook a finger at him., then sighed as he licked her knee, and gazed up at her adoringly. "Aw.. not that look… you learned that from Gabrielle, dindcha?"

The wolf yawned.

Xena bounced up and down a few times. "Well, lazybones, you can sit there, if you want.. I've got things to do." She leaned over, and spotted a plateau just below her, a nice, flat, green surface that would fill her needs nicely. "Perfect." With a running start, she bolted off the ridge top, launching herself downward and landing on a rock outcropping, then bouncing off that, and flipping twice before hitting the plateau.

With a flourish, she pulled her sword out, and saluted the sun, then started in on a set of warm up drills to loosen up her muscles. The blade moved in a flickering pattern around her first right handed, then left handed, as she tightened the arc down to a precision figure eight using mostly her wrists, and the tense control muscles in her forearms.

The ache felt good, and she smiled, then spun the blade up and over her shoulder just for fun, catching it as it came down along her side, and tossing it up into the air. She flipped and caught it on the way down, then started into a second set of drills, concentrating on feeling her position and the space around her, closing her eyes and defending against an unseen enemy.

Eight quadrants, four above her waist, four below, two in front, two behind for each limb. The trick was to hone instincts so finely, that no thought was required, and each limb acted in defense of its territory, all smoothly integrated into a rapid attack that allowed her to punch forward, swing her sword, and do a back kick all at the same time, without losing her balance.

She concentrated more fully, imagining enemies coming at her from all directions, and her body responded, swinging around in a circle and ducking as phantom swords struck at her head. Without warning, she leaped up, swinging the sword under her legs in a move that would have beheaded an opponent, then twisted in midair, to avoid a ghostly counterstrike. In her mind, she could hear the grunt of surprise from the hapless enemy, and she kicked down, landing on one foot and spinning before lashing out in savage kick that would have broken bones if it had connected with anything.

Next. Xena's blood was pumping now, and her nostrils flared slightly, bringing in air as she started practicing leaps and kicks, running at a tree nearby and using its branches as targets, eventually knocking a dead limb off that was over her head. Then she turned and bolted across the green surface, sheathing her sword and throwing herself into gymnastic tumbling, launching up into somersaults, then landing only to throw herself skyward again, whirling and leaping with an excess of energy that fairly exploded from her.

The sun was pouring down on the plateau before she did one last flip, and allowed herself to land on her back, stretching out her arms into the soft mossy surface, and tilting her face to the welcome warmth. The cool breeze riffled her dark hair, and cooled the sweat that glistened on her exposed skin, and she sighed in pure animal content as she felt her heart slow and steady.

Far off, she heard Ares' faint growl, and she tuned her hearing, closing her eyes and picking up the grass rustling, and the crickets, and a few far off birds before a soft sound came out of place. She listened intently, then smiled towards the clear blue sky. "Hey, Pony." She stayed where she was, though, only crossing her ankles and wiggling her boots comfortably.

The footsteps crunched louder, then the sun was obscured by the compact, muscular form, which gazed down at her, shaking its head.

"Siddown." The warrior waved a hand at her, waiting until the Amazon thumped down onto her side, and stretched out, propping her head up with one hand and pulling a grass stalk up with the other.

"Y'know.. you are the damnedest thing." Eponin commented, chewing on the grass.

Xena's brow lifted. "What?"

"You are just the damnedest thing.. I've been sitting here watching you for over a candlemark and a half.. and I swear I'm shaking my head so damn much I've got a crick in my neck."

"Yeah?" Xena reached over and before the weapons master could do more than croak, set strong fingers along the back of her neck, and probed. "Yep.. you do." She twisted her grip slightly, and felt the bones pop into place, then gave the Amazon a pat on the head and dropped her hand to the turf again. "Better?"

Eponin reached a hesitant hand back to her neck, then blinked. "I didn't expect you to do that." She muttered. "But yeah."

Xena smiled.

"So.. what's it like to be invincible?" Pony inquired, regaining her composure.

A blue orb peeked at her. "I have no idea." Xena answered, seriously. "I hate losing.. but it doesn't mean I haven't… bad day, bad fight… I can be beaten, and have been, plenty of times." A faint memory stirred. "By an Amazon once, in fact, when I was younger."

"Mm… really?" Pony looked intrigued. "But not much recently, huh?"

A shrug. "Lately I've been having to fight mostly for either my life or Gabrielle's.. it kinda puts a different spin on it." She admitted. "Besides, I.. um… " She fell silent.

Pony grinned. "Don't wanna lose in front of the honey, right?"

The warrior gave her a look, then burst into easy laughter. "Something like that. yeah." She lifted both hands and let them drop to the ground. "Ego, as Gabrielle likes to put it."

Eponin gave a shrug of her own. "We've all got that." She chuckled. "You'd fit right in here."

Xena thought about that. "Guess that's why you guys always give me such a hard time, huh?" She rolled her head to one side and regarded the dark haired Amazon thoughtfully. "I get a little tired of defending my reputation sometimes."

Pony chewed on her stalk for a while, trying to formulate an answer. Finally, she shrugged. "I thought you liked the challenge."

The warrior sighed. "Sometimes." She pulled a bit of moss up and rolled it between her fingers. "But I've been fighting for so damn long, it just gets old after a while." Her blue eyes flicked to the Amazon's face. "I've had fifteen years of challenges, Pony…you think that's enough?"

A shake of her head. "You say that, but then I watch you do what you just did.. you can't tell me you don't get a kick out of that, Xena… I won't believe it."

Xena grinned wryly. "No.. you're right.. I do.. but that's different.. it's me challenging myself.. pushing myself beyond limits that I set… not having to worry about some Amazon jumping at me from behind a bush every half league." She lifted herself up onto her elbows. "Look.. I'm not saying I don't like sparring.. and I'm not saying I won't do it…but can we drop the open season on me as soon as I walk into the village?" She sighed. "Pony, someone's gonna get hurt.. I'm gonna slip, and put a sword through someone's gut one of these days, and then what?"

Eponin spat out her bit of grass. "All right.. on one condition."

Both dark eyebrows lifted. "And that would be…?"

The Amazon grinned smugly. "Now that you're one of us.. you gotta teach us what ya know." She tapped the warrior's arm. "Lessons, Xena.. that's my condition." She waved a hand as a protest started. "I know.. I know.. you're going home.. but it's a long winter season, and we looovve visiting Amphipolis."

"Lessons, huh?" Xena repeated, with a hint of a smile.

"Uh huh."

The hint grew into a lazy, full smile. "You sure you're up to it?"

Eponin blinked, then scowled. "Hey.. is that a challenge?"

They both laughed, and Xena stretched her body out lazily. "All right… you got a deal." She agreed. "You send folks down… I'll work with em… probably a good thing, since I won't have Gabrielle to spar with for a while." She spared a wistful thought to the peaceful months of the previous winter. "Okay?"

"Deal." Eponin agreed. "You heading back? I know you guys wanna take off."

Xena pushed herself to her feet, and brushed the grass bits off her gambeson. "Yeah… " She waited for the Amazon to rise, then broke into a run, feeling the sun at her back and the wind in her face as Eponin's curses got left behind.

Gabrielle stepped out of the council chamber, and took a deep breath of the cool air. "Mm…" She commented, to no one in particular. "Great day for traveling." The close air of the chamber had laid a layer of sweat against the back of her neck, and she reached up, riffling her hair to allow the breeze to get at her skin.

"Morning!" Jessan's voice boomed out, and she turned to see the forest dweller ambling towards her, his huge body dripping with water, droplets catching the sun like diamonds. "Wow.. that was one heck of a party last night… Gabrielle, your Amazons really know how to have fun." He shook his head rapidly, scattering water everywhere including all over the bard.

"Hmm.. thanks, Jess." Gabrielle held a hand up and closed her eyes as the shower dampened her bare skin. "You guys ready to go?"

"Oh yeah." A big grin. " Eris is ready, and Elaini is spending a few minutes in the dining hall saying goodbye. Everyone loves the kids. " He paused. "Thanks for inviting us home, by the way… I was looking forward to spending some time with you guys."

The bard tucked a hand inside his fur covered arm, and fell into step beside him. "Me too…" She glanced up. "It's nice to be with someone who… " She paused, searching for the proper words.

"Who understands?" Jessan gazed at her, his liquid gold eyes warm. "You can tell me what it's like for you, and we'll tell you both what it's like for us…maybe we'll all learn stuff."

Gabrielle grinned. "I bet we do." She glanced across the village, and grinned, as she fastened her eyes on the dim, leafy entrance to the path up to the springs. Moments later, a dark haired form slid into view, moving easily as she dodged the leaves which canopied the route.

Xena was still jogging as she entered the compound, and her pace picked up as she spotted Gabrielle and Jessan and changed her direction to intercept them. The warrior slowed to a halt as she reached them, the ground bouncing up tiny pebbles as her boots hit them. "How'd it go?" She asked the bard. "Morning." That, with a nod to Jessan.

Gabrielle nodded firmly at her. "All set… it was… well, kinda tough, but Ephiny stood by me, and after that… it's going to be a kind of probation sort of thing, but I think it'll work out."

"Xena?" Jessan had been cocking his head from side to side. "What is she talking about?"

"Paladia.. she's going to stay here." Xena answered mildly. "What about Menelda?"

A shrug of the bard's mostly bare shoulder. "She hasn't decided… Eph said, it's a good idea, but.. having her that far away can be bad, too, because her and Erika together might be good, or they could just reinforce each other's bad points."

Xena considered that. "True." She commented. "But she needs some help."

"Mm… I know…" Gabrielle nibbled her lower lip. "I'll have to think about what to do for her." She sighed, and squared her shoulders. "So.. we ready to take off? I'm going to just go and tell Cait the good news, then I'm all set." She leaned against her partner. "Can we stop tonight at that nice place by the spring?" Her eyelashes batted at the taller woman. "Please?"

Xena grinned, ignoring Jessan's mischievous look. "I suppose you want salmon, too, huh?"

"Well." The bard put her nose in the air and sauntered. "Of course."

Thew warrior swatted her on the butt. "G'wan.. I'm going to go change and saddle up Argo.. I'll meet you by the healer's."

"Hey!" Gabrielle yelped, poking her in the side. "Cut that out!"

Xena deftly evaded her partner's defensive grab, and snatched at the back of her halter, tugging it back and releasing it with a pop. "Gotcha.."

"Ooo… " Gabrielle decided she was in a feisty mood, and lunged at the taller woman, catching her around the waist and making a desperate attempt to pull her to the ground. Given their respective height and weight differences, however, it was not a very successful attempt. "Aww… c'mon, Xena… "

The warrior laughed, as she looked down at her determinedly wrestling soulmate. She reached down and got an arm around the bard's middle, then lifted her up until she was upside down, squawking like a plucked chicken, her legs kicking up in the air. "Tch tch… "

"Xeeeennnaaa!!!" Gabrielle made a grab for the warrior's sturdy knees, getting an arm around one and tickling her mercilessly. "Yeehoowww!!!" She'd forgotten her midriff was in Xena's clutches, until a feathery responding tickle worked it's way up her side. "All right.. all right. .I surrender!"

Instead of letting her down, Xena tossed her upright, then caught her, and cradled her in her arms. The bard caught her breath, blowing her hair out of her eyes with an impatient puff. "I'm gonna get you for that."

"Oh yeah?" Xena replied softly, gazing down at her affectionately.

"Yeah." Gabrielle shot back, as she wound her arms around the warrior's neck and they looked into each other's eyes.

"Gabrielle?"

"Hmm?"

"You've already got me." Blue eyes softened.

Gabrielle laid her head down on the padded shoulder. "I guess I do, huh?"

They both turned as Jessan let out a long melodic sigh. "Awwww… " He pressed both hands above his heart. "This is sooooooo cute…. "

Eyebrows quirked simultaneously. "I'm gonna hit you." They both managed to say at the same time.

"And I won't EVEN bring up that long conversation you and I had coming back from Cirron, Xena… " Jessan warbled. "You know the one… right?"

"Jessan." Xena's voice dropped a whole octave.

"No no.. it'll never come from these fuzzy lips." The forest dweller held up a virtuous hand.

"What conversation?" Gabrielle inquired with interest. "You never told me about that." She turned her eyes on her partner, who was glowering at their friend. "C'mon Xena.. how bad could it be?"

Xena stared at Jessan, who grinned. "Y'know, Xena.. that nasty look would come off a whole lot better if you weren't cuddling your sweetheart, there." He poked the tip of his tongue out from between his fangs.

Xena let out a breath, then turned her attention to the inquisitive bard. "I'm going to saddle Argo." A pause. "Now."

"Okay, honey." Gabrielle patted her shoulder "You wanna let me down, first?" She was set neatly on to her booted feet. "Thanks." She waited until the warrior was several feet away. "We'll talk about that conversation later, right?"

Pale blue eyes flashed over one tanned shoulder, as Xena stopped, then she shook her head, and kept going.

Jessan and Gabrielle exchanged glances, and laughed. "Let's go.. " Gabrielle grabbed his arm again. "One more stop." She paused as a line of men, dressed only in loincloths passed, their bodies covered in mud. "Ah.. I see Ephiny found a use for those guys." She grinned, as their prisoners vainly tried to rid themselves of muck.

Jessan laughed. "Oh yeah.. something about digging a foundation for her new quarters?" He commented. "She said something about a sunken bath.. I think."

Cait drummed her fingers against her thigh, as the healer took yet another look at the wound on her shoulder. It hurt a lot less today, really, she'd assured them. She was really just taking up a needless pallet.. surely, it would be better for her to rest in her own snug cot. "Really.. it's quite a lot better today."

The healer glanced at her, then shook her head. "Y'know, I could get a complex around you, Cait. You'd think we were killing you here."

The girl sighed. "Oh.. please… it's just so boring here."

Solari snorted from the next pallet. "Gee, thanks, Cait… nice to be your neighbor."

"Gosh.. that's not what I… " Cait realized Solari was kidding her and she scowled. "I'd just feel lots better in my own bed, that's all."

The dark haired Amazon's eyes twinkled. "We all would, kid… specially if there was someone else in em."

Cait blushed.

The healer laughed. "Soli, you're about ready to go home, I think.. your sense of humor's back." A wave of weak laughter went around the room, which broke off as the door eased open, and Gabrielle entered, bringing a wave of pine scented air in with her.

"Hello, everyone." The bard waved. "How are you all doing?"

A chorus of "great!" responded, causing blond woman to smile. "Good to hear… sorry it was such a hectic festival for everyone.. maybe next year it'll be more peaceful." Yeah.. Gabrielle chuckled wryly to herself. Maybe we won't be here.

"Queen Gabrielle.. " A voice called from the back, and the bard recognized one of the young scouts who had been injured in the battle.

"Yes?"

"Is it true you're pregnant?" The girl asked, blushing as everyone turned and stared at her. "Well, gods.. none of you have the guts to ask.. what's she gonna do.. swat me?"

Gabrielle laughed. "Yes.. it's true… um.. about eight weeks, I guess." She laid a hand over her flat stomach. "I still haven't really gotten used to the idea yet."

Weak whistles and cheers went up. "You got any names yet?" Solari asked, with a wink.

"Gods.. no.. " The bard chuckled. "We've got plenty of time for that… but you guys have to excuse me.. I need to talk to Cait here, and then we're taking off for home." She moved over to the girl's pallet, and gazed down at her, aware of the acute interest of the surrounding Amazons, who had found other things to look at while they listened. "Um.. " Gabrielle turned to the healer. "Listen… you know.. I really need to talk to Cait in private.. would you mind if I helped her back to her quarters? I think she'd do just as well there, as here. "

From the corner of her eye, Gabrielle saw the swiftly hidden triumphant grin on Cait's face, and swallowed a smile herself.

The healer sighed. "As you wish, your Majesty.. let me put together an herbal pack for her." She surrendered gracefully, and Gabrielle tucked the pack under her arm as she carefully helped Cait to stand. "Easy now…you'll probably be a little dizzy."

"Gosh." The girl hung onto the bard's arm as she waited for the world to steady. "How ever did you know that?"

Gabrielle sighed. "Been there, done that." She slipped an arm around Cait's waist, and steadied her. "I had an arrow wound not too terribly long ago… it was pretty painful, so I know what you're going through."

Cait leaned shyly against her, and took a few breaths. "All right.. let's go.. I want to get out of here before she changes her mind." She added in a low voice. "It's ever so boring… and all those people complaining of everything.. "

"Yeah.. " Gabrielle pushed the door open and guided them through. "I know when I'm sick, or hurt… I want to b left alone mostly.." She paused. "Well, except for Xena, of course."

Cait grinned. "Of course.. she's such a good healer.. all the ones in there were talking about her."

That got a big smile from the bard, and they made the rest of the short journey in silence. Cait's quarters were on the end, nearest the training fields, and would ordinarily have held four girls. However, three of her mates had been advanced yesterday, and had lost no time in moving their stuff to the full Amazon's group quarters, leaving young Cait in solitary splendor.

Gabrielle glanced around in interest as she gently helped the girl into bed, tugging the soft comforter up around her and smiling as she recognized the pattern. "Here's a bit of home."

Cait fingered it. "Yes… Cyrene gave it to me before I left.. I thought it was awfully nice of her.. I mean it's not like I'm part of her family or anything."

The bard seated herself on a low chair nearby, and rested her elbows on her knees. "Cait.. that's not true." She told the girl quietly. "You are a part of our family.. don't you doubt that."

Gray eyes blinked at her, on the verge of tears. "I'm just an orphan."

"No." Gabrielle took her hand and covered it with her own. "As an Amazon, you're my sister.. and Xena's too, now….but even before that, you were a part of our lives, and I've always considered you part of my family."

Cait just looked at her, breathing hard for a moment. "It.. feels so strange.. I hardly remember my parents anymore."

"Yeah.. I know.. I remember how I felt, when Xena told me I was part of her family.. she told me that our friendship bound her and I closer than blood ever could, and you know.. that was the most amazing thing anyone had ever told me." Gabrielle sighed gently at the memory. "I felt.. proud… and awed…it was very special."

A small silence descended, as both women seemed absorbed in thought.

"Gabrielle.. can I ask you something?" Cait finally said, very softly. "I asked Xena.. but the answer she gave me didn’t' really explain things.."

The bard laughed softly. "She's not much into details.. no.. sure. What's the question?"

"How do you know when you're in love?"

Gabrielle exhaled. "Oh." She breathed. "That question." Her eyes went to the girl's face. "You mean.. in love, not just loving someone, don't you?"

Cait nodded soberly.

"Hm." The bard nibbled her thumbnail, then leaned back, and focused her eyes on the small shelf above the bed, where pinecones rested, each one decorated with lurid colors. "You know.. because when you look at the person you're in love with, you get a… a pain.. right here." She put a hand over her heart. "It feels like something's squeezing you.. but something else is filling you up inside, more and more, until you're ready to explode." She paused. "You know, because you'd do anything, and be anything for that person, you'd die for them, you'd give up everything you knew, and all of your dreams just to be with them… "Another pause. "They become the center of your world."

She swallowed, ignoring the tear rolling down her cheek. "And.. when they look back at you.. with the same love in their eyes that you have for them .. there is nothing on this earth, or beyond that can compare with that feeling." She looked up at an awed Cait. "That's what love is, Cait… there is nothing stronger, nothing more wonderful… then when you find that one person, that one tree in the forest meant for you."

They looked at each other. "Was that what you wanted to know?" Gabrielle finally asked, quietly.

"Gosh." Cait murmured. "You make it sound so magical."

A small nod. "For me, it was."

Cait sighed. "But.. what if your tree is a coconut palm?" Her eyes went to Gabrielle's in plaintive appeal.

The bard let out a surprised chuckle. "Well.. then you get the coconuts down, crack them open, and enjoy yourself." She replied. "Okay?"

Cait thought about it. "Okay." She finally agreed.

"Now.. on a totally different subject…your friend Paladia is going to be taken in on a trial basis…but you've got to keep an eye on her, understand?" The bard told her, not missing the surprised, and delighted gleam that appeared in the pale gray eyes. Not so different a subject after all, huh She mused quietly to herself. "She should show more people her pictures.. she gave Xena and I one for our joining ceremony."

"Blast.. that… " Cait spluttered. "Did she? I'm going to whomp her.. she didn’t tell me she was going to do that.. was it the panther and fox one?"

Gabrielle nodded.

"Gosh.. it was perfect, wasn't it? She worked for days getting those eyes the right colors.. had me chec…. " Cait blushed a little and stopped. "It was quite nice, wasn't it?"

The bard's face crinkled into a big smile. " Sure was.. it's going above our fireplace… I love it, and so does Xena." She watched Cait's head cock, and she listened herself, hearing footsteps which were heavy enough to be her soulmates, but lacked the warrior's distinctive rhythm. The door eased open, and Paladia poked her head in. "Hey.. c'mon in." The bard waved at her.

"Um.. " Paladia looked doubtful. "Nah.. you're busy." She started to edge out, but Gabrielle had launched herself to her feet, and gotten to the door first, sticking a hand through and grabbing the ex renegade's arm. 'Hey!"

"No. it's okay.. come on in.. " Gabrielle insisted, giving her a tug, which resulted in the rest of the tall blond emerging into the room. She was carrying a small sack, and she thrust it in front of her towards Cait.

"Your stuff." She grumbled. "Healer sent it over."

"Thanks." Gabrielle took it from her, and set it down on the table. "We were just talking about you."

Instant suspicious look. "Why? What'd I do?"

The bard gazed at her kindly. "I was just telling Cait how much Xena and I love the picture you did for us… it's wonderful." She was rewarded by a dull blush that colored the taller woman's face almost crimson. "And also I was telling her she'd better hurry up and heal, because she's got a new prospective Amazon to break in."

Gabrielle, an expert at reading body language, saw the faint slump in the ex renegade's posture, and felt a quiet sympathy for her. Even after everything.. this was one case where her judgment had been right on target.

"Well.. good luck." Paladia said awkwardly.

Cait let a cool grin shape her lips. "Thank you .. I'll need it." She replied, with a quiet glint in her pale gray eyes.

Paladia felt the silence, and she glanced up, seeing Cait's gaze on her, then shifting her eyes, to see Gabrielle's equally amused regard. Her brow contracted. "Why're you looking at me?" She asked, hesitantly.

Gabrielle straightened, and lifted her chin, returning the taller woman's gaze. "Well.. you have a home here, if you want one."

Paladia froze, to the point she even stopped breathing. When she finally drew breath, it was a gasp. "Why… in the seven levels of Hades would you do that?"

Mist green eyes shone with quiet conviction. "Because everyone deserves a second chance, Paladia." She put a hand out and gripped the taller woman's arm. "Good luck." Then she gave Cait a tiny wave, and backed towards the door. "I've got to get going… we're headed home." She told them, not even sure if they heard, as she closed the door on a silent, pensive tableau.

The cool air struck her, and she sighed, putting her hands on her hips and regarded the compound. She spotted her soulmate leading Argo across the open space, and watched as little Xenon galloped up to her, dancing around her and gesturing with his hands. Jessan and Elaini were edging there way over too, surrounded by a cluster of Amazons of all ages, all vying to hold one of the triplets, who were having the time of their lives tugging on necklaces and feathers.

Gabrielle nodded to herself, then straightened her shoulders, and started across the ground, heading towards home.

The end.